I have owned an XJ6 for a few years. It was my first big bike and I love it to this day. Everything you said was spot on. 6ft 7 owner here so I feel your saddle issues. The thing I really don’t like how hot it gets. (I live in Sydney so it does get really hot in the summer) although some racing coolant seemed to cool it down a little on the extremely hot days. Unfortunately I had a major immobiliser fault and Yamaha Australia deemed it uneconomical to repair. I was pretty heartbroken and it just sat in the garage for a while while I enjoyed my new CB650R. Ordered a used wiring loom from a wreckers for $100 and it fired right up. Done about 5000km on it since with no issues. Still can’t bring myself to sell it even though it doesn’t get used too often with the CB being my main bike.
The motors in these were never used in the Thundercat! That engine was far older and discontinued in the late 90s/edarky 2000s after being used in the first Fazer FZS 600. It was the R6 motor detuned for the Fazer FZ6 then further developed for use in the XJ6 and newer Diversion with a newer top end and newer clutch. I have owned both incarnations of the Fazer with this motor and was great with a nice boost at 7000 revs and pushing out 98bhp, however it was quite revvy. I imagine the detuned and improved motor would be much nicer.
A bit harsh on the old Diversion as it was basically a 1980s tech bike made in the 90's and onwards and always considered very basic even when new. Great "real-world" review though and I'm looking for something similar to replace my worn out old 600 Bandit,pretty much the same deal from your review.
Hey ! Awesome content ! I’m so glad I’ve stumbled upon your channel as you are a tall rider so am I, I’m 6’5 and been knocking heads for a while for what bike to get😅 , I want a naked bike to be honest but don’t know which one would be most comfy? (Been looking at Honda cb650 and 1000r & Kawasaki z800) Second option is like an older triumph tiger sport or something similar... my type of riding will be a weekend blast here and there and maybe some short touring in the future ,please any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
My only problem with this bike is that I sit on my balls. For some reason the crotch is the absolute lowest point for me so I can’t take a long ride on this one haha. Too bad I noticed this after buying it along with brand new pilot road 5’s.
I have owned an XJ6 for a few years. It was my first big bike and I love it to this day. Everything you said was spot on. 6ft 7 owner here so I feel your saddle issues. The thing I really don’t like how hot it gets. (I live in Sydney so it does get really hot in the summer) although some racing coolant seemed to cool it down a little on the extremely hot days. Unfortunately I had a major immobiliser fault and Yamaha Australia deemed it uneconomical to repair. I was pretty heartbroken and it just sat in the garage for a while while I enjoyed my new CB650R. Ordered a used wiring loom from a wreckers for $100 and it fired right up. Done about 5000km on it since with no issues. Still can’t bring myself to sell it even though it doesn’t get used too often with the CB being my main bike.
How does it compare to your cb650r?
I have owned one for three years now and love it. That was spot on 👌
The motors in these were never used in the Thundercat! That engine was far older and discontinued in the late 90s/edarky 2000s after being used in the first Fazer FZS 600. It was the R6 motor detuned for the Fazer FZ6 then further developed for use in the XJ6 and newer Diversion with a newer top end and newer clutch. I have owned both incarnations of the Fazer with this motor and was great with a nice boost at 7000 revs and pushing out 98bhp, however it was quite revvy. I imagine the detuned and improved motor would be much nicer.
I actually picked one up cheap that was wrecked and rebuilt it.
I love it and it runs amazing.
Dat exhaust note
Excellent review and first person I've heard to talk about the saddle and I agree. Had mine for 4 years
A bit harsh on the old Diversion as it was basically a 1980s tech bike made in the 90's and onwards and always considered very basic even when new. Great "real-world" review though and I'm looking for something similar to replace my worn out old 600 Bandit,pretty much the same deal from your review.
I don't like the high revs on the highway too. What could I do to bring the revs down for a more comfortable ride??
Change the gear ratio, you'll lose some acceleration but it's probably worth it
What would the insurance be for a new rider on this
Great review mate! Owner of one myself, completely agree with everything
Hey ! Awesome content ! I’m so glad I’ve stumbled upon your channel as you are a tall rider so am I, I’m 6’5 and been knocking heads for a while for what bike to get😅 , I want a naked bike to be honest but don’t know which one would be most comfy? (Been looking at Honda cb650 and 1000r & Kawasaki z800) Second option is like an older triumph tiger sport or something similar... my type of riding will be a weekend blast here and there and maybe some short touring in the future ,please any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
İs this thing lams in Victoria? Cheers I love with the bike 😁🤙🏼👌🏼
i changed the sprockets to give it taller gearing
Can ya give more detilails pls? How does she behave in lower rpms now?
You are great! You have talent
Lewis Scott Brown Anthony Jones Edward
Thundercat preceded the R6 I thought.
It did the thundercat was the r6 before the r6 came out.
I hate the term "first big bike" it always makes it sound like it's a lesser bike and not fun
My only problem with this bike is that I sit on my balls. For some reason the crotch is the absolute lowest point for me so I can’t take a long ride on this one haha. Too bad I noticed this after buying it along with brand new pilot road 5’s.