Buying first 125 (Used)(Gumtree)

[MattyNI]

Hey guys, I am going to view a bike tonight. I am buying used and private but I have never bought a bike before what should I look out for and check on the bike before I actually purchase it? It is a 2011 Honda CBF 125 with fewer than 3k miles on it. Any advice would be great, thanks.

[Irn-Bru]

Check for rust

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=3691966#3691966
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[Bikercem]

Check for bodge jobs, don't buy it at night, check tyre depth, rust, if it starts of course lol

[Spamalittle]

Service history? Although I doubt they'll have done much to it at sub 3K miles. Still, evidence of at least one oil change, or the manufacturer's recommended first service (usually around 600 miles), would be good to see.

Look for any marks which suggest it's been chucked down the road too - scratched exhaust, bar-ends, pegs etc. If so, ask for more money off
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Story so far: RV125 VanVan > SV650 > Indian Scout > Triumph Thruxton, SV650 (again) & CG125

[Rogerborg]

Be advised that if it's one of the rusty ones that it won't magically heal itself because it's a Honda. If it's a dog, then either value it appropriately, or walk away and get a YBR instead.

Got a cynical mate going with you?
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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

[MattyNI]

[Hefty]

It aint old enough to have had any real work done, ive got a '11 CBF & its first MOT is due around november. Its a fantastic little bike, perfect for learning on.
Even if your mate aint too experienced either, two sets of eyes are better than one. If your still in doubt go to a dealership.
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'13 Honda CBF125 // '99 Suzuki SV650s // '98 Honda CB600F Hornet

[Rogerborg]

Uh huh. All the people who got lemons are just imagining it. It's the best bike ever because yours hasn't rusted or shat itself yet.

Dealer bikes have extra Magic added, that's why they're worth more.
____________________
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

[Hefty]

I was advising visiting a dealership because i've never trusted private ads personally. Also more choice, as opposed to turning up to look at one bike specifically, you can compare several.
Never said its the best bike ever, but he can do a lot worse.

edit: inb4 extensive list of ways people get shafted by 'reputable' dealerships everyday.
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'13 Honda CBF125 // '99 Suzuki SV650s // '98 Honda CB600F Hornet

[totalllama82]

I'd be looking out for the following on any bike

Tyres - amount of tread left, any puncture repairs visible?
Forks - are the seals in good order? Does the bike respond well when the suspension is flexed?
Fairings - Depends on whether you value aesthetics but keep an eye out for missing decals or unusual spray jobs, it may be a sign it's been down.
Electrics - Make sure everything works - twice.
Clocks - Ensure the mileage ties in with the ad.
Engine - Try to start the bike from dead cold (i.e. first thing in the morning) and see how it heats up. Check the oil and gauge how old it is, this will generally tell you how well it is looked after. Listen for any noises that shouldn't be there.
Chain/Sprockets - Ensure the chain isn't adjusted to the end of it's life nor are there any rusty or stiff links. Also note if the sprockets are hooked.
Brakes - Check the brake lines for any bulges or cuts and leaks in addition to checking the brake pads for wear. Wheel the bike around a little and you'll get an idea as to whether they're binding too (brining paddock stands is also helpful).
Frame - Ensure there is as little rust as possible.
Keys - Are there two of them?

With documentation, you're making sure that the V5 is legit. Check the engine and frame numbers tally up. Balance up in your mind if an HPI check is worth it. This is especially true with younger machines as they may well have finance against them. 125's are also popular for nicking and an HPI check will show if they are stolen too.

Doing all of this means you will find something which ultimately gives you ammunition to barter with the seller.

I bought my ZX9 from a local bike dealer. I took my two paddock stands with me and asked for 30 minutes with the bike and went over it with a fine tooth comb. Managed to get £300 off the sticker price.
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Gone: Haotian HT125-8 / Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat / Kawasaki ZX9R C2
Current: Kawasaki ZZR 1400 A7F

[MattyNI]

thanks for all of the advice guys, In the end I got the bike £1250 for 2011 with 2487 miles on it very happy! there was a few scratches nothing major at all and very little rust.

[Baffler186]

[suburban myth]

All that salty sea air that the bike has been exposed to has got to be worth a few quid off surely?

[jeddy11]

A power wash and acf-50 asap is in order id say..

Have fun
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Fuelly My Z1000SX
cbt 06/08/11 mod1 (second go) 01/08/12 mod2 21/09/12
Varadero Viking YBR125>Varadero125>ER6F>Z1000SX !!!

[Baffler186]