2001 Yamaha R6 Overview & Review | Where It All Began

With Yamaha announcing the end of the R6 line, I thought it would be a good opportunity to step into the time machine (also known as my low motorcycle budget), and check out where the R6 came from. This 2001 model R6 is my personal bike and features only minor changes from the original 1999 model. As much as I love motorcycle racing, and this era or sport bikes, they really aren’t for me long term.
I’m a pretty big guy and while the R6 isn’t necessarily uncomfortable, it’s certainly not built for someone my size. I purchased this R6 because I needed something new and knew that I’d only have it for a few months. I figured I would take this window of opportunity to finally own a supersport, just to say that I had. I find the first generation R6 to be one of the best looking bikes of the era, especially the taillights. Despite my initial hesitation of owning a supersport, I've come to love my little R6, and the awesome feeling it gives me every time I ride.
While I think that the end of the incredible race replica boom is something to be mourned, I am excited by the new range of street focused bikes that have been growing in popularity for the past few years.
If there are any specific bikes you’d like me to review in the future, why not let me know in the comments?
As for the video itself; this is only my second real video, and I've tried hard to make improvements over my VFR video. My audio quality was really lacking in that one, so I've upgraded my mic. I know the dead cat looks silly, but I think this video sounds significantly improved. Sadly, my in person shots are slightly out of focus so perfection eludes my grasp once again. Hopefully the third time will be the charm. I'm also trying out Final Cut instead of iMovie, so I've got a few more tools available for title cards and such. I hope the improvements are obvious and enjoyed.
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Follow me on Instagram: / mason_van_bike
Intro Music Courtesy of NicHasegawa: / @nichasegawa

[@NA8CR2LIMITED]

Thanks for the nice video. Your Japanese is more fluent than my English, and I can fully understand your intentions. "Conversation with the machine" mentioned in the story of 美輪-san is an important theme in Mazda's Roadster (MX-5), and Roadster's development concept is consistently "人馬一体". This means that the horse (this mean bike and car) and the person together to conversation with the road surface through the tires. As a side note, Japanese bike'soutput regulation was not a law, but a manufacturer's self-regulation. (The 250 hp regulation for cars was a public regulation under administrative guidance)

[@Marc98338]

I love my R6 from 2001, absolutely stunning for track days!

[@Mason_van_Bike]

I haven’t done any track days on it yet, but I’m hoping to this summer.

[@joelhiemstra1047]

I got the 2002 model. It's my baby.

[@joelcenoura1635]

One question dude, How much she drinks in 100km?

[@jerodrobinson4040]

​@@joelcenoura1635If You're on an R6 thinking about Gas Millage somethings wrong.

[@Favk21]

Haven't found many recent (or insightful) videos about early generation R6's. I've been eyeing this bike for a while... so, thank you for this video. This helps a lot.

[@Nitrodude6466]

Looking at an 2001 R6 and didn’t know too much about it but after watching this video I am confident with my decision of getting it and am genuinely excited for when I go and buy it thank you and I was extremely surprised when I saw your subscriber count you should definitely have more with the production quality also editing and sound this video is a benchmark for anybody who does reviews or KZbin in general keep up the good work and I’ll be watching your Chanel more often stay safe👍🏻

[@DutchTracer]

Great video! Very well put together and it shows your love for the bike! It did age really really well and it's sad to see the R6 gone. I used to own an FZ6 S2 which used the retuned the 2003 YZF-R6 and that was such a great and pleasent bike. Lovely sound from that arrow exhaust as well, let's hope for a short winter!

[@steveloving]

Watched this video for memories. I bought a 2000 R6 new and sold in 2003. I had some subtle mods, tinted screen, high mount two brothers exhaust, slightly lowered the bike, it was incredible. I really miss that bike and chapter of my life.

