Sportbikes
1996Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat
34 fields on record
The 1996 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat is an accessible sport bike ideally suited for intermediate riders seeking sharp handling and reliable performance. Known for its lightweight aluminum frame, potent 100 horsepower inline-four engine, and agile maneuverability, it delivers genuine sportbike thrills at an affordable price point. This model established Yamaha's reputation for producing capable middleweight sportsters that balance performance with everyday practicality.
- Capacity
- 599.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 187.0 kg
- Seat height
- 810 mm
- Power
- 100.0 HP (73.5 kW) @ 11500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usReliability & safety
Bike Reliability score, safety recalls and owner complaintsBike Reliability
How the score works →20
out of 100Below average
The 1996 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 70.6% of the time, 9.2 points below expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 20% of models.
All years of this model: 33 / 100 (below average) from 1,588 tests.
70.6%Passed first time
21.2%Failed outright
8.2%Fixed during test
28,000Typical miles
391Tests
Pass rate by miles ridden
All years of this model.
Score by year first registered
53
20
34
34
47
36
40
62
79
52
1995199619971998199920002004200520062007
Against its rivals · ranks 5 of 6
| # | Model (all years) | Score | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ducati 750 SS | 70 Good | 1,134 |
| 2 | Honda CBR600F | 52 Average | 255,924 |
| 3 | Suzuki GSX-R750 | 47 Average | 145,807 |
| 4 | Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja | 37 Below average | 175,171 |
| 5 | Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat | 33 Below average | 1,588 |
| 6 | Yamaha FZR 600 | 21 Below average | 12,894 |
Rivals are the most-viewed bikes on MotorcycleDB in the same category and engine size, from within three years of this model.
From British annual roadworthiness tests, 2005-2025. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (DVSA MOT test data, Great Britain). How Bike Reliability works.
Engine
- Capacity
- 599.0 ccm
- Power
- 100.0 HP (73.5 kW) @ 11500 RPM
- Torque
- 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m) @ 9500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5348 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
- 810 mm
- Dry weight
- 187.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 210.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 19.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 135 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 130 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 25.0°
- Trail
- 97 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 298 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 245 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/60-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 160/60-ZR17
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 1999 | 2002 | 2004 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 599 cc | 599 cc | 599 cc | 599 cc | 599 cc |
| Dry weight | 187 kg | 187 kg | 187 kg | 187 kg | 189 kg |
| Seat height | 810 mm | 795 mm | 805 mm | 840 mm | 805 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 19 L | 19 L | 19 L | 19 L | 18.9 L |
| Bike Reliability ⓘ | 20 Below average | 47 Average | Too few tests | 40 Average | 52 Average |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat?
The 1996 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat has a Capacity of 599.0 ccm (36.55 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat have?
The 1996 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat has a Power of 100.0 HP (73.5 kW) @ 11500 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat have?
The 1996 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat?
The 1996 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat has a Torque of 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs) @ 9500 RPM.
How much does the Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat weigh?
The 1996 Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat has a Dry weight of 187.0 kg (412.3 pounds).
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