YBR 125 This weekend

[Ajo]

If you've seen my other posts you'll see I've been looking around for my first bike, I've decided to get one from a local dealer for the MOT and warranty more than anything, so this weekend I'm popping down to hopefully take a 2007 YBR.

As a complete beginner, I'd like to ask if there are any bike specific hints and tips I should be aware of - tendencies to wear parts quickly, types of oil to use etc, best place for parts, or point me to info somewhere.

Cheers in advance!

[Rogerborg]

The chrome on YBRs can be fragile. At 9 years old I'd take a careful look at the fork stanchions in particular for pitting or flaking.

General tips: do not buy from anyone named Vince Candelin. A dealer MOT is worth less than the paper it's printed on. The warranty will last until you let go of the cash.

Seriously, don't put any value on it being dealer prepared. That might be a bucket of soapy water. Give it a good going over, and don't believe a word of any assurances that X won't be a problem or they'll fix Y if it gets worse.

It should have good consumables: undamaged tyres with plenty of tread, non-hooked sprockets, a chain with no tight spots, good brake pads, good bearings.

Hold the front brake and bounce the front suspension up and down hard. Check for any signs of oil on the fork stanchions. If you can, check both wheels for any sideways or up-and-down play. Check all the electrics. Make sure that it starts easily without any sign of smoke. If the engine is warm when you get there, approach with caution. If they say they just gave it a test ride, are the tyres mucky? Are the brake discs warm? Is there any suspiciously fresh paint on the exhaust?

As it might appear, I have no confidence in dealers and put no value on "peace of mind", having been handed over a BMW "approved used" bike with a pissing fork seal.

[UPDATE]
Hang on, you haven't done your CBT yet?

Then I'd strongly suggest that you don't buy a bike until you've done it. The CBT will cover a set of pre-ride tests - perform those on any bike that you're thinking of buying. If you wouldn't ride it, don't buy it!
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Ajo]

I'll be going with an experienced biker so hopefully won't get stung.

Thanks for the info I'll definitely be taking it on board

[arry]

YBR's seem to have a tendency of wearing out the cash drive rubbers. Not expensive to buy or particularly hard to replace, but check there's no slack in the sprocket when rotating the wheel, ie the two should move together

[steve__b]

YBR is a good choice. I commute 80 mile round trip on motorway.
Got top speed of 70 mph at 8.5 - 9k rpm. Easily cruises at around 60 mph...not bad for a tiddler.Also easy to maintain.
I intend to het a 600cc bike soon bit might keep my YBR as a 2nd bike.
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Riding 2001 BMW F650 Funduro. 1st bike Yamaha YBR 125. CBT Aug 2014. Theory Oct 2014. Mod 1 Passed Sept 2015. Mod 2 passed Dec 2015. Wish I'd started biking 20+ years ago...luv it

[steve__b]

[talkToTheHat]

[Andy_Pagin]

YBR cush rubbers are a fairly loose fit even when new, so it's not surprising they wear quickly. They're only about £20 a set and dead easy to replace.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[Rogerborg]

Might they last longer if packed out with bits of inner tube? I mean, from new or when replaced.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Ajo]

Turns out that dealer was a bit of a clown, so I made a last minute call to go check out another one local. Turned out to be the right choice and I'm now the proud owner of a 2010 YBR in excellent condition and saved £150 in the process!

Can't wait to get out on it now. Looks boss! Thanks for the help so far

[arry]

Well played.

Yup, when it ain't right it ain't right.

[Rogerborg]

Nice one. No need to muck around.

Got pictures? There's a... thing... we need to do.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Ajo]

Ha, I'll get some online soon, it's sitting in a cramped garage at the moment with no space for a good angle. The one I have off gumtree is too large apparently

[Alan1986]

Enjoy the bike
____________________
Cbt Done, Currently wobbling around on a Cbf125 and love it
DAS some time soon