Buying a used Derbi Senda 50

[Archon]

As you may already know from reading my other post, I've been persuaded not to buy a Yamaha TZR 50 and to get a used bike instead. I've now decided on a Derbi Senda, and was wondering if there's anything I should look for when buying a used one. How can I tell if it's been raced/thrashed a lot? Where are the most obvious places to look for damage? Feel free to add anything else you can think of.

[Jon]

They are all mostly raced/thrashed as kids ride them mainly when they turn 16. IMO - Buy a scooter, get a years ncb, then upgrade.

[Archon]

I really don't want to get a scooter. They look and sound so bad. I'm going to look into getting a slightly older bike to try and save money, but I totally understand what everyone's saying about not spending too much money as I'm only going to have it for a year. The trouble with older bikes, is they tend not to look particularly good. That's the main reason I want to get a newer bike.

[JimboJ]

[G]

A scooter website might actually have people with more usefull advice to give... or you could just ask Scotty .
You'll find the majority of people do crash their first bikes, especially 50s it seems (however good your intentions). Remeber to account for the extra money to keep your bike looking pretty, while a DT50 etc won't lose it's looks if it's crashed... infact you'll probably be able to get up and ride off no probs.


On teh whole keeping it for 18months bit... you /will/ want to upgrade, whatver you think now. And however pretty your 50 may look, it won't look good compared to the 125s going past at twice the speed

[Ste]

Possibly a stupid point but your not planning on buying this for a year right?

Get something cheap and with gears. Then when you get to 17 you can get something better and be able to ride it properly