If you want a standard-setting, great-value used bike, I think you need one with a tuning fork logo

Yamaha are innovators. They were first with ride-by-wire, played with hub-centre steering, brought us variable timing with YPVS and even stick two wheels on the front of some bikes. Yet this boldness doesn’t mean their bikes are outsiders.

Quite the opposite – there’s not a genre of motorcycle where Yam haven’t made a benchmark machine. Here’s our pick of their enticing catalogue of pre-loved metal.

• Related: Why MCN’s Justin Hayzelden bought a Yamaha TRX850

Read on for our expert guide to the best used Yamahas!

---

MCN Recommended: 2001 – 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 – £3300 – £13,000

Opulent tourer with a just-so blend of tradition and modernity

Spec:

• Power: 144bhp
• Engine capacity: 1298cc
• Seat height: 805mm
• Kerb weight: 237kg

And you thought we’d trumpet about an R1 or Ténéré… The big FJR might seem an odd choice, but is a seriously good used buy. Go for the ‘Gen III’ model from 2013-on and you get the classic features of a large tourer – sumptuous comfort, secure handling and smooth, surging four-cylinder power – delivered with a contemporary flourish. There’s cruise, TC, modes, heated grips and optional electronic suspension, and quality, refinement and performance are top notch. Classy motorcycle.

Yamaha FJR1300 used buying advice

• The engine is more than proven and good for 200,000 miles if looked after. Check the gearbox, though – rushing its slow shift action gearbox can cause premature wear to the selector forks. And it’s pricey to fix.
• Clutchless semi-auto FJRs can lock themselves in one gear if the computer gets tired and emotional.
• Electrical connectors under the bodywork aren’t as likely to corrode as on older FJRs, but still need to be coated in silicone grease and kept clean to avoid the onset of electrical niggles.
• Check for signs of rust on brake disc carriers and running gear.

---

2010 – 2021 Yamaha Super Ténéré – £5000 – £7500

Trendy? Not really. Rugged, capable and cheap? Yes indeedy

Spec:

• Power: 109bhp
• Engine capacity: 1199cc
• Seat height: 845mm
• Kerb weight: 261kg

You don’t buy an XT1200Z for huge power or blingy tech, but for its subtle brilliance. Its parallel twin pushes out relaxed yet effective thrust, the stable chassis gives all-weather confidence, practicality and comfort are superb, and it’s apocalypse-proof. Not being made in Berlin means it’s cheap too, though prices are firming up (and rising) as folk rediscover the 1200. Buy now.

Yamaha Super Ténéré used buying advice

• The thumping 1199cc twin is amazingly durable, but there was a recall on 2015 models to sort out the cam part of the gearshift gubbins.
• There are two plugs per cylinder, and the bolts holding their retainer in place are hard to remove if they’ve got filthy and been allowed to seize.
• Clutch covers on some early 1200s were a bit weak and could crack, causing a small leak. Have a check.
• See if there’s any sign of pulsing through the brake pedal – the rear brake disc can corrode and warp.

---

1988 – 1994 Yamaha FZR400RR – £3000 – £9000

Not just fab looking, but possibly the sweetest sports 400

Spec:

• Power: 58bhp
• Engine capacity: 399cc
• Seat height: 165mm
• Kerb weight: 150kg

Japan’s TT-F3 race series was big in the 80s and 90s, so all the factories built serious 400cc tools. Released in ’86, the FZR400 made huge strides with its alloy frame, inclined engine and low-profile radials. But it’s the later RR model you want. The bike that dominated the TT, its accuracy and thrashability give B-road joy. It was an official UK model in the early 90s – find one of these if you can.

Yamaha FZR400RR used buying advice

• Loads of FZRs were raced and have been trackday toys, so check the motor’s not kippered. All versions can suffer with dodgy clutches, too.
• The EXUP valve in the exhaust can corrode, which stops it working – listen for rattles from the pipework.
• SP models are desirable and fetch big money. But make sure it’s pukka: it should have bare brake calipers, adjustable rebound and compression, and a single seat. The few SPs that came to the UK have CV carbs; Japanese ones have flatslides.

---

2016 – 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 – £4890 – £10999

As happy touring Europe two-up as doing wheelies and skids

Spec:

• Power: 115bhp
• Engine capacity: 847cc
• Seat height: 845mm
• Kerb weight: 190kg

Bolting an effective fairing and assorted practical niceties to the oh-so-good MT-09 naked bike was a master-stroke, and the resulting Tracer pretty much defines the modern all-rounder. You get the comfort and presence of an adventure bike, playful handling and fruity performance, and the trip-swallowing abilities of the best sports-tourers. Quite a proposition.

Yamaha Tracer 900 used buying advice

• The dependable triple is good for 100,000 miles and shouldn’t be using oil or puffing exhaust smoke.
• On a Tracer that’s seen normal use make sure the 24,000-mile valve check service has been done – and that it’s not being sold to side-step the cost involved.
• Corrosion can eat into fasteners and a few parts of the running gear, and exhausts can soon look scruffy.
• Some sections of bodywork are a bit flimsy and can start to rattle. Make sure the screen stays put.

---

2018 – current Yamaha MT-07 – £4400 – £7500 (new)

Solid proof that ‘budget’ definitely doesn’t mean boring…

Spec:

• Power: 71bhp
• Engine capacity: 689cc
• Seat height: 780mm
• Kerb weight: 179kg

The bike that reset our understanding of value, the MT-07 is flickable, punchy and fun yet friendly, polite and accessible in equal measure. Build quality is good despite its keen pricing, and it has an enviable reputation for reliability. It’s a bike that’ll whirr to work, be a doddle in town, then be a proper laugh on your favourite back roads at the weekend. No wonder it sells so well.

Yamaha MT-07 used buying advice

• Rear shock damping can evaporate on big-mile bikes. Sintered front brake pads are a welcome upgrade.
• The parallel twin is a gem and super-dependable. It’s rare to need adjustment at the 24,000-mile valve check, and ample access makes servicing nice and affordable.
• Finish is iffy in some places. Check for corrosion and give the steel frame a proper inspection for the first signs of rust. It’s unlikely… but check.
• White and red paint wasn’t as popular when new, so pay less now.