Review and technical specifications of Yamaha yzf 600 r thundercat

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

4.8

Verdict

The Yamaha YZF-R6 is a real wild beast on the road. Every movement on this motorcycle is particularly sharp. The motorcycle is able to instantly move to the point of your gaze, cutting through air currents. At the same time, it requires experience from the pilot trying to curb the difficult nature of the motorcycle.

The Yamaha YZF-R6 is a true wildcat in the motorcycle world. Born in 1999 to compete on the race track, he has captured the hearts of many bikers. Among the abundance of sport bikes, it was able to distinguish itself with its unique design and excellent dynamics.

Motorcycle Yamaha YZF-R6

For all these reasons, it is definitely worth paying attention to the motorcycle and disassembling it in more detail, which is what we will do now.

Specifications

Let's look at these technical characteristics using the latest generation as an example. The Yamaha has a 599cc inline-four engine. Each cylinder received four valves. A number of systems used make it possible to most effectively realize the efficiency of this engine.

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One of these is a system that regulates a balanced supply of fuel to the combustion chamber. Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake is a system whose task is to change the length of the intake duct depending on engine speed. Direct injection occurs through an injector and all this is supplemented by inertial supercharging.

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The intake also did not remain clumsy and received a valve, the operation of which is proportional to the opening of the throttle handle and allows you to maintain optimal pressure in the exhaust system.

With the above solutions, the engine showed 122 hp at 14,700 rpm and 67.5 Nm of torque at 10,500 rpm. Very not sour for a 600 cc engine.

The gearbox is six-speed, with a slipper clutch, and wheel drive is provided by a 525 chain.

The frame and suspension also have their own characteristics, and it must be said that the vector of development is aimed at achieving maximum handling with minimal weight of the structure. There is no need to talk about comfort - this task is shifted and not even to the background.

The frame is made of die-cast aluminum alloy. The head tube wall has been slightly thickened to increase strength while shifting mass to the front of the bike. The subframe is made of magnesium alloy, which has a positive effect on the overall weight and strength.

Technical characteristics of Yamaha YZF-R6

We have an inverted telescopic fork with a stroke of 115 mm to handle unevenness in the front. At the rear is a classic pendulum with a monoshock absorber, the stroke of which is 120 mm.

The brakes are represented by fairly large discs: two 310 mm discs at the front and one 220 mm disc at the rear.

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The dry weight of the motorcycle is 166 kg, which, despite its rather small dimensions and relatively low center of gravity, makes the motorcycle incredibly controllable on the road. The rigid suspension with low travel holds turns well. All this, complemented by a powerful engine, gives the feeling of a real predator, ready to jump out at the first call of the throttle in a split second to move towards the target.

Engine

Transmission

Dimensions and weight

Chassis and brakes

Performance characteristics

Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is a motorcycle with a big name and a glorious history.
In the CIS countries, it is still popular for its good driving characteristics, despite the fact that it has been discontinued for a long time, and the nickname “Gromokot” has firmly stuck to it, which is, in fact, a copy of the original name. Be that as it may, this sportbike is very interesting in our time, despite the fact that from a technical point of view it is inferior to its descendants in all respects. And during the years of its production, it did not shine with any innovative technical solutions, which did not prevent it from becoming very popular. The Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat was produced from 1996 to 2004, and despite the fact that this model was developed as a pure sportbike, it turned out to be excellent for fairly short trips, so many owners use it as a sports tourer, and consider it the motorcycle is exactly for this class. It should be noted that the YZF600R Thundercat lost its position as a radical sports bike after the advent of new generation sports motorcycles, more modern and powerful, but it remains relevant to this day.

Having replaced the obsolete Yamaha FZR 600R on the assembly line, the new model was to the taste of customers. The designers inserted a heavily redesigned liquid-cooled inline-four from the aforementioned FZR 600R into the steel frame (deltabox type) of the motorcycle, which after all the modifications significantly increased power and torque. The frame, by the way, is also actually a heavily redesigned frame from its predecessor, as is the aluminum swingarm. As a result, the YZF600R Thundercat turned out to be heavier than the FZR600R, but noticeably more powerful.

Externally, the Yamaha Thundercat resembles its older brother - the YZF1000R Thunderace model, and since the design of motorcycles from this manufacturer has always been their strong point, the Thundercat looks nice and attractive even now. An interesting technical solution was the installation of inertial charging, thanks to which engine power increases with increasing speed. The motorcycle also gets excellent brakes from the YZF1000R.

