1990 FSM Niki - Yamaha R1 Engine
23/4/2025
$22,300
SOLD ON 23/04/2025
DETAILS
GALLERY
Make
FSM
Model
Niki
Year
1990
VIN
SUF126A0009571737
Odometer Unit
Kilometre
Lot Number
23691
Location
Aldgate, SA
This 1990 FSM Niki (Fiat 126) has been extensively modified, currently powered by a 2002 Yamaha R1 engine and featuring a full roll cage, upgraded suspension, and bespoke driveline components. Weighing just 630kg and boasting up to 150bhp, it’s self claimed to be the quickest Fiat 126-based cars in Australia — with performance and handling to match. What sets this car apart from other ‘bike-powered’ Fiat 126 builds is the level of engineering precision. The engine remains in its correct rear position — avoiding spaceframes, messy chain drives, or awkward electric reverse gear solutions. It’s been built with adaptability in mind, allowing for other future drivetrain options including Fiat-based (850/A112) or even Honda B-series swaps, all with the same sub-600kg ethos.
The chassis has been developed to match an Abarth 1000 in geometry and setup, with the current R1 engine coming in 20kg lighter than the original Abarth drivetrain. The car includes a full MA-approved roll cage with roof and side-intrusion bars. Suspension includes Abarth-spec wishbones and uprights at the front with coilovers and sway bar, and rally shocks with lowering springs and restraint straps at the rear. Other key chassis features include: Braking system from Fiat 132/124, EBC pads, outstanding stopping power Current Sparco seats and 6-point harnesses 1kg fire extinguishers Rallysafe wiring and aerials Brantz tripmeter and wide brake pedal for left-foot braking Lightweight battery Hand clutch and high-mounted sequential shifter Floor-mounted forward/reverse gear selector, enabling 6 forward and 6 reverse gears Cooling is handled via front and rear radiators with fans, and the body includes both a ducktail open engine cover and a vented standard version.
A Group 2 flare kit is also fitted. The car is sold with two full sets of Nankang tyres — AR-1 80s for dry and NS-2R 120s for wet — mounted on polished jellybean wheels with only scrub-in kilometres. The R1 engine is mated to an Elite Racing reversing box with integrated diff and three sets of drop gears, offering: 132km/h @ 12,000rpm for hillclimbs 174km/h for rally/short tracks (Mallala: 1:25) 212km/h long track gearing — and yes, it’s been there. Engine: 2002 Yamaha R1 fuel-injected engine (150bhp) New clutch, 4-into-1 headers, Yoshimura muffler Windage tray to prevent oil surge EXUP & air bleed deleted Two spare parts engines (disassembled), spare gaskets and a full spare loom with ECU Included also is a sought-after 2012 Yamaha R1 “Big Bang” cross-plane engine, known for its V-twin-like torque delivery and programmable ECU.
It comes complete with wiring loom, dash, airbox, and titanium exhaust. This engine is plated December 2012, removed from a 32,000km road bike, and valued at $6,000. Please note: installation will require adapting engine mounts and gear selector locations. This FSM Niki is an incredibly lightweight, well-engineered and immensely capable track weapon.
It offers endless versatility for the next owner — whether continuing with the 2002 setup or upgrading to the 2012 R1 Big Bang engine for a next-level build. This vehicle is log booked as a rally car and would be perfect for hillclimbs, or weekend track work. As per Trading Garage Terms and Conditions, although Trading Garage has completed the following checks, bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research they feel necessary before bidding. This vehicle is currently registered in South Australia until 9/7/25.
There are no security interests registered on the PPSR against the serial number and it is not recorded as written off or stolen.