Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion N et S 2002 — Specifications

Are you looking for a versatile and indestructible road bike without breaking the bank or flinching at every fill-up? The Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion, this old lady produced from 1992 to 2003, still answers the call with a disarming serenity. While modern motorcycles become increasingly complex, it relies on indestructible foundations: a steel double cradle frame and an air-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, a simple and reliable mechanism like an anvil. With its 61 horsepower at 8500 rpm, it won't rip your arms off, and its torque of 53 Nm arrives fairly high in the rev range. It is the antithesis of a nervous sportbike; it is a machine that devours the miles with the placidity of a locomotive.

On the used market, it represents an ideal entry point for the neo-A2 license holder or the budget-conscious traveler. Its weight of 213 kg fully fueled and its seat height of 790 mm make it a very physically accessible motorcycle. Comfort is its true battleground. The wide seat, well-balanced suspension, and upright riding position transform routine into pleasure. The S version, with its more protective fairing, is even a true travel companion. It is often criticized for a somewhat soft gearbox and rather generous fuel consumption for its category, but at this price, one makes concessions. Incidentally, what is the price of a 1994 Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion N and S in France? They are often found between 1500 and 2500 euros, a massive argument against a Honda CB500 or a Suzuki Bandit 600, which are often more expensive.

The Diversion has never sought to be a racehorse. Its maximum speed of 179 km/h is more than sufficient for the highway, and its honest handling inspires confidence. The braking, improved in 1998 with a second disc at the front and a fork increased from 38 to 41 mm, does its job without frills. It is an honest motorcycle, fully assuming its role as an indefatigable worker. It doesn't excite the senses, it soothes them. In the city, its suppleness and agility are appreciable, even with its somewhat wide 17-liter fuel tank.

Ultimately, the XJ 600 Diversion is the archetype of a motorcycle that never disappoints because it never promises the moon. It is the faithful ally, the good friend on whom you can rely with your eyes closed. It dominated sales for years not through its flamboyant technology, but through its unbeatable simplicity/reliability/price ratio. For those looking for a first large displacement motorcycle, a robust daily motorcycle, or a platform to discover travel without overthinking it, it remains, even today, a safe bet on the used market. A machine that has known, with elegant modesty, to cross the eras without taking a mechanical wrinkle.