Top 600s, 1997

So how does the Yamaha come to be 600 class champion after merely keeping up in the canyons and at the racetrack and placing third at the strip? For the answer get up out of your chair and look out the window. See that? It's called the real world and here the Yamaha reigns supreme. Yamaha's YZF wins this shootout by playing Honda's game -- being good, but not best at everything often puts you on top overall. The YZF isn't the sharpest at the track, but it isn't far off. 
 In the canyons its torquey bottom-end lets you pull quickly through corner exits and those awesome brakes allow you to dive deeper into corners than any other 600. But where the Yamaha really beats the competition is in comfort. Whether around town or on the freeway, the YZF spoils its rider with its plush suspension, smooth motor and a wide, tall fairing that creates a whisper-quiet pocket of air. The YZF600R may be the most comfortable middleweight sportbike ever produced. Any bike that can offer that level of plushness and still hold its own on the racetrack deserves the title of 600cc Sportbike Champion. Add in that Yamaha actually lowered the price of this bike for 1997, and the bike earns the title of best 600 the hard way: At the increasingly painful bottom line.

	The YZF's instruments are simple and uncluttered.
	Not everyone liked the Yamaha's large and uniquely-styled fairing, but it provides the best wind protection by far.
	Yamaha's fully-adjustable suspension responds well to tuning. Changes as subtle as one click of rebound can be felt on the track.
	Although Yamaha's YZF acquitted itself quite well on the racetrack, spring rates were a little on the soft side for a ten/tenths race pace.
	At 482 lbs full of gas, the Yamaha is nearly 50 pounds heavier than the Suzuki. That translates to slower turn-in and cornering speeds.
	Despite being the heaviest of the bunch, Yamaha's YZF600R proved to be a competent track weapon.

	When you've got Chuck Graves on a Suzuki GSX-R600 at Willow, everyone else may as well pack up and go home.
	The GSX-R's riding position is so radical that testers over 5'8" can't see the instruments unless they're in a race tuck...
	...but we forgave the brutal ergonomics on the racetrack!
	The Suzuki's huge tail hump may not look good to you and me, but the wind tunnel loves it.
	Another tough day on the job for the overworked MO staff.

	Backed by cool brushed aluminum, the Kawasaki's instruments are easily the best looking.
	Read your owner's manual, wear a helmet, ride responsibly and SHI....!
	With the Kawasaki's front-end woes, it takes a brave man to try an outside pass.
	We expected great things from the Kawasaki at the track, but came away disappointed
	The Kawasaki drew compliments for its hot graphics and excellent finish whenever it was parked.