Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Company Production 1996–2007 Successor Yamaha R6 | Also called Thundercat Predecessor FZR600 Class Sport bike | |
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The Yamaha YZF600R (Thundercat in European markets) is a 599 cc (36.6 cu in) 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. 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 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.