Yamaha XT 600: specifications, top speed, operation and maintenance features, repair tips and owner reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The XT 600 motorcycle, developed in the 1980s, has long been considered a legendary model released by the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha. The highly specialized enduro has evolved over time into a versatile motorcycle designed to travel both on and off the road. Both specialists and fans of the brand and model appreciated the changes.

Yamaha XT 600 specifications

The design of the engine was developed in 1957 and has not changed since then, which indicates ease of maintenance and reliability. The motor, created specifically for the Paris-Dakar trophy-raid, was brought to perfection by the beginning of the nineties of the last century.

Clear and long engine operation is ensured by a unique power system with two carburetors responsible for different inlet valves. This design is an advantage of the Yamaha XT 600, howeverhas its drawback - the air filter becomes dirty quickly, which leads to its breakdown and shortens the service life.

The motorcycle is equipped with an engine with a capacity of 42 horsepower and a volume of 596 cubic centimeters. Maximum torque is reached at 6250 rpm. Engine power is sufficient for dynamic driving both on the highway and off-road.

Undercarriage

The main off-road characteristics of the Yamaha XT 600 have been almost completely erased in the course of numerous improvements. The low travel and softness of the suspension is not suitable for aggressive cross-country driving, but makes it easy to overcome difficult sections of ordinary roads at high speed. Traveling long distances is possible thanks to the energy-intensive suspension.

With an average fuel consumption of 4 liters, the fuel tank capacity of 15 liters is sufficient for long journeys. The manufacturer provides for the possibility of installing larger tanks, making the motorcycle more autonomous.

The years since the introduction of the first Yamaha XT 600 model have had a positive impact on the number of additional accessories and parts that can dramatically change the appearance of the motorcycle and improve its performance.

Behavior on the track

Yamaha XT 600 is a versatile non-cross-country bike, but the engine has more than enough traction and power to tackle off-road terrain.

Car handling on the road is perfect: mistakes madeare not felt by the driver, the suspension softens all the bumps in the road, regardless of the type of coverage. This behavior makes the bike ideal for beginner motorcyclists: mistakes do not lead to falls.

Features

The versatility of the Yamaha XT 600 causes non-critical shortcomings - for example, it is not very convenient to move around the city because of the insufficient efficiency of the braking system, which significantly limits maneuverability. The motorcycle begins to wobble noticeably at speeds over 120 km / h, which is, in fact, the price paid for the frame and soft suspension, which ensures comfortable movement.

Tuning, available to every Yamaha XT 600 owner and involving the replacement of the intake system and piston group, can increase engine power, but negatively affects its reliability. For this reason, it is advisable to immediately install a more powerful power unit.

Unpretentiousness in maintenance and operation and unsurpassed reliability are indisputable advantages of the motorcycle. All technical work related to the engine, after installing a reusable air filter, comes down only to the timely replacement of engine oil.

A lot of complaints are caused by the head optics of the motorcycle, which is not distinguished by sufficient power. All owners of the Yamaha XT 600 in their reviews note this problem, which cannot be fixed even by installing popular xenon headlights. Of course, one can hope that the manufacturer will solve this shortcoming, but for so many years of existencethe motorcycle was never done with it.

Body kit and frame

The supporting element of the steel single frame is the engine. The design for its time was progressive, but in reality it is ineffective and has little rigidity. The engine protection is weak, but does not cause any particular complaints, as are the plastic parts, unlike the steel gas tank, which is easily deformed from minor damage.

Pendant

The mechanism is comfortable, soft and non-adjustable. The hinges are well protected from dirt, as is the rear shock absorber. The front fork requires an engine oil change once a season, the service life of the oil seals is 20 thousand kilometers.

Modifications

The model, released in 1990, was equipped with rear disc brakes, a new plastic body kit and an electric starter. No other changes were made to the design of the Yamaha XT 600, however, the modification for the American market was made with the light always on.

Benefits

Based on the numerous reviews and reviews of the Yamaha XT 600, you can make an impressive list of motorcycle advantages:

• Affordable price.
• Reliability and ease of maintenance and operation.
• Large engine life.
• Soft suspension and braking system, no complaints.
• High strength plastic skins.
• Comfortable and comfortable fit even for drivers of a smallgrowth.

Flaws

The long-term existence of the Yamaha XT 600 motorcycle has not eliminated all its shortcomings, among which the owners include the following features:

• Frame of weak strength.
• Poor engine protection.
• Air filter easily contaminated.
• Any damage to the fuel tank will cause scratches and dents.
• Despite the good fuel tank capacity, many owners complain about the lack of fuel for long trips.
• Head optics don't always do their job.

Motor enthusiasts and experts often say that for a versatile motorcycle equipped with such an engine, the maximum and cruising speeds of 155 and 140 km/h are too low, and the rear brake system is not effective enough to stop quickly.