1991 Yamaha XJ 600 review

Review of the 1991 Yamaha XJ 600:


H Reg with 11000 miles from new.

Author: Dave L, 2008-07-28, viewed 332 times.
 
I recently purchased a 1991 ´H´ reg XJ 600 with a genuine 11000 miles from new, from a well known auction site.

 
  I decided it was time to get a new bike to get me to and from work when my BMW K75 died. I dont like using my Blackbird for the daily commute to work. After searching the acution site and looking on the items ending soonest, i came across a H reg with only 11000 miles on it. I collected it a few days later from the lake district. The girlfriend and i went up on train and came back to Newbury on the bike. It is almost a toy bike. It is so much smaller and lighter than my Blackbird. It did make me smile riding it along the lanes in the lakes, getting it lent over with 2 up and on those skinny tyres. The front tyre on my Blackbird is wider than the rear tyre on the XJ 600. It is a comfortable little thing, i suffered no aches or pains, though my girlfriend who is only 5 foot 4 said the rear pegs where quite high up and when she was sat on the bike it did become uncomfortable after a while for her.
The performance is nothing special, though i could be looking at it from a Blackbird point of view. As a first bike i imagine it would feel like a little rocket. It is quicker than my BMW K75. And narrower than the 2 bikes so makes filtering easier.
Overall a funky looking little thing. Very retro looking now, i get more looks riding the XJ than on my Blackbird.
I would say the XJ would be an ideal bike for someone wanting their first big bike. Its quick enough and it handles well, you can chuck it around a lot, it inspires confidence.
My only complaint is the brakes. The front brakes are 2 disc items which bite well but the front suspension travels a lot when the front brake is pulled in. A little disconcerting as it takes all the weight off the rear. I tend to use the rear brake a lot for general slowing, its the way i was taught on my police response course, which makes it a lot better. That said, the rear brake on this little fella will lock up a little to easily, mainly due to the fact it weighs not a lot.
I managed 219 miles from a full tank and that was 2 up with luggage on a combination of city streets, motorways and A roads.
Overall a good little bike.
 



This review of the 1991 Yamaha XJ 600 was posted by a visitor on Bikez.com and does not necessarily reflect facts, truth or Bikez.com's opinions.
 

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