1996Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

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The 1996 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking aggressive performance with everyday practicality. Its 1002cc inline-four engine delivers 145 horsepower and strong mid-range torque, making it ideal for both spirited road riding and extended touring. Known for combining track-inspired handling with comfortable ergonomics, the Thunderace suits experienced riders wanting a versatile all-rounder.

Capacity: 1002.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Seat height: 790 mm
Power: 145.0 HP (106.6 kW)

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Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering78%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring78%

Two-up65%

Track75%

Best for: Built as a fast, long-legged sport tourer that can devour highway miles and still tackle a twisty road with real enthusiasm.
Built for: A muscular, five-valve-per-cylinder in-line four with big carburetted torque gives this bike a raw, analog character typical of mid-90s big-bore sport tourers.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for total beginners or riders who mainly want a light, nimble machine for tight urban commuting.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and a slightly forward 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.

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1002.0 ccm
Power: 145.0 HP (106.6 kW)
Torque: 108.3 Nm (11.0 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

0-60 mph: 2.96 seconds

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Seat height: 790 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	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001
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	790 mm	795 mm	800 mm	795 mm	795 mm
Fuel capacity	20 L	20 L	19 L	19 L	19 L