[@pinkeyephone6965]

Hey man I just came across your channel while looking over this bike and I wanted to say your production value is through the roof I really hope you find traction with these reviews if that’s what you continue to do

[@yddiuqs9731]

My dad is buying one from our neighbor right now I'm so happy. I can't drive yet but Im already in love

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Thanks so much man! I do have some more planned for the coming months. Canadian winter means it’s hard to ride and film videos. I appreciate the compliments!

[@robdixon6862]

Just bought an 02 that has been sitting for over 15 years - just got the motor running. Thanks for this video. This bike is timeless to me.

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Agreed! It still looks incredible.

[@akamaru4415]

Dude this video was actually really good

[@stuckinobamalow4559]

i really enjoyed this video you have calm soothing voice makes it nice to listen to

[@Isaacnormile]

Great video! Amazing editing and camera angles ☝️

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Thank you for your kind words :)

[@thiagotadeurodrigues]

Very nice video and well made. Congrats.

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Thanks for your kind comment :)

[@greggsonic]

Love my R6 99 model with short Scorcher exhaust! She is still a stunner 20 years on!!

[@WurmWatsonMotoVlog]

Thanks for the amazing r6 video

[@brandonsimmons3011]

I have the 2002 YZF r6 it save my life two times

[@Dutch-K9-Unit]

Still in love with my R6 and R1 from 2000💥💥💥👍👍💕💕💕

[@so2fast4u2]

I knew the R6 was gud back than but not this far better than the others in it's class... impressive. Now i want one even more

[@jenpsakiscousin4589]

I still got my 02, got new when started college. One of my favorite bike next to my old 91 gsxr.

[@FasterFlyer23]

Love that you predicted the R7!

[@thatonekidtrace555]

I have the last year of the first generation r6. being the 2002 r6. now mine is defiantly not as nice is this one but this bike is probably the most impressive for its year and class with all the power and lightness this bike is all around a great machine. I absolutely love mine and I will never get rid of it cause its just too fun to give it away.

[@SGTDBL007]

I was thinking about selling my bike but nah I’m gonna keep it till is blows up good vid very good info peace ✌🏿

[@uksurfer2505]

Great video 😊

[@blazenamber9176]

Had the same exact bike, still love how it looks

[@reggylippens6259]

i own a r6 too i ride it for 8 months this bike is timeless and also not for a young first time rider...i buyed mine for 750eu total rusted for 9 years in a barn winter summer had a lot of work to put in .....new engine block new bolts new electric components new sprockets and chain.... rebuilded carburators new exhaust total rebuilded brakes and brake lines .....i love my bike every day and i ride it every day even in the winter....now my r6 is like a bomb if good warmed....and if i put my bike beside others on the job everybody says my bike is more nicer than the newer bikes i can get 2500eu straight in the hand now and still i dont sell it ....even i gonna buy a r1 in 2 years this bike stays with me its a unique machine 22years old and still rocking and beating some bikes of today ....yamaha revs your heart but there moto is more than treu and for the closing my bike compression test is 203psi cyllinder 1 -206psi cyllinder 2 - 204 on cyllinder 3- and 205 psi on cyllinder 4 wher can you find that after 22 years ? ^^

[@michaeltorres622]

Love it the bike that started out the new bikes looks of today I want one so bad hopefully next year

[@Persian-Gulf.]

amazing review and i enjoy listening to your voice and review. i bought my 2000 r6 as my first bike and i liked what i heard from you. will take it slow and patient. already put $1000 into it from the mechanic !

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Thanks for watching. Enjoy your new bike!

[@Persian-Gulf.]

@@Mason_van_Bike ive been riding almost everyday. rode 5k on it. love it !

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Glad to hear it!

