2002Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat

★ 4.5

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The 2002 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat is a lightweight middleweight sportbike designed for riders seeking an accessible entry into sport riding. Powered by a 599cc inline-four engine producing 100 horsepower, it delivers sharp handling and agile performance. Known for its excellent balance of power, manageability, and affordability, the Thundercat remains a popular choice for intermediate riders and everyday sport bike enthusiasts.

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 187.0 kg
Seat height: 805 mm
Power: 100.1 HP (73.6 kW) @ 11500 RPM

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What’s new for the 2002 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat

vs the 2001

Spec	2001	2002
Torque	66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs) @ 9500 RPM	65.0 Nm (6.6 kgf-m or 47.9 ft.lbs)
Top speed	230.0 km/h (142.9 mph)	not listed

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 805mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2002 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: 100.1 HP (73.6 kW) @ 11500 RPM
Torque: 65.0 Nm (6.6 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5353 HP/kg (dry)
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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1415 mm
Overall length: 2145 mm
Overall width: 725 mm
Overall height: 1190 mm
Seat height: 805 mm
Dry weight: 187.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.00 litres
Ground clearance: 135 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 120 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 298 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 245 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 160/60-ZR17

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	2002	2003
Capacity	599 cc	599 cc	599 cc	599 cc	599 cc	599 cc
Dry weight	187 kg	187 kg	187 kg	187 kg	187 kg	187 kg
Seat height	810 mm	795 mm	810 mm	810 mm	805 mm	805 mm
Fuel capacity	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L