Yamaha XJ600N

I am an experienced rally going scooterist who found themselves priced out of it. So, bought a 9 year old Black XJ600N for just under a grand from a shop. Seems a lot, but got a lifetime warranty with it. 1999 model, it has twin front discs, oil cooler and rear hugger/mudguard. Good condition when I got it, now had it 5 years...done 8k (was 23k when bought), fitted 2 michelin roadrunners...excellent tyres, purpose made for XJ type bikes.

Never broke down, though sometimes problems with ignition (leave cut-out switch in 'ON' position seems to prevent non-starting). Rear brake seized, easy and cheap to get reconditioned. Brakes are excellent...I actually quite enjoy emergency stops! Seat gave me piles after a weekend to the seaside and back.

Goes really well on motorway...loves 60-80mph cruizing...good turn of acceleration. Fitted universal wind shield...takes so much weather off upper body...almost invaluable for any serious biker.

Some so called friends won't be seen dead with me on the road...sad barstewards!! Their BMW's and Bandits all broke down a long time ago...I'm still going strong on the Yama.

Don't thrash it, ride nice and steady, often no higher than 4k on the rev counter...which will take you nicely along with the traffic. 60 mph to 70 mph will see the revs hit 5 - 6k, but that's nothing for this bike...feels so under-stressed...which it is, cos this is a very under-stressed bike.

I expect my trusty Yama to go on for ever, so I'll give you an update sometime.

Just saving up for a new exhaust...the one on it (4 into 1 Micron) is on it's last winter.

I live in pot-hole city,and the big wheeled Yam gives a bumpy ride, but hey, it's not some rolls royce!

REMEMBER: annual service is a good idea, regular oil change is essential for longevity. Water in oil can be a problem...change oil regularly as I just said, and keep levels slightly too high...this allows water based scum in oil to escape through breather after decent 35 mile plus run. Fill oil too much, you risk the scum and oil to come out in the air filter housing, and the same if breather pipe becomes blocked...hence regular service.

I bought this bike after passing my DAS,needed something cheap to run and insure. My insurance is £83 fully comp for the year and £55 12 months road tax, and it costs £15 or there abouts to full the tank. Not sure how many miles you can get out of a full tank but done 89miles so far and there appears to be a fair amount still in there. It's an 1997 model the naked version in black and has only done 19000 miles, its easy to ride and inspires confidence in a rider,its not the most powerful 600cc bike out there but its still a 600cc bike and its nippy, it kept up with a Suzuki sv1000cc bike on a ride out to devils bridge. I would recommened this bike to anyone who's just past there test or wants a winter hack it won't let you down, its a lot of fun.

Go in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about itGo in to plenty of detail, talk about the key elements you like, was there anything you particularly didn't like about it

Bought an XJ600N for cheap commuting and as my first 'Big' Road bike. Ran faultlessley for 4 months through bad weather then had a bit of trouble with a starter relay (which turned out to be the block connecter not the relay!) then caliper started sticking(new seals and a clean have sorted that) and rev counter stopped working. Minor things to say i have put 5000 miles on the clock. Average around 44mpg on fun roads. Plenty of power for everyday commute but have to rev alot to find it. Decent handling (just keep an eye on fork seals and oil) and is actually ok having 2-up. Often have passenger. Comfortable seat and position. I am 6'4 and find it not too cramped. Engineering is basic which is perfect for this bike because it is easily maintained for commuting. A great value first bike or commuter. It's also in lower tax bracket as its 598cc and low insurance too.

I'm 60, had an MZ 251 till I got fed up with paying out and came across this xj 600n for £550, had engine protection bars and a replacement 4 into i exhaust, guy said he had rebuilt rear brake and starteter - guess which two things I had to get rebuilt (again) professionally.

Been on a lot of trips, only gripe is a slight h/bar buzz at 4/4.5K revs but intend to get the carbs balanced which may cure it, for a bike that doesn't look like its had much tlc its survived pretty well. had it serviced and 90mph is fairly easily obtained - you won't want to do more without a fairing.

after car driving fuel seems to need refilling fairly frequently but mpg is Ok, around 50 if you atre careful. Its growing on me even if it looks an old dog, despite being under 200kg it seems heavy to haul around but maybe that's me.

I bought my 1998 XJ600N on a whim as a commuter after selling my ZX9-R Ninja and wanting a bike to take to work and back.

Being tall I was worried about the peg position, but find this very comfortable to ride, even though I am doing very short distances it is fuel efficient and very cheap to insure at £77 a year (30yo 1 years NCB).

I would reccommend this to anyone as a cheap commuter bike, being easy to maintain and i have had no issues at all with mine, even through the winter starting on the button, even without being on charge for the 6 weeks of winter and snow it was sat in the garage.

It looks ok, mine is black with a stainless exhaust as by all accounts the exhausts rot out.

Very good comfortable bike...

I bought my Yamaha XJ600N bike 2 years ago with 14,000 miles on the clock as a first big bike. I have ridden it all year round and have generally really enjoyed it. I had a starter relay go and have needed 2 new batteries despite use of an optimiser. It is fast enough for my needs, comfortable (with flyscreen) and has what I consider very fun handling.

I just got me first big bike it was a yahama xj600 diversion, travelled 300 miles to get it, it was a sound bike for a month until the gear box dropped, ever since the bike hasnt been the same, folk seals have started leaking, ive had suzukis, hondas, but my experience with the yahamas is terrible! now the bloody thing doesnt even start? any ideas? it spars up as it wants to start but doesnt fire up, and its got plenty of petrol, been serviced recently but cant think of anything?

Yamaha XJ600N has Good power, reliability, comfort, handling. try not to ride for short distances as you will get condensation in the engine, especially in winter.

sadly they dont make them anymore.

Not the fastest 600 but was never meant to be. It's the Vauxhall Astra of the bike world. These things are pretty indestructable if you change the oil regularly (every 3000 miles). If the fork seals leak (and they will) pump the old oil out and when replacing with new oil, add about 40cc of STP Stop Leak to top up to the correct level, ride it for 150 miles and the leak will disappear. It works! And it's cheap.