[jerkychew]

Hi everybody, this is my first post so be gentle

I'm going to check out a 2000 929RR for sale tomorrow from a private seller. A few years ago I had a YZF600R that would pop out of second gear - turns out that that kind of fix was a MAJOR issue, and I used to see people in the YZF forums who had just bought a bike not knowing how common (and expensive ) an issue it was. Before I plunk down my hard-earned money on this CBR I figured I'd pop in here and see if there are any 'gotchas' I should look for, so I don't become one of the noobs getting the I-Told-You-So treatment if I buy a lemon.

I know that these bikes are super-popular as stunt bikes, so I know to look for obvious signs of abuse (worn clutch, bald tires, stress cracks on fairing, etc) but what about the not-so obvious signs, or things specific to this model? Thanks in advance!

[UncleJesse954]

shifting is a bit notchy on these bikes. know that... but as you put a little time on the bike you will learn how to massage it properly and it will reward you in time with smoothness. just make sure it doesn't jump out of gear or misshift like a bastid. grab the front brake and push down on the forks. do they slide smoothly in their action or do they feel kind of sticky and you have to push a little hard to get them to move initially (bad). not to be confused with stiff valving. sticky forks could be a sign of wheelie abuse. also the front brake rotors. the several little floater rings around each disc can get loose with stunt abuse. the floating rotors should be pretty firm and not move much from side to side.

[bladeracer]

Specific to the 929/954 is crash damage that can crack the rear of the crankcases due to the swingarm being hung off it.
It should be fairily obvious though due to oil leakage.
Also check the crankcase around the stator cover for any signs of cracking or leakage.
As with all Hondas the stator and regulator are crap so be prepared to replace them at some point even if they're good just now.