Yamaha SRX 600 Specs and Review [1998-1999]


The Yamaha SRX 600 was a high-performance 600cc sled that was famous at the end of the millennium. Like its big brother, the SRX 700, this machine was powered by a triple-piped, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine. The SRX 600 was manufactured from 1998 through 1999.

If you are looking for the specs or want to find out more about this iconic Yamaha snowmobile, you are in the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha SRX 600 review!

Yamaha SRX 600 Review

Yamaha SRX 600 History and Review

The history of the Yamaha SRX 600 goes back to 1976 when Yamaha introduced the innovative liquid-cooled SRX family.

About two decades later, in 1998, the SRX line made a comeback with the following models: 

  • Yamaha SRX 600
  • Yamaha SRX 600S
  • Yamaha SRX 700
  • Yamaha SRX 700S
  • Yamaha SRX 700 Mountain

At first glance, it seems like a big family, but the only difference between the base and the “S” models was that the latter was slightly heavier and utilized Ohlins front suspensions.

It’s safe to say that the entire SRX line was designed for maximum performance, and the SRX 600 was no exception.

The 1998 Yamaha SRX 600 engine was a liquid-cooled, triple-piped, 598cc, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder power mill that cranked out about 124 HP. This advanced liquid-cooled engine featured three Mikuni TM33 carburetors, a CDI ignition, and electronic power valves.

Besides its incredible power, the exhaust on this machine generated unique sounds.

The SXR 600 was built on a ProAction System chassis that provided twice the torsional rigidity when compared to a regular frame.

Just like its chassis, the short-travel rear suspension was also designed for sharp handling and aggressive accelerations. Therefore, the SRX 600 did a great job in drag races, but it was pretty uncomfortable on bumpy trails.

Standard features included a hydraulic brake system, adjustable thumb, and hand warmers, headlights with a 300-watt magneto, tunnel protectors to make studding easier, a mechanical parking brake system, and the unique Throttle Override System, known as T.O.R.S.

The SRX 600 was propelled by a fiberglass-reinforced rubber track that measured 15” in width, 121” in length.

For the 1999 season, the 600S was dropped while the base model basically remained unchanged, except for a slightly smaller fuel tank, bigger oil tank, and a stronger crankshaft. (Each 1998 SRX model was manufactured with defective cranks.)

Even though this powerful sled was popular among performance-minded buyers, after only two years of production Yamaha ceased the SRX 600 in 1999.

Yamaha SRX 600 Problems

Although it was an extremely powerful and innovative snowmobile, the SRX 600 had a few weak points. In a nutshell, the most common problems of the Yamaha SRX 600 were as follows:

  • Heavy weight (545 pounds)
  • Defective crankshaft (only on the 1998 models)
  • Defective front suspension ski columns (the 1998 models were recalled)
  • T.O.R.S. malfunctions
  • Hard to work on
  • No reverse

Let’s face it, the SRX 600 was quite heavy, so it was only recommended for trail riding.

Another common complaint against the model was its stiff short-travel rear suspension, which was clearly designed for performance over comfort. Because of this, many SRX 600 were modified with aftermarket rear suspension systems.

However, the biggest problem with the Yamaha SRX 600 was arguably its weak crankshaft. According to Off-Road.com, each 1998 SRX model was manufactured with a defective crankshaft.

The manufacturer in the end didn’t issue an official recall, but the dealerships fixed the cranks on these models for free.

So, if you are considering buying a 98’s SRX, don’t forget to ask if the repair was done. What’s more, the 1999 SRX models were already made with stronger cranks.

However, the 1998 Yamaha SRX 600 had a recall due to its defective front suspension ski columns. The welds on these columns didn’t prove strong enough and were prone to breaking in the most unexpected situations.

Another drawback of the SRX 600 was that it didn’t have a factory reverse option, and installing an aftermarket reverse kit on it is not an easy task.

Beyond these issues, the SRX 600 was known as a reliable and dependable machine. As long as the carbs and power valves were clean, the engine started smoothly and worked reliably.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and take a closer look at the Yamaha SRX 600 specifications!

