Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1997 Yamaha YZF-1000R.
The Yamaha YZF1000R, known outside of the US as the Thunderace, was the bike which bridged the gap between legendary FZR1000 and even more legendary R1. Quite uncommon to see because it only sold in the US for just one year.
It was basically the FZR1000 engine in the much more common YZF750R frame. Normally with a 1-year only bike, parts are scarce, but as this bike was made, in essence, with pieces from other common Yamahas, finding parts is of little concern. In typical Yamaha fashion, the bike offered lots of power and a comfy riding position. The Genesis engine pumped out a claimed 158bhp at 10,000rpm and 78.3 ft.-lb of torque. From MCN – “The Yamaha Thunderace started out as Yamaha’s last throw of the old school superbike dice, and resulted in the final incarnation of the FZR1000 EXUP. But ironically the Thunderace has proved to be a better big bore sports touring motorcycle than out-and-out superbike – albeit a humungously fast one.”
Yamaha wanted to produce a bike lighter than then outgoing FZR1000, and at 435lbs the Thunderace was the lightest liter bike upon release. Yamaha also boasted of the aerodynamic specs of the newly designed fairings with a drag coefficient of only 0.29, comparable to their YZR500 GP machine. These features, combined with a shorter wheelbase than the FZR1000, made the machine nimble through corners and quick on turns.
Want some more reading? Check out an interesting period comparison from Car and Driver featuring the Dodge Viper GTS and the Thunderace for a fun read here.
Manufactured February 1997, this example is VIN: JYA4YWE04VA003597. The seller purchased the bike six years ago from a private party in Texas.
The odometer shows 9,068 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us change the oil and oil filter, flush, fill, and bleed both the coolant and hydraulic fluid, and replace the chain and sprockets.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: GOOD
Engine Oil Level: GOOD
Engine Oil Quality: GOOD
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: OK
Coolant Quality: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Final Drive Condition: NEW
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95
Forks: OK
Shock/s: LEAKING
Tire Date Code Front: 4323
Tire Date Code Rear: 4023
Tire % Remaining Front: 90
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90
Tire Press. Front: 32
Tire Press. Rear: 36
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.8
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 15.3
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: YES
Test Ride Distance: 3 MILES
Notes:
•REAR SHOCK LEAKING
Recommended Repairs:
•Replace/rebuild rear shock
Modifications:
G.P.R. exhaust.
Engine sliders.
Swingarm spools.
Yamaha decal.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road 6 tires with date codes of 4023 and 4323.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Texas title. Have any YZF-1000R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
