Most manufacturers are either labeled as “reliable” or “fun.” These two characteristics are usually mutually exclusive, but Yamaha somehow found a way to blend the two. The fact that Yamaha has been an ever-present figure in pretty much every form of motorsport around the world has most certainly played a role, complementing the traditional Japanese attention to detail.
While it might be almost impossible to see the gains of competing in top-level motorsport right away – with few motorcycles offering any real resemblance to production bikes – the innovations on track eventually do make it into production models. What helps improve the reliability of a motorcycle being ridden at the limit for hours at a time will certainly improve the longevity of the average street bike. These bikes have all done their part to prove this theory.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Yamaha Motorsports. Buying a used motorcycle always has an element of risk attached, so please do your research, and proceed with caution. The motorcycles on this list go from oldest to newest.
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For those relatively new to riding and looking to upgrade, it is well worth considering one of these Yamahas
10
1971 DT250
Price Range: $1,000 – $3,000
The beauty of the DT-1 was in its simplicity. Up until the late 60s, most trail bikes were simply modified street bikes – or scramblers, if you will. Other manufacturers simply didn’t see the gap in the market, but Yamaha certainly did. The DT-1 was the first genuine dual-sport, and while it is getting harder to find in reasonable condition, the DT250 is almost the same bike. It is a lot easier to find, and still relatively affordable compared to the more collectible DT-1.
9
1984 FJ1200
Price Range: $1,000 – $3,000
The FJ1200 was always a little too heavy to be a genuine sports bike, but its air-cooled inline-four is still phenomenal even by modern standards. Both potent and reliable, these bikes make incredible sport tourers thanks to their neutral ergonomics and stable, planted feel at speed. Just add luggage, and point it in the direction of your choosing.
8
1992 XJ600 Seca II
Price Range: $2,000 – $4,000
The Seca II, also known as the Diversion in other markets, was brought out as an affordable, approachable touring option back in the 90s. It has proven to be metronomically reliable over the years and what it lacks in modern safety equipment, it more than makes up for in comfort and simple durability. For newish riders looking for an affordable travel companion, you can’t really go wrong here.
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7
2006 YZF-R1 (Genesis)
Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000
By 2006, the venerable Genesis engine was into its final year as the chosen powertrain for the R1 sports bike. The 20-valve lump offered an impressive balance between performance and reliability, but was starting to show its age. Back then, the Genesis engine had reached its ceiling in terms of performance, but today, these fast, lightweight superbikes offer experienced riders an opportunity to own a potent, yet still durable track bike on a budget.
6
2012 VMax
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
The first-generation V-Max had some issues with its V-Boost system, but with the introduction of fuel injection and a bump in displacement for the second generation, reliability improved, and power went up to a scarcely believable 200 horsepower. This is still the most powerful street bike Yamaha has ever produced. While the modern superbikes could conceivably make more power, there is no express need.
5
2020 WR250R
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
The demand for lightweight dual-sport bikes like the old WR seems to be increasing, but there is no denying the fact that by the time it went out of production, it was pretty expensive. Any update would have made it even more expensive, and if the new DR-Z4S is anything to go by, it would have ended up costing more than most people are prepared to pay for a Japanese dual-sport. There is no such issue with the 2020 model, as it is now pretty affordable on the used market.
4
2020 YZF-R6
Price Range: $12,000 – $14,000
The fact that Yamaha discontinued this bike still doesn’t make a lot of sense. The fact that it is holding its value like this is a testament to how much demand there still is for an R6. As much as the latest R9 is a great bike, we would still have an R6. It might not have ever been the fastest supersport, but it was the most durable, and is still the default choice for most track rats.
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3
TW200
MSRP: $4,999
How this old workhorse is still in production, and the aforementioned WR250 and R6 are not, is one of the great mysteries of this world. This rugged little farm bike has some serious staying power, that is for sure. For so many riders, this is the bike that they would have learned to ride on, and it is one of those motorcycles that don’t really ever get sold; it just gets passed down to the next generation or used until it no longer functions. However long that may take.
2
MT-07
MSRP: $8,599
The MT-07 serves more as a placeholder for any bike with a CP2 engine. Ever since it came out, this parallel-twin has proven to be metronomically reliable, yet somehow each bike that has this engine is also still a blast to ride. It isn’t necessarily a “beginner-friendly” platform, but no matter if you want a naked bike like this, an adventure bike like the Tenere 700, or a sports bike like the R7, Yamaha has the ideal bike for you to step up to.
1
Yamaha MT-10
MSRP: $14,999
The CP4 engine proved to be revolutionary for Yamaha back when it was first introduced in MotoGP way back in the late 00s. Over the years, Yamaha has been synonymous with the crossplane crank, and what we get with the MT-10 is arguably the finest example of this mechanical innovation. The engine was extensively reworked for this naked bike platform, and, as a result, has astonishingly good midrange performance, makes the most intoxicating sound, and uses far too much fuel for its own good.