Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat (1996-2003)

I owned one of these in 1999 as my first bike. It was awesome as a first bike as was easy to get on with. I even went to MotoGP at Le mans on it and it was very comfortable and capable.

Although this lovely machine has the oddest name ever (80's cartoon) It has never disappointed me! It is on the large side but this helps stability in windy conditions. I don't know if there is something wrong with mine but MCN states 140miles per tank of fuel . . . well I get around 200 miles on mine. The best bike i've ever owned, very comfortable especially for passengers! Mine is the 1998 version in Black orange and silver. Some dislike this colour and some love it. For a good review on the yamaha thundercat and looking after it see. . . http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-Thundercat-YZF600R-Guide-to-buying-Servicing_W0QQugidZ10000000002245488 The next bike I will buy when I do will be another Yamaha Thundercat!

Love it... and sad to of seen it go. For anyone deciding on a first bike, this is it. I had the 2002 model, blue and white. I loved the looks, though i fitted a aftermarket carbon can, sounded fantastic. Good handling, good for long distance, and good for a blast. Oh and excellent brakes.

I bought a 1997 Cat (11k) in 2005 for £2k and it's been a terrific reintroduction to biking after a 6 year layoff. Great value, decent comfort (6' 3" & 17 st) and quick enough for the road (license threatening on ever blast). I'm beginning to find the limits of the 600cc engine, but would find it hard to get rid of such a good bike. I'm hoping to convince the misses I need to keep it as a winter hack when I can afford a newer bigger bike. It's a shame most new 600s are so small in comparison.

I bought mine last year a 1998 model, it was my first bike from getting my ''big bike licence'' all I can say about the bike is it's excellent , I have had no problems with it at all, the seating position for me is perfect as I found the sports bikes I rode I did'nt like, it is A very easy and forgiving bike to ride and in the future I'll probably move up to the thunderace, all in all if you get the chance to buy one........DO IT. Strengths: Brilliant all rounder, very comfortable for the long miles, looks sporty, very quick, ideal first bike. Weaknesses: None that I can think of.

I owned a red and white one with braided hoses. It was fantastic, very quick, great handling and the brakes were amazing. These bikes go for a song and if I find a clean example I`ll definately get another. Comfort is good, I once spent 8 hours solid riding with only minor discomfort. The engine is sweet and has loads of midrange. Seriously this bike will feel so strong compared to the current revvy 600 supersports bikes like the R6. The top end rush is great too. The engine sounds fantastic at anything over 4000rpm. Do yourself a favour BUY ONE. In fact don't, leave them for me. Strengths: Engine and brakes are flawless, handling is spot on, comfort, reliability, cost. Weaknesses: Honestly I can`t think of any weaknesses. Not many clean examples for sale I suppose. Most are fairly old by now.

This is my first bike and I've had it for 15 months. In that time I've done over 20k miles. It makes an excellent first bike for those whose "larger frame" doesn't suit a smaller machine. The bike's easy to control but you can let loose when you want to, I can't keep up with a mate in the corners on his CBR600RR but that's no drama. Speed in a striaght line and on A-roads is great for a bike of this age. Reliability is impeccable. I commute in all weathers, all year round. The only issue was when the front sprocket nut came off, a £4 fix!! I find Avon Azarao's are a good combination for the tyres and last really well, that last rear lasted 8k miles! Fitting braided hoses really helps the brakes. Strengths: Easy of use, comfort, usable power and reliability. Weaknesses: Front headlamp, I generally commute with the fullbeam on. Needs an aftermarket pipe as otherwise it's too quite.