What are you riding?

[diddylord]

I've got a lowered tiger 800, it's a brilliant bike, can't really fault it

[Joanne]

Going to look at this tonight - yamaha ybr125 2012 Learner legal a very nice low mileage bike | eBay

 

So things to check, forks, oil, brake fluid, chain, look for general damage.

 

I definitely won't be buying tonight anyways...

[foofighterjim]

Going to look at this tonight - yamaha ybr125 2012 Learner legal a very nice low mileage bike | eBay

 

So things to check, forks, oil, brake fluid, chain, look for general damage.

 

I definitely won't be buying tonight anyways...

 

Petrol - Ok, probably not a direct issue, but check if it has things like a petrol warning light or just a reserve switch on the side of the tank.

Oil - Definitely check the oil level if you are even remotely contemplating buying it.

Water - Difficult to check precisely but have the bike running for 10-15 minutes and make sure the engine temp doesn't skyrocket, this will vary by bike make and model.

Defects - Start from the front and work your way to the back looking for physical defects, some checks would be: look at the clutch and brake leavers, have they any scuffs or cracks? This may indicate the bike has been crashed at some point. Check the bodywork for the same. If the front forks aren't sealed then check them, and get on the bike with the front brake on and push down as hard as you can to make sure the suspension travel is smooth do the same pulling backwards/up. Check that the front and rear brake disks aren't lipped, no visible damage to the disks, pads or callipers, the fluid levels are good and that the travel on the brake levers is smooth (i.e. doesn't stick). Check the chain tension, it should move about 3cm in either direction, check it for corrosion and that the rear tyre is in alignment. Check that the footpegs all move as expected.

Electrics - check the working condition of the headlights, main beam, indicators, rear lights, brake lights (test this with the front and rear brake separately), licence plate light & the horn!

Rubber - Have a good look at the tyres, make sure the tread is well above the legal requirements, make sure there aren't any cuts or unusual bulges on the tread or sidewall.

Edited September 12, 2017 by foofighterjim

[Andrew_C]

After you've checked the breaks - check the BRAKES.

 

[diddylord]

Also defiantly hpi Check it, makes sure it's not been written off in the past, among other things

[foofighterjim]

After you've checked the breaks - check the BRAKES.

 

 

At least it was consistent! Genuinely have no idea how I did that, I think I need a brake

[Tesla]

Also defiantly hpi Check it, makes sure it's not been written off in the past, among other things

 

Yes, definitely defiantly HPI check it.

[Joanne]

I have a feeling he's gonna want more for it than I'm willing to spend, but worth a look because it's close. Thanks for the advice peeps!

[bald_pig]

I still don't think that any bike made in the last 20 years should have a drum brake...

[Oddbod]

Going to look at this tonight - yamaha ybr125 2012 Learner legal a very nice low mileage bike | eBay

 

So things to check, forks, oil, brake fluid, chain, look for general damage.

 

I definitely won't be buying tonight anyways...

 

For comparison at chorley yamaha…

http://www.chorleyyamaha.co.uk/used-bike-detail/?id=35290&slug=YAMAHA-YBR125-2014%20(64)

 

Same model, colour, mileage, hpi clear, 2 years younger, 9 month dealer warranty… and you might be able to get some discounted lessons if you buy from them (rider school on site)

 

My first bike was a used honda varadero 125 from a dealer, so any issues were sorted out by them, which was "peace of mind" for me.

 

Happy hunting!

[Joanne]

Yeah that bike wasn't for me. My search continues!

 

Just been on the dealer site and it's horrible! Also... my budget is 6-800 pounds! Hahahah!

Edited September 13, 2017 by Joanne

[Andrew_C]

Have you found Biker Booty on @rsebook? All sorts on there.

[Joanne]

no... just been looking on gumtree, auto trader and there are a few local ones I might call and see if they have anything in. I've found one within my budget and it's a honda... but it's 150 miles away.... that'd be one hell of a first lesson!

[CAM]

There's a video on the BBC's Sussex news feed worth watching. It's footage of a fatal crash released by the family of a rider who did a wheelie and lost control. They don't want people to repeat the same mistake.

[Oddbod]

no... just been looking on gumtree, auto trader and there are a few local ones I might call and see if they have anything in. I've found one within my budget and it's a honda... but it's 150 miles away.... that'd be one hell of a first lesson!

 

Give it a go… one of the biker girls I got chatting to during my first Scottish biker meet at Easter, said that she dived in and bought her first machine in Northern Ireland… she resided in Newcastle…

 

Crossed over by air, and rode it back… one determined lady! (Ferry crossing optional)

 

[Joanne]

Guys... who has heard of Lexmoto? from the website it makes me think they are a British build...

[arwen]

Please do not get a Lexmoto unless you are absolutely fine with is being a disposable bike after a year (and get it dirt cheap in the first place).... Most parts disintegrate and getting replacement/spares can be a complete nightmare and take an age.

 

How far are you willing to travel for a bike? I'l have a look and see what I can find :-)

[Joanne]

Well I was looking at a yamaha 150 miles away.... nothing like a good 5 hour ride home to kick start my learning!

[DJ-1701]

Well I was looking at a yamaha...

 

Personally I like the idea of the CEL-56P.

[arwen]

This one is in Worcester Yamaha YBR Custom Little over budget but get negotiating ;-) looks in nice condition aside some the scuffs.

 

This one in Derby is currently overpriced I'd say, but looks in fantastic condition Honda CG

 

It's coming to horrible weather season, which means selling bikes becomes harder. So can normally negotiate money off much easier!

[Joanne]

Yeah that's what I was thinking! When I looked a few weeks ago though, they were between 6-800 and now they are 1000! Patience is key I think!

 

Links don't work, even though I can see it's autotrader... I've found it on a search. Red one is nice!

Edited September 13, 2017 by Joanne

[arwen]

Hmm.. links are working for me.. weird! They are both red :-)

1 - Honda CG125 124cc

 

2 Yamaha YBR Custom 124cc

[Joanne]

omg... totally missed the big ol' overide button in the middle of the page -.-

 

I've seen a silver version of the Honda too which is nice. I think I'd prefer red because you can see it better.... sort of... Honda is £50 cheaper on the old insurance too, coming in at £260.

[Andrew_C]

Well known fact - red bikes are faster. Just like cars.

[Joanne]

I didn't want a red car, but it had the spec I wanted when I walked into the dealership. So I made the compromise. Actually hate red! Hahahahah!