Yamaha YZF600R

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Yamaha YZF600R
Manufacturer	Yamaha
Also called	Thundercat
Production	1994-2007
Successor	Yamaha YZF-R6
Class	Sport bike
Engine	599 cc inline 4 cylinder
Transmission	6-speed sequential
Weight	417 lb (189 kg) (dry), 490 lb (222 kg) (wet)
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.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Specifications 2.1 Colors 3 References 4 External links

[edit] 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 90 bhp (67 kW) the YZF600R Thundercat is a comfortable and road minded sports bike. While it weighs in at a hefty 417 lb (189 kg) dry, it is still capable of 150 mph (240 km/h) 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 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.

[edit] Specifications

Please help improve this section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (January 2008)

[edit] 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

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• MD Ride Review, 2002 Yamaha YZF600R
• Review Centre, yamaha yzf-600r thundercat 600 review
• MCN Motorcycles review, Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat (1996-2003)