new second hand bike

[Bruce]

good morning i am about to buy my first bike it is a yamaha mt09 tracer 2017 and would like to know if there are things to look out for thanks

[bud]

The finish wasn't the best, with some fasteners rusting. The fuel injection was one of the main criticisms, being quite abrupt.

The handling was never the best either. On later models they shortened the forks and changed the internals to make the front end more predictable.

All of the criticism is something which you learn to live with for the sound of That fantastic engine.

That said they are a cracking bike. They were very much built to a lower price point. Which made them a bit of a bargain to be honest.

Just keep on top of the cleaning if you ride all year round.

Edited November 14, 2024 by bud

[RideWithStyles]

Paint on the swingarms and cases are poor, thin and weak, under coat problems. Wields especially near the rear axle are not great,  rust problems there too so people/sales just use permanent markers to cover them up. 
Check headstock bearings as they do get wheelies and don’t cope too well with  noobs doing it. Engines are good but make sure it has high level of oil and good stuff, servicing regularly and probably is a must I would say…if not just walk away- toads of them about so you can be picky..

forks depending on year are a mix bag of poorly factory set up (springs and valves) to oil choice. Shock’s as a unit isn’t terrible but it’s budget that gets extra greef, if it’s done a decent mileage it’s probably due a replacement.

other than the usual Yamaha brake caliper needing a proper clean very often or the bind and seize before your eyes.

early ones had fuel tank reader problems, either over read or under reading, and the possibility of not doing.

 

not wishing to put you off as they are a great bike, that could be worth it even with a potential niggle.

So to recap - they dont with neglect/lack of cleaning and service very well. if you do still wish to go for it - the latest and cleanest model you can.

[Nick the wanderer]

The Tracer is a great bike. They sorted the throttle response from the earlier MT09. A sit up on bike with a screen and panniers.

Just check service history is up to date. After that the usual stuff, tyres are good, chain and sprocket etc. 

What mileage has it done?

[Bruce]

22 hours ago, bud said:

the millage is 15500 

 

[Fender1515]

RWS has pretty much covered the main issues, I will add my two penneth worth. Depending on your use, fitting progressive fork springs mad a huge difference to the handing for me, much more secure and predictable, and stopped the nose diving under heavy braking. Easy'ish DIY job, and not a lot of money, I think around £120 from memory,

 

Defo need to keep the callipers front and rear well maintained, cleaned etc, headers need regular attention to stop the rust.

 

Like has been said, a really great all-round bike, engine is great.

[wastedyears1981]

Check for service history, check online the MOT history (are there any advisories that haven't been sorted).

Check log book matches details of the bike Reg/Engine number.
Check state of sprockets/chain.

Check brakes work.

Check all lights work......and for any lights you don't want on the dash (engine management lights/oil etc).

Have a good look around the engine block/pipes joins....is there any 'bike juices' leaking from anywhere.

Check tyres for any damage/tread depth all the way round the tyre.
 

Cant think of anything else from the top of my head......coffee hasn't quite kicked in yet.