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Naked Motorcycles

1998Yamaha XJR 1200

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The 1998 Yamaha XJR 1200 is a classic naked bike built for riders seeking accessible performance and reliability. Its air-cooled 1188cc inline-four engine delivers strong mid-range torque ideal for everyday riding and spirited road use. Known for its practical ergonomics, robust construction, and excellent value, the XJR appeals to experienced riders wanting genuine performance without exotic complexity.

Capacity
1188.0 ccm
Engine
In-line four
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
232.0 kg
Seat height
785 mm
Power
98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 8000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1995 1996 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 65Agility 55Comfort 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 785mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 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
0.4224 HP/kg (dry)
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
785 mm
Dry weight
232.0 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 cc 1188 cc 1188 cc 1188 cc
Dry weight 232 kg 232 kg 233 kg 232 kg
Seat height 790 mm 790 mm 790 mm 785 mm

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 1998 Yamaha XJR 1200 has a Capacity of 1188.0 ccm (72.50 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha XJR 1200 have?

The 1998 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 1998 Yamaha XJR 1200 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Yamaha XJR 1200?

The 1998 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 1998 Yamaha XJR 1200 has a Dry weight of 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds).

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