Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat (1996-2003)

I've owned my 1996 Yamaha Thundercat since March 2012, If your looking for a reliable, economical with excellent performance and good handling look no further. I get about 180 miles to a full tank (£20).. Its happy cruising down the motorway at 70mph or flying round a track at 130mph. I'm struggling on what bike I'll get next as I'm so happy with the Thundercat, my next bike is going to have alot to live up too. Really is under estimated!

Well what can i say,ive had my bike for nearly a year, and am still getting to grip with the bike really. The bike does everything i can ask of it, and is great for gaining confidence on. (Hence why i got it!.) The brakes are strong, especially the front end, mine are due a overhaul and clean now. (winter job). Riding position, i wouldnt really say extreme, cam get a bit of ache on the wrists, and for me leg cramp (only long journeys), but otherwise spot on. The engine so far has been pretty good, no major mecahnical dramas at present, so all good there. Gearbox so far has been pretty solid, albeit a few false neutrals. But thats it,otherwise faultless. Check shock for damping, mine's going for a rebuild soon,as im sure its not ben touched since 96!. def worth doing, its only gotta make it better right!. about £150.00 ive been quoted for all new internals and set up to rider weight,new oil etc. Equipment is basic, but does the job no problems. Paid £1000 for mine,with 18,000 miles on the clock 96 bike, and have seen cheaper around. So bargains to be had. As a bike to gain confidence on,and get to grips of a bigger bike, its brilliant. I can see me holding on to the Cat for some time yet. O' and yes it's fast!. Predeccesor to the track hungry R6.. Capable of 130mph no problems, more id say if u get a later bike such as a 2000 plated bike. So all in all a good solid,fun reliable bike, definately in sports tourer category.

I brought mine having past my Direct Access August 2007. I’m 6’2”, 125 kg (20st) which doesn’t fit in with my love for sports bikes! Despite this, the Cat is as big a 600 as you will find and I was happy to do long motorway runs on the large, comfy seat. The riding position is friendly on the larger framed rider, with low pegs and bars at a nice height putting very little weight on the wrists. The rear is pretty soggy in its default setting so you may want to consider firming it up. Despite having no previous biking experience, it was a doddle to jump on and ride. The engine is a joy and demands to be revved. Although the Yam would be eaten alive on the track, in the real world, it would hold its own against anything. It is the ultimate first big bike, confidence builder, great all-rounder with no major faults.

One of the greatest real world sport bikes ever made. Comfortable as a commuter and has an engine with a usable power band. I have had my bike for three years and over 50,000 miles in that time and have not had any problems. Highly suggest getting a used Thundercat over the new budget minded diversion that does not even have an adjustable suspension....really yamaha?!?CRAP

Came back to biking after a gap of 5 years having owned a ZZR600 previously, and bought a 10 year old bike. I absolutely love it! The balance of the bike is something to behold; although heavy to push around whilst moving you can easily manoeuvre it at near walking pace which makes it ideal for commuting through congested London. The ergonomics are simply superb as well thanks to the short tank, perfect for my 5'5 frame (who needs to flatfoot anyhow). Fantastic value for money too, and economical if ridden smoothly. The only downside is the gearchange from 1st to 2nd - feels like the gearbox is about to fall out! The ZZR which most people compare this bike was better equipped, but top-heavy with a long reach to the bars.

Lovely smooth bike, very smooth engine, dos have a manual chooke, but didnt have any problem starting the bike. Quite light to throw around, more economical than most reviews give it, did an average of 60 mpg , averaging at 5-6k revs, would get 240 miles on a tank including the reserve. My only fault of the bike is the riding position, im 6'1 and found to much weight on my hands and got cronic back ache after a few miles.

BOUGHT MY THUNDERCAT IN 2008 AND HAVE NOT BEEN DISAPPOINTED.HAD TO REPLACE THE SILENCER WDUE TO ROT, PUT A DELKEVIC ON AND IT SOUNDS NICE!! IT IS VERY QUICK TOO, ITS AN IMPORT AND IVE HAD 150+ MPH OUT OF IT AND MY MATES WITH BIGGER BIKES CAN'T BELIEVE HOW WELL IT GOES... MAYBE IT WAS PREVIOUSLY TUNED BUT IT REALLY DOES SHIFT. REALLY RELIABLE BIKE WITH LOW RUNNING COSTS AND INSURANCE. NO PLANS TO REPLACE IT AS IT GOES SO WELL!!! AN EXCELLENT BIKE ALL ROUND.

I picked up a red white and black '98 model about 3 months ago for daily use and I love it. Mostly. Doesn't do a lot below 6000 revs as you'd expect which is actually quite helpful when the weathers poor, you never feel like your going to spin the wheel out. Gets going nicely at 6000 and takes off at 8000. Brakes are lovely, lights are good if you upgrade to a halogen bulb and handles well if set up correctly but isn't as sharp as some. Seat and position are comfier than a pair of old boots and you can easily get 50 mpg out of it. Buy. Ride. Enjoy. NOW

I've had a 2001 model for 3 years nows and can't fault it. Still have the same chain, sprockets and brake pads. In July 2008 I took it to Europe via France, Swizerland, Italy and Germany. The cat was faultless and never missed a beat. It was packed up for two weeks with gear and soft luggage. I also use it daily for getting into work as well as back lane scratching and general touring. The handling is perfect for the road is very stable. The tank range is good with 19litres and with the reserve light coming on around 150 miles.

This is my first all rounder 600 and I have to say I was really impressed with the brakes and handling. Never had any problems with the bike, always fills me with confidence and its quick enough to keep up with my friends on proper sports bikes. Ideal as a first bike and I won't be selling mine, it might become a second bike though.