need feedback/information on a 96 YZF 600

[Suki]

A friend of mine has been offered a 1996 YZF 600 and he was wondering if he could get some feedback about this bike from motorcycle savvy people.

His last bike was a Honda VFR about 5 years ago and doesn't know much about the YZF 600 and would like some information on it.

If anyone has owned one or knows alot about them, please respond. I guess maybe just the mechanics of the bike, if they are good bikes, what to look for before buying one, etc...

i know it's not much information but he doesn't know much about the bike and what to ask/look for.

Thanks!!!

[Beotch]

Burn it! It's a witch! :D



Hehe, you love me.

However, for real information, I would suggest that he hit up a specialized web site. I am pretty sure that there is a national club dedicated to these bikes, and they have a loyal following. I believe that this bike was replaced by the R6 in, like, 99 (ish). I can vouch that you can remove all but one of the front brake caliper bolts and still not make someone crash it :D

[Suki]

lol, yeah i already told him to do some online research and he'd prolly find sites dedicated to those bikes, so he's working on that as well but as a friend i told him i'd also post up here and see what kind of info people relay back to me.

[RYBO]

The YZF 600 is a good bike with a seating position more like a VFR than an R6. It's an inline 4 cylinder engine that makes around 100 HP. It has a comfortable seating position and isn't too "racer like" so you can actually ride it a long distance if you wanted to. When it was replaced by the R6 it continued in production (I think it's still made today) as a second tier sportbike, much like Honda still makes the F4I even though they "replaced" it with the 600rr. The position is comfortable, the engine is competent and overall it's built well.

I don't know of any major mechanical issues with the bike. Basically a steel frame (Like the FZR that preceeded it) with a shorter stroke motor than the FZR for more HP, but in a higher rev range. There were a ton of them made, so they are easy to find parts for.

Look for the typical issues. If it's been down hard there are likely to be small dents in the frame where the handlebars or switch gear hit it. Tires, brakes and sprockets are other good things to look at in the initial purchase as they can be somewhat expensive to replace. Brake fluid can be observed through the sight glass on the resevoir. It should be a light tan color like thin maple syrup, not dark like coffee. The clutch should engage smoothly and the forks and rear shock should move smoothly throughout their travel. When compressed and released they should return to close to their original position and stop (not continue bouncing). The chain should travel without any kinks or tight spots when the rear wheel is rotated by hand. Check to see that the oil level is proper. A person selling a bike who doesn't have this in order has likely neglected the bike over the course of it's life.

Hope that helps

[Suki]

awesome! thanks so much!!! i'll pass it on!

[RYBO]

No worries Suki, happy to help :D

If the bike is local and you'd like someone to go with to check it out, I'd be happy to do so.

just let me know

Scott

[FZRguy]

YZF is son of FZR. It’s a bit heavier but more power as mentioned. Also, better brakes/suspension than the Fizzer. Great bike for long days in the saddle…suitable for even two-up touring.

[Suki]

Thanks John! i can't imagine a bike heavier than my fatty! lol, ahh well atleast i get a good workout trying to manuever it out when Alan's not around, lol! :D