1999 Yamaha XT 600E

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Yamaha XT 600E

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Make Model	Yamaha XT 600E
Year	1999 - 00
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.