Yamaha YZF600R

Yamaha YZF600R

File:1999YZF600R.jpg
Manufacturer	Yamaha
Also called	Thundercat
Production	1996-2007
Predecessor	FZR600
Successor	Yamaha R6
Class	Sport bike
Engine	599 cc liquid-cooled inline four cylinder dohc 16 valve
Transmission	6-speed sequential manual
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) 468 lb (212 kg) (wet)
Fuel capacity	19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal)
Related	Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

The Yamaha YZF600R (known as the Thundercat in European markets) is a 599 cc sports bike made by Yamaha from 1996 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, the YZF600R Thundercat is a comfortable and road minded sports bike. It weighs in at 468 lb (212 kg) with fluids (187 kg dry) and 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

	1996 - 2003	2004 - 2006	2007 (final year)
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, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline four-cylinder
Chassis
Brakes/Front	Dual 298 mm floating discs w/4-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear	245 mm disc w/single-piston caliper
Suspension/Front	41 mm telescopic fork w/adj. preload, compression and rebound damping; 5.1 inch travel
Suspension/Rear	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	416 lb (189 kg)	412 lb (187 kg)	417 lb (189 kg)
Actual Wet Weight	468 lb (212 kg)
Fuel Capacity	19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal)
Wheelbase	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	31.7 inches (810 mm)
Rake (Caster Angle)	25.0°
Trail	3.82
Oil capacity with oil filter change / without oil filter	3.065 Qt. (2.9 L) / 2.75 Qt. (2.6 L)