Yamaha YZF600R

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Yamaha YZF600R

Manufacturer	Yamaha
Also called	Thundercat
Production	1994-present
Successor	Yamaha YZF-R6
Class	Sport bike
Engine	599 cc inline 4 cylinder
Transmission	6-speed sequential
Weight	417 lb (dry), 490 lb (wet)
Similar	Honda CBR600F4i Kawasaki ZZR600 Kawasaki ZX-6E Suzuki Katana

The Yamaha YZF600R (known as the Thundercat in some European markets) is a 599 cc sportbike. While similar in style to its sibling, the YZF-R6, the 600R maintains some significant differences, namely a less aggressive posture, lower reving and higher torque producing motor, large 1 piece seat, and steel frame rather than aluminum. 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.

First offered for sale in US markets in 1994, the YZF600R underwent a major aesthetic restyling in 1997 (1996 in European markets), while retaining major mechanical componentry such as the engine, transmission, suspension components, and steel "Deltabox" frame (perhaps the largest contributor to its hefty weight when compared to the modern competition). The bike remains virtually unchanged with the exception of color schemes until model year 2007. Emerging emissions restrictions will likely spell the end of this carburated model in the United States.

With its inline 4 cylinder engine and 90 BHP the Thundercat is a comfortable and road minded sport bike. While it weighs in at a hefty 417 lb dry, it is still capable of 150 mph top speeds and extreme cornering. Its comfortable seating position and relatively torquey motor make it a favorite for sport touring applications, while the fully adjustable suspension and legendary first generation R1 sourced Brembo brakes also make it a good choice for track racing.

As of the 2007 model year, Yamaha is still producing and marketing the YZF-600R. At a very competitive US$7,099 MSRP, the YZF600R is one of the cheapest sport motorcycles on the market compared to the US$9,199 MSRP YZF-R6 and others.

[edit] Specifications

	1994-1996	1997-2007
Engine Type	Four-stroke DOHC inline four, 16 valves
Displacement	599 cc
Peak horsepower (est.)	89 hp @ 11,500 rpm	89 hp @ 11,500 rpm
Peak Torque (est.)	45 ft-lb @ 9,500 rpm	45 ft-lb @ 9,500 rpm
Front Tire	120/60 ZR17	120/60 ZR17
Rear Tire	160/60 ZR17	160/60 ZR17
Length	81.5 in	79.9 in
Wheelbase	56.3 in	55.1 in
Seat Height	30.7 in	32.3 in
Dry Weight	430 lb

[edit] Known Issues

Second gear grind - A debatable problem of getting the bike to go into 2nd gear through neutral from 1st. While no quantitative data has been compiled, anecdotal evidence shows that the YZF600R is no more, and no less, prone to 2nd gear grinds than any other 600 cc bike with a large gear ratio between 1st and 2nd. Many owners have reported many tens of thousands of miles of trouble free operation, others have had less luck. In any event, a shift kit is available to improve the shift feel and lessen likelihood of occurence.