Yamaha's YZF600R is one of today's best middleweights, but it is up against some tough competition. Honda's CBR600 has a huge following, and Kawasaki's ZX-6R is another top performer. The Thundercat even plays second fiddle in the performance stakes to Yam's own R6.
So why would anyone want to own a Thundercat? It's all about horses for courses. If you want one of the most focussed middleweight supersports, then the YZF-R6 is for you. But the R6 is too extreme for most riders who have to get to work on a wet and windy Monday morning after their trackday thrash. If you want a bike that's a brilliant all-rounder the Thundercat is a better buy.
Yamaha say that with over 92bhp on offer, the forward-slanting liquid-cooled four-cylinder motor is the most powerful and flexible 600 they've ever built for the street. The 24-valve engine (the same unit as fitted to the latest FZS600 Fazer) pumps out plenty of mid-range thrust for easy roll-on overtaking and delivers even quicker acceleration than the R6. Keep the engine spinning above 9000 and this Cat moves like a scalded pussy. Top speed is a touch over 160mph.
Yamaha say the Cat has a 'specially-developed low-fatigue riding position and super-slippery aerodynamic bodywork'. Which means the Cat is a lot more comfortable to ride if you want to cover long distances quickly. The Thundercat handles pretty good too, thanks to the super-stiff steel Deltabox chassis.
The brakes are some of the best available on a street bike, and come straight from the 175mph R1 after a short spell on the Superbike factory racers. Superbly engineered one-piece front brake calipers deliver enormous stopping power combined with bags of feel.
Some riders complain that the rear shock spring is too soft, but aftermarket replacements can be fitted for less than £80.
The Thundercat is a great all-rounder. And if your pillion passenger has any say in the matter, this is going to be your next 600.