Yamaha SRX 600 Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Yamaha SRX 600 into these charts:

Yamaha SRX 600 Engine Specs

Engine typeTriple-piped, 2-stroke, 7-port
Cylinder arrangementParallel 3-cylinder
Engine stroke2
Cooling systemLiquid cooled
Bore x Stroke (“)2.52 x 2.44
Displacement (cc)598
Horsepower124 (Approximately)
Idle speed (rpm)1800 +/- 100
Starting systemManual with recoil starter
CarburetorMikuni TM33 x 3
TurbochargedNo
Engine oil typeYAMALUBE 2-cycle oil
Fuel typePremium unleaded gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2; 91 or higher
Fuel tank capacity (gal) 199811.9
Fuel tank capacity (gal) 199911.7
Oil tank capacity (qt.) 19982.5
Oil tank capacity (qt.) 19993.5

Yamaha SRX 600 Dimensions

Length (“)108.7
Width (“)46.1
Height (“)42.7
Ski tread (“)40.9

Yamaha SRX 600 Weight Chart

Dry weight (lbs.)19981999
SRX 600545545
SRX 600S547

Yamaha SRX 600 Drive Track and Suspension

TrackMolded rubber, fiberglass rod reinforced
Track Dimensions (“)121 x 15 x 1
Track deflection (“)0.98 – 1.18 / 100 N (10 kg, 22 lbs.)
Length on ground (“)29.6
Suspension typeSlide rail suspension
Drive sprocketQuadruple polyethylene, 9 teeth

Yamaha SRX 600 Transmission

TypeAutomatic centrifugal engagement, infinitely variable 3.8:1-1:1
Sheave distance (“)Approx. 10.57
Sheave offset (“)Approx. 0.59
Engagement speed* (r/min)Approx. 3,800
Shift speed* (r/min)Approx. 8,500
Drive chainSilent chain enclosed in oil bath
Reduction ratio (98-99 models)39/23 (1.696)

Yamaha SRX 600 Electric Features

Ignition systemCDI
Spark plug typeBR10ECS (NGK)
Spark plug gap (“)0.028~0.031
Headlight (Bulb x Quantity)12 V, 60/55 W x 1
Tail/brake light (Bulb x Quantity)12 V, 8/23 W x 1
Meter light (Bulb x Quantity)12 V, 1.7 W x 2
Indicator light (Bulb x Quantity)12 V, 1.7 W x 3

Yamaha SRX 600 Features

Primary DriveBelt
ReverseNo
Front suspension typeIndependent double wishbone
Break typeHydraulic disc brake (ventilated)
TrackMolded rubber, fiberglass rod reinforced
Break operationHandle lever (left hand)
Throttle operationHandle lever (right hand)
ChassisYamaha ProAction System
Chassis materialAluminum
Body MaterialPlastic
Rider capacity1

Source: Yamaha Owner’s Manuals. These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, refer to the factory manual.

Yamaha SRX 600 Top Speed

Thanks to the powerful triple-piped, 598cc engine, the top speed of the Yamaha SRX 600 was about 105-110 mph under ideal conditions.

Vintage Yamaha SRX 600 For Sale

Surprisingly, the vintage Yamaha SRX 600 is still a popular choice of performance-minded riders. Let’s face it, these aged sleds are more affordable than the new models and also much easier to work on.

If you’re considering buying one, you can find a vintage Yamaha SRX 600 for sale on Craigslist, Snowmobiletrader, eBay, Sledswap, Snowmobilesoup, and other dedicated snowmobile ad sites.

You also can’t go wrong by visiting a Yamaha snowmobile forum or FB groups. Besides some good deals, you can also find a lot of helpful information on these machines!

Takeaway – FAQs About the Vintage Yamaha SRX 600

As a takeaway, we’ve compiled the most frequent questions about this popular model under one roof:

Which models were included in the Yamaha SRX 600 line?

The Yamaha SRX 600 line included two different models, the Yamaha SRX 600 and the SRX 600S.

What is the difference between the SRX 600 and the SRX 600S?

The only difference between the Yamaha SRX 600 and 600S was that the latter utilized Ohlins front shocks and was 2 pounds heavier. Besides those things, these two machines were identical.

What year did the Yamaha SRX 600 come out?

The popular Yamaha SRX 600 came out in 1997 and was available from the 1998 model year.

What years was the Yamaha SRX 600 made?

The Yamaha SRX 600 was marketed from 1998 through 1999.

What size was the Yamaha SRX 600?

The Yamaha SRX 600 was 46.1 inches wide, 108.7 inches long, and 42.7 inches high.

What was the track size for the Yamaha SRX 600?

The stock track size of the Yamaha SRX 600 was 121” x 15” x 0.92”.

How much did a Yamaha SRX 600 weigh?

The 1998-1999 Yamaha SRX 600 weighed 545 pounds, while the SRX 600S was 547 pounds.

How fast could a Yamaha SRX 600 go?

The Yamaha SRX 600 topped out at about 105-110 mph.

What kind of engine was in a Yamaha SRX 600?

The Yamaha SRX 600 had a liquid-cooled, triple-piped, 598cc, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine featuring three Mikuni carbs, and electric power valves.

How much horsepower did a Yamaha SRX 600 have?

The 1998-1999 Yamaha SRX 600 produced a whopping 124 HP.

References:

On Snow Magazine

YamahaPart.com

TotallYamaha

Yamaha Motor

Recent Content