Yamaha YZF600R

The Yamaha YZF600R (Thundercat in European markets) is a 599 cc (36.6 cu in) sports bike made by Yamaha from 1996 to 2007.

Yamaha YZF600R
Stock Yamaha 2001 Yzf600r Thundercat
ManufacturerYamaha Motor Company
Also calledThundercat
Production1996–2007
PredecessorFZR600
SuccessorYamaha R6
ClassSport bike
Engine599 cc (36.6 cu in), liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valve, inline four
4×36 mm Keihin CV downdraft carburetors
Bore / stroke62 mm × 49.6 mm (2.44 in × 1.95 in)
Power100.6 hp (75.0 kW) @ 11,500 rpm [1]
Torque48.4 lbf⋅ft (65.6 N⋅m) @ 9,500 rpm [2]
Transmission6-speed sequential manual
Frame typeDeltabox
SuspensionAdjustable preload, compression, rebound
Front: 41 mm telescopic fork 130 mm (5.1 in) travel
Rear: Monoshock w/remote reservoir 120 mm (4.7 in) travel
BrakesFront 2×D298 mm floating discs 4-piston calipers
Rear:245 mm disc
Rake, trail25.0°, 97 mm (3.82 in)
Wheelbase1,410 mm (55.7 in)
DimensionsL: 2,060 mm (81.1 in)
W: 725 mm (28.54 in)
Seat height810 mm (31.7 in)
Fuel capacity19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal)
RelatedYamaha FZR600R Genesis
Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace
Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

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.[3]

It retained major mechanical components such as the engine, transmission, suspension components,[3] 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."[4]

Motor Cycle News describes the YZF600R as more suited to sport touring than aggressive sport or road racing.,[5] 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.[6]

Yamaha sold the YZF600R Thundercat in Europe from 1996-2003, 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.[7]

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yamaha YZF600R.
  1. "1998 YZF600R Thundercat - Communication Plaza | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd".
  2. "1998 YZF600R Thundercat - Communication Plaza | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd".
  3. Ienatsch, Nick (January 26, 2017), "SR Archive: 1997 Yamaha YZF600R Road Test; Major makeover adds show, go and whoa to Yamaha's multifaceted middleweight", Cycle World
  4. "600 Killer Battle", Sport Rider, August 1998
  5. "Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat (1996-2003) Motorcycle Review". www.motorcyclenews.com. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  6. "SR Archive: 1997 Yamaha YZF600R Road Test". Cycle World. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  7. Bennetts. "Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat (1996-2004) Buyer's Guide". Bennetts UK. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
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