Thread: Advice on purchashing a used 2000 r1

I found a local bike that seems like a pretty good deal. I dont know to much about bikes, so i figured i would ask around here. It's a 2000 yamaha R1 with 18000 miles. It has a clean title, owner claims it has no mechanical problems and has never been crashed. He asking $2999 cause he needs to get rid of it. Is there anything specific i should be looking at before i purchase? Also is this a decent price for this bike?

BTW, It looks like new.

thanks in advance

thats a lot of miles..the price is pretty steep for the miles and the year.
most inline 4 bikes need their valves adjusted around 15k miles...and suspension rebuilt from 12-15k...the susp is not a must but it helps a lot. I doubt he did all that.

how long have you been riding? thats a pretty big bike for a beginner.

you can get some nice sorted out newer 600cc bikes, 250 ninjas, or sv650s for that kinda price with miles under 5k.

Originally Posted by Bignmz04

thats a lot of miles..the price is pretty steep for the miles and the year.
most inline 4 bikes need their valves adjusted around 15k miles...and suspension rebuilt from 12-15k...the susp is not a must but it helps a lot. I doubt he did all that.

how long have you been riding? thats a pretty big bike for a beginner.

you can get some nice sorted out newer 600cc bikes, 250 ninjas, or sv650s for that kinda price with miles under 5k.

+1

I would also add... If the owner did all the required maintenance, an took good care of it, 18000 miles is no big deal. But on the other hand my friend had a 2001 R1, he had to replace the engine at 21000 miles because the previous owner neglected it.

I would agree with Big tho, look for a newer 600.

Thanks for the input guys

To me 18,000 isn't a lot. Just make sure it's been maintained.

Check the fork seals, fluids, chain, sprockets, etc. The price does seem high though.

Originally Posted by luvdog

To me 18,000 isn't a lot. Just make sure it's been maintained.

Exactly what I was going to say. I know people with bikes with over 20,000 miles and some 30+. Their bikes are better than some of the low mile bikes I have seen. As long as its maintained I wouldnt be worried at all.

I had 20k on my 1998 R1 before the transmission went bad. Those bikes are notorious for 2nd gear going bad.

Someone needs to test ride it and hit it hard in second gear. It will be obvious if 2nd gear is worn out.

Other than that, if it has been maintained, it is a great bike! Loved mine! It is like a car... higher milage and age, just means it could be time to replace some things, but doesn't mean it can't be a great bike for you. $3k is a fair deal, if it doesn't need anything obvious like tires, chain, sprockets, brakes.

Found this r6 on craigslist. any thoughts on what a fair offer would be on this bike? or what to look out for.

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/mcy/2261070270.html

Thats a nice R6, other than what looks to be a tip over seems like a good bike. Has low miles is newer I would offer some where around 3800 to 4150.

I don't know what's done to the bike or the last time basic maintenance has been done...but here it goes.

Check the chain/sprockets. See if the sprocket is missing teeth, and check out the condition of the chain. Generally, little things like this will determine the amount of care the bike has been given. My chain is generally spotless and is adjusted correctly.

Check the bar ends and case covers. Are there scratches? If there are, the bike has most likely gone down...which is not necessarily a terrible thing as long as everything is in order and the FRAME IS STRAIGHT.

Check the forks. Are they leaking? Leaking forks can be rebuilt for relatively cheap...but it can (but not all the time, seals go bad) that the bike has been wheelied quite a bit, or abused in general.

Look at the general cleanliness of the bike..check the hard to reach areas. Make him take off the fairings and look if it has been maintained further than the eye can see.

What about tires? Are they flat spotted? ...basically no wear on the edges? They might need to be replaced. Or did he actually ride it properly?

Does he have service records? Valve adjustments (that bike is due), oil changes, air filter, etc.

Make sure that the bike is cold when you go to look at it. Start it yourself. Sometimes it may be easier to start something when it's already warm...bikes are no exception.

20,000 miles isn't bad, it's just getting broken in...especially for a 2000. I've put 15k on my 600rr and it and it was purchased new in 2008.


I'm sure there is more..Check out a bike forum, they will have guides to looking at a used bike for purchase...but that's a start for you.