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Sport Tourers

1997Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace

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The 1997 Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace is a sport touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking a balance of performance and practicality. Its 1002cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine delivers 145 horsepower, making it ideal for both spirited riding and long-distance touring. Known for its aggressive styling and responsive handling, the Thunderace became a benchmark in the sport touring segment.

Capacity
1002.0 ccm
Engine
In-line four
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
198.0 kg
Seat height
795 mm
Power
145.0 HP (106.6 kW)
Other years 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 81Agility 64Comfort 70Off-road 5Touring 78Road manners 88
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering75%
City riding45%
Daily riding60%
Touring78%
Two-up65%
Track60%
Best for
Designed as a fast, capable sport tourer that blends genuine high-speed performance with the comfort needed to cover long distances two-up.
Built for
A muscular, five-valve-per-cylinder in-line four gives strong midrange torque and a satisfying top-end pull, delivering effortless high-speed cruising with sporty reserves on tap.
Not ideal for
Not ideal for new riders seeking a light, forgiving first bike, nor for anyone wanting an off-road or trail-capable machine.

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 795mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 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
1002.0 ccm
Power
145.0 HP (106.6 kW)
Torque
110.0 Nm (11.2 kgf-m)
Engine type
In-line four
Power/weight ratio
0.7323 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
75.5 x 56.0 mm
Compression
11.5:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
5
Lubrication system
Wet Sump
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet Plate
Performance
Top speed
275.0 km/h (170.9 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1430 mm
Seat height
795 mm
Dry weight
198.0 kg
Wet weight
229.0 kg
Fuel capacity
20.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Delta Box
Front suspension
48mm conventional telescopic
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear wheel travel
120 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Front brakes diameter
298 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
245 mm
Front tyre
120/70-17
Rear tyre
190/50-17

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 19971998199920002001
Capacity 1002 cc 1002 cc 1002 cc 1002 cc 1002 cc
Dry weight 198 kg 198 kg 198 kg 198 kg 198 kg
Seat height 795 mm 795 mm 800 mm 795 mm 795 mm
Fuel capacity 20 L 19 L 19 L 19 L 19 L

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 YZF 1000 R Thunderace?

The 1997 Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace has a Capacity of 1002.0 ccm (61.15 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace have?

The 1997 Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace has a Power of 145.0 HP (106.6 kW).

How many gears does the Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace have?

The 1997 Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace?

The 1997 Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace has a Torque of 110.0 Nm (11.2 kgf-m or 81.1 ft.lbs).

How much does the Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace weigh?

The 1997 Yamaha YZF 1000 R Thunderace has a Dry weight of 198.0 kg (436.5 pounds).

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