[@SGTDBL007]

I got this same exact bike and I live her soooooo much

[@bhaveshsuthar7656]

Thanks for making this video love from India 🇮🇳 ❤️

[@fredyayala378]

Excelente video 💪

[@motocrossman18]

Theres something about that low rpm engine whine type of noise that ive always loved. Not sure what that is but its unique

[@RsiX_soundsUK]

I have that same blue one . Theyve got a very mechanical feel , like you feel very connected to the engine . Low down power isnt amazing but up at speed on and off throttle in high revs through twisty roads it feels wild . You have to watch not too get carried away and head too hot into a bend or corner . Not the smoothest engine , they all have a funny idle sound at the engine , all seem kinda raw in mid revs and all screaming nicely up high 😂 amazing bike for the price

[@rerrostyle7655]

Best looking sport bike ever

[@Bradzhamo2781]

@@Mason_van_Bike yuk haha, each to their own but personally i reckon the bulky tail section on the SRAD looks butt ugly haha. Glad Suzuki didn't stick with that design for long. On saying that Gixxers are fantastic bikes. Bulletproof & Power 👌

[@Bradzhamo2781]

@@Mason_van_Bike Ahh yes, back in the days when GP bikes were 2 stroke weapons and it was exciting to watch the likes of Roberts and Schwantz and so many other legends of that era as they drifted the bikes sideways round corners as they powered out with the front wheel in the air lol. These days its all ABS, traction control, quickshifters n auto blippers n blah blah blah haha

[@jonahlevi3178]

yup

[@Bradzhamo2781]

Nice video man, sad to see the R6 finally come to an end but like yourself i own a 2001 model, shes my baby with only 15k on the clock and me being 39 years of age the 2001 model, in my mind was the best of all the R6's. Something about the carby fed engine and having to use the choke for cold start ups coupled with the sexy old school style keeps me feeling young everytime i throw a leg over the ol girl. I still remember back in 2001 when the R6 came out how badly i wanted one and almost 20 years later that dream came true, all be it in the same year yamaha finally brought an end to the production of these awesome bikes. But one things for sure ill never get rid of mine and im just glad that im one of the lucky ones to have a piece of R6 history in my garage 😃 Safe travels brother, R6 life, cheers from Australia 🤟

[@Bradzhamo2781]

@@Mason_van_Bike yeah thanks man, same to you. Bikes are like women, if we treat them with respect and look after them they'll do the same in return. Safe travels brother, look forward to more R6 vids 👍

[@scottiejon]

I also have a 2001. 5k original miles 😊

[@Bradzhamo2781]

@@scottiejon Krikey mate, thats some low milage, she's hardly run in lol. You buy it new??

[@scottiejon]

@@Bradzhamo2781 nope found her last month in Jacksonville Florida. All stock. Well not anymore lol

[@rerrostyle7655]

@@scottiejon keep her stock or you will regret that

[@borih731]

As an owner of an 01/02 R6 (Red) I couldn't agree with you more with your opinions on it. Personally I love mine to death. And am still surprised about the seat differences on even newer sportbikes.

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Right? I really feel that first gen R6 was one of the last “useable” sport bikes, along with bikes like F4i.

[@Dutch-K9-Unit]

Still a sexy bike in 2021 love my R6 oldschool 💪💪💪❤️❤️❤️

[@micign2520]

Best looking R6.

[@RIDEALL.]

I have this machine !! The best classic ever

[@jonreinmiller9114]

I have an 07 R6. Nice bike btw

[@sirflex01]

10:32 i found that my 2001 yzf r6 loves the twisties at speed, and maneuvering it at speed is easy due to the high pegs and rider postion

[@Max-hq9rj]

I own this bike. I think those tail lights are aftermarket not stock. I love this bike and its a great track bike and road bike. They were an absolute bargain a few years ago but are now getting expensive.

[@Mason_van_Bike]

The taillights on my particular bike are aftermarket, but they look pretty much the same as the stock ones, just with integrated turn signals.

[@Jeoni22]

Miss my old 99...

