The Yamaha YZF600R (Thundercat in European markets) is a 599 cc (36.6 cu in) sports bike made by Yamaha from 1996 to 2007.
 Stock Yamaha 2001 Yzf600r Thundercat | |
| Manufacturer | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Also called | Thundercat |
| Production | 1996–2007 |
| Predecessor | FZR600 |
| Successor | Yamaha R6 |
| Class | Sport bike |
| Engine | 599 cc (36.6 cu in), liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valve, inline four 4×36 mm Keihin CV downdraft carburetors |
| Bore / stroke | 62 mm × 49.6 mm (2.44 in × 1.95 in) |
| Power | 100.6 hp (75.0 kW) @ 11,500 rpm [1] |
| Torque | 48.4 lbf⋅ft (65.6 N⋅m) @ 9,500 rpm [2] |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential manual |
| Frame type | Deltabox |
| Suspension | Adjustable 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 |
| Brakes | Front 2×D298 mm floating discs 4-piston calipers Rear:245 mm disc |
| Rake, trail | 25.0°, 97 mm (3.82 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm (55.7 in) |
| Dimensions | L: 2,060 mm (81.1 in) W: 725 mm (28.54 in) |
| Seat height | 810 mm (31.7 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal) |
| Related | Yamaha 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.[4]
It retained major mechanical components such as the engine, transmission, suspension components,[4] 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."[5][page needed]
Motor Cycle News describes the YZF600R as more suited to sport touring than aggressive sport or road racing.,[6] 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.[contradictory][7]
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.[8]
References
