YAMAHA YZF-600R (2002-2003) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2002, Yamaha launched the YZF-600R, a more street-able and almost identical version of the R6 model that was easily distinguished from its sibling by the one-piece two-up seat.

At the time of its release, the YZF-600R was a cutting-edge 600cc sports bike that featured fully adjustable suspension both front and rear, good tires, thorough instrumentation, street-able ergonomics, and decent wind protection.

The bike was a comfortable and practical alternative to the R6 model and for a 600cc motorcycle, it had excellent mid-range power and good throttle response from the carburated engine. The 2002 Yamaha YZF-600R took its thrust from a 599cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 100 hp with a peak at 11,500 rpm and 66 Nm ( 49 lb-ft) of torque available at 9,500 rpm.

When the power produced by the engine was combined with a dry weight of 189 kg (417 lbs) and a six-speed manual transmission, the result was a top speed of 247 kph (153 mph).

For suspension, the bike packed a 41 mm fully adjustable telescopic fork on the front and fully adjustable monoshock on the rear, while the braking power was handled by two 300 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a single 245 mm disc squeezed by a two-piston caliper on the rear.

The bike rolled on a set of three-spoke black-finished cast aluminum wheels, a silver Deltabox frame, and a black-finished exhaust system.