[@xxxVerbalAssassinxxx]

I bought this brand new in 2001, came to KZbin to see if I could relive that memory and you didn't disappoint. Same color, and I thought it was the same exhaust, but mine was an Acropovic. I trailered that bike all along the east coast to ride different roads, since Miami is as flat as you can imagine, and i only put on about 2500 miles over 5 years. I wish I still had it, because it's still a damn good looking bike even 20 years later. Thanks for the memories, I'll be watching this again in the future.

[@Mason_van_Bike]

This is super wholesome! Thanks for your comment. I’m glad the video brought back some good memories for you. It’s still a gorgeous bike, twenty years later!

[@ventisette.]

1:55 maybe that was the first Japanese motorcycle to do that. Italian 2 stroke 125 bikes had around 30BHP in the early 1990s, multiply that by 8 and you get 240 BHP per litre. Also pretty sure the RGV 250 made over 50BHP around the same time

[@blowduke]

Had a new one in 2002 got 156 mph on it .crazy for a 600 motorcycle

[@aaronellenson4760]

this bike has aged like fine wine

[@mohamedhelmy2519]

thanks from Egypt

[@bohoterpy6866]

How does this guy only have 600 subs?

[@m.al-h9108]

hey mason, can you tell me where you got the integrated tail light signals?

[@mondragonmsaul308]

I have a very bare bones 01 r6 the previous owners used it to stunt but I got it for $200 I’ve been working on it but here in cali it’s been raining also I’ve been having an idling issue I worry of what to do

[@HoustonR6ryda]

nice......my red and faster black 01 R6 screams through the Two brothers gonna be for sale in Houston,TX

[@anthonymaniz1933]

Can anyone tell me if I can put handlebar risers on my 01 r6 thank you

[@rasestu1671]

My dad just gave me the keys and his title to his 01 Champ edition of this bike and im planning restoring it. Its been sittin for about 5 years so any advice would be wonderful

[@futureofcarstube]

I have an 02 last year before fuel injection :)

[@topkart78]

Nice!

[@EyeForKnowledge.]

In my early 20’s when this bike came out, EVERYONE was riding this or the new CBR600RR. I was a broke loser then (still a loser), and wanted one so badly. I was riding a 1986 xr250r at this time. I envied those super sport guys so much. These bikes were monsters back then. And the super sport culture was at its heyday in the early 2000’s. It’s a shame they have phased out the 600’s. I now own a 2018 CBR600RR. And hate that any 600 I’ll want in the future will have to be used.

[@airsoftspitfire]

just wondering how tall are you as it looks so small next to you

[@TheGodfather990]

Arent yamaha anounced continuation of r6 in 2024?

[@fiyahfistace]

Looking to purchase a 2002! Is there anything with these bikes I should look out for? (Coming from an 2000 cbr600f4)

[@BjGunnBjgunn]

I own a 02 r6. They are pretty well built so just check everything you normally would when buying a bike. If there are clutch issues I would would walk away-proberly someone trying to wheelie it from dumping the clutch. First gear makes a big clunk when engaging, it is normal. Don't expect any power down low, it doesn't start until 9000rpm. It has a 120/60-17 front tyre so different to most bikes. You can put a 120/70-17 on it but you will have to elongate the front guard bolt holes to give clearance so the 120/70 won't rub. The front can get a bit twitchy when nailing it outta bumpy turns , but is stable as under brakes. Keep the revs high , dance on the gear lever and you will run rings around your mates .

[@massivesaint1415]

Over aggressive?😂 the 03-05 looks amazing on the front end but i like the rear of the 01. My 05 was such an amazing looking bike but i never thought it was “over aggressive.”

[@LeMatt87n]

Wait what? Why the he’ll are they discontinuing it?

[@HoustonR6ryda]

I have an 01R6 in red...garaged for about 10 year...fighting with the carbs I "cleaned" . I would like to sell it.

[@maxman1244]

Can we also stop and appreciate the sound that comes from a carb fed R6... With the right pipe, nothing comes close to the sound of a carbureted bike... Maybe I'm too biased

[@nickcaviola3990]

what kind of muffler is that?? i have the same bike same year with the same muffler and idk how to take the baffles out. any help or suggestions you can offer?

