The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion. A very cheap classic

Basic, effective, very nice and cheap. That was the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion in 1992. And he still is. The engine was presented in a time when more and more and faster and bigger was already the norm. The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion became a sales stunner. Oh yeah: As a Yamaha XJ600S, he even had a cool tub. A tub that was very rattle-sensitive in the beginning because it consisted of too many parts, by the way.

A topper

Let's forget for a moment that thirty years before the introduction of the Yamaha Diversion, 600 cc stood for a really heavy motorcycle. After all, it was 1992 when the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion saw the light of day. Then 600 cc was no longer 'da bomb'. The newcomer of the time, the super friendly and affordable classic of today, was the successor to the Yamaha XJ600 that has existed for years. The simple, but effective newcomer had no tricks like four-valve heads, USD front forks, plenty of power and highly impressive brakes. But it had nice, smooth looks with good lines and a brave forward-leaning cylinder block. The seating position was active, but comfortable. And the small - there was also a 900 cc version - Diversion was, after a few teething problems, a pleasantly dynamic pinnacle of lively reliability and driving pleasure.

An easy thing

The only thing was that the machine was quite sensitive to the adjustment and synchronization of its carburetors. Oh yes, Changing the 20.000 kilometer of the fork oil, the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is also sensitive and grateful for that. The thick 50 horsepower on the rear wheel (61 horsepower on the crankshaft) is thick enough to still be dynamically on the road. And that illuminating light for the oil supply? Ah, that's a little panic mower. A good Diversion uses a liter on the 5.000 km. So just keep an eye on that oil level.

The maintenance of such a Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is simple and cheap. The servicing of the 6000 km makes it even more user-friendly as a classic. That is also because the engine is simple, well thought-out and key-friendly. The small Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is suitable for serious rides. On average, the consumption will be around 1 on 18. In the most extreme forms of use, that consumption can run from 1 on 23 to 1 on 11. It's all on the right hand.

The offer is solid

The sales of these four cylinders were so great that even today there are very nice survivors. And they leave for change. Because for a topper with a tub or tub, you pay - barring exceptions - no more than 3.000 euros. Simply running, neat bikes are available from around 900 euros. So go for a topper. Please note that the cheaper ones can bear the traces of their budget history. The paintwork on the welds, for example, was not for eternity. The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion's were competitively priced. And that was already noticeable at the finish.

Danger for Guzzi drivers

In the meantime, there is a danger for Moto Guzzi drivers who buy such a brave little four-cylinder as a moped. Those Guzzi California riders tend to kick out their long sideways standard kewl and then release the engine on the 'sounded' sound of the jiffy's attack. A Guzzi then stands. Not a Yamaha Diversion. Unfolding the jiffy is just like with the Guzzi. But the 'sounded' with the Yamaha is when the sidestand automatically returns to its collapsed position. Then you release the engine. And then he thunders. On top of you. That is laughter in front of the audience. "Mom, what does the gentleman do?" You don't want to hear things like that.