Yamaha Thunderace

Mister James · I want to believe! Joined: 10 Aug 2004 Karma :

Anyone got one, or ridden one before?

Circumstances have changed, and I can't afford to move to Swindon, which means I won't be needing a sedate mile muncher for the 65mile commute. As a result, I've been looking into 2nd hand litre bikes.

Being a big lump, and not being that interested in cutting edge GP tech, I've come across these big beasties, and just curious to hear if anyone has experience of them. They look pretty mean, and would compliment my fazer 600 - giving me an agile commuter and a big litre nut-job weekend ninja-death-bike-thingy.
____________________
>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...

tatters · Exxon Valdez Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Karma :

l,ve got one Laughing

they drink oil and fuel and vibrate a lot mainly at 5,000 revs

apart from that there a very underestimated bike that will give R1,s a run for there money

www.thunderace.co.uk

https://thunderace.co.uk/members/index.php?sid=a855f16d7bdee24d244dd327f103f46c
____________________
Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

Mister James · I want to believe! Joined: 10 Aug 2004 Karma :

Nice and comfy? Any good over distance? I'm 6'1, and find that the Fazer's pegs can give my legs a bit of grief if I travel more than 100 miles on the trot.
____________________
>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...

strag · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Karma :

I have one to. Although mine doesn'k drink oil or vibrate at 5k Smile

tatters is right, they are very underestimated and a lot quicker than many people think. and top out around 170mph. They are on the heavy side compared to up to date bikes but you soon get used to that. For specs look here https://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yamaha_yzf_1000_r_thunderace_1997.php

Although a group 16 insurance they don't get loaded to badly, I get mine for £191 FC with 2 years NCB (although I am a bit of an old git). Overall I am very impressed with it, they are good for 2 up riding ad i get 145 miles to reserve.

my Ace

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/strag/ACE017Custom.jpg
____________________
carbon bling

tatters · Exxon Valdez Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Karma :

insurance for me at 18y old with 2y NCB is £580 TPTF
____________________
Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

strag · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Karma :

Another useful site

https://thunderace.hadeler.net/
____________________
carbon bling

feef · Energiser Bunny Joined: 11 Feb 2002 Karma :

comfy enough that I toured north france 2 up, camping, this summer, and quick enough to only be overtaken by an R1 in my group at a trackday recently.

Mine has rearsets, which cramps the riding position from standard, but I'm 5'8" and it's actually quite comfy Smile

I can highly recommend them.

Expect to use up to a litre of oil per 1000 miles.

a
____________________
Mudskipper wrote: feef, that is such a beautiful post that it gave me a lady tingle Laughing

Windchill calculator - London Bike parking
Blog and stuff - PlentyMoreFish dating

Black Knight · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Karma :

Have you considered the FZR 1000, also a cracking bike and can be had very cheaply.
____________________
Where does a turn end? 'Where you can do anything with the gas you want to, where you are brave again, where your attention is free from the turn, where you are sure you can do it better next time; that's the end' - Keith Code.

ciaronr6 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Karma :

I've owned 2 Thunderaces. Neither drank oil or vibed at 5k. Loved them both to bits. Fast, comfortable, and they handle too.

Still plenty about so make sure you get a good one. Like any litre bike, they will munch chains, sprockets and rear tyres.

Only real gripe with them was the weak gearbox - but you live with that. Check condition of brakes and look out for warped discs.

Also owned a couple of Exups too. Also brilliant bikes, but getting on a bit now. Bigger, heavier and slower against the 'ace.

If you can live with the insurance, get a Thunderace.

Having said that, I'm totally biased Laughing

I love Yams.

feef · Energiser Bunny Joined: 11 Feb 2002 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

The Bimota has the older version of the same engine. They do have a repuation for often drinking a bit of oil, but the only real engine reliability issues seem to be destroying the bearing behind the front sprocket by over tightening the chain and the starter clutch going, both only really an issue because they require a complete engine strip.

Also worth looking on the Exup Brotherhood.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing