R6 advice.

Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Hi all.

I'm considering an R6 for my next bike after riding the ducati for a year from passing my test. (750sport - 64bhp :-/) I'm looking to swap when my finance runs out in April.

There is an immaculate 1999 model at the dealers with 11k miles for £3k which I'm considering.

Could anyone give any advice as to things I should note about the R6's. Any engine probs, worth-while upgrades etc? I remember reading a few articles that recommend changing the front tyre size?

Are they fuel injected from that year?

Cheers in advance.

Davo · Davo To The Rescue! Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Karma :

Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Were they prone to gear-box trouble then?

Stevie GooGs · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Karma :

I am 6ft 3 and was looking at R6 but i thought they looked 2 small for me.
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Davo · Davo To The Rescue! Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Luke's old R6 had that exact trouble with second gear.

We went to put a new engine in, but the new (from a racebike) engine had large bits of metal in the sump.

doh.
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woo · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Karma :

for the 98-2001 models there was a recall done on the side stand (nut coming lose after a while, needs replacing) & the tube which provides lubrication in the gear box would move out of place (replace tube and fasten the new tube in the gear box)

Now to check if this work has been done, look at the frame numbers near the head stock of the bike.

If the recall work has been carried out there will be two small punch hole marks.
The first mark will be in front on the fame numbers and the second will be above the frame numbers.

Now if the bike has none of these small punch hole marks then the recall work has not been done, and if you are told overwise that the recall work has been done and there are no small punch hole marks, walk away from the bike and the seller.
If the seller can lie about that then ask yourself what else is the seller lying about (this includes dealers)

Hope this helps?
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woo · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Karma :

and also despite what anyone tells you the yamaha carbed R range are known for burnign a little bt of oil from time to time.

Otherwise the R6 is a great bike despite being very light at the front.

If youre not sure about the recall work phone yamaha uk, direct and give the frame number of the bike and they can check it on their system for you.
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Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Nice one cheers Woo. Thumbs Up

fuzz · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Karma :

Just off the top of my head, I remember reading that the 2001 model had a few upgrades done to it, but I can't think what exactly was done Doh!

I think it was something to do with the gearbox.
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tintin · Traffic Copper Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Karma :

Ask these guys for advice:
https://www.r6messagenet.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=36
https://www.hyderantiques.co.uk/R6/Images/RH_side.jpg
https://www.hyderantiques.co.uk/R6/Images/My_r6_side.jpg
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colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

dealers are for getting test rides
you buy from a fellow biker who has owned the bike

try a few bike b4 you decide on the r6

i tried out an r6 and it had the 2nd gear gearbox problem. Not to bad a problem in a straight line btu it upsets teh balance of the bike if you are going round a corner. Very unsettleing.
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Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Gazdaman · I did a trackday!!! Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Karma :

I'm 6' 3" aswell, R6s are a little small but I don't look silly on them, nor feel silly. Pics on the link in my sig if you're interested.

Other than that, I went with a friend who bought one recently, we just checked all the usual new bike stuff.

Check for a drilled sump plug, could have been a race bike etc.

Gaz

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

R6 JACK · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Karma :

2000 onwards had 18Nm more torque and a twin piston rear break in place of a single.
2001 was a little lighter.
2002 onwards had led taillights, different ignition system and has had the side stand and gearbox problem fixed.

im 6,3 and it doesent look to small and i fit on fine all tho the screen is a bit low.

JAck

Fastgut · Trackday Trickster Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Karma :

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it but the cam-chain tensioner can be a bit of an issue. R6s are supposed to be a bit noisier in this department than other bikes but if its really noisy that could be a problem. Very Happy

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zx636 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Karma :

I've had 2 R6. a 2000 and a 2005. The gearbox especially 1st to second can be really notchy and i dont think they have solved it on the 2006 model either.
The older models, even my 2000 had a problem with jumping out of second. Despite rumours of hundreds of pounds to fix, and like many others it was a detent spring problem. Once replaced with the updated spring the problem dissapeared.. and really expensive, cost under a tenner and a bit of time to fit. There are threads on this on the r6messagenet forum.

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

I had a 2001 R6 and I'd say I have to agree with ZX636 about the gearbox problems. I remember hearing of the two quid spring being the fix. They are really clunky between 1st and 2nd too, I used to find myself cringing at the noise sometimes, however this shouldn't be mistaken for a major gearbox problem.

Personally I found the front end really nervous for the type of riding that I do, mainly twisty A and country B roads, I always felt that I had to back off. I could have fiddled with the suspension and fitted a steering damper but I just couldn't be asked, it's difficult to find a setup guide for a 10st midget too. Wink

zx636 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Karma :

I agree. the 1999, 2000 and 2001 front end was really nervous. A change to 70 profile front and 6 - 8 mm change on the forks helps, quite an easy mod but even then a damper should be considered. It needs little or no excuse to shake its head.
Also check the suspension adjusters on the bottom of the forks because these seize, and BAD. I had to use a hammer drill with a drill bit in mine to losen them, others have had to have them replaced.

The clunky gearbox is something you have to live with, even though it sounds like something is going to break every time you change.

Other than that, they are great bikes