More Yamaha Models:
Edition:
Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat - [1998]
This edition of the Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1998. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1998 Norton Nemesis A and the 1999 Yamaha YZF1000 R1.This particular Yamaha YZF-600 has a 599cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]
The 1998 YZF-600 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the YZF-600's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2024 Honda CBR 650 R | 2024cc.2022 Honda CBR 650 R | 2022cc.
Weighing in at 210 kgs (462 lbs) this makes the Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat in the same weight category as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC, give or take 50kg.
The 1998 Yamaha YZF-600 shares the same bhp with the Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE - [2025]
In terms of power the 599cc 16 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 100 bhp (74 kW) @ 11500 rpm similar to the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [123 bhp (91 kW) @ 9500 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 48.7 lb-ft (66.0 Nm) @ 9500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha YZF-600 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1988 Suzuki GSX-R 750 J has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1998 Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat.
The 1998 Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat has a Power to weight ratio of 476.1 bhp per ton and 231.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1998 YZF-600 competing with the 1988 Suzuki GSX-R 750 J [500.8 bhp\ton] and the 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 750 DOHC [500.8 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha YZF-600 generating around 231.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1987 Honda VFR 750 R RC30 [256.7 lb-ft per ton] and the 1988 Honda VFR 750 R RC30 Rothmans Replica [256.7 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 7.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.9 secs, this makes the Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat similar in acceleration to the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Twin Cylinder (7.8 secs) and the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT (7.8 secs). This Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1998 Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat and the 2007 Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC
When talking about the performance of the 1998 Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.3 secs @ 121 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2007 Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC (11.3 secs) and the 2000 Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat (11.3 secs).
The 1998 version of the Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat has a maximum speed of 153mph.
Top Speed of the 1998 YZF-600 equals the 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6 R
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1998 Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat then how about a 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6 R (164 mph) and the 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6 R (164 mph).
Kawasaki ZZR 1200 DOHC
Engine Capacity: 1164 cc
Top Speed: 167 mph
Quarter Mile: 10.6 secs @ 136 mph
