[davef]

I've been thinking about finding something a bit less sharp edged than my 954 for commuting/touring during the winter months. From what I've been reading in the British mags,the Thunderace is a good choice for such duty. The problem is, I can't find any for sale in the US. I know they were sold here in 1997 but in 1998 the R1 came out. Did Yamaha keep selling the Thunderace alongside the R1 for a while or did they just yank it out of the dealers?

Did anyone here ever own one? Any good forums out there that are based in this country? Any info would be appreciated.

Here's a pic of the 1997 model

[CBRVFR]

Seems to me it took a few years to get rid of them after the R1 debut. They kept the 600 version for some time.

I recall that it was relatively strong and comfortable, as was the Kawi 9 of that era.. too porky for the sharp edge that was to come.

[phobiaphobe]

I think you need a VFR.

[evl_twn]

The YZF1000R was a one year model for the US. The YZF600R lasted quite a bit longer.

[MannyRios]

The YZF600R was my 1st bike (the one before my Blade). I had it for 3 years and sold it at 10G miles. It was a great bike!

[OSIRIS]

Get a Blackbird

[davef]

Yeah, I've also been considering a VFR or even a blackbird. I ruled the 'Bird out because its too big and I don't really like the styling. The VFR is a strong second (maybe tied for first) but I have to do more research on them. I'm pretty sure I don't want the "VTEC" version. Time for more research. Thanks for the replies!

D

[954inMN]

Probably a difficult aftermarket since they are realtively scarce. If it was cheap I would say what the hell. I remember those bikes getting real good reviews in bike rags at the time.

[Heavy-Dee]

ZX14?

[leelover]

I thought very seriously about getting a Thunderace. I had a Blackbird, still like that bike! I have found several yzf1000's on e-bay. You can buy a fairly nice one for around $3-3500, when you find them.
I ended up with the 929 in a trade or I might have a yzf now.

[Diesel954]

I had a red/white model of the 1997 YZF1000. What do you want to know?
Had it for about a year and a half. Put around 14K miles on it without any problems at all. Very comfy for long rides and has a great back seat. Only gripe I had was the 5 gear transmission. Overall it had good power, good handling and was very reliable. I would still own another one if a good specimen came available for the right price.
Kinda hard to find aftermarket parts since it was a one year production. They are available in red/white and black/grey.

[bignibb]

if buy kept the 600cc version around a lil longer you mean until 2007 then yeah

I have one of those too and I love it just missing a lil more hp and about 20 to 30 more top mph and I would of probally never got the 929 .

I hear they might be doing away with them in 08 but they been saying that for years

[138742]

Diesel 954,

I am looking at picking up a 97 yzf 1000 tomorrow. Has 33,000 on it and it suppose to be mint. Do you remember what your MPG were? They guy was saying about 45 on the freeway. Any other complaints besides the gearbox?

Thanks

[password?]

Thunderace was the last generation of the FZ FZR series. Very solid, fast, and sorted by that time. You can stick a fz750 6 speed in them, but really only necessary for racing as they have sufficient torque. A bit of a porker but did everything pretty well. Enjoy