Yamaha YZF1000 THunder Ace

phobiaphobe · 08-04-2005, 1:12 PM

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcyam/1996_ace.html

I keep seeing one of these riding around the area where I work. Couldn't figure out what it was at first. Coming at me, I first mistook it for a VTR by the shape of the headlight. Then of course when it passed I knew it was something else.

Kind of a handsome looking bike, looks like it would make a nice sport-touring mount.

Anyone ever own one / ride one?

Diesel954 · 08-04-2005, 4:57 PM

Yeah I had one about 5 bikes ago. Nice bike for riding two-up because of the huge back seat and riding position. Good power and brakes. Only 5 gears in the transmission but never seemed to struggle. I am actually looking for another one since they are fairly cheap now.

phobiaphobe · 08-04-2005, 5:02 PM

The one I saw was a 2-tone grey, looked sharp.

Diesel954 · 08-05-2005, 8:54 AM

I had the red/white model. Real pretty pearl white with metal flake in it.

02Blade4me · 08-05-2005, 8:59 AM

I had one 4 bikes ago, lots of torque, good suspension but heavy and a long reach to the bars. Tank and seat is very wide by today's standards. OK if you are a bigger guy.

Proto · 08-05-2005, 9:01 AM

Known to use a fair amount of oil. Maybe that's true for all Yamahas

jakes134 · 08-05-2005, 6:18 PM

To shadow the previous sentiments.....

Great street bike.....yes a little heavy, but plenty of motor to lug it around. I'm 6'1" and found it to be pretty comfy. The 5 cogs bit is no big deal....in fact it gives you great roll-on power....

My buddy had oil consumption/ring issues with his, but only because he was a Star Boy before there were Star Boyz. It turns out that long-ass wheelies will starve a motor!!!

That was the ccolest bike you could own for about one year. If you find a cheap, clean one, buy it.

coderedcbr · 08-05-2005, 7:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakes134

To shadow the previous sentiments.....

Great street bike.....yes a little heavy, but plenty of motor to lug it around. I'm 6'1" and found it to be pretty comfy. The 5 cogs bit is no big deal....in fact it gives you great roll-on power....

My buddy had oil consumption/ring issues with his, but only because he was a Star Boy before there were Star Boyz. It turns out that long-ass wheelies will starve a motor!!!

That was the ccolest bike you could own for about one year. If you find a cheap, clean one, buy it.

Yep it was the bike to have before that darn R1

chris · 08-11-2005, 10:49 PM

Yeah , i had the 97 red white and black - nice bike plenty of useable power.
great tourer did a heap of k's with mine.
did a good 4,000 k's from where i live to philip island and backone year for the motor Gp.
bike never missed a beat - you do need to take oil eveywhere you go though.
No lack in performance or burning oil - they just use it !!
mate of mine has the 96 model in perfect condition like mine WAS!!(another story) and he use's the same amount of oil i did.
if you don't mind carting oil with you - it's a great bike!

Cheers
Chris

phobiaphobe · 08-11-2005, 11:11 PM

Yes but does it use oil?

Diesel954 · 08-11-2005, 11:16 PM

I never noticed mine using oil. Just ck the level periodically and ride the thing.

chris · 08-11-2005, 11:38 PM

short answer is yes they do - Had talked to mate who worked at yamaha when i had mine. and he said it was a normal way of life for the thunderace. And most did it from new. also talked with other riders of the bike on social ride days - found most of them needed the oil top ups... mate and i use to always need to top up on the way back from the ride days. And it became a bit of a standard joke between us.
Still - I think they are a great bike even with the oil prob.