I’m going to stay away from commenting on the price and details on the bike as I don’t look at many metric cruisers.
Big Yamaha fan in general though. They make a great product and are my first choice of the big 4.
Not ridden since 2013 is a bit of a problem in my eyes. Know what you are getting into. You will need to replace tires and all fluids pretty much right away. There could be rubber lines that leak and other issues that pop up from not being used. I would prefer a bike that has had some regular use.
I get a little apprehensive making deals with coworkers/colleagues etc.
You work with them and if it sours in some way, you still got to work with them in some way.
I’d be passive. Check it out. Start it up. Have it checked out. Get a ballpark for asking price and take things from there.
It’s a carburetor bike so it can get gummed up with varnish and may require servicing.
Also, I’m not sure if that year requires an oil filter relocation kit to make things easier. Ask about it. They also need value clearance checks a little more frequent that some similar competitors/makes etc.
Sounds like you aren't currently riding/insuring a bike. An insurance quote is a good idea. Rates can be mind numbing.
What is your experience and do you have a full M license?
I get a little apprehensive making deals with coworkers/colleagues etc.
You work with them and if it sours in some way, you still got to work with them in some way.
I’d be passive. Check it out. Start it up. Have it checked out. Get a ballpark for asking price and take things from there.
It’s a carburetor bike so it can get gummed up with varnish and may require servicing.
Also, I’m not sure if that year requires an oil filter relocation kit to make things easier. Ask about it. They also need value clearance checks a little more frequent that some similar competitors/makes etc.
Full disclosure: I’m a Yamaha fan. This bike is at the large end of mid weight cruisers. Ultra reliable, easy to ride, and likely the lowest cost of ownership for any mid weight cruiser. The blacked out "Midnight Edition" is the base model, they are the same as the "Classic". I'd say $3500-4000 would be a fair price.
Sitting for a few years can create problems... but it's not like storing a carton of milk -- modern bikes can sit very long periods with little harm. If it been stored indoors, it should resurrect by just doing the next routine service. You will need to change the tires too -- they probably look good and might pass safety however the max service life is 10 years because tire rubber oxidizes over time. You will likely need a battery.
This is a dual carbed bike with very low miles, it's likely to fire up and run fine on fresh gas. I'd drain the tank and run premium fuel through a few tanks with Yamaha fuel system stabilizer (amazing stuff if you can find it). There is an outside chance the carbs will need service.
If the bike has been stored inside it's unlikely you will have issues with brake lines, brakes or brake fluids as these have amazingly long shelf life - I've seen 35 year old Virago's pass safety on original brake systems.
The nice thing about these bikes is they are simple, very dependable and quite easy to ride. Even with their larger displacement, they ride much like a midweight 750-800cc cruiser.
Doubles on the deal with friend or coworker. Even price negotiation can be a problem because you're supposed to trust them on fair price and any defects. If properly stored the bike may look just like new but it's not new. It's 10 years old and the tires a bit more than that.
People accept that their 10 year old car is almost worthless but feel their 10 YO bike hasn't depreciated. There are probably a lot of bikes sitting in sheds because the owners can't accept the reality of used bike prices.
Is this the bike you really want or has it just piqued your interest because it's there?
BTW When I bought my well cared for 10 YO Goldwing I changed the brake fluid and the old stuff came out looking OK. Then I did the clutch fluid which is also DOT 4 and the old stuff looked like gravy.
A tip for checking out a bike:
With the owner present go over the bike looking for flaws but don't say anything, just lightly touch the scratch, dent or upholstery flaw. It lets them know you've seen the flaw but you haven't verbally knocked their possession forcing them to rationalize the damage.
Yes, if it's been stored properly, there's no problem with the bike being on the sidelines for 6 years. But, you should take a mechanic or someone mechanically skilled to take a look.
Check for cracked tires. Carb will be gummed, need cleaning from sitting so long esp. if it wasn't drained. Not a Yamaha fan since I had one that was a lemon, but some say they have improved since 1980s. Horrible corporate customer support. Parts are pricey with little aftermarket. You're at the mercy of the dealership (if they stay in business). Anyway, $3000 and expect up to $1000 to make it roadworthy or...tell the guy to do the safety before you buy. Lots of choice out there so shop around before you buy. 1000cc is a big, heavy bike. Beware.
Check for cracked tires. Carb will be gummed, need cleaning from sitting so long esp. if it wasn't drained. Not a Yamaha fan since I had one that was a lemon, but some say they have improved since 1980s. Horrible corporate customer support. Parts are pricey with little aftermarket. You're at the mercy of the dealership (if they stay in business). Anyway, $3000 and expect up to $1000 to make it roadworthy or...tell the guy to do the safety before you buy. Lots of choice out there so shop around before you buy. 1000cc is a big, heavy bike. Beware.
I would change the tires -- they won't likely have visual cracks but the rubber will have oxidized and hardened which really degrades grip. The 09 has Mikuni carbs -- way better then the Hitatchis used on the 80's Virago 1100s. Drain the tank, fill with premium and use Yamaha fuel stabilizer/cleaner for a few tanks and I'll bet they perform like new. The smaller 650's are finicky, bigger Vstars no so much.
As for weight, the 1100 Midnight is the stripped down model, it's a midweight cruiser at 575 lbs dry, the same weight as a HD 883, Honda Shadow, and a few pounds lighter than a lighter than a Suzuki M50.
If you can get the bike at around $3200 you would be in good deal territory.
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