New and Used Motorbikes & Motorcycles for Sale

Motorcycle Reviews

Find By Make/Model

Sell your bike for £13.99

An MCN ad reaches more motorcyclists than any other biking website or publication

Sell your motorcycle

Advice from owners & experts

Visit our forums to ask current owners about their bikes - or to put a question to our expert panel

Get advice

1 of 15

Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace motorcycle review - Riding

Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace (1996-2003)

Detail	Value
Engine size	1002 cc
Power	145 bhp
Top speed	165 mph
Insurance group	16 of 17

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The Yamaha YZF1000R 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. If you like your superbikes big and brash and with room for two, the Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace now represents great value.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace's big old 1003cc five-valver is a meaty, proven and fast motorcycle. 147bhp may seem old hat today, but the Yamaha Thunderace’s torque spread reminds of Kawasaki’s ZZ-R1100 and is smooth, solid, glitch-free and versatile… even if the transmission is a touch notchy.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The standard of modern superbike handling may have moved on, but the big ol’ Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace is still no slouch with its YZF750R-derived chassis. Being a less focused motorcycle than the latest 1000cc weapons means that with the Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace you can get on with destroying distances in relative comfort thanks to its broad and comfortable seat, less extreme riding position and a fairing which gives good protection as well. Serious thrashing will have the undercarriage grounding out, but the the YZF1000R Thunderace was raced in the Isle of Man production TT so it’s not an insurmountable problem.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Again, ‘old school’, meaning the Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace is pretty lavish by modern superbike standards. This motorcycle has decent pillion provision, a large fairing, comprehensive switchgear and instrumentation etc, even plenty of luggage mounting points. The Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace also marked the first appearance of Yamaha’s awesome one piece, four-piston brake calipers that have also adorned the R1 which are two-finger powerful and make a mockery of some six-piston designs.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Yamaha never has had the best reputation of the Japanese factories for quality finishes and the like and the YZF1000R Thunderace is another example. Heavily wintered bikes suffer, sometimes alarmingly, but look after your Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace and you’ll be OK. Mechanically they’re solid and proven motorcycles.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace was reasonably priced when new but, being decidedly ‘old school’, it’s now an outstanding value motorcycle secondhand. As long as you don’t mind riding a machine generally considered to be out of fashion.

Find a Yamaha Thunderace for sale

Insurance group: 16 of 17

Compare motorcycle insurance quotes now

1996: Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace launched.
1997: Wiring loom modified to enable fitment of alarms.
2003: Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace discontinued.

None.

Specifications

Top speed	165 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.8 secs
Max power	145 bhp
Max torque	70 ft-lb
Weight	198 kg
Seat height	795 mm
Fuel capacity	19 litres
Average fuel consumption	35 mpg
Tank range	180 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	16 of 17

Engine size	1002 cc
Engine specification	20v transverse four, 5 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, compression, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, compression, rebound
Front brakes	2 x 298mm discs
Rear brake	245mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17in

Owners' Overall Rating (12 reviews)

Submit your Review

Black and Silver second hand German import. Mileage covered 15000. De-restricted.

dalebaldry

Average rating

Show Details

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

This is by far the best motorcycle I have owned. I have owned the ZZR1100, FZR1000, FZR1000 exup RU, CBR1000 and many different other Honda's and have thousands of miles experiance. This is the best handling, performance and reliability I have had and all I think I'll need. I travel at least once a year around Europe covering in total 1500 miles per trip. The Thunderace is good for all roads from 130mph bends to 20mph mountain switch backs. Its no R1 but it is an excellent all round bike with grunt where you need it. I've seen an indicated 170mph on the clock which is enough for anyone and has kept me happy. It has a good tank range and a fair seating position and can and has riden all day. Strengths: The whole package....
Weaknesses: Not found one, but then again I'm no Mick Doohan.

20 February 2005
Top notch

strag

Average rating

Show Details

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

This bike, although not as cool looking as the more streamlined new sports bikes, is a great 2 up machine. It has oodles of power and does not get left behind, although a bit slower in the twisties. It will match most modern bikes on a normal everyday rideout. (And my missus likes it!). Strengths: Power, brakes and comfort are spot on. Weaknesses: Weight.

30 July 2004

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

Discuss this

Add your comment

markfireblade929 says

Yamaha thunderace

Does anybody know what had panniers can I get to fit my thunderace?

14 July 2010 18:39

obie01says

10 years ago, I sold my Yamaha YZF750R it would have been best production sports bike back then! So i got urge to start riding again. Looked at lots of different bikes and how comfortable was the riding position with a sporty style and naked bikes does nothing for me and especially when they look like insects.
So I bought a Yamaha YZf1000R Thunderace at the time it was just could afford.
The bike had done 55k required some servicing and maintains replaced swing arm bearing, clean and adjusted the EXUP exhaust valve and tuned the bike not as Crisp as the old YZF750 felt but there’s lots of torque for 2 up and there not really any new bikes that are similar design and riding position to the old thunderace it would be nice if Yamaha made the R1 into a sports tourer that are not so bulky as all the touring are bike are these days.
Yes what a Good idea detuned a R1 a very little increased torque add a descent seat for the pavilion slightly larger fairing may be slightly raise the handle bars and call the Bike R1 T and you would have a very sharp sports touring bike with out the huge cost reproduction costs in a new model line what a good idea.

18 August 2009 13:51