Welcome to Chez`s Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat Page

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Picture odf Chez`s Thundercat

This is my latest "boys toy", the Yamaha YZF600F Thundercat!

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new paragraphMy thoughts about the Thundercat...new paragraph
new paragraphAfter owning the old XJ900F for over 8.5 years, I fancied a change in style and eventually decided upon buying myself Yamaha's YZF600F Thundercat, the little brother to Phil's Thunderace. I bought the bike in mid August 1998 from my local dealership, Mount Motorcycles (of Port Talbot), but it wasnt my initial choice of motorcycle.

new paragraphThe Yamaha FZR600 was my first choice, and seemed ideally suited to what I needed from the new bike - lightweight, plenty of power, distinctive looking, and could provide me with hours of fun, but after checking out the dashboard I lost interest purely because of the gold coloured trim. Sorry Yamaha but if all three clocks on the dash were covered then it would have looked ok - as it was the dash just looked cheap and tacky >:*(

new paragraphI then looked at the Honda CB600 Hornet. Again this bike promised the things I required but sitting astride the bike just didnt feel right. The handlebars and tank felt too small for a midsized bike and the radiator seemed to stick out like wings. Sorry Honda, but that put me off that one >:*(

new paragraphNext choice was a little bit more expensive than I had planned to pay out for, but it was Yamaha's YZF600F Thundercat. Luckily, Yamaha were running several offers and thats what clinched the deal for me. In hindsight I think I made the right choice!

new paragraphThe Thundercat is an incredible bike and after riding XJ's around for so long, the lightness and power takes a bit of getting used to. It seems more powerful than my XJ900's but that could be more to do with the fact that it is a chain drive instead of being shaft driven like the XJ's which loses some power.
Handling too is superb - again its all to do with the fact that Im used to the XJ900F which is a totally different style of bike. The XJ900F isnt exacly known for its handling! The XJ is also in the sports/touring class, whereas the Thundercat is a pure sports bike!

new paragraphSo far, Ive only managed to ride around 2300 miles on the Thundercat but thats because of the bad weather we always get here in the Uk - besides, Im hoping this bike will last me for a good few years as Im trying to keep it as clean as possible. Thats why I kept the oldest XJ900F to use for all my day to day riding journeys.

new paragraphSo far Ive only managed to fit some Fiamm snail horns, an alarm and a pair of "Magic Mushrooms". The Magic mushrooms are little nylon blocks that, when fitted, protrude from the fairing and are meant to protect the fairing should the bike ever fall over. Not too sure just how much protection they offer though. But then I dont intend falling off either >:*)

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This version of the site was created during December 1998 and last updated on 1 January 2000.
© 1996-2000 Chez / Bad Arsed Biker Productions.
Paul@chez.demon.co.uk