YAMAHA FZ600 (1986-1988) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha FZ600 was a sports motorcycle manufactured by the Japanese maker as a first attempt at a 600cc race replica, with the main interest in the MotoGP Road Racing Championship in the mid-80s. Many FZ600 owners confused their machines with later FZR models due to similar styling and bodywork.

The FZ600 was the predecessor of the FZR600, with the main difference being the Delta Box frame used on earlier FZR400 motorcycles. Another difference was the FZR's engine, which was tilted forward for a lower center of gravity and better handling.

The Yamaha FZ600 was manufactured between 1986 and 1988, being replaced by the FZR600 produced from 1989 to 1996, which then was replaced by the Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat, manufactured from 1996 to 2002.

The 1986 machine came dressed in a full fairing with dual round headlights integrated into the front cowl, a double seat, a small windscreen for better wind and weather protection, a silver-finished frame, and lightweight three-spoke cast aluminum wheels.

A 36 mm air-assisted Kayaba telescopic fork was taking care of the bike's front suspension, while a single Showa shock absorber was handling the rear-end suspension, offering excellent handling capabilities.

The FZ600 was fitted with dual-piston calipers and two 269 mm discs on the front wheel for stopping power. In contrast, the rear wheel was equipped with a single-piston caliper engaging a 240 mm disc, providing strong braking performance.

As for power, the 1988 Yamaha FZ600 was fitted with a 599cc four-stroke transversal-mounted four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, delivering a power output of 55 hp at 9,400 rpm and 44 Nm (32 lb-ft) of torque at 7,500 rpm.