Japanese motorcyclesYamaha motorcycles
Motorcycles from one of the world's oldest concerns, Yamaha, are enviably popular and in demand on all continents.
The bikes of this brand are famous for their extreme reliability, excellent performance, stylish design and, of course, speed.
Japanese engineers are used to surprising people with the variety of models, technologies and innovations used. Be it a sports bike, a touring chopper or a neoclassical motorcycle.
It is the brightest representative of the latter category that will be discussed further.
The Fazer 600 debuted in 1997 at the Paris Motor Show. Experts around the world call the emergence of this model the starting point for the rapid development of medium-sized neoclassicals in Europe.
Model features
The new product from the Land of the Rising Sun, shown to the public, was an excellent combination of ergonomics and comfort of a classic bike with the handling and dynamics of a sports motorcycle, at a relatively low cost of the model.
The Phaser 600 had a duplex frame made of steel, on which a fairly powerful engine was installed, providing the machine with amazing dynamics.
The direct seating position of the driver ensured comfort during long journeys.
To complete the picture, it is necessary to mention the disc brake system and the almost racing geometry of the chassis, which especially attracted European fans of motorcycles for daily use, but with pronounced sporting ambitions.
Within a couple of years (1999), the Yamaha Fazer 600 was recognized as the best-selling bike in its class, which was confirmed very soon - by the end of 2002, the number of sales of this model in Europe exceeded 83,000 copies.
And this despite the fact that immediately after the triumphant debut, all Yamaha’s competitors rushed to produce equipment with similar parameters and performance.
For comparison, we suggest you look at the technical characteristics of the domestic motorcycle IZH 5
“New” model of the Vostok motorcycle, read the description in our article.
Video
Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer
was produced from 1998 to 2004, when it was replaced by a more modern model - the Yamaha FZ6. This urban motorcycle, clad in plastic, is a fairly typical representative of its class. The common engine capacity is 600 cc. see, good characteristics and a fairly modern appearance by the standards of that time made the model very popular. And even now the FZS 600 does not lose its relevance, enjoying good popularity among Russian bikers for its low price, however, inferior in demand to its descendant - the FZ6.
The engine for the Yamaha FZS 600 was the power unit from the Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat sportbike. The liquid-cooled inline-four from the Thundercat was derated, resulting in a reduction in power to 95 horsepower and a torque of 61 nM. The sporting roots of this engine, however, are also felt in the FZS 600 with a minimum of electronics, so that when the gas is opened sharply, a noticeable kick followed by powerful acceleration is guaranteed to the owner.
Being a completely average urban classic, the Yamaha FZS 600 has a perky character. However, from a purely technical point of view, this motorcycle is nothing outstanding - four carburetors, liquid cooling, chain drive and a six-speed gearbox. The frame is the simplest, steel. All versions also had a plastic fairing installed, which copes well with wind pressure up to 120-140 km/h. The FZS 600 was produced in this form until 1998, when the 18-liter gas tank was replaced with a 20-liter one, and in 2002 a deep restyling of the exterior was carried out, as a result of which the bike began to look like the FZ6-S later looked like.
Possessing a truly explosive character, the motorcycle is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and the maximum speed of the Yamaha FZS 600 is about 220 km/h, that is, comparable to the modern Yamaha MT-09. With such frantic dynamics, good brakes came in very handy - in particular, the front brakes came from the Yamaha R1, a world-famous sportbike. Their efficiency is beyond all praise. They also took care of the suspension - it is no frills, but it is fully adjustable for preload, both front and rear. The driving position on the FZS 600 is upright, but if desired, you can move back in the seat and lie on the tank, hiding behind the fairing.
The dry weight of the Yamaha FZS 600 is about 190 kg - quite average figures by the standards of the class. The motorcycle only seems heavy when static, because as soon as you start moving, it starts to be controlled as easily as a feather. Control obedience largely depends on the suspension settings - if you relax them, then during sharp maneuvers the motorcycle will obey slightly reluctantly, with some delay, but in the “hard” steering mode the FZS 600 obeys perfectly.
Of course, this is a city motorcycle, but the large gas tank and adequate protection from headwinds make it suitable for long trips. In addition, no one forbids installing a higher windshield and travel luggage bags on it. The seating position on the Yamaha FZS 600 is, of course, quite “collected” and tight, but the seat is spacious, which allows you to change your body position from time to time. All this makes this bike a shining representative of its generation, and it is not surprising that the Yamaha FZ6 turned out to be so similar to it. Japanese designers simply took the FZS 600 design, which was successful in many respects, and made it even better.
Design solutions
The appearance of the Yamaha Phaser 600 was in perfect harmony with the stated characteristics.
Every line, curve and design element literally “screamed” about the swiftness and agility of the “steel horse”, fitting perfectly into the original concept of “comfort + versatility”.
