YBR125 - 2005 or 2007

[Herbalrick]

I just passed my CBT yesterday and I am trying to decide which bike to get. I have a budget of around £1200 and I have found a couple of Yamaha YBR 125’s for sale privately. I have 2 which I am trying to decide between:

1. 2005, 4500 miles, perfect condition, alarm, topbox - £1100
2. 2007, 1200 miles, perfect condition - £1200

Both have been garaged and don’t have a spot of rust on them. I know the 2007 model has got fuel injection whereas the 2005 model is carburettor, but I can’t find any other differences.

Is it worthwhile buying the slightly older bike as it includes a £130 top box and a (£100?)alarm?

Cheers,

Rich

[flimbar]

If you just want a bike to ride before you take your test and then move on to a bigger bike then I'd get the 2007 model as you'll get more for it when you sell it on.

If you want a bike to use indefinitely as a cheap commuter then I'd get the 2005 one as it is already kitted up.
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Yamaha YBR125 > Suzuki SV650S > Suzuki DL650 V-Strom > Honda CBR600F > Honda ST1300 Pan European

[Peter3hg]

The 2005 has around 20% more power (2hp) which may be worth considering.

[neil.]

2007 has the advantages of no choke and no fuel tap IIRC, no need to warm it up, you just get on and ride it. You could ride the 2005 with choke on but it's a pain to get to it when you're rolling. Not sure on reliability of fuel injection vs carb. Maybe cheaper to get carb fixed/replaced? My 2006 YBR hasn't caused me any trouble and the extra 2bhp poke is good. You need every bit of power you can get with bikes of this size. From what I've seen from bike ads/dealers, both versions sell at similar prices. I'd go for the 2005 as it has a top box and alarm too.
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[JockyT]

My advice would be get the 07 with FI - sounds like it's a good price - make sure the first 600 mile oil change was done though..

The choke on the carb version is difficult to get at and compared with FI, chokes are a pain.

Other differences are better looking exhaust, wheels, graphics and a side stand.

A top box is not much use as the rack it's fitted to has a low weight limt and it will affect the ride. I don't think an alarm is much use on this size of bike - better to chain it to something large and immoveable.

JT
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Current Bikes:
YBR125 - low running cost commuter
XJ600s - a bit dull but cheap and reliable first big bike

[FerretFing]

does your budget include insurance? + do you have all your gear sorted? I always add £200 on the cost of a used bike because there`s usually something that needs sorting (chain, tyres etc) - lots of hidden extra costs with biking - be prepared & good luck

[Peter3hg]

[Herbalrick]

Cheers guys. Some excellent opinions so far.

I never realised the 2005 model has 2hp more.

I am planning on doing my A2 License as soon as but I think I might actually keep this bike for a while as its going to be used as a commuter and I’m pretty short and skinny (5’6” and 58kg) so the engine shouldn’t have to work too hard to get me going.

My full budget is £1500 for bike, insurance and textile jacket. I have a helmet and a good pair of goretex trousers already. I also have not tried bartering for the bikes yet and they are private sales so the prices may be negotiable.

Unfortunately I live in a not so great area of London which bumps my best insurance quote to £291 TPFT with MCE.

[chris-red]

The 2007 model wont need a manual choke as it has an automatic one, I personally would probably get the 2005 one
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[JockyT]

If you are commuting the top box would proabably come in handy but they aren't expensive to buy.

I also wasn't aware the carb version has 2hp more than the FI - are we sure about this?

JT
____________________
Current Bikes:
YBR125 - low running cost commuter
XJ600s - a bit dull but cheap and reliable first big bike

[Peter3hg]

[K0rnIsAFAGGOT]

I'd get a cushion aswell, your arse is going to HURT.

[Peter3hg]

[K0rnIsAFAGGOT]

I'm riding one for my A2 and we were all moaning

[steppen22]

The choke is a real pain on the ybr.

I wouldn't worry about the top box unless you have a real need for it (eg long commutes, in all weathers)

I just have a large cargo net and a holdall. It's good for my food shopping, carrying stuff to work, etc, and it isn't there "permanantly" (combine it with a largish rucksack and you're set)

Top boxes look shit as well.
____________________
no regrets, no retreat, no apology.
I've made mistakes in the past, and I apologise for FUCK ALL.

[Peter3hg]

After a few weeks you get used to the position of the choke and can easily turn it off on the move even wearing thick winter gloves. It's not as big an issue as some people seem to think.

[YZFR1IAN]

[Herbalrick]

Ok well I’ve decided on the 2005 model, I’m going to see if the guy can throw in his chain as well as he is leaving the country and giving up biking.
I know that some of you are going to be screaming at the screen for not heeding your advice but I think the alarm and topbox are probably worth going for an older bike. Also I agree with Peter3HG, the choke doesn’t look too hard to adjust.
I’m off to pick it up tonight

[neil.]

Nice choice! The accessories you get make it worth it in itself, if they are things you need, although if it was a choice between the two bikes at the same price with no accessories, I may consider the 2007 model...

The choke isn't too bad to adjust, but if you have thick gloves on and you're riding, it can be a bit tricky. With practice though you'll be fine. I personally warm the bike up and ride after I've turned the choke off. I do my POWDER checks whilst it's warming up.

Lack of sidestand on the 2005 model could be a good thing as accidents can be caused by riding away with the side-stand down (as soon as you corner, that's it). Side-stands can also fail (the springs go) apparently but I've never seen it personally. Wouldn't like to have that happen during a ride, but I don't know if it's just a myth. It's no biggie using the centre-stand anyway.
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[Herbalrick]

Well its runs like a dream, the choke aint that hard to adjust and to put the icing on the cake. . . the alarm system which he forgot to tell me about is a META M357TV2 (great reviews in MCN and costs £299) the top box is a GIVI Simply II with backrest and brake light.

I think I made a good choice.

[neil.]

Bargain!
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[neil.]

I'm gonna dig this up again as this is important:

You've got the 2005 YBR so watch out that it doesn't still have the stock death-trap nylon Sakura tyres. I suspect they put those on, being nylon, so that they last a long time. A shame nylon offers no grip. If it does have them, replace em with Pirelli City Demons or Michelin Pilot Sporty's. I rode mine around on the Sakuras for a couple of months and they were awful in any condition. Had to be very gentle on the brakes in the wet, the wheels would lock if you farted in their general direction... After putting on the Pirelli's, I noticed a million-fold improvement. £60 a pair on eBay. Well worth it.
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[Moonie]

Doesn't the CG have superior specs on pretty much everything?

Disclaimer: I read that on here so it's probably bollocks
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[Percy]

[luke27]