Second hand bike advice

[Bandanaman]

Hi people, I'm a newbie who has passed their DAS and looking into getting a Fazer, but I am in need of some advice.


I have found what looks like a good deal, 1999, FSH, 32k, stainless steel downpipes, £1295.  Now I'm obviously hoping I can bring the dealer down slightly on that price, but please could you tell me if this seems reasonable to you and also if there is anything in particular I should be checking or wary of an a bike this age (I already know to check the servicing of the rear caliper).  I've tried searching the forums, but to no avail!


Thank you very much for any help in advance

[violetsdaddy]

I'm new to the world of the Fazer myself but have ridden Hondas and other Yams for years.
This is what I do...
how many owners overall and how long had the present owner had it. (even if it's a dealer, how long has he had it)
stand back a bit and have a look at the bike as a whole.
Does it look clean, or does it look road weary and grimy in the nooks and crannies
check it's been well kept and maintained,
check the chainis it  dry/oily, is the chain ok? does it pull off the rear cog?
do things like the chain adjuster nuts and bar levers look cared for, not rounded or scuffed,
mirrors, are they scratched (sign of a drop) are the hero blobs scuffed or worse missing (sign of a thrashing)
check the tyres are good for a while yet, you don't want to be buying new tyres in two months,
check the service history, look at all receipts for work done and when, five year old work on calipers is well out of date.
check the exhaust for blowing, aftermarket exhausts are normally pattern parts and can come adrift here and there
have a check of the head bearings for notchy-ness
same on the rear wheel bearings
engine, does it start easily from cold, if the dealer has "warmed it up for you" be suspicious of what cold clunks is he hiding.
It's an old bike, how's the gearbox, seat, suspension, lights...
basically look at everything........slowly
 
and, oddly, does it look straight, literally, stand at the back of the bike and look down its length, does it look straight.
Lastly, take someone else with you, even if they know nothing about bikes as it's a pair of eyes without the rose tints.
 
If I've missed anything I'm sure someone will be along shortly to correct me.
Do you have a link to the dealers website so we can have a look?

[Bandanaman]

Thank you very much for your help violetsdaddy, that was a really useful post with lots of great advice!  I'll make sure I take a list of the checks to make with me if I go and have a look.


Link to the bike here:


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201217466429140/sort/locasc/usedbikes/model/fzs/make/yamaha/postcode/ng116eu/quicksearch/true/radius/1500/page/1?logcode=p

[Fazer Jake]

Full service history i'd say its a good buy.... Turn up with cash though and offer him 1,000 then see where it goes from there.

[His Dudeness]

if you're not sure of what you're looking at then get a decent mechanic to check it out for you before you hand over your dosh. it'll be the best 50 quid you ever spend

[keno]

Tyres look like michelin road pilot 2 and in good nick by the looks,got them on mine for last 5 years cant seem to wear them out and i ride in all weathers all the time.
Flash £1100 cash in front of him see what happens,look ok in the pics but so does the wife...

[Fazerider]

One of the most important checks to make is sure the gearbox is OK.
The FZS600 is prone to knackering the dogs on 2nd gear particularly if it's been ridden by someone with a lead foot. Test ride the bike, or get a friend who's some experience with bigger bikes to do it for you. When changing up into second and giving it the beans you should be rewarded with brisk acceleration... if it drops out into a false neutral and the revs go sky high, walk away.

[River Valley]

Looks to me like the 'fazer' decals on the front side fairings aren't original. Might be nothing, but I'd at least ask why? crash? repair? (also have a look at inside of fairing panels to check if aftermarket or repaired?

[Major Rant]

I also think that the "fazer" decals aren't original.
 
And for some reason it has the grab-rail off a Y2000 bike. That came in with the adjustable front forks and if it has one without the other then its odd.
If its an import, check that its headlights dip the right way.

[mcyoungy]

Also worth asking if the bike is recorded as a write off. That's very keenly priced.

[Bandanaman]

Thank you so much for the replies everyone, you've spotted things I never would have even thought about.  It's good to now know what I'll need to keep an eye out for when I go to have a look!

[red98]

syart at £1000....you can always go up,you cant come down,,,,,,

[Dave48]

Check what similar machines are selling for on MCN ebay etc. Does sound suspiciously cheap. Fazers seem to be holding their value as more riders discover their virtues as seriously good all rounders! Good luck-at least theres plenty out there to choose from so dont buy the first you see

[keno]

Nope the fairing decals arn't right nor the grab rail.
heres another to compare it to.




http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YAMAHA-FZS600-FAZER-1999-V-SILVER-11-000-MILES-FREE-DELIVERY-ANYWHERE-UK-/190673838565?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2c650be1e5#ht_2409wt_932

[kebab19]

I'm sure there are mint 13 year old bikes out there, but tbh I haven't come across many.

The decals do look different, but there may be a good reason for this. It may just have been dropped on its side in a driveway & home repaired, as opposed to being flipped over @ 80mph.

You can see the Registration number - check whether it's Cat C?

Don't be completely put off, just use it as a good bargaining point

[mcyoungy]

Could well be that the fairing was bought new as a replacement and aftermarket decals fitted. Worth a looksee in the flesh.

[red98]

looks like the front brake lever is bent at the end and the bar end weights have been changed,along with the dacals and grab rail i would say that has been dropped at some point and worth checking if cat c......has got 30 ish tho miles and is pretty clean.the few bits spotted would not put me off and if its nearby defo worth a look and a test ride...make sure it rides straight and is smooth on the corners.....as said before start at £1000 and try to stick with it