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Yamaha XJ600 Diversion motorcycle review - Riding
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Yamaha XJ600 Diversion (1992-2004)



Detail Value
Used price range View Yamaha XJ600 DIVERSION bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size 599cc
Power 61bhp
Top speed 117mph
Insurance group 9
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 3 rating is 3.5
Engine rating is 4 rating is 3.5
Ride & Handling rating is 3 rating is 3.5
Equipment rating is 3 rating is 3
Quality & Reliability rating is 4 rating is 4
Value rating is 3 rating is 3.5

MCN overall verdict rating is 3

The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is a Vauxhall Astra diesel amongst motorcycles… with all the worthiness (and dreariness) that implies. Designed from the outset to be soft, cheap, versatile, simple and novice-friendly, the curiously-named Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is pleasant, predictable and a useful hack. But note the complete absence of the words ‘desire’, ‘excitement’, ‘performance’ or ‘thrills’.

Engine

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 3.5

The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is softer than a marshmallow in a swimming pool. But then, that’s the way it was meant to be. Purpose-designed aircooled four is mechanically bullet and idiot proof and pretty much the same to use. Don’t go hunting for power bands – there aren’t any. But the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion purrs around without a glitch quite happily and lasts forever. Looks a bit like an old classic Honda engine, too…

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 3.5
Again, the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is adequate and novice-friendly rather than in any way inspiring or exciting. But as versatile, first-big-bike-type transport, the Divvy delivers the necessaries. The suspension is rather basic and the brakes a little soft, but it steers sweetly and the ride is good for two.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 3

Not much to write home about but first time big bikers or couriers (cos they love em too) won’t find much to complain about with the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion. The mirrors mirror, the instruments inform, the switchgear has everything in the right place… just like a Vauxhall Astra diesel, in fact…

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion was built to endure rather than impress. So steel proliferates over alloy, chunkiness over finery and straightforward, simple mechanicals over high tech. It works, too. Not much goes wrong with the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion and mileages the wrong side of 50,000 are fairly common.

Value

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 3.5

In truth, not much comes close. No other four is as purpose-built for novices as the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion and they were cheap new, and are even better value second hand. The biggest thing against it are its looks and comprehensive lack of excitement. In that respect, a decent Bandit does everything the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion does, but with added thrills, for the same money. Find a Yamaha XJ600 Diversion for sale

Insurance

Insurance group: 9

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Model History

1992: Yamaha XJ600 Diversion launched.
1993: Yamaha XJ600 Diversion gets new fairing with air scoops, screen now has grey trim.
1994: New Diversion logo on fairing.
1996: Yamaha XJ600 Diversion gets oil cooler. New carburettor. New fairing with indicators mounted on the sides. New headlamp. Choke now mounted on left handlebar. Redesigned bar end weights. Reshaped side panels.
1997: New fork leg protectors. Now with hazard warning light switch. New seat.
1998: Revised centre stand. New 41mm (from 38mm) front forks.
2004: Yamaha XJ600 Diversion discontinued.

Other Versions

1995: Naked Yamaha XJ600N Diversion launched, subjected to same revisions as above.

Specifications

Top speed 117mph
1/4-mile acceleration 12.5 secs
Power 61bhp
Torque 34ftlb
Weight 182kg
Seat height 770mm
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Average fuel consumption 52mpg
Tank range 165 miles
Insurance group 9
Engine size 599cc
Engine specification 8v transverse four, 5 gears
Frame Steel tube double cradle
Front suspension adjustment None
Rear suspension adjustment Preload
Front brakes 2 x 320mm discs
Rear brake 245mm disc
Front tyre size 110/80 x 17
Rear tyre size 130/70 x 18

Owners' Overall Rating rating is 3.5(23 reviews)

  • XJ 600 S Divvy

    JustChillOut

    Average rating rating is 3.5

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    Quality and Reliabilty
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    Engine

    Astra diesel sums it up well! It's a great budget bike for the daily commute - I struggle to get less than 50 mpg normally 55+. Riding position is good, handling in traffic is nice and light. I've spent 18 months and 12k miles through 2 winters on mine and it's hardly missed a beat. Riding out 'for fun' I'd like a little more excitement but that isn't really why I bought it so can't complain. Vibration and other niggles are minor and I don't really notice now.

    21 March 2012

  • xj 600n

    gstring75

    Average rating rating is 1.5

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    my first bike is an xj 600n tbh not much different from the 125 i did cbt on!

    30 September 2011

  • XJ 600 S in Germany

    SteBev

    Average rating rating is 3.5

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    Im very surprised with my XJ600 now thats saying something because my last bike was a GSXR750 and yes i was a bloody maniac on it. I like the riding position and the smooth motor above 50 mph but the Exhausts are cack to say the least, that will be 444 quid for a new 4-2 (dont like the 4-1) i just hope her indoors dont ask me the real price ! its not to stable but i still throw it around the back roads and see off some of the racer boy wanna be's just hope the tyres will last, only time will tell !

