Jack of all trades (Yamaha Thundercat YZF600R)

Name: danimal

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Product:	Yamaha Thundercat YZF600R
Date:	26/03/02 (7774 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: All-rounder, Fun, Reliable

Disadvantages: It's called a Thundercat, Suspension is soft as standard

I really wanted a YZF-R6, but the insurance cost and changing to a job which meant commuting into London by bike meant I decided to go for something more sensible.

When I first rode the bike I was expecting something a lot less fun than my previous bike, a Honda RVF400, but a was very pleasantly surprised. Although the bike is quite big compared to moderns sports 600s it's surprisingly nimble and the engine loves to be revved. There's plenty of power there too, yet it all speeds it's happy.

I use it for 2 hours total each day travelling in dense traffic and on faster roads and it's superb. The riding position is very comfortable and it really feels like you have the best of all worlds - you can beat many bikes away from the lights and lean it over round corners and also glide along smoothly weaving in and out of traffic - and you're not left with any aches or pains after a full day's riding.

It really is a jack of all trades.

From a looks point of view, it's possibly an acquired taste - the fairing is a bit bulbous and nowadays maybe looks a bit big for a 600, but the fairing provides excellent wind protection and although the design hasn't changed (except the colours) since it was released in 96 it still looks modern. If you put it next to a CBR or ZX-6R of the same age you'd instantly see how modern it looks - thanks to it's clear optic headlight and absence of garish graphics.

If you're looking for a practical bike that doesn't look 'sensible', and is fun when you want it to be then I'd recommend a Thundercat without a doubt.

Shame they named it after a children's cartoon series though...

Summary: