Yamaha XJ600 Diversion Review (1992-2004)

Year: 1992

A good first bike or winter hack. Smooth linear throttle makes the bike very predictable and not snatchy about tow. Fairing gives decent protection. Simple bike to own and operate. Regularly get 55 to 60 mpg.

Buying experience: Bought private for £900. The guy was meticulous.

Year: 1999

Only had the bike a few months but feel like its a solid thing, basic but so far seems reliable and well put together. I like how easy it is to ride, easy to get parts for and handles a pillion no problem despite the low power output, doesn't stand out in a crowd or get any looks but I like that about it, just goes about being a generally good all round practical and economical motorcycle and cheap to buy too. Suspension feels a bit budget and the gear change a little clunky at times but this doesn't detract from it in any way for me. I'm quite short and find I get a bit of wind buffeting my head but a better helmet and a small windscreen deflector has mostly sorted that, perhaps a touring screen might sort it completely.

Buying experience: Bought privately, chap seemed nice, think we did OK. Full MOT and history with luggage and rack for £750, can't buy a decent 125 for that!

Version: XJ600N DIVERSION

Year: 1997

I bought the xj600 in 2014. It was what i could afford at the the time and i had no expectations of it being exceptional. I still have the bike at present. I have owned supposedly more desirable bikes since i bought the xj but none have proved to be as reliable and an all round good bike as the xj. It is not super fast, nor does it handle like a sports bike.It is however an exceptional all rounder which you grow to appreciate every day you own it. Sits all day at 60 mph returns 65 mpg while doing so. Parts are readily available and reasonably priced. In my opinion this bike is very underestimated. It does everything an everday rider would want. It commutes, it tours and it is a very reliable bike.

Buying experience: The bike was bought privately.

Version: Custom, fully stripped and rebuilt with all brand new service parts

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £100

Having owned over 20 other previous vehicles over the last 45 years, sports cars, normal cars, a few estates, four 3 ton vans and five other bikes large and small, this little XJ600 2002 reg divvy is a classic reliable workhorse, I picked it up for £900 second hand and spent about £1,500 overhauling it so I now have an economical little run around that to me now feels like a brand new bike.

Buying experience: Purchased from Bulldog Superbike November 2019 for £900 2nd hand with only 20k on the clock, it was in a fairly dire well used condition, but I bought it especially as a winter project to rebuild.

Version: Diversion S

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £90

If you buy a XJ600 and expect it to be a R6 you will be very disappointed, but it's a very underestimated little bike, I have had mine from new and the only thing that has gone wrong is a leak from the oil cooler, was a bit pricey to replace as you can only get an OEM part, funny how there is a pattern part for the XJ900 at half the price but other than that you just service it and ride it, it's cheap and simple to service it yourself, there is no computers or fuel injection so you don't need any special tools, so if you want a great simple bike you can cut your teeth on I can recommend this one, I would be very reluctant to sell mine.

Buying experience: Bought it new from a dealer that is no longer in existence, it was one of the last bikes made so got it for £3200.

Version: XJ600S Diversion

Year: 1993

Annual servicing cost: £150

Basic but fantastic, I bought mine after 3 years without any motorbike. It seemed a little daunting to jump straight back in on a 600 but it was gentle enough while I found my ryhthm again. Since then I've had this bike alongside other newer and faster bikes 1000+cc machines and I kept hold of it because it has never once failed to put a smile on my face taking it out on a run regardless of the weather.

Version: faired

Year: 1993

Annual servicing cost: £30

No nonsense transport easy to keep on the road ,benign power delivery, soft suspension gives comfort ride, leisurely braking wont scare you either.I like this bike but then I am 65.

Buying experience: Even from a dealer can be bought cheaply,I was lucky to get one with low miles for £1200, get the best you can find , a lot of these have had a hard life .

Version: S

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £50

Boring but rock solid

Buying experience: Bought privately bargain of the century

Version: S

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £100

Rock-solid, reliable, easy-to-maintain and so cheap to run. If you can find a well kept one, don't hesitate to buy. Fantastic as a commuter, just goes and goes. Not the most punchy engine, but with enough power for everyday use. Fantastic fuel and tank range. I can see why so many people love this bike.

Version: S

Year: 1996

I like the adjustable handlebars, from cruiser (ish) to racer (ish). Wish my 170mph Thunderace had height adjustable handlebars to suit my riding mood! I say it separates the men from the boys as the men appreciate it as a good all rounder with good acceleration - the 1/4 mile figure here is better than the Ducati Monster 800 of the same year and other acclaimed bikes. Although not as flash looking as superbikes non motorcycling friends say it looks good. The boys however, say things like "Yawn, it's an Astra diesel" to make out they spend all their days off leading the pack in motogp races.

Buying experience: Bought from a nice chap

Version: S Faired

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £50

Its a dependable old hack that just keeps on going...

