Category:
Mid-size naked sport motorcycle.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a reliable, versatile, and affordable motorcycle for commuting, touring, and spirited riding. Appeals to both novice and experienced riders.
Key Competitors:
Honda CB500, Suzuki GS500E, Kawasaki GPZ500S (faired variant of the same engine platform), Ducati Monster 600.
Engine Type:
Proven and robust liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on practicality, reliability, and accessible performance. The 'N' designation signifies the naked variant, focusing on a clean, minimalist aesthetic and upright ergonomics.
Value Proposition:
Offers a blend of performance, comfort, and durability at a competitive price point, making it a popular choice for riders on a budget or those seeking a no-nonsense machine.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting for the 599cc inline-four engine.
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment, cleaning, rebuilding, fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel lines.
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, spark plugs, coils, CDI unit, wiring, and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Gearbox inspection, clutch service, gear shift mechanism, and transmission oil.
Cooling System:
Air-cooling system analysis, airflow management, and heat dissipation components.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection, repair, and replacement.
Chassis:
Frame inspection, steering head bearings, swingarm, and suspension mounting.
Front Suspension:
Fork disassembly, seal replacement, oil levels, spring rates, and damping adjustments.
Rear Suspension:
Shock absorber inspection, linkage maintenance, and adjustable damping settings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance, including hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, pads, discs, and bleeding procedures.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection, tire pressure, tire replacement, and rim maintenance.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), and wiring diagrams.
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, and their associated sensors and wiring.
Bodywork:
Fairings, tank cover, seat, fenders, and related fasteners and trim.
Controls:
Handlebars, levers, pedals, cables, and throttle mechanism.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication, and general inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Rebuilding:
Detailed guides for rebuilding major components such as the engine and carburetors.
Adjustments:
Precise instructions for adjusting valve clearances, carburetor synchronization, ignition timing, and brake levers.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for easy fault diagnosis and component identification.
Depth Of Information:
Highly detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic service to complete engine rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic information, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts and specifications.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, DOHC, inline-four cylinder
Displacement:
599 cc (Cubic Centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
Approximately 62.0 mm x 49.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 10.2:1
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Power Delivery:
Smooth and linear power delivery, with a usable powerband across the rev range.
Horsepower:
Estimated 72-75 HP (Horsepower) at approximately 9,000 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
Torque:
Estimated 54-56 Nm (Newton-meters) at approximately 7,500 RPM
Carburetion:
Four Mikuni constant velocity (CV) carburetors, likely 34mm or 36mm size.
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank via petcock.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 17 liters (4.5 US gallons)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-6,000 km (3,000-3,700 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Change Interval:
Recommended at every oil change.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles), depending on operating conditions. Replacement as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
As needed, typically every 500-1000 km (300-600 miles), and check for slack.
Valve Clearance Check:
First check at 10,000-20,000 km (6,000-12,000 miles), then every 10,000-20,000 km thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 viscosity recommended. JASO MA certified for wet clutch compatibility.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.4 liters (3.6 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water (typically 50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Fork Oil Type:
Yamaha Genuine Fork Oil (or equivalent SAE 10W suspension fluid)
Fork Oil Quantity:
Approximately 448 ml (15.1 US fl oz) per fork leg.
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 80W or 85W gear oil (though often uses engine oil in this era of Yamaha).
Carburetor Synchronization:
Carburetors can go out of sync over time, leading to rough idling, poor throttle response, and uneven power delivery.
Fork Seal Leaks:
Front fork seals are prone to wear and can develop leaks, requiring replacement.
Regulator Rectifier Failure:
The regulator/rectifier unit can be a weak point in the charging system, leading to battery charging issues.
Clutch Cable Wear:
The clutch cable can stretch or fray, affecting clutch operation.
Exhaust Flange Gaskets:
Exhaust header flange gaskets can deteriorate, leading to exhaust leaks and a loss of performance.
Yamaha Legacy:
Yamaha Motor Company is renowned for its long history of innovation and performance in the motorcycle industry, dating back to the early 1950s. Known for its balanced approach to engineering, reliability, and sporting prowess.
Xj Series Lineage:
The XJ series has a lineage of reliable and versatile motorcycles. The XJ600 was originally introduced in the early 1980s (as the XJ600 Seca/Diversion) and evolved over the years. The XJ600N is the naked version, evolving from earlier faired models or specifically designed as a naked bike.
Xj600N Specific Development:
The XJ600N of the 1995-1999 period represented a refinement of the XJ platform, focusing on accessible performance and a more modern, minimalist aesthetic compared to its faired predecessors. It was designed to be a practical all-rounder.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Yamaha Motor Company.
Market Impact:
The XJ600N was a popular choice in its segment, offering a good balance of performance, comfort, and value, contributing to Yamaha's strong presence in the mid-size motorcycle market.