Yamaha SXR 600 Specs and Review [2000-2003]


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:

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 typeSinlge-piped, 2-stroke, 7-port
Cylinder arrangement Parallel 3-cylinder
Engine stroke2
Cooling systemLiquid cooled
Bore x Stroke (“)2.56 x 2.35
Displacement (cc)593
Horsepower98-100  (Approximately)
Idle speed (rpm)1600 +/- 100
Starting systemManual with recoil starter
CarburetorMikuni TM31 x 3
TurbochargedNo
Engine oil typeYAMALUBE 2-cycle oil
Fuel typeUnleaded gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2; 88 or higher
Fuel tank capacity (gal)11.7
Oil tank capacity (qt) 19983.2

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.)2000200120022003
Yamaha SRX 600486489489489

Yamaha SXR 700 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 SXR 700 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. 4,200
Shift speed* (r/min)Approx. 8,500
Drive chainSilent 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 systemDC-CDI
Spark plug typeBR9ECS (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 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)
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 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!

ModelSXR 600SXR 700SRX 600SRX 700
Length (“)108.7108.7108.7108.7
Width (“)47.247.246.146.1
Height (“)48.448.442.742.7
Ski tread (“)42.142.140.940.9
EngineSingle piped,  parallel 3-cylinderSingle piped,  parallel 3-cylinderTriple-piped, parallel 3-cylinderTriple-piped, parallel 3-cylinder
Cylinders3333
Engine stroke2222
Cooling systemLiquid cooledLiquid cooledLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Bore x Stroke (“)2.56 x 2.352.78 x 2.352.52 x 2.442.72 x 2.44
Displacement (cc)593698598696
Horsepower (Approx.)98115124138/142
TurbochargedNoNoNoNo

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!

References:

Yamaha Motor

StormTrooper

YamahaPart

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