The size of the bike allows it to feel great in heavy traffic:
- length - 209.5 cm;
- height - 108.5 cm;
- width - 75.5 cm;
- saddle height - 79.5 cm;
- wheelbase - 144.0 cm;
- ground clearance - 14.5 cm.
Among other things, 17-inch wheels (110/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR17 rear), as well as almost ideal weight distribution along the axles (49 to 51%) add to the maneuverability of the 180-kilogram car.
The high saddle of the motorcycle is ideal for a rider of average height.
Its width allows you to sit with maximum comfort, and the footrests under the seat allow your limbs to be found intuitively.
The paired headlights look like the squinting of a cat's eyes and organically harmonize with other design solutions, while at the same time doing an excellent job with their main task.
A chrome exhaust muffler, a tinted windshield, neat rear-view mirrors, an original-shaped tank and an informative dashboard complement the image of a universal car.
In 2000, the Phaser 600 model underwent modernization aimed at increasing comfort during long journeys. As a result, the motorcycle received an enlarged (up to 20 liters) gas tank. A thicker seat, dual odometer (daily trip), dashboard clock, updated passenger handles, emergency stop signal, improved brakes and other suspension tweaks.
A couple of years later (2002), the tank was enlarged again, stainless steel pipes were installed, the dashboard and fairing were updated, fitting the motorcycle to the updated style of the brand and giving it a more modern look.
Customizing and tuning
The basic equipment of the model impresses even the most sophisticated fans of this motorcycle. Bikers first of all note that the model has a rather convenient central stand, and not a one-sided one, like its predecessors. The controls are well placed and the dashboard is beautifully designed. Fans of high speeds install a fairly voluminous sports-type windshield on the steering wheel. It reliably protects the motorcyclist from powerful oncoming air currents. Many bikers install heating elements on the handlebars.
Those who do not want to carry a passenger get rid of the passenger seat, thereby making the car lighter. In addition, a motorcycle without a rear seat takes on a more aggressive and dynamic look. Such devices simply attract lovers of fast driving on city roads. The motorcycle is being modified, ridding it of all plastic body kits and the front fairing. Instead, the bike is fitted with an impressive chrome muffler and external elements to create certain effects. Thanks to the removal of the skin, all the metal insides of the motorcycle look quite impressive.
Specifications
As mentioned above, the basis for the Yamaha Fazer 600 model was a traditional, proven duplex cast frame, on which an equally reliable R6-based powerplant with an outstanding sporting pedigree is mounted.
More detailed information about the characteristics of the Yamaha Fazer 600 is presented below.
| Motor type. | 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, in-line DOHC. |
| Working volume. | 599.00 cm3. |
| Stroke and diameter of the piston stroke. | 44.5 x 65.5 mm. |
| Compression. | 12.2 to 1. |
| Power (max). | 98 l. With. (12,000 rpm). |
| Kr. moment (max). | 63.1 Nm (10,000 rpm). |
| Speed (max). | 214 km/h. |
| Ignition. | TCI. |
| Clutch. | Multi-disc. |
| Launch. | Electric. |
| Transmission. | 6-speed, constant mesh. |
| Drive unit. | Chain. |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h. | 3.5 seconds. |
| Dynamics 60-140 km/h. | 11.8 seconds. |
| Fuel consumption. | 0.64 liters per 100 km. |
Yamaha motorcycles
…
| YZF-R1 | |
| engine's type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, forward-leaning inline |
| Engine capacity | 998 cm3 |
| Engine power | 182 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha YZF-R1”
| YZF-R6 | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward inclined, in-line |
| Engine capacity | 599 cm3 |
| Engine power | 120 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha YZF-R6”
| FZ8 | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward-leaning inline 4-cylinder, DOHC |
| Engine capacity | 779 cm3 |
| Engine power | 106 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha FZ8”
| FZ8 Fazer / ABS | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward-leaning inline 4-cylinder, DOHC |
| Engine capacity | 779 cm3 |
| Engine power | 106 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha FZ8 Fazer / ABS”
| Star Roadliner 1850 | |
| engine's type | Air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin, 2-cylinder, OHV, 4-valve |
| Engine capacity | 1854 cm3 |
| Engine power | 90 hp |
Characteristics of the “Yamaha Star Roadliner 1850”
| FZ1 | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward-leaning inline 4-cylinder, DOHC |
| Engine capacity | 998 cm3 |
| Engine power | 150 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha FZ1”
| FZ1 Fazer / ABS 2011 | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward-leaning inline 4-cylinder, DOHC |
| Engine capacity | 998 cm3 |
| Engine power | 150 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha FZ1 Fazer / ABS 2011”
| XJ6 Diversion/ABS | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward-leaning inline 4-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC |
| Engine capacity | 600 cm3 |
| Engine power | 78 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha XJ6 Diversion / ABS”
| XJ6 | |
