Yamaha XJ600S Diversion

Go for a 1999 plus model (these are out there in great condition with low milage), and you get electric fuel pump (though still carbs), duel floating front disks and a few other modern touches. Mine is the 2000 model and has only 15k on it - looks and rides basically new despite being 18 years old. Starts first time every time - easy to maintaine as was the last generation of bikes to be built before the computers took over - it is the pinicle of the pre 2000's evolution of the 4 cylinder carbed japanese engine and incorporates all the 70's, 80's and 90's reliability and learning that went into that evolution of that line. It is every inch the Yamaha hence it is well built and robust - anyone who has ever ridden or owned a Yamaha will know what I mean by this. Comfortable enough for comute or distance - it wont shoot you into space but will perform if pushed and certainly keeps up with and can outperform most cars. It is intuitaive and easy to ride. This is a cheap, reliable ride for riders of all levels and I would recomend it if you dont want to blow thousands on a new machine.

Hiya all, my dad bought this bike, no probs 4 a few weeks but now turns over but wont start, ave cleaned all terminals, checked all wiring, a think it may b the black box, any help or advice wud b greatly appreciated, or ny info on a gud place 2 get ablack box CHEAP, thanx in advance, Vanessa

I paid £800 for a Yamaha XJ 600 S to use as a winter hack. So far it's done exactly what it says on the tin!

It's a 1997 model with the half fairing and single brake on the front. First impressions from daily use are, it's frugal, returning a consistent 59 - 61 mpg depending on how much I thrash it. The brakes are adequate,they get the job done but aren't going to let you do a stoppie with them. The half fairing is OK at keeping some of the worst of the weather off and is way better than nothing at all. The handling is sure footed in the dry but the Michelin Macadams it came with feel a bit wooden and it's less reassuring in the wet. That's a tyre issue and will disappear when they are replaced. The engine is a useable lump with no noticeable power band though it does seem to wake up a bit over 7000 rpm.

It's been utterly reliable and starts first time even when left out all night in sub zero conditions. Parts are cheap and readily available so it makes good a good choice as a winter hack.

Two up we found it a bit cramped though the engine has enough go to cruise at motorway legal speeds. It's not a bike I'd choose to use a lot with a pillion passenger. That said we've had a giggle or two on it.

So far the only maintenance issue has been a weeping oil cooler feed pipe which was fixed for the price of a bit of braided hose and a couple of hose clips.

Overall the tractable engine, steady handling and adequate brakes make this a good commuter with enough go to make motorway use hassle free and round town use a pleasure with its light weight and narrow profile. There's lots of bikes to choose from out there, many of them well maintained and they represent lots of bike for the money

Would I buy another? Yes I would.

good all round bike, only problem i have had was a leaking oil cooler.

and at £300. a bit expensive. always starts first time even when wet.good m.p.g and comfortable to ride even after 100 or so miles.could do with a bit more b.h.p

I bought this as my first big bike for going to work and general commuting. Its never let me down,very good bike for all weather riding but personally don't think it likes starting in the cold very much but a minute or so with the choke on its fine.Every thing else is fine cont think of any bad points.I haven't had any other big bike so cont really compare it to anything but overall a good bike.

bought a Yamaha XJ600S Diversion cheap ish from a friend, reliable and fun, rotting exhaust, siezed brakes have been the only problem, suspention a bit soft on the front and brakes good, dont go mad and does good mileage, my only mode of transport after a divorce and temporary unemployment, done a few miles. not my ideal bike but beggars cant be choosers, good for pillion and touring, takes loads of neglect. helpful owners club

The Yamaha XJ600S Diversion is a good allrounder electrics can be abit naffed

I had my Yamaha XJ600S Diversion bike for a while now and find no faults with it it does what it says on the can? good for someone who going back to motorbikes after awhile away from them nice for commuting and short touring motor feels solid even after 40,000miles plus and can take a pillion with no trouble quite easly.

Just bought an old Yamaha XJ600S Diversion2 weeks ago,

riding was smooth so far.

Got a problem to start now, it is low on oil but I didn 't find the level yet.

Excellent bit of kit, now re-released by Yamaha - that's good news. Smooth, good low down power, very good MPG, very flexible & reliable. Excellent first big bike. A big pleasure to own & ride.