2003 varadero.

[JiveBunny]

What should I look for when going to see it before I hand over the cash? It's 3000 miles on the clock and advertised as a 'very clean example' he is taking it for the MOT wednesday and I may be buying it Friday for 1400.

Do I need to buy insurance in the street before I ride it home? What is the best way to get it home legally.

Insurance is 140 pounds tpfat for the year.

I have no friends so only know to check what videos on YouTube say.
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When I ride, I feel as if I transcend consciousness and enter a different dimension full of instinct.

[SQL]

Check it has tyres and a working ECU, insure and ride home.

[Copycat73]

[gavbriggs]

3000 miles on a 10 year old bike? That's suspect, get the mot certificate and check mileage over the last few years is consistent.

Check brakes for feeling dull or glassy, ESP rear. It will need a refurb if it is.

Check for a rattly/tappy engine, could req valve clearances or attention to cam/bearing/tensioner.

Check for general oil/water leaks and condition of drive train.

Then just general stuff. Also check for rusty exhaust system too

Probably offer him £1100 with a view to getting it for £1200. If he sticks at 1400 walk away and call him later to offer £1250 after he has time to realise he has lost the sale

[JiveBunny]

[SQL]

[Wonko The Sane]

[anthony_r6]

[-Matt-]

You do need insurance, perhaps ask the guy for the reg before hand if its willing to give it so you can get a quote set up and ready to go - then you can just ring and activate it by authorising payment on the day.

You won't have paper work but should police stop you they can contact the insurers who can verify it.

Definately should check the mileage history via the MOT certs, but i wouldnt be THAT concerned its been around the clock, 10 years old isn't all that much theres quite a lot of bikes that just get bought as weekend toys and hardly used.

I got my ZX6R at 1800 miles under those circumstances when it was near 7 years old

[Sako]

Save the money you would spend on that bike to fix your R6.

[bridgedino]

The questionable milage aside...

A 10yr old 125 has probably had as many owners. They tend to attract younger riders who give it minimum maintenance, pass their test and move on. There's every chance it has been dropped a few times and had the minimum amount of things replaced on it

We all traded up from our 125's as fast as we could

Having said that the Varadero 125 is a sturdy workhorse that's reliable and can easily keep on working away with minimum maintenance. Just make sure the engine runs smoothly, the brakes work, the tyres are decent and the chain isn't ragged. There's a wee glass inspection window down below the oil filler cap, make sure there's oil in it, preferably not looking like its turned into mayonnaise.

Trust your instincts and don't get all giddy. If it smells of shite, it probably is shite

[kestrel]

Let's hope this bike has a well connected coil and non frazzled ECU
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Isle of Man.........Road Racing Capital Of The World

[recman]

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