Is this YSR 50 worth the trouble?

[Jacare]

ive been looking for a ysr for a while now and i think i found one close enough for me to pick up. i just called the guy and he seems pretty firm on the price. i feel that if i really needed to i could get the price down maybe a few dollars.

some background on myself: I HAVE NO MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE, NONE AT ALL. no fab skills or welding or nothing. :facepalm im looking at getting a good starter tool set now to dive into this. i live 20 minutes from team Calamaris home base in Salinas, but i dont know if they would have time for all the questions i have to ask

i want something that i can learn to ride and work on, and have it be street legal (i thought of pocket bikes, dont think my 6' frame could take that). also thought of a gs500 but they do cost more. i was thinking this could be the perfect bike to learn the essentials and keep for years to come once it becomes a classic.

the fact that its all taken apart scares me a bit, and that it only has "800" miles on the original motor. he doesnt have keys for it, i guess the ignition was drilled through.

here is the bike, is it worth it? Should i look for something else?

and thank you so much for your time
http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/mcy/2301850230.html

 

[czgheib954]

If you don't have too much money buy a 250cc at the least because you'll probably spend $ on this bike, then will laugh at yourself for getting a 50cc, I don't care what anyone says.

My first bike was a f4i, and it was perfect.

I think if someone freely tells you he has taken the bike apart and it's his project then he probably isn't hiding anything, (for the most part).

Look at the bike ask him questions, the only way you can really tell is to go see the bike, preferably take someone who is mechanically inclined to talk some mechanics with the guy.

 

[thePUNISHER]

If you really want a YSR, why not just get this and avoid the hassles? http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=364218

But you might be better off just getting a ninja 250, ninja500 or a gs500, they are great bikes to learn on and can usually be had for $1000-$1500.

I had a YSR for a while(and LOVED it, one of the funnest bikes I've ever ridden) but you will want something with a bit more oomph, specially if you're 6ft tall. I'm 5ft7 and after a while even I felt cramped on my YSR. Don't get me wrong though, I plan on getting another one soon :laughing

 

[Jacare]

i want something that i can call my own, more like a blank canvas.
the one you posted is pretty much done, but still amazing.
this bike isnt to really ride far anyways. my max speed would only have to be 50ish on it for less than five miles and even then it wont be all the time because i have a truck, this wont be my main source on transportation

i also want to learn how to put one together, but am i getting over my head? is this too much work for a noob? it wouldnt have a set date to be done, just an enjoyable build

 

[thePUNISHER]

Well not having ANY mechanical experience at all you might be biting off more than you can chew. You might want to start by getting a running bike and learning to do regular maintenance(oil changes, tune ups, ect) on it yourself before you get something you have to build. Then again if you're willing to get a manual, have access to tools, as well as people you can ask for help from time to time, don't care how long it takes or how much it might cost in the long run then go for it. There is nothing better than the feeling you get from building something from parts and then seeing(and riding) the end product. Good luck with whatever you decide to do :thumbup

 

[SpeedyCorky]

with little to no mechanical experience, dont buy a project like the YSR you posted. just going to be a $ pit and a big headache. buy one that is fully functional, mod it to make it your own

 

[mikedbike2002]

A ysr50 for a 6 foot person? That's an awful small bike for your size. I have raced YSR50s & Honda NSR50s and at 5'8" I am cramped on them. The YSR is a 2 stroke & riding it on the street with your size it will be easy to overheat & sieze the motor!

 

[Jacare]

i have a neighbor whos really good with bikes, does all his own maintenance and repairs on his Harleys. he was also a local champ in a racing circuit from the late 90's. also a buddy of mine who introduced me to these bikes during last summer

we spoke again this morning, and he gave me a summed up list of what ill need.
throttle + cable, kill switch, key ignition, battery, mirrors, taillights/license plate braket, blinkers (he has the rears but he says theyre in rough shape), the body is alright just the upper fairing might need to be replaced or repaired, and the stickers are messed up(but that doesnt really matter)

and on that top end he says all it needs is a new piston kit, hes guessing the break in period wasnt followed correctly. i have team Calamari close by, a good 15 minutes, if theyre still even around and hopefully they do answer some questions

 

[Jacare]

A ysr50 for a 6 foot person? That's an awful small bike for your size. I have raced YSR50s & Honda NSR50s and at 5'8" I am cramped on them. The YSR is a 2 stroke & riding it on the street with your size it will be easy to overheat & sieze the motor!

so this isnt even a bike a should consider? what do find better fitting? i dont want anything overly powerful and i dont even need to ride far, i think its about four miles one way to work

 

[minoru cha]

YSR is an excellent entry level bike. It's air-cooled single motor is easy to work on. With a service manual, you'll learn all the basic. Highly recommended!

 

[Jacare]

well than what if i found one that was running?
only needs a few cosmetic parts (engine/oil/clutch/battery covers)
plus the tank needs to be re coated due to rust.
is that a better idea?

 

[SpeedyCorky]

yes

 

[Jacare]

but it doesnt have a title

 

[SpeedyCorky]

buying a running, titled, street legal YSR, is going to cost some $ and take some time to find.

buying anything less will likely cost you more $ than had you just bought one already done, not to mention your time investment.

look into the Derbi GPR. much better bike, not that much more $, watercooled, much more reliable and powerful motor. unless you are DEAD set on a YSR, stay away - they are underpowered, oldschool tech, break easily, etc

 

[dyme35]

HEY I HAVE TWO YSR I TOOK THE 50 OUT OF THEM SO I HAVE TWO 50 MOTORS JUST SETTING THERE I PUT A YZ 125 IN EACH ONE OF THEM THERE EASY TO WORK ON BUT IF YOU NEED ANY PARTS HIT ME UP MAY HAVE WHAT YOUR LOOKING FOR IM IN MERCED

 

[SikMoto]

Sounds like this bike is definitely not a good match for you. If you really really like this YSR, buy it and stick it in a corner, then buy another on BARF and ride it for awhile and get to know the bike. Once youve learned about it and ridden it, work on the project one.

 

[ToraTora]

Go Derbi

.

 

[spddrcr]

I think a more important question is if he has papers for it, usually when a small bike is taken apart and the keys are missing and the ignition is drilled it means the bike is stolen. dont get involved, you will regret it.

 

[Jacare]

how much are tags usually run?
especially if the last time it was tagged was six years ago?