YAMAHA YZF600 THUNDERCAT (1996-2003) Used Review

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £150

Best feature of this bike is the usability. Absolute perfect first "big bike" and stands up to most bikes. Essentially a R6 with morbid obesity, Its a fairly heavy machine weighing in at over 200kg when fuelled, but an 810mm (ish) seat height means that even short arse riders like myself (169cm with a 32" inside leg) can ride, and live with this bike comfortably. Dont be put off by the fact that its Carb fed, just make sure the one you buy has had the carbs set up fairly recently and you will be all good. If you have never ridden one, give it a shot!! I have commented that it is a great commuter, but it is so much more than just a winter hack. If you have the space and money for more than one bike, this would be a great way to ride all year round.... but i love mines too much to take out when the Scottish roads get all cold, wet and covered in salt!!

Buying experience: Private sale. Paid £1750. Most examples seem to range from £1200 for high mileage early models to £4k minters. Id like to think mines is right in the middle!

Year: 2002

A great all rounder. I predominantly ride on my own and it handles beautifully. I have had owned many bikes in different classes over the years. As I get a bit older the heavier bikes have now been sold (blackbird etc.) and this is my 4 stroke 2 stroke. I can use it enthusiastically or longer distance and behaves whatever I throw at it. As with all bikes, get your suspension set for you and your style and away you go. When I got it, it was not well loved. I rebuilt the rear end with a second hand almost rust free swinging arm from America which I rubbed down and sprayed. New bearings/shock and so on. A full service, new inlet rubbers etc. doing all the work myself made it cheaper but it was worth the time and effort. Needless to say, I love it.

Buying experience: Privately. EBay. Lovely family. Good price. Needed work as already mentioned. Knew from a test ride what I was purchasing.

Year: 1999

Well what can I say. Am in love with the bike. after yrs off buying and selling bikes Ive found myself back on the Thundercat. I was looking for a track bike. i have upgraded front and rear suspension to Maxton suited to my weight. Dyno jetted it with a big service +the valve clearance, serviced the brakes + bigger bubble screen on it. Its made into a wolf in sheeps clothing. the handling on the bike is on a different level. The cleanly pulls through to the red line. It very easily shames much more modern bikes including the 1000cc. It did cost a wee bit but its made the bike into proper sleeper. Trackdays are so much fun now.

Year: 1996

Best handling two up or solo rode it for 3 years from Newcastle to Blackpool on back roads two up mostly. The cat never let go once not even in the wet on the Alston/Penrith run very twisty.

Buying experience: I bought it from Shorrocks in Preston excellent shop iv had few bikes from there best shop iv dealt with in 30 years biking

Year: 1997

Annual servicing cost: £120

Best features is good power and handling , worse features riding position , also poor reliability due to age related faults with carbs , lots perished rubber parts and electrical issues . Yes, I would only recomend a low mileage and a well maintained one .

Buying experience: I bought mine from a dealer , I paid £1,500 for mine which I realised now was over priced , bike was poorly maintained and dealer lied about work done.

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £70

Easy and cheap to maintain without the complications of more modern motorcycles. Best features are range, comfort and an engaging ride not masked by modern gadgets.

Buying experience: This is my third Thundercat over the years having bought one new in 1996 before moving (back then) to sportier bikes so buying one was nice and easy.

Version: YX radian 600 cc 1989

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £100

Typical that my model isn't worthy of a mention. Own a Harley Sportster and a 750 GSXR Had the best fun of my life on my Yamaha I just Love im 💖

Buying experience: Privately. As an old riding school bike. Battered but he was mine. And I was gna take care1 of him from there on .I have and I will, he's going in my front room wen I can't ride him anymore. .

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £200

Bloody brilliant bike. Biggest problem is what will I ever replace it with?! I bought my Thundercat with 28k miles on it and only intended to keep it for up to 1 year. That was 5 years ago and it's now got 50k miles on it! I've had other more expensive, newer, faster bikes since and they have all come and gone and still the Thundercat remains. It's just such a useful and lovely bike. I commute on it, tour on it, do track days and just fun days out. It does all of this brilliantly and totally reliably, while still returning up to 60mpg (UK). It's very comfortable - have crossed the entire width of Southern Ireland on it in one hit and it was still comfortable at the end of that! The brakes are great (although they do require cleaning and servicing to keep them from binding). I use it all year round in sun, rain, and even snow, and it still looks great after a clean (I treat it with ACF50 for the winter). In summary it's so good I don't know if I'll ever find anything to replace it!

Year: 1996

Great all-rounder that is a big step up from my previous SV650S

Year: 2003

As a rider who has recently gained a full A license I cannot recommend this bike highly enough! Useable, fun and cheap to insure! The power works across the range and the bike is very forgiving of those mistakes we all make at times. The only problem with this bike would be the weight, it is however only a matter of getting used to it and being careful when moving the bike under your own steam.

Buying experience: I bought my t'cat from a dealer in Bradford, but would not buy from them again! There was a rubber seal missing from engine filler cap, oil sump loose, wrong size back tyre fitted with a leaking valve and a dead battery. Absolutely shocking from a dealer claiming to do all work in-house.

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.

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.