Yamaha YZF600R

Yamaha YZF600R
Manufacturer Yamaha
Also called Thundercat
Production 1994-2007
Predecessor FZR600
Class Sport bike
Engine 599 cc inline 4 cylinder
Transmission 6-speed sequential
Wheelbase 55.7 inches (1,410 mm)
Dimensions L: 81.1 inches (2,060 mm)
W: 28.5 inches (720 mm)
Seat height 31.7 inches (810 mm)
Weight 461 lb (209 kg) (dry)
491 lb (223 kg) (wet)
Fuel capacity 19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal)
Related Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

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, and a large 1 piece seat.

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 components 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 liquid cooled inline 4-cylinder engine; power at the rear wheel was 87.7 hp (65.4 kW) @11,250 rpm,[1] the YZF600R Thundercat is a comfortable and road minded sports bike. While it weighs in at 491 lb (223 kg) with fluids, it is still capable of 150 mph (240 km/h). Its comfortable seating position and relatively torquey motor make it suitable for sport touring applications, while the fully adjustable suspension and 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.

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

1994–1996 1997–1998 1999–2000 2001-2003[2][3][4] 2004-2006[5][6][7] 2007 (final year)[8]
Engine
Bore x Stroke 62 mm × 49.6 mm (2.44 in × 1.95 in)
Carburetion 36 mm Keihin CV Downdraft Carburetors (4)
Compression Ratio 12:1
Final Drive 530 O-ring chain OEM sprocket sizes per tooth Front= 15 Back= 47
Ignition Digital TCI
Transmission 6-speed w/multi-plate clutch
Type 599 cc, Four-stroke DOHC inline four, 16 valves 599 cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline four-cylinder
Chassis
Brakes/Front Twin 300 mm drilled discs 4 Piston Sumimoto Calipers Dual 298 mm floating discs w/4-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear Single 240 mm disc single piston caliper 245 mm disc w/single-piston caliper
Suspension/Front Machined 2 section conventional forks adj for preload rebound and damping 41 mm telescopic fork w/adj. preload, compression and rebound damping; 5.1 inch travel
Suspension/Rear Ohlins monoshock Single shock w/remote reservoir and adj. preload, compression and rebound damping; 4.7 inch travel Single shock w/remote reservoir and adj. preload, compression and rebound damping; 4.7 inch travel
Tires/Front 120/60-ZR17
Tires/Rear 160/60 ZR17
Dimensions
Claimed Dry Weight 430 lb (195 kg) 416 lb (189 kg) 412 lb (187 kg) 417 lb (189 kg)
Actual Wet Weight 491 lb (223 kg)[9]
Fuel Capacity 12 L (2.6 imp gal; 3.2 US gal) and 2 L reserve 19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal)
Wheelbase 56.3 in (1,430 mm) 55.7 inches (1,410 mm)
Length 81.5 inches (2,070 mm)
Height 46.9 inches (1,190 mm)
Width 28.5 inches (720 mm)
Seat Height 30.7 in (780 mm) 31.7 inches (810 mm)
Rake (Caster Angle) 25.0°
Trail 3.82
Oil Capacity (with oil filter change) 3.1 US qts 3.07 Qt. (2.9 L)

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yamaha YZF600R.