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Yamaha XJ 600S Diversion

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

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.

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.

Yamaha XJ 600S Diversion

Model History