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 type | Triple-piped, 2-stroke, 7-port |
| Cylinder arrangement | Parallel 3-cylinder |
| Engine stroke | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid cooled |
| Bore x Stroke (“) | 2.52 x 2.44 |
| Displacement (cc) | 598 |
| Horsepower | 124 (Approximately) |
| Idle speed (rpm) | 1800 +/- 100 |
| Starting system | Manual with recoil starter |
| Carburetor | Mikuni TM33 x 3 |
| Turbocharged | No |
| Engine oil type | YAMALUBE 2-cycle oil |
| Fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2; 91 or higher |
| Fuel tank capacity (gal) 1998 | 11.9 |
| Fuel tank capacity (gal) 1999 | 11.7 |
| Oil tank capacity (qt.) 1998 | 2.5 |
| Oil tank capacity (qt.) 1999 | 3.5 |
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.) | 1998 | 1999 |
| SRX 600 | 545 | 545 |
| SRX 600S | 547 | – |
Yamaha SRX 600 Drive Track and Suspension
| Track | Molded 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 type | Slide rail suspension |
| Drive sprocket | Quadruple polyethylene, 9 teeth |
Yamaha SRX 600 Transmission
| Type | Automatic 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 chain | Silent chain enclosed in oil bath |
| Reduction ratio (98-99 models) | 39/23 (1.696) |
Yamaha SRX 600 Electric Features
| Ignition system | CDI |
| Spark plug type | BR10ECS (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 Drive | Belt |
| Reverse | No |
| Front suspension type | Independent double wishbone |
| Break type | Hydraulic disc brake (ventilated) |
| Track | Molded rubber, fiberglass rod reinforced |
| Break operation | Handle lever (left hand) |
| Throttle operation | Handle lever (right hand) |
| Chassis | Yamaha ProAction System |
| Chassis material | Aluminum |
| Body Material | Plastic |
| Rider capacity | 1 |
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.
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