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Im interested in getting a used cheap bike that will run just so i can use to learn on and get around town and what not i came across this 1987 yamaha srx250 if anyone has experience with this bike any info would be good. I also do not know what to check for when looking at the bike i can bring my grandpa he rides but i dunno if he knows "a lot" about what to check for so any info would be good.

the bike is - http://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/453194463.html

Seems like a great bike, I'm not too familiar with the mechanics personally.

However I did chuckle at the "No Fear" logo. Clearly indicative of the late 80's early 90's

resage wrote:Im interested in getting a used cheap bike that will run just so i can use to learn on and get around town and what not i came across this 1987 yamaha srx250 if anyone has experience with this bike any info would be good. I also do not know what to check for when looking at the bike i can bring my grandpa he rides but i dunno if he knows "a lot" about what to check for so any info would be good.

the bike is - http://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/453194463.html

Good bike, good price.

Check the tires, the front and rear brakes, all of the lights, etc. Make sure it starts good and runs smooth and you should be golden.

nice, if everything is in good working order go for it

If it seems okay. It never hurts to take the bike to a shop and have them look it over.

It seems that some way or other, most states require a safety inspection anyhow before you can get tags, right?

P

Lion_Lady wrote:If it seems okay. It never hurts to take the bike to a shop and have them look it over.

It seems that some way or other, most states require a safety inspection anyhow before you can get tags, right?

P

Definitely not NY or LA.

You get the vehicle inspected *after* it's registered and has plates.

Inspected? I don't think they do that in florida O_o that or I'm breaking the law lol. I know in Jersey where I used to live you had to have your car pass inspection once or twice a year. But I've never heard of anything like that down here.

There's no inspection in Florida on a title transfer unless it is an out of state title, or a "new vehicle" shipped from out of state.

We don't have inspections here.

Wow that bike's awesome, I like the looks better then the 250 Ninja. Nice price.

Anyway main things to check if it's been sitting a while and does not have a current or active inspection (so you're going to need to get it inspected so you'll want it to pass). First thing I look at is tires, tread usually looks ok, but with so little miles and who knows how long it's sat the tires could be dry rotted (look it up on google for pictures, but it's tiny (or big!) cracks on the sidewall and through the treads). Depending on the extent of them I may still drive it (but not push it hard in corners, etc) but it may fail inspection, if they notice them at all it will fail. Tires can be pricey, easily $100-200 plus $50-100 for install.

Next, make sure brakes feel good, you can try looking at them but as long as they stop good with no squeals you should be fine. Also check all lights and horn, remember to check that by pulling either brake (the front on the bars or back one by your foot) that the rear brake light lights.

Next sit on it and push the front end up and down a bit and see if you see wetness on top of the forks, if you see any that means the fork seals are going, depending on how much you see they may need to be replaced very very soon. I'm not sure how picking NYS inspection is on fork seals/leaking.

If all that is true you should pass inspection without issue. The only other issue would be make sure it starts and runs, make sure to blip some full throttle to make sure the carb works good at more than just idle. If your grandpa can't test ride it ask if the seller will test ride it, just so you can make sure it runs good under load and the transmission shifts, etc.

If it's sat a long while it may struggle to start and run only on choke, usually people forget to treat their gasoline or drain it and you'll have to clean the carbs. This is not a big issue and I have enjoyed learning how to do it (very quick <1 hour if you know how) but it can be a hassle for a beginner and at least $50-100 at a shop.

Good luck!