I Stonie I Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hi all,I am not sure if this is the right area to post this but it seemed most appropriate. (I am new so please boot me to the right area if im in the wrong )I am new into biking and am just about to buy my first motorcycle (since my Suzuki TSX when I was 16!) I was hoping you may be able to give me some advice on key things to look for when buying a second hand bike. If its any help I am looking at R6's approx 1999-2001.I am sure there must be some known issues or problem areas with these bikes at this age so any help would be very much appreciated.Thanks in advance.Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pointblank0 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Hello, I've never had an R6, but there is always the danger of getting one that has been completely thrashed. I think I would be first checking the obvious on the engine, such as cracked head gasket or warped barrel, rattly cam chain etc. I think the R6 from that year are pretty much solid. Be prepared to spend a little on it though.I always buy used, and I am always ready to replace chain and sprockets, oil, plugs, filters, pads, brake fluid and am prepared to replace tyres, possibly the clutch. Any thing more then it's beginning to get a bit too expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Stonie I Posted July 5, 2012 Author Share Posted July 5, 2012 Hey PB! Thanks for your reply. I am going to look at a 2000(W) R6 on Saturday. From the advert it seems relatively standard except for a Akrpovik exhaust and some crash bungs. The bike only had 6750 miles on the clock. Its been with a lady owner for the past 5 years and after speaking with her she has informed me its only seen 1 day on the road in this time but has been to 5-6 track days. Should this be something I should worry about? With this low mileage I am assuming its unlikely to have too many problems? Should I be cautious?Many thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeman Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 Hey PB! Thanks for your reply. I am going to look at a 2000(W) R6 on Saturday. From the advert it seems relatively standard except for a Akrpovik exhaust and some crash bungs. The bike only had 6750 miles on the clock. Its been with a lady owner for the past 5 years and after speaking with her she has informed me its only seen 1 day on the road in this time but has been to 5-6 track days. Should this be something I should worry about? With this low mileage I am assuming its unlikely to have too many problems? Should I be cautious?Many thanks again 6750miles on the clock with only 1 day on the road... thats a lot of laps!! However, so long as its not been dropped, bent, written off, and has good level of service history, you'll probably be ok. If they were seriouse about track days, they were also likely serious about keeping the bike well maintained and probably didnt ride in the wet too much.Look for signs of accident damage, if you decide to buy the bike, use all the faults (no matter how small) as bargaining chips to drop the price. If she's not using the bike much, she probably just wants shot of it, so you could end up getting yourself a bargain!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Stonie I Posted July 6, 2012 Author Share Posted July 6, 2012 Thanks Joeman! Yep thats a lot of laps lol!I am assuming the previous owner did some miles on it.... (hopefully). Problem I have is that this is the first bike I am going to see and the first bike of this type I have ever bought. I am not mechanically minded so im going in a bit blind. I will check for obvious cosmetic damage (I am just about capable of that lol!) Its the engine, gearbox, chain, sprocket, suspension etc that I am unfamiliar with. I have read on various web sites that they are known for a 2nd gear problem? Also that if a ticking noise can be heard in the engine that its a sign it could blow up in the near future. Do you know if these things are valid faults to be weary of?Cheers guys you have all been a great help so far Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissb6 Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 Hi, an R6 is one hot bike to jump on if you have little experiance of modern bikes. Riding postion is radicle and focused! Engine is very peaky very high reving! You might want to step in a little shallower. As for the bike in question check the brakes and drive chain because if it been as suggest used as a track bike, these are parts that have been hard worked also check the frame for sign's of crash damage. don't jump in on the first thing you see, the market is awash with good second hand bikes. Also get an insurance quote on the bike your thinking of buying first, you might get a shock and be stuck with a bike that you cannot aford to insure. Best of luck on you buy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Stonie I Posted July 6, 2012 Author Share Posted July 6, 2012 Thanks Chris, some good advice I have made enquiries about insurance and although pretty high (expected) I am happy with some of the quotes I have received. I totally see your point of view in this being my first modern bike, I am however a sensible guy and at 29 im not a young hot headed rider. I am certainly not going to thrash this bike about making myself a danger to others and myself. I have always wanted a sports bike so this is kind of realising a dream lol! I fully intend to take things slow and really develop my riding skills bit by bit I also don't intend to use this for the day to day. As far as I am concerned this is something I can enjoy on those beautiful sunny days that we never seem to get anymore! lol!Again really appreciate your input Chris. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pointblank0 Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 In that case mate, as long as the list price is reasonable, I would go and have a look, start it from cold (feel the engine or down pipes first to make sure that it hasn't just been started up before you get there). There may be a slight ticking from the engine at first, normal most of the time till the oil gets circulating, but there should be no obvious knocking.Check the oil filler for signs of white gumy fluid, may indicate dodgy head gasket or warped head. I would imagine if it's been used maily for track days that the brakes and chain and sprockets etc have been very well maintained.As mentioned above, check for crash damage, apart from that, if you're too cautious, you can miss a bargain!Best be on the safe side and take it out for a couple of miles test ride, making full use of all the gears, moderate and harsh braking, and crawling speed at the bite. Check the exhausts for smoke etc when you've finished (shouldn't be any, but with the weather like it is, expect lots of evaporation)Good luck. Whats she asking by the way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastanglianbiker Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 might well be worth getting hpi check done on it as well as it could of had a crash back in its past and hence y its been used mainly on track Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Stonie I Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 Thanks chaps,I will be sure to do all those checks. I have a mate who works in DVLA so can get the checks done through him Asking price is £2200 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pointblank0 Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 Sounds like a bargain to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Stonie I Posted July 8, 2012 Author Share Posted July 8, 2012 I bought it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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