The Good
The 2007 YZF-R6 boasts exhilarating performance with its high-revving 600cc engine, delivering an adrenaline rush that appeals to emotional buyers. Its sharp, race-bred design is visually striking. For practical buyers, Yamaha's reputation for reliability means a well-maintained R6 offers dependable service. Despite its performance focus, it holds decent value in the used market and, for a supersport, offers reasonable fuel efficiency when not ridden aggressively, providing a balanced ownership proposition.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 2007 YZF-R6 include its extremely aggressive ergonomics, which can be uncomfortable for longer rides or taller riders. The high-strung engine lacks low-end torque, requiring constant high-RPM operation for power delivery. Some owners reported issues with stator reliability and rectifier/regulator failures, common in many sportbikes. Its track-focused nature means it's less forgiving for novice riders and its firm suspension might feel harsh on poor roads.
2007 Yamaha YZF-R6: Quick Overview
The 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6, a purebred supersport, came with a singular, highly advanced specification level rather than distinct trims. Here's a summary of its key specifications:
- Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve (titanium), inline four-cylinder. Displacement of 599cc (36.5 cu. in.). It featured a high 12.8:1 compression ratio and advanced fuel injection with YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) for precise throttle response.
- Horsepower: Factory claimed peak output was approximately 127 horsepower at 14,500 rpm without ram-air effect, and around 133 horsepower with ram-air induction at full speed. Wheel horsepower typically measured in the low 100s.
- Torque: Around 66.0 Nm (48.7 lb-ft) at 11,000 rpm.
- Fuel Economy: Expect an average of 35-45 MPG (miles per gallon) depending heavily on riding style. Aggressive riding will significantly reduce this figure, while more conservative touring can push it higher. Its fuel tank capacity is 4.5 gallons (17 liters).
- 0-60 MPH Time: Typically in the range of 3.0-3.5 seconds. These motorcycles are exceptionally quick off the line, often limited more by rider skill than pure engine power.
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to approximately 160 MPH (257 km/h) in many markets, though unrestricted models could exceed this.
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable for this type of vehicle. The YZF-R6 is a sport motorcycle designed for performance and agility, not towing.
- Trim-Level Features: As a single model, its features were standard:
- Chassis: Aluminum Deltabox frame, fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork, and a fully adjustable rear shock.
- Brakes: Dual 310mm hydraulic disc brakes with radial-mount four-piston calipers at the front, and a single 220mm hydraulic disc brake with a single-piston caliper at the rear.
- Electronics: YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) was a major highlight, providing ride-by-wire throttle control. It also featured YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake), an electronically controlled variable intake system, which optimized power delivery across the rev range.
- Instrumentation: Digital speedometer, analog tachometer, multi-function display including fuel gauge, dual trip meters, and temperature warning light.
- Lighting: Dual projector beam headlights and LED taillight.
The 2007 R6 was a technological marvel for its time in the supersport category, offering advanced features previously seen only on liter bikes or race machines.
2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2007 |
| Make | Yamaha |
| Model | YZF-R6 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Motorcycle |
| Category | Motorcycle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | HAMAMATSU |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 599-CC |
| Engine Size | 599L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Have?
Another area of concern can be the clutch basket. Some riders, particularly those who frequently engage in hard launches or aggressive downshifts, have noted premature wear or "notchy" feel, although this is less widespread than charging system issues.
The fuel pump has also been mentioned in some forums as a potential point of failure, usually manifesting as intermittent fuel delivery problems or the bike failing to start. This is not a universal issue but worth noting when inspecting a used model.
Regarding engine reliability, the 599cc inline-four is generally robust, but given its high-revving nature, meticulous maintenance (oil changes, valve adjustments) is crucial. Neglecting these can lead to accelerated wear, especially at higher mileages. Some owners have experienced minor oil leaks from valve covers or clutch covers over time, which are typically easily fixable.
For specific recalls, the 2007 YZF-R6 did have a recall (NHTSA Campaign ID: 07V499000, Yamaha Recall ID: 007018) concerning the headlight wiring harness. The original harness routing could cause the wires to stretch and eventually break, leading to a loss of headlight function. Yamaha dealerships performed a free inspection and re-routing of the harness to correct this issue. It's important to verify if this recall service has been performed on any used R6.
Long-term reliability largely hinges on how the bike was treated. These are performance machines, often ridden hard or tracked. Therefore, checking for crash damage, track abuse, and consistent maintenance records is paramount. Poorly maintained examples may suffer from worn suspension components, brake fade from overheated fluid, or a tired engine. Overall, with proper care and addressing known weak points like the charging system, the 2007 YZF-R6 can be a very durable and rewarding motorcycle.
How long will the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 last?
However, weaknesses over time often include wear on consumables like brake pads, chain/sprockets, and tires, which need regular replacement. Suspension components can degrade, requiring fork seal replacements or a full shock rebuild. As mentioned, the charging system (stator/rectifier) is a common failure point that tends to surface with age and mileage. Electrical connections can also become corroded. Plastics and fairings may show signs of age, fading, or minor cracks, especially if exposed to sunlight or minor drops. Maintaining the bike's health depends heavily on the previous owner's diligence; a neglected R6 will show its age much faster.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Key Built-in Technology:
- Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T): This was a groundbreaking feature for the time, a true ride-by-wire system. It electronically translates throttle grip inputs to the throttle bodies, allowing the ECU to precisely control airflow for optimal power delivery and response across the rev range, without a direct cable connection.
- Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I): This variable length intake system adjusted the length of the intake funnels based on engine RPM, optimizing air velocity and density for improved power and torque delivery across a broader rev range, particularly enhancing mid-range performance without sacrificing top-end power.
- Fuel Injection: Advanced electronic fuel injection system ensures precise fuel metering for efficiency and performance.
- Multi-function Digital Instrumentation: Featured a digital speedometer, analog tachometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, clock, and various warning lights (oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam).
Entertainment: As a sportbike, built-in entertainment features are non-existent. Riders typically rely on aftermarket solutions like helmet communication systems with Bluetooth connectivity for music or navigation.
Driver-Assistance: There were no active driver-assistance systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), traction control, or stability control available as standard or optional features on the 2007 YZF-R6. These technologies were not common in the supersport class at this price point until later model years. The focus was on raw, unassisted rider control.
Safety Features:
- Powerful Braking System: Radial-mount four-piston calipers gripping large dual 310mm front discs provided strong, fade-resistant stopping power.
- Aggressive Ergonomics: While challenging for some, the forward-leaning, tucked-in riding position is designed to offer maximum control and aerodynamics at high speeds, improving stability.
- Robust Chassis: The aluminum Deltabox frame provides excellent rigidity and feedback to the rider.
- Advanced Suspension: Fully adjustable front forks and rear shock allow riders to fine-tune the handling for different conditions and preferences.
Optional Features: Yamaha offered a range of genuine accessories, primarily performance-enhancing or cosmetic. These included slip-on exhausts, frame sliders, tank pads, and racing-focused parts, but no factory-installed optional tech packages. ABS was not an option.
Crash-Test Ratings: Motorcycles are not subjected to formal crash-test ratings by organizations like NHTSA or IIHS in the same way cars are. Safety largely depends on rider skill, protective gear, and adherence to road rules. Therefore, no crash-test ratings are available for the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6.
What Colors Options are Available?
2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Prices and Market Value
Depreciation for supersport bikes like the R6 is generally steep in the initial years, but then it tends to level off, holding a relatively stable value for well-maintained examples. The R6, being a popular model, depreciates less harshly than some niche bikes. Factors affecting resale value include the overall cosmetic condition (fairing scratches, dents), mechanical condition (engine health, suspension), mileage, service records, and the presence of desirable aftermarket modifications (e.g., quality exhaust, braided brake lines) versus undesirable ones (e.g., "stunt" bike modifications, poor quality parts). A clean title and proof of maintenance significantly boost resale value.
2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Cost of Ownership
2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Fuel Efficiency
2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Recalls & Defects
Exterior Lighting
2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Warranty
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Powertrain
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2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Compare to Other Motorcycle?
- Performance: The 2007 R6 was renowned for its high-revving, peaky engine, delivering class-leading horsepower at very high RPMs, especially when combined with its YCC-T ride-by-wire and YCC-I variable intake. This made it a formidable track weapon.
- Honda CBR600RR (2007-2008): The CBR was often praised for its balanced, user-friendly performance, and excellent mid-range power, making it more forgiving on the street. It was less peaky than the R6 but slightly down on outright top-end power.
- Suzuki GSX-R600 (2006-2007): The "Gixxer" was a strong contender, offering a powerful engine that felt more robust in the mid-range than the R6, and a very capable chassis. It was often considered a good blend of track performance and street usability.
- Kawasaki ZX-6R (2007-2008): The ZX-6R often had a slightly larger displacement (636cc in some generations) or a very aggressive engine tune, providing a strong top-end punch similar to the R6, sometimes even feeling more potent due to its aggressive gearing and engine character.
- Features: The R6 stood out with its advanced YCC-T and YCC-I, which were cutting-edge at the time, offering precise throttle control and optimized power delivery. None of its rivals offered these exact technologies in 2007. ABS was not commonly available on any of these bikes.
- Reliability: All Japanese 600cc sportbikes generally boast good reliability if maintained. The R6 is reliable, but its charging system issues (stator/rectifier) are a known weak point. The CBR600RR and GSX-R600 were generally considered bulletproof with proper maintenance, while the ZX-6R also held a strong reputation.
- Price: New prices were very similar across the board, typically within a few hundred dollars of each other ($9,000-$9,500). Used prices today also follow a similar pattern, largely dictated by condition and mileage rather than brand.
Recommendation:
The 2007 YZF-R6 is an excellent choice for experienced riders who appreciate a high-revving, track-focused machine and are comfortable with its aggressive ergonomics. For those seeking a slightly more street-friendly or balanced alternative, the Honda CBR600RR of the same vintage offers a smoother, more forgiving power delivery and often better comfort. If you desire strong mid-range and a good all-around package, the Suzuki GSX-R600 is a fantastic alternative. The Kawasaki ZX-6R is a similar, aggressively styled and performing option for those who enjoy the thrill of a sharp, powerful supersport. Ultimately, the choice often comes down to personal preference for engine character and ergonomics.
Final Verdict: Is the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 a Good Motorcycle?
Buying used is the only option now, and it's crucial to find a well-maintained example. Look for bikes with a clear service history, no signs of crash damage or extensive track abuse, and ideally with the headlight recall addressed. Be prepared to address the common stator/rectifier issue if not already done. Given there are no specific "trims," focus on the bike's overall condition. If you want a raw, engaging supersport experience without modern electronic nannies, the 2007 R6 offers exceptional value and performance for its current used price.