Some owners have complained of a spongy front brake feel, which can be cured by fitting aftermarket brake lines. Others have bled the brakes to release trapped air every two years or so, which also helps cure the problem.
Like nearly all Yamahas, the R6 is relatively bulletproof when it comes to long-term reliability, though it's not unheard of for starters to give up the ghost, compromising other parts of the electrical system-namely batteries-if not replaced.
Unlike buyers of, say, used Hayabusas, R6 owners tend to be more interested in riding the snot out of their machines rather than investing thousands in custom paint and chrome. That said, there are a few used R6s out there fitted with full exhaust systems, aftermarket shocks and the odd sticker kit. That most of these bikes are still in factory form is not an entirely bad thing, as near-stock used bikes leave a clean palette for a secondhand owner's creative impulses. We'd go with a full suspension inspection by a competent mechanic, followed by a pipe, jet kit and, if needed, new tires for starters. A rear hugger will go a long way toward protecting the shock from road grime, and be sure to ask sellers for receipts from the recommended 6000-mile service intervals.
If you're looking for a bike that rewards aggressive riding and sick of paying for 1000cc insurance, the R6 might be just the ticket.
Used Price:$4000-$6699
Horsepower:96.7@12,500 rpm
Quarter-Mile:10.75@127.6 mph
Yamaha introduced a completely new and highly anticipated R6 in 2006. Despite some minor discrepancies in the actual peak redline, the bike lived up to the hype as the revviest and most track-focused 600cc sportbike ever built. Trickle-down race technology like the "fly-by-wire" throttle system got the tech geeks excited, but for riders it simply meant a more sophisticated and smoother throttle. A cool shorty exhaust reflects MotoGP inspiration, and when matched with the radicalnew body styling, the bike made some impressive sales numbers.