| engine's type | Four-stroke, in-line, four-cylinder, forward-leaning, four valves per cylinder and two overhead camshafts |
| Engine capacity | 600 cm3 |
| Engine power | 78 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha XJ6”
| XV 1900 Midnight Star | |
| engine's type | V2 |
| Engine capacity | 1854 cm3 |
| Engine power | 99 hp |
Characteristics of the “Yamaha XV 1900 Midnight Star”
| XV1900A Midnight Star(Stratoliner) 2009 | |
| engine's type | Twin-cylinder V-shaped 4-stroke |
| Engine capacity | 1854 cm3 |
| Engine power | 90 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star(Stratoliner) 2009”
| FJR1300A | |
| engine's type | Inline four-cylinder, four-stroke, forward-leaning, liquid-cooled, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) |
| Engine capacity | 1298 cm3 |
| Engine power | 144 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha FJR1300A”
| FJR1300AS | |
| engine's type | Inline-four, four-stroke, forward-leaning, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine |
| Engine capacity | 1298 cm3 |
| Engine power | 144 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha FJR1300AS”
| YZ250F | |
| engine's type | Four-stroke, DOHC, 5 valves, one cylinder |
| Engine capacity | 250 cm3 |
| Engine power | 36 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha YZ250F”
| YZ250 | |
| engine's type | Liquid Cooled, Push-Pull, Reed Valve, Single Cylinder Forward Tilt, YPVS System |
| Engine capacity | 249 cm3 |
| Engine power | 29 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha YZ250”
| YZ125 | |
| engine's type | Air cooled, 2-stroke, with reed valve |
| Engine capacity | 124 cm3 |
| Engine power | 37 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha YZ125”
| FZR1000 Genesis (1987) | |
| engine's type | 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid cooled |
| Engine capacity | 989 cm3 |
| Engine power | 135 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha FZR1000 Genesis (1987)”
| XT1200Z Super Tenéré | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, forward-leaning inline 2-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel injection, 2 spark plugs per cylinder |
| Engine capacity | 1199 cm3 |
| Engine power | 110 hp |
Characteristics of the “Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenéré”
| XT660Z Tenéré | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, single cylinder, SOHC |
| Engine capacity | 660 cm3 |
| Engine power | 48 hp |
Characteristics of the “Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré”
| WR250R | |
| engine's type | Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward-leaning single cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC |
| Engine capacity | 250 cm3 |
| Engine power | 31 hp |
Characteristics of “Yamaha WR250R”
Estimated cost
Today, the Yamaha Fazer 600 model has been discontinued, so purchasing a brand new motorcycle, the main highlight of which was practicality and reliability, is quite problematic.
However, the secondary car market offers the motorcycles in question in fair quantities. The price, of course, depends on the condition and mileage of the equipment, but rarely falls below 200,000 rubles.
A good representative of the Enduro class is the Japanese motorcycle Suzuki Djebel 200.
We also recommend paying attention to bikes from English manufacturers Triumph. You can familiarize yourself with the model range in more detail here.
The lineup
The Yamaha snowmobile lineup includes:
Viking
Description and technical characteristics of the Yamaha Viking-540 snowmobile (professional):
Overall width - 1.19 m
Also on the market is the Yamaha Viking Professional VK540E snowmobile model, equipped with a two-stroke engine.
Technical characteristics of the Ventura sports snowmobile:
Description and characteristics of the Yamaha Venture Multi Purpose snowmobile:
Technical parameters of the Bravo-250 modification:
Phaser model parameters:
Technical parameters of the Nitro model:
Exhaust system - 2
Parameters and performance of the children's snowmobile SRX-120:
Photo gallery
The Yamaha Phaser 600 has gained considerable popularity among the people. Despite the fact that this model has been produced for several years, it still enjoys considerable popularity among connoisseurs of good and high-quality motorcycles.
The target audience
Universal, like most classics, the Yamaha Phaser 600 often becomes the choice of those who suffer from motorcycle disease in the broad sense of the word. The owner of this bike is not averse to sometimes driving around the city, he values his time and does not like to get stuck in traffic jams, he is easy-going, so on weekends he can go to a neighboring city or ride around the surrounding area.
Of course, by and large, this is transport for the city. But the Yamaha Phaser 600, whose characteristics are perhaps the most impressive in its class, feels great both on a long trip and in a suburban setting.
Often this model becomes the choice of those who are fed up with racing and cross-country terrain, and yesterday’s fans of enduro and sports switch to it. It is especially suitable for those who plan to ride with a passenger. The rear seat is quite practical, and the grab handle significantly increases the level of comfort. Of course, there are those who don’t like the handle behind the saddle at all, however, firstly, it can be easily removed, and secondly, the advantages of the motorcycle completely cover this minor feature.
