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Yamaha XT 600E

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Make Model

Yamaha XT 600E 

Year

1997 - 98

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve

Capacity

595 cc / 36.3 cu-in

Bore x Stroke

95 x 84 mm

Cooling System Air/oil cooled
Compression Ratio

8.5:1

Oil Capacity 1.6 Litres
Lubrication Dry sump

Induction

Single 28mm Y26PV carburetor

Ignition 

T.C.I.
Starting Electric

Max Power

45 hp / 32.8 kW @ 6500 rpm 
Max Power  Rear Tyre 40.hp @ 6200 rpm

Max Torque

50 Nm / 5.1 kg-m @ 5500 rpm

Transmission 

5 Speed 
Final Drive Chain

Front Suspension

41mm Telescopic forks, oil damped

Front Wheel Travel

225 mm / 8.9"

Rear Suspension

Monocross with preload adjustment,

Rear Wheel Travel

220 mm / 8.7"

Front Brakes

Single 267mm discs 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single 220mm disc  single piston caliper

Front Tyre

90/90-21

Rear Tyre

120/90-17
Dimensions Length 2220 mm / 87.4 in
Width   820 mm / 32.2 in
Height 1245 mm / 49.0 in
Wheelbase 1440 mm / 56.7"
Seat Height 860 mm / 33.9"
Ground Clearance 230 mm / 9.1"

Dry Weight

156 kg / 344 lbs
Wet Weight 170 kg / 375 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

15 Litres / 4.0 US gal

Consumption Average

18.5 km/lit

Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0

14.0 m / 40.3 m

Standing ¼ Mile  

14.0 sec / 147.6 km/h

Top Speed

165.1 km/h / 102.5 mph

Road Test

Tuttomoto 1995

You may associate Kawasaki with models that seem to stand still for a decade, but the air-cooled Yamaha XT600E trail bike is a stunning survivor from the 20th century.

All the opposition is liquid-cooled. Still the first choice for go-anywhere adventure, this gutsy thumper is aimed at riders modelled on a brick outhouse. Despite its 17in rear wheel, the XT's seat is still 855mm from the road and its dry weight is 156kg. The model's E suffix refers to its electric start, a daring innovation in 1990 and long since a trailie essential. Four valves are opened by a single camshaft.

The 95mm bore and the low-compression piston's rings are specially coated to reduce clearance and mechanical noise. A twin-choke Teiki carburettor ensures quick response with good mileage. Power is a modest 43PS at just over 6000rpm, but top speed remains a respectable 95mph for the 595cc single. There's nothing here to frighten a home mechanic, and the XT's production run speaks volumes for its basic reliability.

You can buy more agile trail bikes with smaller engines that will outperform the 600 Yamaha, but none have its character or reputation. If you're looking at an XT that's done a lot of off-road miles, and many have, check wheel and swing arm bearings carefully as pressure washing often forces detergent and water past seals. Serious trail riders may keep two sets of wheels, fitted with off-road and road tyres. If so, buy the second pair as part of your deal.