The Yamaha SXR 600 was a popular trail performance snowmobile manufactured from 2000 through 2003. Like its bigger brother, the SXR 700, it was powered by a single-piped, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine. If you want to find out more about this iconic sled, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha SXR 600 review!
Yamaha SXR 600 Review
Yamaha marketed the high-performance SXR family from 2000 through 2003. This model line consisted of three different sleds, which were as follows:
- Yamaha SXR 700 triple (SX700R)
- Yamaha SXR 600 triple (SX600R)
- Yamaha SXR 500 twin (SX500R)
It’s good to know that the official names of these sleds were respectively SX 700 R, SX 600 R, and SX 500 R, but most riders simply know them as SXRs.
Along with the flagship 700cc model, the SXR 600 was also popular among performance-minded trail riders.
These sleds share the same chassis, and their engines are pretty close as well, but as the names suggest, these models came with different displacements.
The Yamaha SXR 600 was powered by a single-piped, 593cc, 98-100 HP, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine with no power valves. This liquid-cooled power mill featured three cooled Mikuni TM31 carbs and a manual starting system.
The SXR 600 featured a 15” wide, 121” long rubber track, which offered excellent traction on the trails.
Unlike the sporty SRX series, the SXR line was built on a more comfortable chassis and utilized a long-travel rear suspension. This resulted in more comfortable rides, especially on uneven surfaces.
According to this owner’s review, the SXR 600 handled larger bumps and moguled trails very well.
Its well-designed windshield and body effectively kept the wind and snow off of and away from the riders.
Besides its great comfort and handling, owners appreciated the SXR’s bulletproof engine, great gas mileage, and amazing exhaust music.
Standard features included the electronically controlled hand and thumb warmers, hydraulic brake system, mechanical parking brake, tunnel protectors that kept studs away from the tunnel, and the unique Throttle Override System (T.O.R.S.).
Yamaha SXR 600 Problems
One of the most common problems with the Yamaha SXR 600 was that its skis sank in powder. This is why you will find aftermarket skis on the majority of these sleds!
Another complaint against the SXR 600 was its underpowered engine. Because of this, the SXR 700 (115 HP) and the flagship SRX 700 (138-142 HP) were significantly more popular.
Therefore, if you are looking for a Yamaha SXR 600 for sale, you should consider a 700-class model instead. Your other option would be to boost the engine of a 600 with some aftermarket mods.
Another common problem with the SXR 600 was the T.O.R.S malfunctions, but this feature can be fixed relatively easily.
Finally, don’t forget that this sled was manufactured without reverse, which is a definite disadvantage!
Yamaha SXR 600 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Yamaha SXR 600 into these charts:
Yamaha SXR 600 Engine Specs
| Engine type | Sinlge-piped, 2-stroke, 7-port |
| Cylinder arrangement | Parallel 3-cylinder |
| Engine stroke | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid cooled |
| Bore x Stroke (“) | 2.56 x 2.35 |
| Displacement (cc) | 593 |
| Horsepower | 98-100 (Approximately) |
| Idle speed (rpm) | 1600 +/- 100 |
| Starting system | Manual with recoil starter |
| Carburetor | Mikuni TM31 x 3 |
| Turbocharged | No |
| Engine oil type | YAMALUBE 2-cycle oil |
| Fuel type | Unleaded gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2; 88 or higher |
| Fuel tank capacity (gal) | 11.7 |
| Oil tank capacity (qt) 1998 | 3.2 |
Yamaha SXR 600 Dimensions
| Length (“) | 108.7 |
| Width (“) | 47.2 |
| Height (“) | 48.4 |
| Ski tread (“) | 42.1 |
Yamaha SXR 600 Weight Chart
| Dry weight (lbs.) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| Yamaha SRX 600 | 486 | 489 | 489 | 489 |
Yamaha SXR 700 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 SXR 700 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. 4,200 |
| Shift speed* (r/min) | Approx. 8,500 |
| Drive chain | Silent chain enclosed in oil bath |
| Reduction ratio (98-99 models) | 39/20 (1.95) |
* Subject to change according to elevation settings.
