Hello, this guide is to help you to decide whether a Yamaha XJ600 is for you, or not!

The XJ600 was the equivant of the Yamaha Fazer, ten years ago!

Well the good points!

There easy to restrict to 33bhp for anyone whom has a class A1 license.

They are cheap to buy, prices from £500 for a good 1996/97 example.

The ride is comfy but not cruiser soft, you can feel the bumps but they won't hurt like on a sports bike!

They come with or without fairings, XJ600N is unfaired, XJ600S has fairings!

Plenty of spare parts available on ebay and at your local bike garage

Insurance is cheap too, my insurance was £145 for a year, and I was 23 when I insured it!

Bulletproof engine, there very reliable too, mine starts every time, and I ride all year round!

Good fuel comsumption, normal A to B riding is about 60mpg, a brisk summer ride is about 50mpg!

Chain and sprocket lifespan is very high, mine has done over 15000 miles and still has the same one!

Some bad points!

Headlights are not brilliant, a stronger bulb is recommended to see well at night time!

Exhausts, most don't have there original stock ones, most have either a MOTAD or NEXXUS aftermarket one, also if the one your bidding one that needs a new exhaust, forget it, they cost nearly £400 to replace!

The footpegs are a bit dated by todays standards, but some aftermarket ones should cure that!

Engine power, which was 60bhp when it left the factory ten years ago, expect 50 to 55 bhp realistically!

Top speed, which was 125mph when it left the factory ten years ago

Buying tips!

Tyres, go for Brigdestone BT45's, good all rounder, grips well in all weathers, good lifespan too, some people prefer Dunlops, but I nearly came off round a corner with them on, so I changed them!

Listen for engine rattle if possible, sign of worn camchain, which is not a cheap replacement!

Electrics, they can be faulty, but usually not!

Oil on top of the engine, sign of a worn / high mileage engine, oil goes into the airbox and lacks out when the engine is not running, look for oil stains down the side of the gear selector!

Overall!

The XJ600 is a good bike overall, comfy, reliable, cheap to insure and run, it lacks power but for 99% of the riding that your going to be doing, that's not a problem!

Recommended first bike after your test, because it's easy to ride and live with!