1998Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat

20 fields on record

The 1998 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat is a lightweight sport bike designed for riders seeking nimble handling and accessible performance. Its 599cc inline-four engine delivers 100 horsepower with excellent mid-range torque, making it ideal for both road and track. Known for its agile chassis and forgiving nature, the Thundercat suits intermediate riders looking for an affordable entry into serious sportbike riding.

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 187.0 kg
Seat height: 795 mm
Power: 100.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1998 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat

vs the 1997

Spec	1997	1998
Engine capacity	599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)	599.0 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)
Power	100.00 HP	100.0 HP
Torque	66.00 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs) @ 9500	66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs) @ 9500 RPM
Top speed	—	255.0 km/h (158.4 mph)
Seat height	810 mm (31.9 inches)	795 mm (31.3 inches)
Compression	—	12.0:1

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering80%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring58%

Two-up50%

Track72%

Best for: Designed as a sport-touring-leaning supersport, blending brisk in-line four performance with a slightly more relaxed chassis setup than a full-blown race replica.
Built for: A characterful late-90s/early-2000s inline-four sport machine that rewards revs with a smooth, linear power delivery and confident, stable cornering manners.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for complete beginners seeking an upright, low-effort commuter, nor for riders wanting genuine long-distance touring comfort or any off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 795mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Power: 100.0 HP
Torque: 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m) @ 9500 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5348 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 49.6 mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Performance

Top speed: 255.0 km/h (158.4 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 795 mm
Dry weight: 187.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1998	2000	2001	2003
Capacity	599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)	599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)	599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)	599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)	599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)
Dry weight	187.0 kg (412.3 pounds)	187.0 kg (412.3 pounds)	187.0 kg (412.3 pounds)	187.0 kg (412.3 pounds)	187.0 kg (412.3 pounds)
Seat height	810 mm (31.9 inches)	795 mm (31.3 inches)	810 mm (31.9 inches)	810 mm (31.9 inches)	805 mm (31.7 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	19.00 litres (5.02 gallons)	19.00 litres (5.02 gallons)
Color options	—	—	—	—	Silver, Red, Blue