Yamaha SXR 700 Electric Features
| Ignition system | DC-CDI |
| Spark plug type | BR9ECS (NGK) |
| Spark plug gap (“) | 0.028 – 0.031 |
| Headlight (Bulb x Quantity) | 12 V, 60/55 W x 2 |
| 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 SXR 700 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 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 SXR 600 Top Speed
Thanks to its powerful 3-cylinder engine, the top speed of the Yamaha SXR 600 was 95 mph under ideal conditions. In contrast, the triple-piped SRX 600 topped out at 105-110 mph, while the big brother SRX 700 could reach an amazing 110-115 mph.
Yamaha SXR 600 vs. SRX 600 vs. SRX 700 vs. SXR 700
Let’s compare these iconic trail performance Yamaha sleds by the numbers!
| Model | SXR 600 | SXR 700 | SRX 600 | SRX 700 |
| Length (“) | 108.7 | 108.7 | 108.7 | 108.7 |
| Width (“) | 47.2 | 47.2 | 46.1 | 46.1 |
| Height (“) | 48.4 | 48.4 | 42.7 | 42.7 |
| Ski tread (“) | 42.1 | 42.1 | 40.9 | 40.9 |
| Engine | Single piped, parallel 3-cylinder | Single piped, parallel 3-cylinder | Triple-piped, parallel 3-cylinder | Triple-piped, parallel 3-cylinder |
| Cylinders | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Engine stroke | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid cooled | Liquid cooled | Liquid cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Bore x Stroke (“) | 2.56 x 2.35 | 2.78 x 2.35 | 2.52 x 2.44 | 2.72 x 2.44 |
| Displacement (cc) | 593 | 698 | 598 | 696 |
| Horsepower (Approx.) | 98 | 115 | 124 | 138/142 |
| Turbocharged | No | No | No | No |
Yamaha SXR 600 For Sale
Surprisingly, the SXR 600 is still a popular choice among performance-minded riders, and with good reason. These old sleds are not only much cheaper than their new counterparts but also much easier to maintain!
If you’re considering buying one, you can find a Yamaha SXR 600 for sale on Craigslist, Snowmobiletrader, eBay, Snowmobilesoup, Sledswap, and other snowmobile ad sites.
Also, it’s worth visiting some snowmobile forums and FB groups where you can find a lot of helpful information on these sleds, along with some good deals!
Takeaway – FAQs About Yamaha SXR 600 Triple
What year did the Yamaha SXR 600 come out?
The Yamaha SXR 600 was introduced in 1999 and was marketed from the 2000 model year.
What years was the Yamaha SXR 600 made?
The Yamaha SXR 600 triple was available from 2000 through 2003.
What size was a Yamaha SXR 600?
The Yamaha SXR 600 was 108.7 inches long, 47.2 inches wide, and 48.4 inches high.
What was the track size for the Yamaha SXR 600?
The stock track size of the Yamaha SXR 600 was 121” x 15” x 0.92”.
How much did a Yamaha SXR 600 weigh?
The 2000 Yamaha SXR 600 weighed 486 pounds, while the 2001-2003 models were slightly heavier at 489 pounds.
What kind of engine was in a Yamaha SXR 600?
The engine in the Yamaha SXR 600 was a single-piped, 593cc, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder power mill (with no power valves) featuring three Mikuni TM33 carbs.
How much horsepower did a Yamaha SXR 600 have?
Powered by this high-performance engine, the Yamaha SRX 600 cranked out about 98-100 HP.
How fast did a Yamaha SXR 60go?
The top speed of the Yamaha SXR 600 was about 95 mph under ideal conditions.
Can you add reverse to a Yamaha SXR 600?
Yes, it is possible to install an aftermarket reverse kit on a Yamaha SXR 600, but keep in mind that this is not an easy task!
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