Buying experience: Bought Privatly for £600 with 35k on the clock

Year: 1997

I despatched these bikes in London and then went touring france with wife and camping kit onboard and they cruised nicely at 90mph when ever and how long l wanted. with120,000 miles in 2 years on my first one, the only problems l had were that stupid clutch rattle and a split shock /swinging arm fixing mount where the shock gave out around 100,000

Buying experience: l find that when sourcing parts most people dont know the differences between the S & N or the changes around 1997 time so you are arguing with dealers who have been in the trade for 30 years who know best or ebayers who think one seat fits all years or double and single disc front end bits are interchangable

Version: S

Year: 1998

Annual servicing cost: £100

Excellent bike bike learner. More than enough power and hey, who needs power bands when this delivers the power smoothly right across the gears. Its enough to get you well over the ton and that should be enough for anyone on UK roads.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer used with one previous owner from new.

Year: 1999

Perfect bike to go on long distance on vacation, just went to Nordkap from Rotterdam in 1995 and the way back, absolutely perfect. Bear in mind the speed limit in Sweden, Norway and Finland, no need to dive more then 120 km/h when allowed.

Buying experience: I bought from a dealer and it was a quite good price, I am the second owner.

Year: 1994

The bike is a jack of all trades. I mainly used this as a winter hack. Engine is bullet proof. The bike does lose out one sex appeal and excitement. If you going do a lot of miles and or riding in all weathers, it will get you there.

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £35

In terms of quality, it should probably have 4 or even 5 out of 5 stars, but the fact that its about as exciting as a watching paint dry it only gets 3 from me.

Buying experience: Bought from private seller and got a mint condition for reasonable price. My first bike and overall happy with it, but it has to be said I'm ready to move on to something more exciting after just one season on this.

Year: 1992

ok

I owned this bike being on the full throttle all the time had 130mph out of this was a very good bike apart from the weight which is unbelievably hard to take corners or hold in slow traffic but still overall good bike 4**

Can't really compare to other big bikes as it;s the first one I've ridden having converted from 125s. Wasn't really as big a step up as I'd imagined which was a pleasant surprise, and it's nice to have that bit of extra power, even if it's not a crotch rocket; being able to accelerate to 70 without having to have a good tailwind and a steep downhill slope whilst the little 125 engine bounces off its rev limiter is a refreshing change. I should imagine it would get boring after a few months but still, it's fun for now...

I got this bike after having to sell my FZR 1000 when I lost my job, yet I still enjoy ridding the diversion round town after downgrading, BUT! I hate it on dual carriageways and motorways, it just doesn't have the pull needed and is wobbly as he'll. The engines deliver very little power considering you can pick up a 600cc with nearly double the power for the same price but they are truly bulletproof. The suspension is the worst I have ever experienced but that was easily sorted by swapping them with some advice from www.xjrider.com

I had a Divvy for about a year and covered around 6k miles. This bike is a great commuter, reliable, robustly built, and has a good level of weather protection. It is, as others have said, a little boring, but boring can be good sometimes. The only trouble I had with the bike was when I left the park lights on by mistake and even then I could bump start it without problem. It is worth noting that it you turn the ignition key past the steering lock that it leaves the back parking light on :-)

I have owned many many bikes, and when choosing a bike, you have to ask "what do i want it for". This i brought for a runaround, i wanted something around the 600cc mark, good for going to work on and somthing the the theiving scum wont want to nic (thats why i did not go for a crosser) I have done the whole sports bike, and just cant trust myself, so there a no go. So the XJ came up, good value for money, as said, its a no thrills bike, but it does what it was designed for and it does it well. room enough for two, it goes and stops and not much else. Saying that i am not disapointed with it, as i knew what i was buying.

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.

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

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 !

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

the bike is very easy to ride, but lacks power, even above 6000 revs. the suspension is soft. It is good for beginners and won't steer them wrong, but they will quickly be wanting more out of a bike.

I bought mine after passing DAS. I`ve never felt intimidated. Bought it cheap and spent virtually nothing running it. If you want a cheap run around that you can sit comfortably on all day then this bike is perfect. Strengths: Cheap to buy, cheap to insure, cheap to run, comfortable soft suspension. WIll cruise at 80 all day. Weaknesses: Not the prettiest of bikes. Lacks some power for experienced riders. Exhaust is prone to rust and wheel bearings are known to fail.

