The Yamaha FZR600 is one of the most popular models of racing bikes that the Yamaha company has ever produced. Even though it was manufactured between 1989 and 1999, the bike is actually still the bike a number of amateur racers turn to when they're just getting started. There are a number of reasons for this. First, it's still quite fast; second, it looks pretty awesome, even though some of the newer models are sleeker; and third, it's very affordable. While the FZR was eventually replaced by the YZF-600R and the YZF-R6, the bike has enjoyed a very long wave of popularity. Today, used FZR600s are still highly sought after.
The FZR600 was built to replace the FZ600 model. It used a four-valve, 599cc engine and features 91 horsepower, ramping up to 10500 rpm. The bike uses a six-speed transmission. The 600s were actually split into two different batches: those built before 1993 and those built after that. The two are actually fairly different models. Those built before 1993 were fairly underpowered, especially when compared to new models introduced in the early 1990s. They also needed better suspension and better brakes.
The FZR models built after 1994 were actually called the YZF600 in the U.S. These models had a brand new frame, different tires, a different engine, and better suspension. There were not many similarities between these and the pre-1993 models except for the angle of the motor and the name. Even though these bikes were popular, they were not quite the same as the older models. When people look for a FZR600, they often want one of the older versions, although the later models are still popular.
