YAMAHA YZF600 THUNDERCAT 1996-2003

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Price range: £154.00 through £368.50

When you’re searching for premium yamaha performance superbike exhausts that combine exceptional build quality with proven performance gains, the Carbon Can Co Ltd exhaust system for the Yamaha YZF600 THUNDERCAT 1996-2003 stands as an outstanding choice for riders who demand the very best from their legendary supersport machine.

The Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat earned its reputation as one of the most capable and reliable middleweights of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and upgrading to a quality aftermarket exhaust system represents one of the most effective modifications you can make to enhance both performance and sound. Our precision-engineered exhaust has been specifically designed to bolt directly onto your standard OEM downpipes, ensuring a straightforward installation process that doesn’t require specialist tools or extensive mechanical knowledge.

Premium Components in Our Yamaha Performance Superbike Exhausts

This comprehensive exhaust system includes everything required for a complete installation. You receive one high-quality stainless 304 CNC mandrel bent link pipe, engineered to precise tolerances to ensure optimal exhaust gas flow and maximum performance gains. The mandrel bending process is crucial here – unlike crush-bent pipes that can restrict flow and reduce efficiency, mandrel bent tubes maintain a consistent internal diameter throughout every curve and bend, allowing exhaust gases to exit with minimal restriction.

The package also includes one stainless exhaust strap and one exhaust strap rubber mount, providing secure and vibration-damped mounting that will stand up to thousands of miles of spirited riding. Every component has been manufactured from premium grade stainless steel 304, chosen specifically for its exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, and ability to withstand the extreme temperatures generated by high-performance motorcycle engines.

Why Choose Yamaha Performance Superbike Exhausts from Carbon Can Co?

Carbon Can Co Ltd has built an enviable reputation within the motorcycling community for producing exhausts that deliver tangible performance improvements whilst maintaining exceptional build quality. Our yamaha performance superbike exhausts are manufactured in-house using state-of-the-art CNC machinery and precision welding techniques, ensuring that every exhaust system meets our exacting standards before it leaves our workshop.

The Yamaha YZF600 THUNDERCAT deserves an exhaust system that complements its refined inline-four engine. Our system has been specifically developed to work harmoniously with the Thundercat’s powerplant, helping to liberate horsepower that the restrictive standard exhaust keeps trapped. Riders typically report noticeable improvements in throttle response, particularly in the mid-range where the Thundercat does its best work, along with a more engaging exhaust note that still remains civilised enough for everyday use.

Direct Fit Design for Hassle-Free Installation

One of the standout features of this exhaust system is its direct-fit design. The link pipe has been engineered to mate perfectly with the standard OEM downpipes fitted to all Yamaha YZF600 THUNDERCAT models from 1996 through to 2003. This means you won’t need to purchase additional adapters, spacers, or custom brackets – everything required for installation is included in the package. For riders who enjoy working on their own machines, this represents a weekend project that can be completed with basic hand tools.

The stainless steel construction ensures longevity even when faced with British weather conditions. Unlike mild steel exhausts that can show surface corrosion within months, grade 304 stainless steel offers superior resistance to the salt, moisture, and road grime that our bikes encounter throughout the riding season. This means your investment will continue to look good and perform flawlessly for years to come.

Perfect Complement to Other Yamaha Performance Superbike Exhausts in Our Range

Carbon Can Co Ltd offers an extensive range of exhaust systems across the Yamaha lineup. Whether you ride a modern adventure bike and need a Yamaha Ténéré 700 T7 Hi Level exhaust, or you’re looking to upgrade a smaller capacity machine with our Yamaha YZF-R125 2014-2020 system, you’ll find the same commitment to quality and performance that defines this Thundercat exhaust.

For riders interested in understanding more about exhaust technology and how different designs affect performance, Motorcyclist Online’s comprehensive exhaust technology guide provides excellent technical insight into the science behind aftermarket exhaust systems.

Performance Gains You Can Feel

Whilst dyno figures make for interesting reading, what really matters is how your Thundercat feels on the road. The improved exhaust gas flow delivered by our yamaha performance superbike exhausts translates into crisper throttle response and a more eager character throughout the rev range. The weight savings compared to the original exhaust system also contribute to slightly improved handling characteristics, with less unsprung mass allowing the suspension to work more effectively.

The acoustic improvements are equally impressive. The standard Thundercat exhaust is notoriously muted, robbing the smooth-revving four-cylinder engine of its voice. Our system delivers a purposeful, sporty tone that announces your presence without becoming antisocial or tiresome on longer journeys. It’s the perfect balance between performance and practicality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this exhaust fit my 2001 Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat?
Yes, absolutely. This exhaust system has been designed to fit all Yamaha YZF600 THUNDERCAT models manufactured between 1996 and 2003, including your 2001 model.

Do I need to remap my ECU after fitting this exhaust?
Whilst many riders run this exhaust with the standard mapping without issues, a professional remap or rejetting (depending on your model year) will help you extract maximum performance and ensure optimal fuel delivery across the rev range.