[@Mason_van_Bike]

That bike had an Arrow slip on exhaust. There are a couple good tutorials on KZbin from what I recall!

[@joelhiemstra1047]

Where do you have your camera at 4:40 to create that view? Also what cam do you use?

[@Mason_van_Bike]

That was shot with a chin mount on my helmet. All the on bike shots were filmed with a GoPro Hero 7 Silver and the sections with me talking were shot on a Sony A6300

[@1996serg]

Hi can any one help? I bought a 2001 yzf r6 and found out engine needs a rebuild, I may have found an engine to buy its code is xj502e-008987 My code on my bike is xj502e-046554x I’m new to bikes and trying to figure out what year of bike etc that this engine came out of and if it’s the right one for mine? Any help appreciated

[@John-py2up]

Hi mate. I'm due to ride my mint condition 2000 r6 from Wales to Coventry in England, to start my new job at Jaguar Landrover.

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Sounds like a great time! Enjoy the ride and congrats on the new job.

[@John-py2up]

Cheers Mate,

[@michaelloranger7878]

Hey man what tail lights do you have? I want some like that so bad

[@Mason_van_Bike]

They’re available on Amazon if you just search “2001 R6 LED taillight”. Super cheap too, but they look fantastic.

[@michaelloranger7878]

@@Mason_van_Bike thank you brother

[@tmats9787]

日本の誇り

[@gremlinsoup8318]

im buying one for my first bike rn it needs some new front lights any idea where i can get some?

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Check your local Yamaha dealership. I’m from Canada but my local dealership was able to source OEM foot pegs and mirrors for me so parts are still around.

[@gremlinsoup8318]

@@Mason_van_Bike thanks man

[@_mzgames4468]

Why do people have a problem with the engine?? Is a carbureted engine bad??

[@liecron]

would you recomend it for acommuter

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Depending on the length of your commute, definitely. It’s relatively comfortable and if you keep the revs low and your gear high then it actually gets fantastic mileage. I think my best tank was 230km but that was pushing the fuel light a bit.

[@chevykeys03]

What tail faring do you have on that

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Standard fairing! It has aftermarket signals that flash the break lights orange. The 01 had more signals though, so it is a little different from other first gen R6s

[@11BabaYaga]

Would you say this bike is small than the newer bikes?

[@badcommentbot8349]

Yes tiny

[@famousinhuman3427]

0:25 track id?

[@norioMT1700]

このバイクに乗っていました。とても懐かしい！素晴らしいバイクでした！😊

[@Mason_van_Bike]

素晴らしいですね！日本に引っ越した時にあのバイクを売りましたけど、同じモデルをまた買おうかなと思っています。笑笑

[@magiccorned5336]

Hey i am from France and i am looking for a r6. Toi change my kawasaki zrx 1100 1999.

[@slvlvaiphei7030]

👍👍👍

[@christianaguilar3283]

First bike 3 weeks In

[@mikeyg6631]

I truly appreciate the R6 but it's seating position is very aggressive!!

[@ecespeedph1119]

🙂👍✌

[@leontaylor3721]

How the FUCK do you only have 250 subs?!?!?!?!

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Haha, thanks! I wish I had more too, but I think I need to put out more videos.

[@leontaylor3721]

@@Mason_van_Bike Yeah bro ur shit is high quality

[@Tommymellett]

my uncle has one it's a 2000

[@PaulioMaldinio]

Just bought one on ebay for pennys

[@r3rie]

おー！！！かっこいい(❁´ω`❁)あたしもチャンネル登録しました♥これからよろしくお願いします♥

[@Mason_van_Bike]

みてくださってありがとうございます！

[@andrewbloomer1163]

I IM A ROBOT!! Relax ya voice man

[@humbleservant1294]

My micron sounds better 😆