Is this R6 worth it?

[Codyw2011]

I was creeping around all day yesterday looking around some shops and i stumbled on a store in Weirton, WV. they had a 2002 Yamaha R6 for $3700. The only bad part is that it has over 17,000 miles. They said that the guy who had it before was in his middle 40's and had the bike in their shop regularly for oil changes and tires. They said that he seemed to take really good care of it.
I forgot to mention that the bike itself looks sleek as hell. It is in beautiful shape and from what i could see, there was not a scratch on it.

Now my question. Do you think that this is a good deal? I almost bought it but the high mileage is turning me off. Maybe some of you can throw your opinions about high mileage bikes my way, also some opinions about the 2002 R6? Thanks alot!

[DuckyTopTN]

Depends on how much more you are going to pay in taxes and dealer fees. 3700 out the door taxed, titled and fee'd would be a decent deal IMO. Also, take into account any mods and aftermarket goodies. I would not be overly concerned about the mileage as that bike is still getting broken in. I would try to haggle some off the price however and know how much the bike is valued in Kelly Blue Book and/or the NADA guide. And if you can, compare prices on the same models on Craigslist, eBay, Trading Post, etc. to give yourself more of a basis for pricing. Lastly find more info here about this year model especially if it is plagued by any boogers, you will likely find it in this forum:

see next post-(needed my 15 to post link for ya)

I apologize if this link is breaking any rules, but as a former R6 owner it was a valuable source for questions like the OP has.-Greg

[DuckyTopTN]

One other thing to consider-I prefer fuel injected bikes and the '03 was the first year of the change from carbs. If a carbed bike is your thing then this will be good. It is still one helluva ride from what I studied being a former R6 owner. I eventually sold my my '03 with quite a few extras for 3 grand so take that for what it is worth.

[Krar]

Sounds like a good. I just forked out 5900 cand for an 05 r6 raven edition with 12000 miles. I thought it was a decent deal, not the best. But I'm excited.

[Dennis in NH]

Re: mileage

Sometimes I think bikes with miles were enjoyed, loved and cared for -- just as long as they were serviced regularly and look in good shape.

My 2007 Vstar 1300 (2.5 years old) has 33,700 miles -- I ride but I maintain too.
My 2009 R6 (bought 1 year ago) has about 8,500 miles

For an R6 to have lots of miles (IMHO, 17K ain't that much) means they rode it probably a lot on the highway and if that 40s year old dude is like me, he might have done a few canyons and twisties but probably 70% of the miles are highway (which I believe is good for a bike).

Dennis

[bmk1984]

I don't think $3700 for that bike is a bad price. As for the high mileage, it just depends on how well the bike has been taken care of. My bike has 20000 miles on it and runs fine. Also, I wouldn't trust the guys who are trying to sell the bike at all. They will tell you what you want to hear in order to sell the bike.

[Gandalf]

I've seen FZRs in similar condition going for 2500-3k, so I'd say go for it

[V8Thrasher]

17000 is alot of miles? hell... some spoiled people on out there.


im kidding :]

[motorcyclist]

I've looked into these bikes before they are nice bikes definately.

But FYI the 99-02 YZF-R6 have a known common problem of 2nd gear slippage,you can do a search of "Yamaha R6 2nd gear problem" and get a lot of information about it.
The 03' model had a different type of 2nd gear that did not have this problem.

[Lil' Red Rocket]

Any bike that will do 90 in second is worth it.

Every used one has been beat to death by the guy you just handed your wad O cash to.

[markk53]

Originally Posted by Dennis in NH

Re: mileage

Sometimes I think bikes with miles were enjoyed, loved and cared for -- just as long as they were serviced regularly and look in good shape.

My 2007 Vstar 1300 (2.5 years old) has 33,700 miles -- I ride but I maintain too.
My 2009 R6 (bought 1 year ago) has about 8,500 miles

For an R6 to have lots of miles (IMHO, 17K ain't that much) means they rode it probably a lot on the highway and if that 40s year old dude is like me, he might have done a few canyons and twisties but probably 70% of the miles are highway (which I believe is good for a bike).Dennis

But if they're like me the miles are 90% two lane twisty. In addition, with a self preservation train of thought, self control, and a brain that works. Knowing the Weirton area, it wouldn't be hard to have a lot of fun riding the winding roads of WV, like US route 250 and 50... gorgeous and prime territory for an R6 or FZ6. Not counting the dual sport stuff I haven't had a bike down in about 25 years, in spite of riding briskly and avoiding roads with straights for the most part.