Is the carbon can included in this package?
This particular listing includes the link pipe, exhaust strap, and exhaust strap rubber. Please check our full product listings for complete system options including carbon cans.

How long will the stainless steel last?
With proper care, grade 304 stainless steel exhausts typically outlast the motorcycle itself. Regular cleaning and occasional inspection of mounting points will ensure decades of reliable service.

Upgrade your Yamaha YZF600 THUNDERCAT today with our premium exhaust system and experience the performance, sound, and quality that Carbon Can Co Ltd is renowned for delivering to discerning motorcyclists throughout the UK and beyond.

Material

White, Polished Stainless Steel, Satin Stainless Steel, Titanium, Carbon, Black, Blue

Shape

Round GP, Oval, Round, Tri Oval

Outlet

Evo Outlet, GP Pro Outlet, Single Outlet, Twin Outlet, Carbon Outlet

Type

Race, Road Legal

Outlet

Single Outlet – single 54mm diameter rolled outlet. Best performing outlet in a road-legal /race. Simple and effective.
Twin Outlet – twin 40mm diameter rolled outlets. This has the ‘best of both worlds’, quieter than the single outlet with baffles inserted, and Louder than the single outlet with the baffles removed. (Both outlets working in the road-legal form).
Carbon Outlet -Our superior outlet range with a choice of a smooth, sleek Oval, ultra-modern Tri-oval, and now our all-new for 2020 Round outlet. These outlets give your exhaust the distinctive, expensive finish without the expensive price tag.
GP Pro Outlet – Comes with a large 63mm diameter slash-cut finish, and can come with and without road-legal baffles.
Stainless_tri-oval_EVO-carbon-outlet-1 The Evo Outlet – Is a new, modern 2020 design. The sleek, tapered lines compliment any road – track or race bike

Materials

Our Exhausts are internally constructed in stainless steel and the outer sleeve can be made in stainless steel, titanium or carbon fiber. CARBON CAN COMPANY ONLY uses the best grade materials.

Polished Stainless Steel – Grade T304 + T409 (a single slip-on exhaust normally weighs 1.9 kilos).
Satin Stainless Steel – Grade T304 + T409 (a single slip-on exhaust normally weighs 1.9 kilos).
Titanium – Grade 2 + 3 mill finish (a single slip-on exhaust normally weighs 1.7 kilos).
Carbon Fibre – 4 x 4 twill prepreg autoclave cured, foiled lined (a single slip-on exhaust normally weighs 1.2 kilos).

Our coloured exhausts have stainless steel sleeves that are painted prior to assembly. The item is electrostatically coated with high-grade polyester powder and cured at 200º-220º deg C giving a durable, smooth and U.V. resistant finish with excellent colour retention. Colours available are matt black, gloss white and gloss blue.

Shape

Round GP – Ø98mm Our smaller round exhaust shape and is usually 250mm Long (this exhaust shape is perfect for the customer who wants a louder sound on a standard sized bike).
Round – Ø110mm Our Normal-sized exhaust shape and can come in sizes from 250mm to 450mm Long. (This is our standard sized exhaust and performs excellently on most bikes).
Oval – working from 110mm Ø is sized 98mm wide and 122mm High and can come in sizes from 250mm to 450mm Long. (This is our slimmest design, for inverted under-seat exhausts, or for customers/Racers who need the slimmest streamlined spacers to ride through).
Tri Oval – working from 110mm Ø is sized 98mm wide and 122mm High and can come in sizes from 250mm to 450mm Long.
(This is our Premium shaped design. (Designed back in 2002′ our company was the first in the UK to produce this exclusive shape, have a look around and see how many UK companies have copied us!!).

All our Road Legal exhausts come with a Road Legal Baffle / Decibel Killer + BSAU ( British Road-Legal ) markings.

All our RACE exhausts do not come with a Road Legal Baffle / Decibel Killer + do not have any BSAU ( British Road-Legal ) markings. and are marked NOT FOR ROAD USE

2024 Road legal exhaust statement:

At Max Torque Cans we prioritise safety and compliance in the world of motorcycle exhausts. Our commitment to adhering to regulations is evident in our product design and labelling, and hence with new updates from ACEM, DVSA and DfT, we are ensuring our exhaust systems are compliant with new and upcoming legislation and regulations. Specifically, two changes detailed below:

Road Legal Exhausts: Our road legal exhausts will have the BSAU stamped markings and be crafted with non-removable baffles, aligning seamlessly with the standards set by ACEM (European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers). These baffles are an integral part of our design to ensure that your motorcycle exhaust complies with road regulations, providing you with a legal and enjoyable riding experience.

Race Exhausts and Silencers:  For those seeking an exhilarating experience on the track, our race exhausts are engineered to deliver optimal performance. Clearly marked with type approval markings “Not for Road Use” etched into the side, these exhausts are specifically designed for racing applications. This distinction is in line with DVSA policy, ensuring that our race exhausts are suitable for track use, meeting the highest performance standards without compromising on safety.

 

3D View

Please click on the exhaust below to see the 3D model