1997Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

★ 5.0

33 fields on record

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)

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What’s new for the 1997 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Torque	108.3 Nm (11.0 kgf-m or 79.9 ft.lbs)	110.0 Nm (11.2 kgf-m or 81.1 ft.lbs)
Top speed	—	275.0 km/h (170.9 mph)

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 795mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 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.

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

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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