First time Newbie here

[wogboy69]

Hello to all

Need some advice from you guys out there.

I am in the processs of purchasing a bike again after having not owned one for about 8 years. I used to own a 1996 Kawasaki ZZR 1100, British racing green in colour.

Now I am looking at buying a Yamaha YZF R-1, 2005 year. I been looking at one that is for sale and I rang the owner and asked him if he was the original owner. I found out that he was the 4th owner. Doesn't that seem like alot of owners over the last 6 years? He has had the bike for 3-4 months and had no use for it any longer as he doesn't have to commute as far to work.

A bit about the bike I wish to purchase:

2005 Yamaha YZF R-1 with around 30,000kms

Power Commander, Dynojet quick shifter, oggy knobs.

Recently serviced. New oil, filter, plugs, air filter, new gold chain and sprockets and new Michelin pilot 2 tyres.

Front brake pulsates, (warped front disc?)


Some questions that I need answered:

Is it a possibility that this bike could of been used for racing, considering that it has the mods fitted, ie: Power Commander, Dynojet quick shifter...etc.

Are the km's on the bike average for the year?

New gold chain and sprockets fitted - Is this normal to have new sprockets and chain fitted between 20,000 - 30,000km's on the bike.

What things do I need to take note, whether the bike is a lemon or a good buy?


I am a bit concerned that there has been 4 owners up until now and that if I was to purchase the bike that would make me the 5th. Your thoughts and advice are much appreciated as I need all the advice I can get after been out of the riding game for quite a few years now. Cheers

[kennyboy]

I wouldn't say that any of the things you listed point to anything sinister, it could have been raced sure, any bike COULD have been raced.
There are loads of people that throw money at bikes and offload quickly once they realize they probably won't keep their license very long cause they like hearing the bikes flash new pipe at full revs.
Also change of sprockets could be for gearing down or just because it looks full sick ai bro...

[Commander Keen]

Chain and sprockets would usually need to be changed every 20-30000kms due to wear anyway. you don't need to worry about that.

A quickshifter isn't something you see that often, I think in most forms of racing other than superbike they are actually illegal to race with. If it's been on the bike for a while then it probably hasn't been raced. If he has raceglass and extra tyres as spares then it probably has. Factor the discs and pads into the purchase price just for peace of mind and as long as it's been regularly serviced and treaated well there's no reason to not buy it if it's the one you really want.

Enjoy your new bike and stay shiny side up.

[wogboy69]

Thanks for your invaluable advice guys. Ended up buying a red in colour, Kawasaki ZX- 10R with 29,000kms with books and service history receipts. Bike looks like it has been looked after by previous mature owner. Pics coming soon.

I notice that the bike idles around 1300 RPM, is that normal for this type of model bike? Bike has a Power Commander with MIVV invent exhausts.

Also what oil would you recommend for this bike?