1996 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace
Kilometers: 40,800 km [Approx 25,350 miles]
Original Owner
Buy It Now: $6,750.00 CAD [Approx $4,755.03 USD]
Listing Ends: July 30th, 2026
A bit of an interim model, Yamaha’s YZF1000R was sold here in the US only in 1997, before the introduction of the YZF-R1. The R1 was really a paradigm-shifting bike that helped usher in a change from big, stable, but slightly heavy literbikes like Yamaha’s own YZF1000 and FZR1000 to much lighter, more agile machines as production-based racing formulas shifted from 750cc to 1000cc. The Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, as it was known in other markets, soldiered on both before and after 1997 as a high-performance all-rounder, a greatest hits motorcycle pulled from Yamaha’s deep well of performance parts: the forward-canted 1002cc Genesis inline four producing 145hp, five-valve cylinder head, signature EXUP EXhaust Ultimate Power valve for increased midrange power, a stout five-speed gearbox, all hung from an evolution of the company’s Deltabox frame and stopped by a set of the company’s famous “blue spot” calipers. The bike was no lightweight at 494lbs wet, but performance was well regarded at the time and the Thunderace was capable of 164mph straight out of the box.
1996 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace – Low VIN #167 (Original Owner)
I am the original owner of this 1996 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace (VIN sequence #167). The bike has 40,800 km (~25,350 miles) and has never been crashed.
Condition & Cosmetic History: Aside from normal wear expected for a vintage bike, the only cosmetic damage occurred while in storage: the bike tipped over onto its right side while covered in thick blankets. As a result, there is a small dent on the fuel tank, along with cracked/broken fairing plastics on the right side (upper fairing, side fairing, and front fender).
Originality & Modifications: The bike is highly original, complete with all factory warning stickers still intact. The only exceptions are:
Replacement windshield screws.
A modified chain and sprocket kit imported from Europe (geared for faster acceleration, allowing the bike to pull easily to the redline in 5th gear, with top speed adjusted to ~270 km/h / 168 mph).
Included extras: An aftermarket dark smoked windshield and a Wileyco Racing performance muffler.
Storage & Maintenance: The bike has been stored in a heated garage since 2015. Prior to storage, all fluids were flushed and replaced. To preserve the engine, it has been started twice a year, and the fuel was kept low and refreshed annually.
It’s not 100% clear from this eBay listing just where today’s Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace currently resides, but the pricing appears to be in Canadian dollars and the license plate says Quebec so we’re going with “Quebec.” This one looks to be very clean, aside from a few honestly represented cosmetic issues. These are very rare here in the states, slightly less so elsewhere in other countries where they were sold for more than just one year. A last gasp of the big gran turismo literbikes before machines like the R1 decided you had to have R6 ergonomics to go with your newer, more compact package. It’s a shame, as so many superbikes offer performance that’s really only useful for short rides, and I’d love to track down a nice Thunderace, or big Ninja, or Gixxer, fit some adjustable bars, and see how they work for sport-touring. Word is they do pretty well.
-tad
