Want a sports 600 but not an R6 or a Fazer then Yamaha’s Thundercat might just fit the bill. Also considered a useful alternative to Honda's popular CBR600. 
Around since 1996 and virtually unchanged since then, the Thundercat enjoys a responsive engine, a competent chassis and very powerful brakes. The 599cc 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine produces nearly 89bhp and is good for 155mph while returning 45 mpg at more moderate speeds.

The chassis is of the established Deltabox design with a lightweight swingarm, fully adjustable suspension at both ends gives the rider enough ‘tweaking’ to set it up for their personal style of riding. 41mm conventional forks at the front and rising rate single shock at the rear.

The fairing is practical for half decent weather protection and the bike is sufficiently comfortable, it will do 190 miles between fill-ups, all adds up to a bike that is well suited for touring and scratching round the twisty bits at the weekend.

Although the engine has loads of torque, with impressive power above 6000rpm, above 9000rpm is where the action is. A water-cooled oil cooler keeps the plot cool when the going gets hard.

The brakes are lifted straight off its bigger brother, the 1000cc Thunderace and are impressively powerful while giving good feedback.

Not as fashionable as the R6, Fazer’s or Kawasaki’s ZX-6R of today, but still a very popular and usable all-round 600 that won’t break the bank. Yamaha have said they will continue the model into 2004, probably with a catalyser and fuel injection to keep with new EU emission standards.

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Last updated 26/04/02