Fans of alterations are also turning their attention to “Phaser”. The design and characteristics of this bike allow your imagination to run wild
The story of the birth of a new bike
Serial production of these models began in 1998. The bike was intended for use in Japan, the USA and European countries. Two years later, the motorcycle underwent a major modernization. The result is an improved seat design, the fuel tank has been increased to 20 liters, and the front fork can be adjusted. In 2002, the Yamaha Phaser 600 changed noticeably in appearance. The design of the gas tank, as well as the front integrated fairing, has radically changed. The developers did a good job on the dashboard. Soon mass production of this model was discontinued. It was replaced by a modified bike - Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer.
Video
- Review of the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat motorcycle.
- Review of the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat motorcycle.
Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat
- a motorcycle with a big name and a glorious history. In the CIS countries, it is still popular for its good driving characteristics, despite the fact that it has been discontinued for a long time, and the nickname “Gromokot” has firmly stuck to it, which is, in fact, a copy of the original name. Be that as it may, this sportbike is very interesting in our time, despite the fact that from a technical point of view it is inferior to its descendants in all respects. And during the years of its production it did not shine with any innovative technical solutions, which did not prevent it from becoming very popular.
The Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat was produced from 1996 to 2004, and despite the fact that this model was developed as a pure sportbike, it turned out to be excellent for fairly short trips, so many owners use it as a sports tourer, and consider it the motorcycle is exactly for this class. It should be noted that the YZF600R Thundercat lost its position as a radical sports bike after the advent of new generation sports motorcycles, more modern and powerful, but it remains relevant to this day.
Having replaced the obsolete Yamaha FZR 600R on the assembly line, the new model was to the taste of customers. The designers inserted a heavily redesigned liquid-cooled inline-four from the aforementioned FZR 600R into the steel frame (deltabox type) of the motorcycle, which after all the modifications significantly increased power and torque. The frame, by the way, is also actually a heavily redesigned frame from its predecessor, as is the aluminum swingarm. As a result, the YZF600R Thundercat turned out to be heavier than the FZR600R, but noticeably more powerful.
Externally, the Yamaha Thundercat resembles its older brother - the YZF1000R Thunderace model, and since the design of motorcycles from this manufacturer has always been their strong point, the Thundercat looks nice and attractive even now. An interesting technical solution was the installation of inertial charging, thanks to which engine power increases with increasing speed. The motorcycle also gets excellent brakes from the YZF1000R.
The brakes, by the way, were just right - the Gromokot is distinguished by impressive dynamics and frantic acceleration. Its 16-valve engine develops a power of 100 hp. (at 11,500 rpm) and is capable of accelerating the motorcycle to an impressive 260 km/h. not bad for a sporty 600 developed several decades ago, right? Moreover, the detonation when opening the gas is very noticeable - this is due to the carburetor power system and the lack of high-tech “gadgets” in the engine. However, its perky character is one of the reasons why the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is still so loved by an entire army of fans.
Of course, in the 2000s, “Gromokot” began to yield to more modern competitors, but, as we said above, many motorcyclists fell in love with it as a sport-tourist. This is due to the softness of its suspensions - they are definitely not stiff enough for aggressive driving on the track, but they are excellent for long trips on Russian asphalt. The comfortable dual seat of the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat allows both the driver and the passenger, if equipped, to sit comfortably. A gas tank with a volume of 19 liters provides a good power reserve - at a speed of 120-130 km/h, the motorcycle fits into 6 liters of gasoline, although the exact consumption value also depends on the technical condition of each specific motorcycle.
Thus, the motorcycle, discontinued back in 2004, is still very popular in the secondary market. It boasts impressive power, a comfortable chassis, excellent, without exaggeration, brakes and a solid power reserve. It is not surprising that many Yamaha Thundercats are still roaming the roads - the motorcycle, according to reviews, is very reliable, so this model will continue to be on sale.
Yamaha Virago motorcycle series
Yamaha Virago motorcycles were discontinued more than 15 years ago, but they are still the favorites of many motorcyclists. For the first time, representatives of this model range appeared on the market in 1995. The Yamaha Virago series in the first year of production was represented by the Virago XV 1100 motorcycle.
This line of motorcycles includes motorcycles with engine displacement from 125 to 1100 cubic meters. Now on the secondary market you can easily purchase a Yamaha Virago motorcycle. There are such representatives of this family as: XV 400, 535, 750. XV 1100 is also found.
It should be noted that the characteristics of the Yamaha Virago allow motorcycles in this line to be very popular among novice bikers who are just beginning to explore the world of motorcycle technology.