The brakes, by the way, were just right - the Gromokot is distinguished by impressive dynamics and frantic acceleration. Its 16-valve engine develops a power of 100 hp. (at 11,500 rpm) and is capable of accelerating the motorcycle to an impressive 260 km/h. not bad for a sporty 600 developed several decades ago, right? Moreover, the detonation when opening the gas is very noticeable - this is due to the carburetor power system and the lack of high-tech “gadgets” in the engine. However, its perky character is one of the reasons why the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is still so loved by an entire army of fans.

Of course, in the 2000s, “Gromokot” began to yield to more modern competitors, but, as we said above, many motorcyclists fell in love with it as a sport-tourist. This is due to the softness of its suspensions - they are definitely not stiff enough for aggressive driving on the track, but they are excellent for long trips on Russian asphalt. The comfortable dual seat of the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat allows both the driver and the passenger, if equipped, to sit comfortably. A gas tank with a volume of 19 liters provides a good power reserve - at a speed of 120-130 km/h, the motorcycle fits into 6 liters of gasoline, although the exact consumption value also depends on the technical condition of each specific motorcycle.

Thus, the motorcycle, discontinued back in 2004, is still very popular in the secondary market. It boasts impressive power, a comfortable chassis, excellent, without exaggeration, brakes and a solid power reserve. It is not surprising that many Yamaha Thundercats are still roaming the roads - the motorcycle, according to reviews, is very reliable, so this model will continue to be on sale.

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Comparison with analogues

Competitors in this class are the well-known Kawasaki ZX6-R, Suzuki GSX 600 R, Honda CBR 600 RR. The main feature is the slight difference between these motorcycles. This fact is due to performance at racing competitions, the conditions of which strictly shape the characteristics of the equipment.

If we break it down into general impressions regarding our classmates, then the first thing Yamaha is praised for is its clear and predictable handling. A magnesium subframe distinguishes the structure of the frame, while the rest of the representatives have an aluminum alloy.

Engine

The car is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 260 km/h, which is quite significant even by modern standards. This is facilitated by the engine borrowed from the FZR 600 R, which has been redesigned. As a result, both power and torque increased. The YZF 600 R Thundercat boasts 100 hp. and 66 Nm.

Repair and service

Sportbikes in the 600 class are quite popular motorcycles. Manufacturers have managed to polish their models over the years of production, so there are no major flaws in motorcycles. Yamaha, as one of the representatives of the class, is no exception.

However, the very specifics of the motorcycle have nuances. Sometimes those who like to put a motorcycle on the rear wheel, but do not have the necessary experience, manage to disrupt the geometry of the frame with sharp blows when lowering the motorcycle. The rigid suspension of a sportbike is not capable of handling such loads. But, as we understand, these are only operational features.

Replacing consumables does not distinguish a motorcycle from its analogues, and here a sportbike, when ridden aggressively, is capable of destroying everything that we so diligently installed at the beginning of the season at cosmic speed.

The disadvantages of many sport bikes include the absence of a central stand, which greatly simplifies procedures such as replacing tires, chains, oil, and brake pads. Therefore, you will be forced to purchase special tackles.

Owner reviews

Arcani

The bike is excellent - for those who love a beautiful and aggressive sporty design and good dynamics, as well as reliability and ease of fit (for sports - this is very rare) the YZF R6 03-05 model, as well as the R6S produced before 2008, are essentially one and the same too, only the 2005 model has an inverted fork... this sportbike was simply born for the urban jungle, and it’s also quite comfortable to ride long distances... there were never any problems in those areas, I’m the 3rd owner, I rode for 2 seasons, I only changed consumables, total mileage about 40 thousand... these models easily go up to 100 thousand and more... it all depends on the operation, it doesn’t consume oil at all, consumption = a full tank of 95 (with beep) for 220 km (including reserve)... in the city you can easily make any liter... because 200 liters don’t drive around the city and they are significantly inferior in maneuverability, the p6 steers like a bicycle = very comfortable, and up to 200 the acceleration is like a liter, the maximum speed is 260-270... it is very significant that the 2006-2011 models have much more sluggish traction from the bottom, but this is compensated for by better traction at the top, which is very good for the track, but not very good for the city... it tolerates our broken Russian roads very well... one piece of advice: install a cage right away - you will never regret it, the appearance with it is only wins, there are a sea of ​​offers for cells... Motsa protection is super... all p6s have only one minus - this is their subframe (what you sit on), this aluminum alloy is quite a fragile thing and can crack with strong falls... but first of all, offers for selling these devices There’s plenty on the internet, it costs only 10,000 rubles + the Americans came up with a cool replacement for it made of steel alloy = it’s not afraid of falls at all…. In general, when buying urban sports, focus on stand-up models, since they are time-tested: 1. strong frame, 2. solves the problem of oil starvation, 3. are not afraid of overheating (a big plus for traffic jams), 4. good traction from the bottom... maximum speeds for cities are not so important... my favorites are the Yamaha P6, Kawasaki 636 and Honda CBR F4ai, in addition, 600 cubes are really more profitable than a liter when paying taxes: p6 = 5 tr, p1 = 10 tr Arcani

