The Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace is a sports motorcycle that Yamaha built from 1996 to 2005. It filled the gap between the FZR1000R EXUP and the YZF-R1 and was assembled largely from parts already in Yamaha’s range.
Yamaha Thunderace at a glance
| Maker | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Model code | YZF1000R |
| Class | Sports motorcycle |
| Production | 1996–2005 |
| Role | stop-gap between the FZR1000R EXUP and the R1 |
| Engine | five-valve four-cylinder, derived from the FZR1000R EXUP |
| Power | 145 bhp |
| Frame | adapted from the YZF750R |
| Gearbox | five-speed, from the FZR1000R EXUP |
| Carburettors | new units with throttle position sensors |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the Yamaha Thunderace
The Thunderace was a stop-gap model produced while Yamaha developed the R1. It sat between the FZR1000R EXUP and the YZF-R1 and was built from existing components rather than a clean-sheet design.
Its five-valve four-cylinder engine came from the FZR1000R EXUP, and the frame was adapted from the YZF750R. The five-speed gearbox was also carried over from the FZR1000R EXUP. Yamaha modified the Genesis engine to improve midrange power rather than maximum output, which stayed at 145 bhp.
To sharpen response, the rotating mass of the crankshaft and pistons was reduced. New carburettors with throttle position sensors gave the ignition more information, which helped it control the EXUP valve in the exhaust. The result was a fast, comfortable sports bike that is now remembered as the last of Yamaha’s big five-valve fours before the R1 changed the class.
Design and features
- Parts-bin engineering: an FZR1000R EXUP engine, a YZF750R frame and a five-speed gearbox.
- Midrange focus: the Genesis engine was tuned for usable power rather than a higher peak.
- Lighter internals: a lighter crankshaft and pistons improved throttle response.
- EXUP control: new carburettors with throttle position sensors fed the ignition more data.
Yamaha Thunderace versions
- YZF1000R Thunderace (1996–2005): the only production version.
The Thunderace came before the YZF-R1 and shares its engine family with the earlier FZR line. More models are in the Yamaha collection.
Sources
- Yamaha Thunderace, English Wikipedia: production, role, engine, frame, gearbox, changes