After 20+ years riding a CB250RS and convincing myself I didn't need anything bigger, realising I'm getting older and after five and half years off two wheel or anything much with a chronic illness I decided that maybe something bigger would be nice, I decided I needed something that would cost me no more on the insurance, be cheap to run but give me adequate power and after reading about it had to be a CB500, a Bandit or one of these. In the end this one came up a the right price so had to be it, 30,000 on the clock, new tyres, chain and sprocks and a nice new MOT it couldn't be bettered although my boss was a little taken aback that I'd got a Yamaha instead of Honda. Great bike though, pulls like a train, more than enough power for the riding I do where I consider 80mph to be plenty fast enough, I love riding it, mind of the boss man offered to swop me a new CBF500 for it I'd be tempted. Strengths: Adequate power, good fuel consumption (60mpg plus) comfortable for me (6'4") and carries me and my nine year old with ease, easy servicing, just a good solid workhorse with the oomph to get me past the Sunday drivers. Weaknesses: Isn't a Honda and getting spares takes too long ( 2 weeks for a genuine speedo cable, got pattern in the end). Choke seems to do nothing but starts okay anyway and annoying vibration at 50mph but the at least the encourages me to crack on just a little faster.

I have looked everywhere and weeks for my first bike. Like many others, I looked for a Bandit to start and even test drived a few. But something was not right with the Bandit,..no Love I guess. I am 6ft2 and rugby player, so I needed a bike who was going to be just the right size, economical, solid and easy to look after. The XJ 600 had more all of the right attributes and much more! The seat and suspensions are comfortable, the handling is newbie friendly, the service is cheap and the parts very easy to find. the twin exhaust give that extra monster look. Please remember one thing, this is not a superbike! There is no electronic and pretty fairing. Just a good basic (solid) bike ideal for everyday commuting.. ask yourself the question? Do you really need to reach 160mph? Strengths: Good on fuel, enough power, easy to look after, solid engine good value for money. Weaknesses: Not commum as Bandit ... therefore harder to customize.

This is my 1st bike and from talking to people in the trade, friends and family, this type of bike seemed to fit the bill of what I wanted. I had only riden a bike 5 times (and that was doing my cbt and test) before riding it, and what a joy it was. For a complete novice it is a very user friendly bike. Also it is a very nippy bike that is able to get you out of trouble if required. Strengths: Usability for novices, and it lightness make it a great starter bike. The nippiness of the thing as well, make it a good starter bike. Weaknesses: Because it was only riden once in a year, I am finding if it is not ridden for a couple of days it can be very sluggish for a few miles, but thats just this bike. Apart from that I have not had it long enough to find a weakness.

I bought a 600N (the one with out the fairing) in 2004 as a way back to two wheels after 1 long time on four wheels. I have found the bike to be reliable, quick enough for getting used to two wheels again and plus a reasonable handling bike. The prices for these bikes are ridiculously low when you compare them to any of its logical competitors, it may not have the custome parts catalogue of the Bandit nor the assumed reliability of the CB500s but it does not suffer in most minds for this. Strengths: Reliable, robust, easy to work on (and I only just about know which end of a socket is which). Weaknesses: Image is its only weakness and possibly its low prices which work to make buyers happy but seems to be the yard stick by which many measure it. A same year bandit would probably cost near enough twice what I paid and I doubt would be any happier.

Bought the bike to commute on - sick of late, astinking trains. Did everything asked of it, and provided a fair bit of fun. Easy to ride, easy to service, cheap to run, comfy. Discovered this : http://groups.msn.com/yamahadiversions - the friendliest, most informative bike group on the net. Strengths: Cheap, comfy, cheap, easy to service, cheap, unintimidating for new riders, cheap. Weaknesses: Cheap a bit slow.

This bike does it all. Commutes in sun rain and snow. I have managed to keep up with Suziki Bandits down lanes and on A roads. As long as you remeber its got basic suspension its fine. Strengths: Reliable, cheap to service and maintain. Will sit at 80 all day and return 40 - 45 MPG. Weaknesses: No fuel warning light! Soft suspension. Yamaha paint comes off of the wheels.

If you've got a limited Budget and do sky high milage, this could be the bike for you, If you can put up with the lack of speed that is. In 50k only one break down and that was due to a corroded connector. Not sure why people moan about the finish. Wash mine once a week and still looks ok. Crashes well to boot. Chucked it down the road at 20mph, still rideable afterways. Could do with another 20bhp and shaft drive but you can't have everything. Hold on a minute maybe you can xj900 here we come :)

Cheap, reliable transport. Used it to do 90 mile a day motorway commute. Generally reliable- rear fuel pump, shocks and wheel bearings replaced under warranty. Electrics are placed in a vulnerable position under the seat so the starter switch wire corrodes over time.

Dislikes - Rear brake collects dust and squeaks no matter how much it's cleaned. Mirrors not much use at high speed due to vibration. Likes - perfect bike to learn real riding on after doing my Direct Access. Nice sounding engine. Very reliable.

The buzz at 4000-4500rpm makes the mirrors vibrate badly enough to make them useless - pity that 4000-4500 rpm equates to motorway cruising speed...

An excellent bike for riding to work everyday whatever the weather. Handles adverse weather very well, has so far felt very capable of handling most situations remaining stable throughout . Extremely comfortable to ride for hours, although on out of town journey's the wind buffeting can get a bit tiring. However if I lie on the tank I have got 116 out of it.