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Naked Motorcycles

1997Yamaha XJR 1200

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The 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 is a middleweight naked bike that appeals to riders seeking a balance of performance and practicality. Known for its robust 1188cc air-cooled inline-four engine producing 98 horsepower, it delivers reliable everyday usability without excessive power. Its accessible seat height and forgiving handling make it ideal for experienced riders preferring versatile, no-nonsense motorcycling.

Capacity
1188.0 ccm
Engine
In-line four
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
233.0 kg
Seat height
790 mm
Power
98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 8000 RPM

What’s new for the 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200

vs the 1996
Spec19961997
Torque 81.0 Nm (8.3 kgf-m or 59.7 ft.lbs) 92.0 Nm (9.4 kgf-m or 67.9 ft.lbs)
Top speed 220.0 km/h (136.7 mph)
Dry weight 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds) 233.0 kg (513.7 pounds)
Other years 1995 1996 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 64Agility 54Comfort 62Off-road 10Touring 45Road manners 78
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering60%
City riding60%
Daily riding65%
Touring45%
Two-up55%
Track45%
Best for
A big-bore retro naked built for muscular straight-line thrust and blustery, brawny street riding rather than outright cornering precision.
Built for
Raw, air-cooled in-line four charm with a growling exhaust note and old-school analog feel that rewards a physical, hands-on riding style.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for new riders seeking light, forgiving handling or for anyone wanting a bike suited to gravel or off-road use.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
1188.0 ccm
Power
98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Torque
92.0 Nm (9.4 kgf-m)
Engine type
In-line four
Power/weight ratio
0.4206 HP/kg
Cooling system
Air
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
220.0 km/h (136.7 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Seat height
790 mm
Dry weight
233.0 kg
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Rear brakes
Single disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 1995199619971998
Capacity 1188.00 ccm (72.49 cubic inches) 1188.00 ccm (72.49 cubic inches) 1188.00 ccm (72.49 cubic inches) 1188.00 ccm (72.49 cubic inches)
Dry weight 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds) 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds) 233.0 kg (513.7 pounds) 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds)
Seat height 790 mm (31.1 inches) 790 mm (31.1 inches) 790 mm (31.1 inches) 785 mm (30.9 inches)

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha XJR 1200?

The 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 has a Capacity of 1188.0 ccm (72.50 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha XJR 1200 have?

The 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 has a Power of 98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 8000 RPM.

How many gears does the Yamaha XJR 1200 have?

The 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Yamaha XJR 1200?

The 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 has a Torque of 92.0 Nm (9.4 kgf-m or 67.9 ft.lbs).

How much does the Yamaha XJR 1200 weigh?

The 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 has a Dry weight of 233.0 kg (513.7 pounds).

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