Looking for a used moto, YZF-R125 5D7 later model

First of all

In February 2021, I bought Yamaha YZF-R125 5D7 late model.
I bought a moto after 21 years.
And in addition, I did it by mail-order for the first time.

There are so few of the late 5D7s available that there are very few opportunities to see them in person.
So, inevitably, we have to choose mail order.

So, as a reminder, I will summarize in three parts what I have thought about and learnt when buying by mail order.
I hope it helps anyone considering the purchase of the same model.

In this issue, I have summarized the following.

• The process of looking for a moto
• The mistakes I made that didn’t lead to a purchase

Looking for a used moto

1.

＜5D71 2008 VIVID PURPULISH BLUE＞

Adapted from YAMAHA PARTS CATALOG

I had a strong interest in the YZF-R125 before it was sold.
The reason was simple and clear “I thought it was cool”.
However, I was satisfied with the bike I was using at the moment and did not consider switching.

2.

＜5D7F 2013 DEEP PURPULISH BLUE＞

Adapted from YAMAHA PARTS CATALOG

The 1st time that I considered buying one was around 2014.

I was attracted to this color because I prefer blue motos.
But I couldn’t decide to switch it.

Presto which is Yamaha sales network in Japan no longer handled them and imports by the shop were brisk.
I think the price of new moto was maybe the cheapest for a few years after 2014 because of the strong yen and many number of imports.

3.

＜BR62 2018 DEEP PURPULISH BLUE METALLIC＞

Adapted from YAMAHA PARTS CATALOG

The second time that I considered buying it was in 2018.

My motivation was a little backwards.
According to the article, it said that YZF-R125 would be fully redesigned in 2019.
And I thought that it would be difficult to buy the favorite 5D7 model and this was a last chance to get it with good condition.

4.

My target was the blue color of the 2015-2018 model.

＜Red Baron’s moto image＞

Adapted from Webike bike catalog

When I visited Red Baron in October 2018, there is a 2017 model, low-mileage moto in a warehouse at Chube region.
However, it was too expensive (price “740,000 yen”) to buy it.
The price was reduced at a fair in January 2019, and after small negotiation in February, the price dropped to 650,000 yen.
But I think that almost people never buy it because the price is not for 125cc moto in Japan.
I got a quote in the morning and decide to buy in the afternoon then went to the shop.
But it has already been sold out…

In spite that the moto had not been bought for more than six months, it was in someone else’s hands before a few hours…
It was an unfortunate result of my late decision.

5.

＜Shop’s moto image in Kanto region＞

Adapted from YAMAHA PARTS CATALOG

The next opportunity was a 2015 model in a shop in the Kanto region, listed on Goo Bike in June 2019.

From a frustrating experience at the Red Baron, I visited the shop in the early morning that weekend.
There were a lot of scratches on the exterior like hitting something and the tip on the lever was missing.
But as it was attractive price of less than 400,000 yen, I made decision to buy quickly.
Though I straddled the moto and felt like it was my own, the shop staff told me that “Please wait a moment. To tell the truth, before your coming, other guy has reserved it. I will confirm whether he will buy it or not.”

And a few minutes later, I was disappointed…

Well, that’s right, because it’s mail-order available, even if he was not here, he should be prioritized…

Now that I think about it, he did not see the actual moto.
When the moto arrived with a missing tip of lever, he felt a little bit shock, doesn’t he? (Well, he could just replace the lever, though.)
I feel a bit bad that I made him a quick decision…

6.

And the next opportunity is 2015 model in a shop in Kyushu region, listed on Goo Bike in February 2021.
Will I be able to but it?

(To be continued next blog “Purchased YZF-R125 5D7W by mail order!”.)

7.

I have been checking Goo Bike and Yahoo Auctions as constantly as possible for about three years, but only noticed the listing of the late 5D7 models (from 2014 onwards) was the following.

• Goo Bike: 3 times (Kanto region 2015 blue, Kyushu region 2014 blue, Kyushu region 2015 blue)
• Yahoo Auctions: Once (Kanto 2014? Red)

The reason for the lack of distribution is not popular but small number of motos.
Shops and auctions in Kanto region seem to sell them within a week.
If you could have a strong intention to buy, you might be able to buy it faster such as Red Baron or Moto Cafe Faster.

Summary