Low mileage bikes

[Silver_Fox]

Are they something to be wary of? The bike in question is a 2003 model with only 2000 miles on it. It's immaculate in condition (dry stored), but what about mechanically? It must have been sat for long periods. What are the pitfalls of something like this? It's a carb model

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

You need to see the bike and ask the owner questions.

If it's done regular short mileage runs expect (not presume) everything to be ok. The brakes shouldn't be seized and the carbs should be fine. The fork seals also should still be pliable if it's had regular runouts.
Tyres may have small age related cracks.
Battery may be too old to hold a decent charge.
Condensation buildup in fuel tank.
If the bike in question had any recalls has the work been carried out.
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[bikertomm]

I would probably avoid but I'm cautious like that.

I've heard hoses can degrade over time, I'd also be worried about the state of the engine.. an oil change first thing would be a must.

Also then the battery and electrics? Might be needing a look at.

I suppose it also depends on if it's been stored properly, petrol in tank? Etc. Would imagine the carbs may need attention?

Tyres are likely going to be rubbish/cracking if they are the originals.

Factor all that lot in, if the price is right the risk is yours.

Basically, you might get a bargain, but you may also get some age unused related problems.

I'm sure someone with better knowledge will be along to help..
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[delsol]

Check it out like any other bike purchase, if it seems reasonable (and it should be being low mileage and dry stored) then I would regard the low mileage as a bonus.

[Silver_Fox]

[iooi]

[Polarbear]

I would quite happily buy that. Wouldn't even cross my mind not to. Fluids change and pump up the tyres. No problem.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Polarbear]

The only bikes I have ever had bad carb problems from standing fuel have been pre mix 2 strokes. If it has been dry stored it will be fine.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[N cee thirty]

check mot records and see how many owners it had

my bike probably hasn't done more than 300 miles this year because it's a toy
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[Silver_Fox]

Thanks. What about things like downpipes etc, how long do they normally last in use? Is it miles based, or age usually? They're original

[chickenstrip]

A recent experience to add. When I was looking for the current bike, I saw one, same colour, same year as mine, with about 5000 miles on it (2005 bike). I was gutted when somebody beat me to it. Then I found mine, 2005, just short of 20k miles (still pretty low for it's age), but equally as clean and tidy.

The buyer of the other bike was on the Fazer Owners forum - very happy with the bike, but wasn't running quite right, needed the carbs off and cleaning. Mine, straight into using it as Mr. Yamaha intended, with no such faffing around.

EDIT: Just to add, it had almost unused BT021s on it - condition was fine, but such a crap-awful tyre!
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[Polarbear]