Alex745

In the eighth grade I had Izh Planet Sports, then everything faded with my interest in motorcycling and pulled me into the world of cars. After 25 years, cars are no longer in first place as I had used them up, now I had to get back the adrenaline rides, probably in my old age I feel like I’m young) It’s been a long time I couldn’t figure out what to take, I wanted a light and maneuverable bike. In the end, I took the R 6 2009. At first I suffered through fear, every bastard tried to remember what terrible accident there was, and drivers on the roads also constantly showed their disrespect if you were on a bike like invisible. I rode all summer, I didn’t wear a helmet in the heat, only the cops They looked but didn’t stop. There were no breakdowns, but there were some inconveniences: the brakes didn’t make me very happy, the acceleration from a standstill is also so-so and you can stall, but when you do spin it, be careful. I quickly got used to driving between cars, great, big time saver. And I also want to say one not unimportant minus: landing, after half an hour my hands and fingers swell. At the end of the season, I sold it, I can’t say anything bad, just everyone should take the bike for themselves. But I know exactly what I need now: Kawasaki Z1000Aleks745

Alira13

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If we evaluate it objectively, the Yamaha YZF R6 motorcycle has quite diverse reviews. The sportbike has proven itself well on the race track, it is equipped with advanced technologies that provide excellent performance. But nevertheless, from the moment it went on general sale, experienced motorcyclists reacted ambiguously to this sportbike. On the one hand, the bike has excellent power and has a very good bid for victory in competitions in its class. But as a rule, he loses in races if a pilot who previously drove the same “first era” gets behind the wheel. The fact is that a sportbike in the 600 category requires certain driving skills. And even without an additional upgrade, the R6 is not able to provide a high result in competitions. For example, the Supersport category requires a bike to be light, agile and powerful. Looking at the factory specifications, the R6 seems like it was built for this competition. But in fact, it turns out that engine power up to 8000 rpm, in general, cannot produce what you want.Alira13

Lakota

I became infected with a passion for motorcycles in the usual way. I remember that everything was very interesting and exciting, but my naive and trusting body had not yet felt the heavy breath of the motorcycle infection at that moment. An unkind smile probably wandered on the face of the motorcyclist who decided to take me for a ride. But, alas, I could not see her under the tightly tinted glass of the helmet. The next 10 minutes of madness on the road seemed to me like an instant, completely turning my idea of ​​speed around. Literally emanating from the vibes of goodwill, the motorbike guru, be he wrong, put the device in the “candle”, and only when I mentally had time to draw up a will three times and even make the necessary additions and clarifications to it, did he deign to return the front wheel to the ground... My fate was decided, and the chances “jumping” into the past world is zero. Having made sure that he had done his dirty deed, the motorcycle preacher began to list the models of sport bikes that, from his point of view, were most suitable for a beginner. The list included the CBR600, GSX-750R and, of course, the Yamaha YZF R6. And so - Yamaha YZF R6. From your very first ride on the R6 you will understand that this motorcycle was born on the race track. In order to understand the full power potential of the Yamaha YZF R6, the maximum speed of which can reach 260 km/h, it is enough to spend just a few minutes in the saddle. Thanks to the successful combination of lightness and power, this sportbike is capable of producing record speeds at low cost. But this motorcycle also has disadvantages - the model’s insufficient controllability. The pilot will need certain skills to drive a 600 cc sportbike, which has a capricious character. Lakota