    04 October 2010

  • xj600n what a cracker

    iford

    Average rating rating is 4

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    Being a 55 year old my views may be strange? i am athe peverbial bore again rider (last 7 years) since I have had 2 customs 3 classics 2 trailies and 3 all rounders. The xj600n?diversion gets some slagging as boring and bland etc. I have to say I aggree a lot with "skellyjelly". As a general use Motorcycle the little divvy is a cracker. It is a simple no nonsence bike designed for basic all round riding and it does its job perfectly. It is so light and easy to ride and reasonably comfey, quick too when required. Each time it seems when I pull up at the lights next to R1's etc stretch and groan and in these days of speed traps and of course idiot car drivers keeping your speed down a bit ain't a bad idea!! Fuel useage is low 60 to 65 mpg top speed ton+ (if you can hang on)insurance low. If you tinker with home maintaince an ablsolute doddle

    01 June 2010

  • xj600n what a cracker

    iford

    Average rating rating is 4

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    Being a 55 year old my views may be strange? i am athe peverbial bore again rider (last 7 years) since I have had 2 customs 3 classics 2 trailies and 3 all rounders. The xj600n?diversion gets some slagging as boring and bland etc. I have to say I aggree a lot with "skellyjelly". As a general use Motorcycle the little divvy is a cracker. It is a simple no nonsence bike designed for basic all round riding and it does its job perfectly. It is so light and easy to ride and reasonably comfey, quick too when required. Each time it seems when I pull up at the lights next to R1's etc stretch and groan and in these days of speed traps and of course idiot car drivers keeping your speed down a bit ain't a bad idea!! Fuel useage is low 60 to 65 mpg top speed ton+ (if you can hang on)insurance low. If you tinker with home maintaince an ablsolute doddle

    01 June 2010

  • Noobz

    skellyjelly

    Average rating rating is 3

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    Who are these non-owning noobs who write this shite for MCN? If I don’t want to ride at 200mph, have the latest environment-robbing alloy frame and hit 62mph in less than 2 seconds, whilst still pulling a wheelie for the front cover for those so-called bikers, where should I turn. I’ll tell you where, the owners opinions. These are the guys who parted with their hard-earned and who use it like you bought it. Check Warren Pole doing his best as a TV presenter on some obscure TV channel to see how they view motorcycle journalism. We’re just a step up for the ambitious. Be who you are, and ignore the power rangers. They’re part-timers, at the best.

    20 February 2010

  • great for first big bike

    edboo

    Average rating rating is 4.5

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    I bought a 1997 divvy in October as my first big bike good in all weather it hasn't let me down.I recommend it for fist big bike but cont compare it to anything else as its my first big bike.

    16 January 2010

  • So easy

    Meaty79

    Average rating rating is 4

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    To ride. This is my first big bike and I'm not a experienced rider as I passed my CBT in May and my DAS in late July. Since then I have been riding a 25 year old KH125 which is about half the weight and a fraction of the power so was a bit concerned about riding the Divi the 80 miles home from Cambridge but was pleasently surprised to find it is one of the easiest bikes to ride that I have riden (and I am talking about the big bikes the riding school uses). Mine seems to pull top gear well from about 45 and just felt right from the off. Very comfy on the hour and a half trip home and handles better than I can. Highly recommended as a first big bike or comfy tourer with a bit of grunt.

    23 November 2009

  • A bit gut less

    Mjollnir

    Average rating rating is 3

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    but a good first bike. You have to rev the tits off it to get anywhere quickly though. The suspension is a bit soggy. The long wheel base both makes the bike stable, and not quite as nimble in the corners. As a first bike I think this is a great buy, and wouldn't let you down. It would would also be good for city commuting.

    05 August 2008

  • Dream Divi

    Joe de Hoop

    Brighton , UK

    Average rating rating is 3.5

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    Bought mine last month, nine years old in great condition(from local Yamaha dealer),. It does exacly what I bought it for, every day use around town with occasional trips out, very flexible (low geared), does around 50mpg, cruises at 80+, comfortable for two, small screen remarkably effective. Just about cured the vibration at 4000rpm(or the symptoms of...)still have the clutch tick, ticking noise spoken about above, but I really find it very comfortable & flexible - but not a 'scratcher'in handling or performance. But I did'nt buy it for that!

    04 October 2007

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kaz650

kaz650 says

First BIG bike after test

I was well chuffed when I had mine a fortnight ago. It ran lovely, suited me to a T, no problems starting or running at all.

Then I serviced it (oil/filter/plugs), and gave it a good wash down. Started it immediately after wash down, ran lovely.  Went to it this morning and DEAD, just like when the sidestand cut off switch is working ?!!?

Tried to WD40 all the usually areas, around the starter circuit, but no click from starter motor at all. With a push it bumped, and ran superb, until stopped, and the DEAD again ??!!! I am so peeved, on my GT200 on the moment, but want to use my NEW addition to the family ?!??! poo HELP

08 February 2010 22:09

kestrel69

User's Badge

kestrel69says

XJ600N

I used the N (naked) version for 4 years as an instructor bike. Sold it on with over 90K on the clock & still running well.

Have to say I found it very comfortable & easy to ride. Extremely reliable. It only let me down once when the battery died on me.

It is a basic bike but a few simple mod's improve the suspension & handling no end. I upgraded to 15 grade fork oil & switched to a Hagon rear shock. Massive improvements all round.

Brakes were a bit soft but braided hoses on the front & HH pads son sorted it.

For what it was designed for I still think this is a very under-rated bike & would happily buy another.

06 November 2008 20:29

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