A 2002 with 17,000 is only slightly more than 1800 miles a year... and that's high mileage? My 95 KLX has over 45,000 miles on it and going for more. I certainly would not be afraid of about any bike built presently with only 17,000 miles on it, including the 150cc+ Japanese Mfr scooters! They truly aren't worn to any extent at that point. Obviously the rider liked the bike based on the miles, it ran well, and they did ride a fair amount at times.

Perhaps the seller might be willing to see if the previous owner would talk with the OP. We did that if we could when I was selling. Also the OP might find what they went to after the R6.

[markk53]

Originally Posted by motorcyclist

I've looked into these bikes before they are nice bikes definately.

But FYI the 99-02 YZF-R6 have a known common problem of 2nd gear slippage,you can do a search of "Yamaha R6 2nd gear problem" and get a lot of information about it.
The 03' model had a different type of 2nd gear that did not have this problem.

That has less to do with the bike than the squid on the seat that misses second so often they round the dogs off and the bike pops out of gear. Seems to happen on a lot of sport models. Happened on a lot of Z1s and H1s back in the 70s... ain't no factory defect.

[markk53]

Originally Posted by Lil' Red Rocket

Any bike that will do 90 in second is worth it.

Every used one has been beat to death by the guy you just handed your wad O cash to.

Quite a sweeping statement...

I have a couple of friends (husband/wife) that I'd take anything they owned - including the CBR600F3, CBR600F4i, VTR1000 Superhawk, Honda 1100 Blackbird, FZ1, FZ1 second gen, and FJR1300. Seems not "every used one has been beat to death by the guy". My brother took excellent care of his 92 VFR too, no beating there. And I took good care of my Nighthawk S too.

Thus the importance of trying to get to know who owned the bike and who serviced it. If we had a bike from a reliable source and did the service on it, we certainly did bring that up. Credibility in ownership. It is all in the research.

[Lil' Red Rocket]

A first time buyer is going to go for the cheapest thing he can buy.

They tend to be the ones other young riders have beat to death.

[V8Thrasher]

I have to agree with Red Rocket. You have to be especially weary when buying Sport Bikes, especially from the younger kids. Chances are they were trying to pop wheelies and abusing the living hell out of the clutch. Almost every sportbike rider ive seen on the road abuses the living hell out of it. Its pretty rare I see a sporty rider riding normal. Usually they are the older guys.

[LilJohnStunts]

Originally Posted by DuckyTopTN

One other thing to consider-I prefer fuel injected bikes and the '03 was the first year of the change from carbs. If a carbed bike is your thing then this will be good. It is still one helluva ride from what I studied being a former R6 owner. I eventually sold my my '03 with quite a few extras for 3 grand so take that for what it is worth.

I prefer fuel injected also

[salerno2209]

i agree

[cmbobbitt]

its still an r6!

[ArghSixMafia]

I got an 01 R6, 17k miles, 3200 with helmet/jacket etc....obviously trading out the jacket, its for cold riding and I'm comin up on 100 degree Texas summer heat...however, not getting any old mesh, looking for solid leather/vented. Anyways, the bike is solid. 11 years old, 17k miles, a dent in the tank but I can change that out for cheap...just need to get it measured and make sure the alignment is as solid as I think it is.

[Wild Bill]

I wanna know where u can "change it out for cheap" tanks are high. I lucked into mine.

[ArghSixMafia]

Craigslist.....I just saw one recently for like $50.

[Wild Bill]

I got mine from their for $50. As well. Check to make sure Its not rusty

[mendozars]

I've never understood why people think high miles on a motorcycle is bad. I've seen motorcycles with 80k on them that ride like new. An R6 is a racing machine. Why do you think babying it would be good for a motor that was made to be pushed to the redline? The reason you don't see a whole lot of bikes with high mileage is due to bad riding or people hitting the riders. The only time I see a broke bike is because people don't ride it, or don't take care of it.

[test_drivers]

i just bought my bike same year but 27000 miles, and trust me it is worth it. mine is the 2002 r6 and dont let it pass you up because the bike is amazing

[vanishingpoint]

17000 miles?? thats nothing, oil and filters change and goooo