I've sold loads of Yamaha R6s and in my opinion, these are the best you can buy second hand

Yamaha were on the crest of a wave in the late nineties, capturing the imagination of the sportsbike-buying public with the inception of the space-age R1 in 1998, then again the following year with the razor-sharp R6.

Related: Sportsbike riding gear buying guide

But it was the R6 that came to define the early noughties. Its racy looks were backed up by an impressive spec that included a high-revving inline four and a chassis that was agile and super-stable.

Read on for our expert guide to used Yamaha R6s you can buy right now!

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MCN Recommended: 2007 YZF-R6 2C01/02 – £3900 – £5200

MCN Best Buy

Spec:

• Power 599cc
• Engine capacity 127hp
• Seat height 850mm
• Kerb weight 166kg

Launched at Sugo circuit in Japan, the 2C01 R6 evolution ushered in a fly-bywire throttle and meant the R6 was the most technologically advanced sportsbike of its time. As well as its alien-like, super-sharp styling, the 2006 R6 is also the best for mechanical spec. With the engine spinning at over 15k thanks to its lofty over-rev ceiling, you could also barrel it into bends on the track with the rear end controlled by the factory-fit slipper clutch. The suspension also offers myriad adjustment thanks to the addition of high/low-speed damping.

YZF-R6 2C01/02 used buying advice

For some reason the headrace bearings need regular adjustment, but overall this model of R6 represents the pinnacle of Yamaha build quality and issues that affected early models don’t apply here. Despite the fairly extreme riding position, many 2006 R6s will have been owned by mature riders and as such will be low mileage, well cared for and loaded with expensive accessories. Expect to pay more for machines sporting the red and white colour scheme.

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1998-2003 YZF-R6 5EB1/2 – from £2295

The Bargain Option

Spec:

• Power 599cc
• Engine capacity 108hp
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 169kg

When the R6 arrived in 1999, it immediately made the competition look very dated. Its minimal, racestyled bodywork had the effect of making other 600 supersport bikes look like tourers, especially
in its red, white and black speed block paint scheme. Original R6s haven’t started to appreciate yet,
but they will; so if you’re buying one as a collector’s piece hang out for a low-mileage example with minimal owners and full service history.

YZF-R6 5EB1/2 used buying advice

Second gear dogs were prone to wear, causing the bike to jump out of gear under acceleration. Some
of the earliest bikes also suffered from the Nikasil plating failing on the cylinders, so be cautious of a bike that isn’t running on all cylinders or smoking because as the cylinders are part of the cases it’s a costly repair.

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2004-2005 YZF-R6 5SL1 – from £3690

Best for the Road

Spec:

• Power 599cc
• Engine capacity 121hp
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 167.5kg

The R6 got its first big revamp in 2003 which saw its carbs ditched in favour of fuel injection. The engine also featured forged pistons, and higher-lift, more aggressive camshafts graced the top end. Along with a host of other changes internally, the engine was able to make more power, but crucially it did so within a wider range of rpm which makes it much more flexible for road riding.

YZF-R6 5SL1 used buying advice

There are plenty of used 2003 bikes around but finding a good one can be hard. This era of bike has become very popular as a track or race bike, so finding an example that hasn’t been on a track at some point can be a challenge. This era still uses a 120/60 front tyre but many owners fit a 120/70 for more tyre choice however this can foul the front mudguard.

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2006-2007 YZF-R6 5SLM/P – from £4491

The Sorted One

Spec:

• Power 599cc
• Engine capacity 121hp
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 167.5kg

Yamaha made improvements in all areas of the chassis for the 2005 R6 evolution. The geometry was tweaked to allow the fitment of a more conventional 120/70 x 17 front tyre, opening up a world of choice. The conventional fork was replaced by 41mm, fully adjustable upside down stanchions, meanwhile the brakes were upgraded to radial calipers with thinner discs, which reduced unsprung weight.

YZF-R6 5SLM/P used buying advice

Check the bike you’re looking at comes with the red ‘master’ key as it’s needed to reprogramme spare keys to the YISS immobiliser. Without it, you’ll need a new ECU if you accidently lose your ignition key. Ensure limited-edition Rossi reps come with the Termi end can and numbered plaque on top yoke; check all of these items are present and correct if buying one.

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2008-2016 YZF-R6 13SB/C – from £5491

The Reliable Option

Spec:

• Power 599cc
• Engine capacity 129hp
• Seat height 850mm
• Kerb weight 166kg

By this point, the 2008 Yamaha R6 had become a scaled-down superbike that shared much of the R1’s technology, such as electronically controlled inlet trumpets controlled by the ECU. These telescopic inlet tracts ‘tune’ the air inlet to enhance the engine’s usability. On sticky tyres, this generation of R6 is superb on track, and the sharp handling and insane high revs add up to a truly unique package.

YZF-R6 13SB/C used buying advice

Reliability wise, there are no real faults with this generation of R6, but look for issues caused by the addition of aftermarket parts, such as error codes thrown up by the fitment of aftermarket exhausts. The OE Dunlop tyres are also dreadful and will not let the R6 reach its true handling potential.