YAMAHA TT600RE (2004 - on) Review

Item: YAMAHA TT600RE
Rating: 3
Author: MCN Staff

MCN rating 3 out of 5 (3/5)

Owners' rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Yamaha TT600R motorcycle review - Side view

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Power:	42 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm)
Weight:	Low (337 lbs / 153 kg)

Prices

New £4,899

Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

3 out of 5 (3/5)

With its low price, air-cooled, four-stroke motor and simple steel chassis the Yamaha TT600R represents the utilitarian side of modern biking. It does have some off-road pretensions, but it’s most at home pressed into the role of tough urban commuter. On the flip side, the Yamaha TT600R turns motorways into instruments of torture.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Yamaha TT600R's off-road handling is fine, providing you stick to light trails and muddy tracks. Anything else it feels cumbersome and it’s a swine to pick up time after time. The suspension is very simple and lacking in adjustment, but the Yamaha TT600R is a cheap enduro clone, if you want sophistication buy a KTM. The brakes work fine off-road, but lack power on it. It’s vibey enough to shake bolts loose.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Yamaha TT600R's air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke motor is simple, unstressed and reliable, with whopping 6000-mile service intervals. It makes short work of commuting hops across town and chugs easily across dirt, with dollops of torque. The Yamaha TT600R makes a decent 37 back wheel bhp and once fitted with 17-inch wheels makes a better streetmoto than Yamaha’s own XT660X, thanks to better fuelling.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Some riders complain that the Yamaha TT600R's front wheel isn’t central in the forks, with a 6-7mm offset to the left hand side. Check yours are true by asking a friend to hold the bike upright with the bars straight and peer along the line of the Yamaha TT600R. Shimming the wheel and caliper sorts it.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The soft-roading range is vast and cheap these days; with BMW’s F650GS probably the pick of the bunch for price, spares availability and user pleasure. The Yamaha TT600R is good enough, but used values are poor compared to the Beemer. Find a Yamaha TT600R for sale

Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

The Yamaha TT600R is very basic and very simple, though you do get an electric start. The Yamaha TT600R's bars are made of monkey metal and bend in a strong breeze. There are heaps of aftermarket parts, including fruitier exhausts and more robust handguards. The stock Yamaha TT600R tyres are simply rubbish off-road.

Specs
Engine size	595cc
Engine type	4v single, 5 gears
Frame type	Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity	10 litres
Seat height	890mm
Bike weight	153kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	Single 267mm disc
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size	130/90 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	45 mpg
Annual road tax	£84
Annual service cost	-
New price	£4,899
Used price	-
Insurance group	9 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	42 bhp
Max torque	35 ft-lb
Top speed	83 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	14.5 secs
Tank range	110 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2004: Yamaha TT600R introduced.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA TT600RE (2004 - on)

3 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA TT600RE (2004 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your YAMAHA TT600RE (2004 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Engine:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Reliability & build quality:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	2.3 out of 5 (2.3/5)

4 out of 5 Decent all round bike, looks smart and you don't see many around

07 February 2020 by adamup

Year: 2005

Decent bike does what you would expect it to. Probably too heavy for true off road but I didn't buy it for that. Commutes well and is fine for 40 mile trips and very good over in the increasingly poor country roads we all have to ride on. Iv'e had +20 different bikes over +30 years and this is an enjoyable good looking bike that you would be happy to own and ride, probably best as a second bike, I like the fact that I don't mind getting this one dirty and then just giving it a wipe over.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Good town bike and reasonably comfy. Iv'e had many bikes and enjoy riding it. I bought it to ride through the cold weather and I'm happy with it.

Engine 4 out of 5

Runs fine for a single and has a bit more oomph that most reviews say, if you want it to get a shift on let it rev quite high before a gear change. Mine will max at about 150 kph on the speedo which is probably about a true 90. Iv'e had a few different singles and only my Aprilia Pegaso Strada with the XTZ660 engine pulled better and was faster.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Mine is one of those bikes that like to be run every week else it's a bit slower to start, I changed the battery just to be safe and always have it on a trickle charge. No other issues so far.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Service parts are quite cheap, air filter a bit pricey but the sponge one can easily be cleaned and used a few times. MPG must be +60 however there is only a small fuel tank so full to reserve is about 120-130km on the trip.

Equipment 2 out of 5

You don't get much but it isn't that sort of bike so nothing to worry about.

Buying experience: Bought privately with 44km but has a good service record.

4 out of 5 A Charming Bike

19 March 2017 by Posty

Year: 2004

The TTR is a lovely bike it has the charm of a big single, its tough, pretty and reasonably comfortable. Best ridden sedately otherwise a bit vibey. This bike has a good balance of qualities. I really like it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes aren't great on mine despite being Grimeca. Ride quality is OK if you drop the frame on the forks a centimetre or so, this transforms the handling on the road. Bikes assembled in Italy so Italian forks wheels and brakes...nice. I run it on Pirelli Scorpion tyres which are fine for the road and the odd fire trail.

Engine 3 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Starts well as long as you keep an eye on the battery charge.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Low running costs, slow depreciation, this is a tough bike.

Equipment 2 out of 5

Basic, comical horn, weedy lights so best not ridden on the motorway on a rainy night.

4 out of 5 Owning a TT600RE

20 February 2008 by Dave Sarge

If you are contemplating buying one of these bikes I would suggest you give it a chance. I own a 2005 one and have commuted to work for 15 + years on everything from an MZ 150 to an XJR1300 with a couple of token Ninjas on the way. This fits the bill better than any of the above. I only travel 5 miles each way with 50mph being the upper limit of the roads I use although like most I probably do 70! It starts early morning with manoeuvring out of the garage, its light has a good steering lock and starts first time with the electric start. Its torquey, plenty quick enough, agile looks the bollox and I love it. Too many people slag it off as it is no WR450 or CRF but how many people would want to commute on those? If you realistically spend more time on the road or rough tracks than serious enduros but like the off-road style you will not find better value for money grin factor or contentment. 83mph is not true it will happily accelerate to 85 with little effort and sit there. I love it and will not sell, at under £2000 for a 2005 bike in mint condition you will not improve on this.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5