I just picked up an 88 FZR400 and it does not have the fuel cock knob installed

Which direction is reserve / on / off?

They get broken when people take the fuel tank off, you need to remove the lever or it breaks taking some of the tap with it. You'll get tired of it eventually and want to renew it ... ring Fowlers in Bristol who will be able to sell the tap, lever and lever screw (you might as well get it rather than trying to find one), you have to quote them your frame number (it's on your V5 form too), before they'll serve you.

Welcome to the forum - the 1988 FZR is usually a FZR400R 1WG 3EN1 - it has an exup and (false) air intakes above double headlights

I had always wondered why my bike dint have a proper fuel tap cheers evil.

If you still have a proper fuel tap but no knob its full clockwise for reserve full anti for normal and half way between for off.

If it has been broken and fixed then it'll probably just keep turning.

good luck and welcome aboard.

martin