YAMAHA

XJR1200

Yamaha XJR1200

Manufacturer: YAMAHA
Model: XJR1200
Year: 1994
Type: Naked
Origin: Japan

01 — Overview

Unveiled in 1994 amid the trend for unfaired "naked" bikes, the XJR1200 topped its class with what was then the largest displacement available. Its air-cooled 1,188 cm³ DOHC inline four offered strong low- to mid-range torque in clean-cut Yamaha styling. Specifications listed are for the 1995 model.

MAKER: YAMAHA
PRODUCTION: 1994
ERA: 1990s
CATEGORY: Naked Standard

02 — Historical Context

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The 1995 model added Brembo front brake calipers and a seat using the new "YRACS" cushioning material. It was succeeded in 1998 by the larger-displacement XJR1300.

1990s — Replicas matured, naked bikes rose, and a new idea of the lightweight superbike took shape.

03 — Design

DESIGN

Form, read through detail.

Yamaha XJR1200 — Photo: Shohei ninomiya / CC BY-SA 3.0

04 — Engine

ENGINE

Inline Four

Four cylinders across the frame. Smooth and free-revving, it became emblematic of Japanese large-capacity motorcycles. Intake, compression, power, exhaust — the cycle behind today's combustion motorcycles.General description of the layout

Engine layout	Inline Four[1]
Cycle	Four-stroke[1]
Displacement	1,188 cc[1]
Cooling	Air-cooled[1]
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4-valve[1]
Max. power	71.3 kW / 8,000 rpm[1]
Max. power	97 PS / 8,000 rpm[1]
Max. torque	91.2 N·m / 6,000 rpm[1]
Max. torque	9.3 kgf·m / 6,000 rpm[1]

05 — Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Every figure is sourced. Unverified values are not published.

Production	1994[1]
Engine layout	Inline Four[1]
Cycle	Four-stroke[1]
Displacement	1,188 cc[1]
Cooling	Air-cooled[1]
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4-valve[1]
Max. power	71.3 kW / 8,000 rpm[1]
Max. power	97 PS / 8,000 rpm[1]
Max. torque	91.2 N·m / 6,000 rpm[1]
Max. torque	9.3 kgf·m / 6,000 rpm[1]

06 — Generations

GENERATION HISTORY

19892009

1995 model (spec shown)1994–

Generations, model years and market variants (Model → Generation → Variant) are added as they are verified.

07 — Cultural Context

CULTURAL CONTEXT

08 — Gallery

GALLERY

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10 — Sources

SOURCES

[1]1995 XJR1200 - Communication Plaza CollectionYamaha Motor Co., Ltd. · museum · accessed 2026-09-26
[2]Yamaha Motor History - Product History (Motorcycles / Commuter Vehicles)Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. · manufacturer · accessed 2026-09-26

11 — Image Credits

PHOTO CREDITS

Creator
Xjr1200x
License
CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Xjr1200x, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Creator
Shohei ninomiya
License
CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Shohei ninomiya, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons