Yamaha YZF600R explained

Yamaha YZF600R
Aka:Thundercat
Manufacturer:Yamaha Motor Company
Production:1996–2007
Predecessor:FZR600
Successor:Yamaha R6
Class:Sport bike
Engine:, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valve, inline four
4×36 mm Keihin CV downdraft carburetors
Power: @ 11,500 rpm [1]
Torque: @ 9,500 rpm [2]
Transmission:6-speed sequential manual
Frame:Deltabox
Suspension:Adjustable preload, compression, rebound
Front: 41 mm telescopic fork travel
Rear: Monoshock w/remote reservoir travel
Brakes:Front 2×D298 mm floating discs 4-piston calipers
Rear:245 mm disc
Wheels:Front: 120/60-ZR17
Rear: 160/60 ZR17
Rake Trail:25.0°,
Weight:[3]
Related:Yamaha FZR600R Genesis
Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace
Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

The Yamaha YZF600R (Thundercat in European markets) is a sports bike made by Yamaha from 1996 to 2007.

Overview

The YZF600R Thundercat was introduced to Europe in 1996 as a replacement to the FZR600R. During the 1997 European 600 super sport championship season, the YZF600R Thundercat was the only four-cylinder motorcycle to win a race against the dominant Ducati 748.

It retained major mechanical components such as the engine, transmission, suspension components, and steel Deltabox frame.

In 1998 Sport Rider magazine said the YZF600R is "More fun on the racetrack than we ever dreamed, brakes that embarrassed the rest of the field. Consensus: Best middleweight street bike on the planet."

Motor Cycle News describes the YZF600R as more suited to sport touring than aggressive sport or road racing.,[4] while the fully adjustable Kayaba suspension and Sumitomo "Blue Spot" mono-block calipers, later used on the R1, R6 and other models, also make it a good choice for track racing.[5]

Yamaha sold the YZF600R Thundercat in Europe from 1996 to 2003, and in the United States and Canada until 2008, with little more than periodic aesthetic changes after 1997 when the exhaust system and wiring loom were updated.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 1998 YZF600R Thundercat - Communication Plaza | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
  2. Web site: 1998 YZF600R Thundercat - Communication Plaza | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
  3. Web site: 1998 YZF600R Thundercat - Communication Plaza | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
  4. Web site: Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat (1996-2003) Motorcycle Review . 2021-04-30. www.motorcyclenews.com. en.
  5. Web site: SR Archive: 1997 Yamaha YZF600R Road Test. 2021-04-30. Cycle World. en.
  6. Web site: Bennetts. Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat (1996-2004) Buyer's Guide. 2021-04-30. Bennetts UK. en.