43,671 bikes · 493 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Naked Motorcycles

1997Yamaha XJR 1200 SP

Rate this bike
Click to vote

17 fields on record

The 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 SP is a middleweight naked bike that appeals to riders seeking a balance of power and manageable weight. Known for its responsive inline-four engine and nimble handling, this air-cooled machine excels as an accessible sport-touring platform. Its relatively low seat and compact frame make it ideal for riders transitioning to larger displacement motorcycles.

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
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 67Agility 57Comfort 65Off-road 5Touring 45Road manners 82
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering65%
City riding55%
Daily riding60%
Touring45%
Two-up55%
Track40%
Best for
Built for retro-styled naked bike thrills, blending brawny straight-line performance with old-school street presence rather than outright cornering precision.
Built for
A raw, torque-heavy retro brute that growls through its air-cooled inline-four, favoring visceral acceleration and classic muscle-bike attitude over refined handling.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for off-road use, new riders wanting a light and forgiving bike, or those seeking a dedicated long-distance touring machine with wind protection.

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 SP, 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

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 (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
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 19971998
Capacity 1188 cc 1188 cc
Dry weight 233 kg 232 kg
Seat height 790 mm 785 mm

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

Rider Reviews

—
☆☆☆☆☆
Be the first to rate

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha XJR 1200 SP?

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

What engine power does the Yamaha XJR 1200 SP have?

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

How many gears does the Yamaha XJR 1200 SP have?

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

What is the torque of the Yamaha XJR 1200 SP?

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

How much does the Yamaha XJR 1200 SP weigh?

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

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More Yamaha Motorcycles