Yamaha YZF600R

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Yamaha YZF600R


aka = Thundercat
manufacturer = Yamaha
production = 1994-2007
predecessor =
successor = Yamaha YZF-R6
parent_company =
class = Sport bike
platform =
engine = 599 cc inline 4 cylinder
transmission = 6-speed sequential
rake =
trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
seat_height =
dry_weight = 417 lb (189 kg)
wet_weight = 490 lb (222 kg)
fuel_economy = 50 mpg combined
fuel_capacity =
related = Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace
similar = Honda CBR600F4i
Kawasaki ZZR600
Kawasaki ZX-6E
Suzuki Katana

The Yamaha YZF600R (known as the Thundercat in European markets) is a 599 cc sports bike made by Yamaha from 1994 to 2007. While similar in style to its sibling, the YZF-R6, the 600R maintains some significant differences, including a less aggressive posture, lower revving and higher torque producing motor, a large 1 piece seat and a steel frame rather than aluminium. While the 600R started out in life as Yamaha's 600 cc class Supersport motorcycle, it is now considered a comfortable alternative to the aggressive racing motorcycles that dominate the 600 cc market.

Overview

First offered for sale in North American markets in 1994, the YZF600R underwent a major aesthetic restyling in 1997 and was introduced to Europe in 1996 as a replacement to the FZR600. It retained major mechanical componentry such as the engine, transmission, suspension components and steel "Deltabox" frame, which is perhaps the largest contributor to its hefty weight when compared to the modern competition.

With its inline 4 cylinder engine and convert|90|bhp|abbr=on the YZF600R Thundercat is a comfortable and road minded sports bike. While it weighs in at a hefty convert|417|lb|abbr=on dry, it is still capable of convert|150|mi/h|km/h|-1|abbr=on. Its comfortable seating position and relatively torquey motor make it a favorite for sport touring applications, while the fully adjustable suspension and legendary Sumitomo One piece brakes (later used on the R1 and R6) also make it a good choice for track racing.

Yamaha produced and marketed the YZF600R in the United States and Canada for 13 years, with little more than periodic aesthetic updates. At a very competitive US$7,099 MSRP, the YZF600R was one of the least expensive sports motorcycles on the market compared to the US$9,199 MSRP YZF-R6 and others. Unlike many older model sports motorcycles, the YZF600R continued to receive praise from motorcycle publications for its build quality, reliability, comfort and handling, until the end of its production run.

Emerging emissions restrictions ended sale of the Thundercat in Europe in 2005, and the YZF600R was discontinued in the United States and Canada in 2008, replaced by the previous generation fuel-injected YZF-R6, rebadged YZF-R6S.

Specifications

Colors

Colors varied throughout the years.:2001: Team Yamaha Blue/White; Black:2002: Team Yamaha Blue/White; Black:2003: Team Yamaha Blue/White; Liquid Silver:2004: Team Yamaha Blue/White; Liquid Silver:2005: Team Yamaha Blue/White; Liquid Silver:2006: Team Yamaha Blue/White; Raven:2007: Team Yamaha Blue

References

External links

* [http://www.yzf600r.com/phpBB2 Yamaha YZF600R Forum]
* [http://www.motorcycledaily.com/20may02yamaha2002yzf600review.html MD Ride Review, 2002 Yamaha YZF600R]
* [http://www.reviewcentre.com/review239563.html Review Centre, yamaha yzf-600r thundercat 600 review]
* [http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Yamaha/Yamaha-YZF600R-Thundercat-1996-2003 MCN Motorcycles review, Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat (1996-2003)]
* [http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0202_middleweight_street_bikes/index.html SportRider.com Review for 2002 Yamaha YZF600R and Kawasaki ZX-6E]