Are you ready to bring your riding dreams to life without settling for less or going over your budget? It’s a scenario that often seems difficult to achieve, especially because it’s so easy to have tunnel vision for the newest models with the latest features and technologies. However, as your used motorcycle dealer, it’s our job to let you in on a secret––you can have it all by shopping for a used motorcycle like a Yamaha powerhouse. From the R6 to the FJR1300, here are some of our favorite used Yamaha bikes to look for.
Why Shop for a Used Yamaha?
Yamaha has an outstanding reputation and is renowned across the world for building high-quality bikes that are reliable and incredibly capable. This reputation complements Yamaha’s ingenuity, as the brand equips its bikes with modern technologies and cutting-edge electronics that heighten every experience in the saddle. This ingenuity takes the spotlight across the Yamaha lineup, which is remarkably diverse and offers something for everyone, from sport bikes and naked road warriors to dual-sport powerhouses and adventurer tourers that beg to go the distance.
Buying a used Yamaha gives you access to this stellar reputation, which also comes with a host of advantages. For example, new riders honing their skills are often encouraged to consider a used bike because the investment is minimal. Moreover, dropping a used bike that’s already been well-loved and seen plenty of adventure is far less gut-wrenching than adding the first dent to a new bike that cost you a small fortune.
For veteran riders, a used Yamaha is also a great option because it gives you the opportunity to add to your garage or explore a different style of bike without a significant investment. Of course, that leads to the most important question: “What are the top used motorcycles in the Yamaha fleet?” As industry veterans, we’re sharing our top picks and why we love these used Yamaha motorcycles.
The Middleweight: The Yamaha R6 (1999-2020)
Renowned for its sporty design, the Yamaha YZF-R6 debuted in 1999 as the supersport sibling to the YZF-R1 superbike. Sharing the R1’s shorter wheelbase and long swingarm, the R6 differentiated itself with an all-new engine that earned it a coveted place in history. Its ultra high-revving four-stroke engine made it the first 600cc bike capable of producing over 100 hp off the factory floor.
This potency only improved throughout the R6’s tenure in the Yamaha fleet, with the manufacturer reducing the bike’s weight and fine-tuning its components to increase its output and heighten its responsiveness. Models built closer to the R6’s discontinuation after the final 2017 update offer the most appeal. These bikes boast a more modern, streamlined design with a more aerodynamic front fairing that increases the bike’s performance without compromising its supersport aesthetic.
The Legend: The Yamaha R1 (1998-Present)
A year before the R6 took the 600cc class by storm, the YZF-R1 set the stage as Yamaha’s flagship, high-performance powerhouse. With the heart of a warrior and an insatiable need for speed, the R1 exceeded every expectation and continues to do so today. The first-generation model was designed as a compact, supersport machine with a 998cc four-cylinder engine producing 150 hp. With the bike weighing just over 400 lbs, the combination was astounding and set the benchmark for the R1’s future in the Yamaha fleet.
Over the years, the R1 has become a cornerstone in the Yamaha lineup and has only improved with age. Yamaha’s updates to the model are frequent, with the latest rounds of improvements occurring in 2018 and 2020. These later models are exceptional finds on the used lot because they offer the performance expected of the R1 with plenty of cutting-edge technologies, like Engine Brake Management that lets you tailor the engine braking, a Lean Angle-Sensitive Traction Control System, and a MotoGP-developed Slide Control System. Together, these technologies give you more confidence in the saddle and greater control over the bike as you push its limits.
The All-Rounder: The Yamaha FZ6 FAZER (2004-2009)
Motorcycles age differently than automobiles, which is why an older bike like the Yamaha FZ6 FAZER earns a place on our list. Introduced in 2004, the FZ6 is a 600cc middleweight naked bike revered for its versatility. It’s just as comfortable cruising around town and navigating your weekday commute as it is venturing through the twisties and going the distance. It’s the perfect all-around bike with plenty of style and exceptional capability.
The award-winning FAZER, which was named the Best All-Rounder bike in 2003 by Motorcycle News, is an exceptional find for several reasons. First, its age makes it incredibly affordable as a used model. Second, its budget-friendly price is the only thing affected by its age.
Despite its short tenure in the Yamaha lineup, the FAZER held its own with a potent four-cylinder liquid-cooled powertrain. Yamaha fine-tuned the powertrain in 2007 by adding a three-way catalytic converter and tuning the fuel injection system. The updates made the FZ6 plenty capable, with the engine producing 98 hp and 47 lb-ft of torque to make the roughly 460 lb FZ6 agile and incredibly responsive.
The Adventurer: The Yamaha FJR1300 (2001-present)
Shoppers looking to go the distance in style without compromising performance will fall in love with a used Yamaha FJR1300. As a sport touring powerhouse, the FJR1300 is highly acclaimed for its comfortable ride, innovative technologies, and long-distance capability. It strikes the perfect balance between satiating every need for speed and adventure as you chase the horizon, showcasing Yamaha’s long-standing success at giving riders everything they want and more.
Debuting in 2001, the FJR1300 has become a fan favorite in the segment because of its high-value packaging. This packaging is even more appealing as a used model because Yamaha spares no expense and outfits the bike with every comfort and feature imaginable to transform your experience behind the handlebars. These features start with the bike’s potent 1,298cc inline-four engine and extend to conveniences like cruise control and an adjustable D-Mode Throttle that lets you tailor the throttle's responsiveness to your needs and riding style.
Yamaha’s keen attention to detail also gives the FJR1300 an edge over the competition. For example, it offers an electronically adjustable windshield that sits in a default position until the key is turned, which automatically causes it to rise. Newer models feature other functional and luxurious elements, like heated grips and integrated luggage compartments in the fairings that give you a place to charge your smartphone, add a GPS system, and stow other electronic devices.
Getting the Most for Your Money
As your used motorcycle dealer, we’re responsible for helping you find the perfect bike, but we take that responsibility even further. We’re committed to bringing your riding dreams to life and ensuring you make a wise investment for your future in the saddle. For some, that means investing in a used Yamaha touring bike like the FJR1300 that can easily venture beyond the San Francisco city limits without compromising their comfort. For others, it’s getting behind the handlebars of a versatile street bike like the FZ6 FAZER.
Regardless of what you choose, we share your excitement and passion for riding. Part of that excitement is knowing you’re getting the most for your money, which is guaranteed when you shop for a used bike from the Yamaha lineup. Yamaha’s stellar reputation and diverse lineup are what dreams are made of, and your dive into used Yamaha bikes puts you one step closer to that dream.
