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Yamaha XJ 600S Diversion

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Make Model

Yamaha XJ 600S Diversion

Year

1998 - 00

Engine

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC,  2 valves per cylinder 

Capacity

599 cc / 36.5 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 58.5 x 55.7 mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression Ratio 10:1
Lubrication Wet sump

Induction

4x 28mm Mikuni BDS28 downdraft carburettors

Ignition 

Transistor 
Starting Electric

Max Power

61 hp / 45 kW @ 8.500 rpm 

Max Power Rear Tyre

51.4 hp @ 8400 rpm

Max Torque

45.9 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Clutch Wet multiple plate type

Transmission 

6 Speed 
Final Drive Chain
Gear Ratio 1st 2.733  2nd 1.778  3rd 1.333  4th 1.074  5th 0.913  6th 0.821
Frame Double cradle

Front Suspension

41mm Telescopic forks, no adjustment
Front Wheel Travel 140 mm / 5.5 in

Rear Suspension

Monocross monoshock adjustable for preload
Rear Wheel Travel 110 mm  / 4.3 in

Front Brakes

2x 320mm discs 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single 245mm disc 1 piston caliper
Wheels 3 Spoke cast alloy wheel

Front Tyre

110/80H17

Rear Tyre

130/70H18
Rake 25°
Trail 97 mm / 3.8 in
Dimensions Length 2170 mm / 85.4 in
Width    770 mm / 30.3 in
Height 1205 mm / 47.4 in
Wheelbase 1445 mm / 56.8 in
Seat Height 770 mm / 30.3 in
Ground Clearance 150 mm / 5.9 in

Dry Weight

198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Wet Weight 213 kg / 469.5 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

17 Litres / 4.4 US gal
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MCN review

The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is a Vauxhall Astra diesel amongst motorcycles… with all the worthiness (and dreariness) that implies. Designed from the outset to be soft, cheap, versatile, simple and novice-friendly, the curiously-named Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is pleasant, predictable and a useful hack. But note the complete absence of the words ‘desire’, ‘excitement’, ‘performance’ or ‘thrills’.

Engine

The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is softer than a marshmallow in a swimming pool. But then, that’s the way it was meant to be. Purpose-designed aircooled four is mechanically bullet and idiot proof and pretty much the same to use. Don’t go hunting for power bands – there aren’t any. But the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion purrs around without a glitch quite happily and lasts forever. Looks a bit like an old classic Honda engine, too…

Again, the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is adequate and novice-friendly rather than in any way inspiring or exciting. But as versatile, first-big-bike-type transport, the Divvy delivers the necessaries. The suspension is rather basic and the brakes a little soft, but it steers sweetly and the ride is good for two.

Not much to write home about but first time big bikers or couriers (cos they love em too) won’t find much to complain about with the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion. The mirrors mirror, the instruments inform, the switchgear has everything in the right place… just like a Vauxhall Astra diesel, in fact…

The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion was built to endure rather than impress. So steel proliferates over alloy, chunkiness over finery and straightforward, simple mechanicals over high tech. It works, too. Not much goes wrong with the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion and mileages the wrong side of 50,000 are fairly common.

 Model History

1992: Yamaha XJ600 Diversion launched.
1993: Yamaha XJ600 Diversion gets new fairing with air scoops, screen now has grey trim.
1994: New Diversion logo on fairing.
1996: Yamaha XJ600 Diversion gets oil cooler. New carburettor. New fairing with indicators mounted on the sides. New headlamp. Choke now mounted on left handlebar. Redesigned bar end weights. Reshaped side panels.
1997: New fork leg protectors. Now with hazard warning light switch. New seat.
1998: Revised centre stand. New 41mm (from 38mm) front forks.
2004: Yamaha XJ600 Diversion discontinued.