Potential first bike - is rust an issue?

[jasonzc]

Hey guys,

So i just got my learners and in the market for a 250 cruiser.
You should all know im broke ass student on the lookout for the cheaps.

I came across a yam 03 Dragstar, love the look and sound. I thought owner was offering a decent price until i had a look personally.

First thing i noticed is that the central bolt head and plate thingy that attaches the frame to the forks (excuse my awesome description) is starting to rust. The wiring seems to have rubbed and wore down the paint layer on the frame and is beginning to rust slightly. The front wheel also has rust spots all over and and on the spokes.. but i think i can sand it away maybe? or use some kind of chem cutter or something? ~ these are the main concerns.

The clutch lever likes to wiggle up and down (perpendicular direction of intended use) but operates fine, wonder if that will be an easy fix. Also throttle has a bit of 'give' (3-5mm?) before any input is actually transferred to engine, is that adjustable or fixable? O and front fender is scratched (crash?)

Other minor issues includes one of the two screws for brake fluid compartment is completely rusted out (replaceable right?) and plate under a bolt head behind rear seat is starting to teabag and rust.

I understand a second hand bike wont be in mint condition, and maybe im just too pedantic and paranoid.

As you guys can tell him completely new at this, but i was thinking if i could talk down the price with the owner and do some light refurbishing myself? This bike has the best riding position for a 250 cruiser, suits me better than most other bikes.

Opinions or advice anyone?

Thanks guys in advance!

Ill upload some pics ... hope ill have a better chance with the honda magna which im about to view next.. only slightly more pricier than the dragstar but a 94.

[Wasp27]

Hey guys,

So i just got my learners and in the market for a 250 cruiser.
You should all know im broke ass student on the lookout for the cheaps.

I came across a yam 03 Dragstar, love the look and sound. I thought owner was offering a decent price until i had a look personally.

First thing i noticed is that the central bolt head and plate thingy that attaches the frame to the forks (excuse my awesome description) is starting to rust. The wiring seems to have rubbed and wore down the paint layer on the frame and is beginning to rust slightly. The front wheel also has rust spots all over and and on the spokes.. but i think i can sand it away maybe? or use some kind of chem cutter or something? ~ these are the main concerns.

The clutch lever likes to wiggle up and down (perpendicular direction of intended use) but operates fine, wonder if that will be an easy fix. Also throttle has a bit of 'give' (3-5mm?) before any input is actually transferred to engine, is that adjustable or fixable? O and front fender is scratched (crash?)

Other minor issues includes one of the two screws for brake fluid compartment is completely rusted out (replaceable right?) and plate under a bolt head behind rear seat is starting to teabag and rust.

I understand a second hand bike wont be in mint condition, and maybe im just too pedantic and paranoid.

As you guys can tell him completely new at this, but i was thinking if i could talk down the price with the owner and do some light refurbishing myself? This bike has the best riding position for a 250 cruiser, suits me better than most other bikes.

Opinions or advice anyone?

Thanks guys in advance!

Ill upload some pics ... hope ill have a better chance with the honda magna which im about to view next.. only slightly more pricier than the dragstar but a 94.

Hi J, Although these defects appear cosmetic and fixable at the moment they could and probably will keep reappearing in the future and seriously affect the resale value..... but hey, it all depends on the price. Cheers W
p.s. Dont fall into the trap of thinking the first bike you look at has to be the one.... its a buyers market.... so the pickings are pretty good.

[YellowDog]

Clearly ythe bike has been kept outside for a period of its life.

The spokes are easily cleaned with a chem cream. Sanding or brushing would remove the surface and any future shine. Best to use the right stuff. The rust on the photos looks like minor surface rust and not an issue to put you off. The clutch may well fail a WOF with that amount of movement. There may be a nut you can tighten where it attaches to the bar, or this may snapped through (after a bang) and will need to be replaced. Check out the price first.

IMO - Good bikes - bang for buck wise.

Good luck.

[ukusa]

Yep, looks like it's had some time outside, but not to worry. If the price is right, you could clean up a bit of that surface rust & it will look fine. Just remember it's your first bike, so after your learners is gone you'll possibly want to get rid of it anyway.

[huff3r]

Clearly ythe bike has been kept outside for a period of its life.

The spokes are easily cleaned with a chem cream. Sanding or brushing would remove the surface and any future shine. Best to use the right stuff. The rust on the photos looks like minor surface rust and not an issue to put you off. The clutch may well fail a WOF with that amount of movement. There may be a nut you can tighten where it attaches to the bar, or this may snapped through (after a bang) and will need to be replaced. Check out the price first.

IMO - Good bikes - bang for buck wise.

Good luck.

The top half of my clutch mount is broken off, so its only held on by the bottom with the bolt... still works fine, and has passed 2 or 3 WoFs since i broke it.. even one at VTNZ! and there is heaps of up and down movement, but it doesnt seem to affect anythinng really...

[jasonzc]

sweet guys.. that kind of confirms what i thought.
How about the rust on the main Bolt head thingy? and also is the throttle problem normal?

Thanks for the opinions!