If you're after a versatile sports-touring motorcycle, with a reliable engine, decent suspension and braking, plus the ability to carry two people plus kit for a two week holiday, the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is damn-near perfect. The Thundercat makes a real alternative to the VFR750/800 series and is very underrated.
Engine
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Basically a detuned R6 motor, the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat has a claimed 100bhp in its cylinders, it provides all the power you need, so long as you have to rev it above 6000rpm. The Thundercat's gearbox makes playing racers occasionally a whole lot of fun, although the clutch is the weak link in the transmission.
Ride and Handling
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Push on and the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat goes all Bagpuss on you. The motorcycle weighs a beefy 187kgs dry and its suspension - especially at the front end - is too soft to cope should you decide to play tag with someone who knows how to ride a pure sportbike. That said, the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is a superb touring motorcycle.
Equipment
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The YZF600R Thundercat has decent brakes but the suspension is a bit soggy and the dashboard doesn't offer much touring related info. The Thundercat's fairing is a bit wider than the average 600cc motorcycle, so it offers good wind protection, with a slightly higher screen than usual too.
Quality and Reliability
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Apart from the cheaply painted exhaust system, which tends to rot quickly in winter, the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is a well built motorcycle and the engine will easily rack up 60,000 miles without major problems. The beautiful brake calipers need careful attention in winter to keep them from seizing up too - a common Yamaha problem.
Value
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Motorcycles like the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat go cheap secondhand, mainly because they've never really been in fashion. But the Yamaha Thundercat offers sharper handling, better braking and slightly more durability than also-ran 90s motorcycles like the Suzuki GSX600/750F, BMW R850R or Triumph Trident 750. Worth a look.
Model History
1996: Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat launched.
1997: Dark blue metallic paint scheme dropped.
2000: New silver/yellow and red colour schemes.
2002: New Yamaha blue/white colours.
2003: Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat discontinued.
1997: Dark blue metallic paint scheme dropped.
2000: New silver/yellow and red colour schemes.
2002: New Yamaha blue/white colours.
2003: Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat discontinued.
Other Versions
None.
Specifications
| Top speed | 145 mph |
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| 1/4-mile acceleration | 11.3 secs |
| Max power | 100 bhp |
| Max torque | 48 ft-lb |
| Weight | 187 kg |
| Seat height | 805 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 599 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | 40 mpg |
| Tank range | 140 miles |
| Annual road tax | |
| Insurance group | 14 of 17 |
| Engine size | 599 cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | 16v, in line four, 6 gears |
| Frame | Aluminium Deltabox type |
| Front suspension adjustment | Preload, rebound, compression |
| Rear suspension adjustment | Preload, rebound, compression |
| Front brakes | Twin 298mm discs |
| Rear brake | 245mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/60 x 17in |
| Rear tyre size | 160/60 x 17in |
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