Yamaha YZF600R

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.

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 inline 4-cylinder engine and @11,250 rpm, the YZF600R Thundercat is a comfortable and road minded sports bike. While it weighs in at dry, it is still capable of . 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...
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