1997 Yamaha reviews

I own a 1997 YZF 750R with 10,000 Miles. I have only had one small problem with the bike and it is not specific to this model. It is present in all previous to the R1 Yamaha sportbikes. The front disc rotors became slightly warped at about 7000 miles. The fix is $400 to $600 dollars depending on who you buy the replacement disc's from. My bike runs as strong today as when it was first purchased. It does not use any oil and is a complete joy to ride. I installed a Yoshimura RS-3 (Race Baffle) end can and a K&N Filter. I always use Yamalube Synthetic blend motor oil. and my bike has put out on the dyno 110 Rear wheel horsepower. I would recommend this motorcycle to any one wanting a great handling fast sportbike. And it is comfortable to ride as well. ALSO the 26,000 mile valve adjustment interval Yamaha claims should be done at more like 10-15K. These bikes are also picky as to the tires used I use Dunlop D 207 ZR and have had no problems. Show less

This is my first road bike. Having a history of riding WR500's and CR500's in Motorcross and Enduro behind me I thought it time to try the road bike scene.I really thought nothing could compare to a fully tricked up "99" CR500 for instant power delivery but after owning this YZF1000 for only a few months, my opinion has changed. WHAT A MACHINE. Instant "controllable" power delivery, ride position, handling, and most of all, PRICE, what more could you ask for. Those of you who have a history of riding big bores (motorcross) and are looking for an ENTRY BIKE into road bikes, look no further, you have found it. Other bikes might be more powerful and the "flavour" of the month but I can assure you, it gave me a fright or two the first month(and is still doing it). Remember, it is only a few horsepower down on the R1, its only drawback is its weight but compared to some other more recent bikes its not that bad.I tested the R1,TL1000S and R, GSX750R, and the HYABUSA. All brilliant bikes and each having its own niche area but for overall ridability the YZF1000 was the only one that had the complete package going for it. Touring, commuting, weekend scratching, it can do it all. My is a 2000 Model (not that much has changed from the "96" mod) and for $14500.00 (AUS) on road it has to be the best value for money bike on the road.The sales people will tell you it is behind the latest technology and outdated. Have a good look at one, then take it for a ride, thats all it will take and you will be convinced. Show less

I bought this bike new. Around 7,000 miles it developed a miss and started to smoke when first started. I then took motorcycle to a YAMAHA dealer for the mentioned problems. The dealer notified me that the valves were not closing completely. When I asked why this happened, I was told that it could be due to soft material used to make the valves. After repair was completed, I again asked why my 7,000-mile motorcycle needed a valve job. I was told that during repairs that they checked the valve seats and fond that they were not cut properly. I also had a new problem. My throttle was hard to twist. When I questioned this, the reply was that they had adjusted the cables and would be like that for a little while. WRONG! Had bike back to the same dealer several times for that problem and for it running rich. So rich my wife would not ride or stand behind it. After getting no satisfaction I called YAMAHA, told them about my bike needing a valve job at 7,000 miles. I also told them that it was starting to act the same way again. I then asked if they would cover the bill when I took the bike back to the dealer that I purchased it from. I was told that their policy was for me to go back to where it was repaired and at the most that dealer would give me a break on parts and labor since my bike was out of warranty. I asked why they would not back their product. I was told that they want the dealer to fix any problems. Now I had it back to the dealer to fix the throttle several times. And they were not qualified enough to fix it right! I had to buy a shop manual and fix it. The fix was to line up the alignment holes properly. My bike is back at the dealer that I purchased it from. He called and told me that he traced the problem down to 2 things. Rings or valves. I think after 25+ years of owning YAMAHA'S that I am going to switch my brand loyalty to HONDA. Show less

I had (sold it for a TT600) a black and silver YZF. It was awesome. After 28,000 miles I parted w/ it (regretfully, however I love the TT). Add a Fox shock to the rear and raise it 1-2 millimeters, then add stiffer front fork springs, maybe between .85-. 95 and you'll have a bike that'll handle far and away better than S Show less

My brother is 12 and he has one of these bikes; it was a great bike...in 1968 when it first came out! It's an exact replica of a 1968 Yamaha 100 dirt bike. It has no power, the handling is terrible, and it looks very, very ugly. One thing that makes the looks so bad is how long it is. Maybe if it were a little shorter in length and a little taller in height it would look and ride better. All in all bring back a bike from the 60's was a mistake. Show less

I personally think that the RT 100 is a waste of money. Sure it was a great bike to learn on but in the long run it was simply a waste of money, for the price I paid over here in Australia. Its unbelievable like I said before it was a waste of money, very pore performance etc. Show less

I just bought it one a week ago and it has 19700 miles with a k-n filter,jet kit, and yoshimura header/carbon fiber muff. I'll put it up against anything without a pro riding it!!!! Show less

I have owned my YZF 2 years now and believe it to be the best bike Iv'e ever ridden. It is a very comfortable bike plenty of room, even with a slight lean forward riding position, a huge soft seat for rider and passenger. The power is all you will ever need 70 ft lbs. of torque and 126 hp at the wheel. Power wheelies no problem the corner exit power is unreal. The power delivery is smooth and predictable useable power down to 2500 rpm in top gear. I have never had a problem of any kind so reliability is not a problem, as far as handling goes I have no problem keeping up with my friends on their R1's Gixr's and 996 in the north Georgia mountains. Bottom line is if you buy one it would not be a mistake. Show less

This is a jewel that has yet to be found, in my opinion the YZF600R is on top of the class with its performance, styling, and especially handling. While not the fastest 600 in its class, its midrange power is phenomenal and I personally love the Yamaha Blue/White scheme. I guarantee you won't be disappointed if you choose to buy this bike, with a few add ons you will have a kick ass 600! Show less

One of the best beginner bikes out there, the RT100 is a comfortable bike to learn on with enough power to help you compete on the track and on the trail. With low compression, a child from 6 up could easily start the bike and ride, learning and experiencing power at the same time. Show less