Yamaha yzf 600 thundercat: can i have the low down.

[Marc_Buck]

Good points?

Bad points?

Running costs?

Parts availability and cost?

Handling?

Performance?

0-60, top end, cruising speed.

bhp.

Suitable for a pillion?

Any help greatly appreciated.
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94 fzr600r

[Dusty]

I've owned one for a while, but have only really used it on track twice because it is not road legal. Have ridden it twice at Cadwell Park this year and rode it back to back with an R6 (G's) the second time.

Good points I would say is the price compared to a newer sports 600s and price of replacement parts, like fairing. Also likely to be more comfortable for longer distance riding.

Bad points, in my opinion my 99 cat is not as composed as a 99 R6 when it comes to hard riding, not far off, but not quite as good. The suspension seems to be a bit dodgy (but mine is a bit borked).

Running costs? No idea really.

Don't know about prices for new parts, but second hand spare seem relatively cheap. Wheels and fairing for example seem to go for a fair bit less on ebay than parts for the R6 at least.

Handling? As I say, I haven't been that impressed with the suspension, but then Cadwell is a bit of a harsh test for any bike's suspension. Afaik a common mod for people who want to ride the cat hard is to drop the yokes 10mm down the folks.

Although I've only had a pillion on the bike round the paddock, it seemed to handle fine. I've also been pillion on Danny's road legal cat and apart from his slightly erm 'abrupt' throttle control, it was pretty comfortable with good grab rails.
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[Marc_Buck]

Thanks a lot, what i would also like to know is would it be a good first 600cc bike, i am moving up from a v4 nc30 and have got my sights set on the thundercat.
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94 fzr600r

[Dusty]

[Marc_Buck]

It will be used for commuting, blasting and just leisure.

Which is why i chose the thundercat, as i have heard it is a good all rounder.
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94 fzr600r

[Androo]

I've been reading reviews about the YZF600R because I'm about to buy one - there are heaps of info on the net...

from what I've read, it is an excellent bike but not highly popular because most people go for the R6. But it sounds like a far more practical choice. I've ridden both and the 600R is more comfortable for everything except extreme racing stuff

[Marc_Buck]

Thanks, well for a first 600 i will not be after a purely agressive racing bread bike like the r6, although im sure the thundercat will be scary enough.
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94 fzr600r