Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Feb 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 16
Unhappy Yamaha YBR125 in Ghana half the price of Senegal

Hello,

Not too sure if this is the right place to post this info. I am in Accra, Ghana, at the moment, and have just learned that the Yamaha YBR125 I have purchased (new) in Dakar just 4 months ago for about 2850$US is worth 1450$US (new) here is Accra. Same bike, same everything, cost of registration included. A collision + theft insurance will cost about 6% of the cost of the bike. Bike can be ready in 5 working days.

I got this info from Japan Motors in Accra (l Welcome to JapanMotors.com - Nissan Vehicles : Yamaha Motors l, 233-21-682223 (and 682220), sales person I spoke to is Wasim Deen Ahmed).

This is obviously quite a disappointment as I was planing to sell the bike here (or Lomé or Cotonou). I can only hope that I will be able to get more for my used bike in Togo ot Bénin...and riding back to Dakar to sell it is not a option for me. One thing that really puzzles me is how this can be possible. I had heard that the CFA (French African country currency) is overvalued - this experience would pretty much confirm it.

So for anyone interested in traveling West Africa on a bike, I would definitely suggest buying here in Accra, then ride across West Africa to Dakar and sell it there ; you might even be able to make a profit out if it!!


Regards,
Jean-Philippe Valois
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Feb 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
I'm not doubting your report, but I admit to being confused by the fact that when I checked bike prices at Japan Motors last fall I saw nothing new from Yamaha for less than twice your US$1450. The Ghana cedi has drifted a bit lower since then, I believe, but not nearly that much.

I'd been thinking about bringing a bike down from Europe (which I can do with minimal expense because it will belong to an NGO and stay in Ghana). At your price, this wouldn't be sensible. How can I resolve my current state of cognitive dissonance?

Mark

(from Ushuaia, where winter is clearly in the air)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Feb 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 16
Hello Mark,

I know, this sounds quite weird. One thing is for sure, and that's the price I paid in Dakar : 1 350 000 CFA, which translates to roughly 2800USD.

The price I was quoted at Japan Motors was actually in US dollars ; the sales guy (Wasim) opened the big book in front of me and showed me the price : 1450USD. Very strange, I must agree, especially if you were quoted double that amount last year.

Perhaps this is a clearance price? The newer version of the same bike, the YBR125G, sold for 3400CD, which makes 2375USD, still cheaper than the Dakar price, but not by so much. However, I did ask if they would be carrying both models and they said they would.

I was quoted a few other bike prices (but the sales man's conversion calculations from USD to CD did not seem quite right) :
  • YBR125 : 2200cd (whereas 1450 USD converts to 2075CD on xe.com)
  • YBR125G :3400cd
  • XT250 :8650cd
  • DT125 :6410cd
  • AG100 :6050cd
I will be at Japan Motors again tomorrow morning, so I will try to get a second confirmation and report back...

jp
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Feb 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
Interesting. Thanks for elaborating.

I don't have time to run it all down right now, but I can note in passing that the DT (a proven, reliable, export-quality bike) is selling for about US$5000. The answer to the puzzle is in the difference between the DT125 and the YBR125. No way in the world one should sell for a third the cost of the other (approximately)....unless we're comparing Chinese to Japanese, or the salesman was mistaken, or.....or I can't imagine what.

Thanks much. I'd be interested in hearing more, whenever and whatever.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Feb 2010
JHMM's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cape Town - South Africa
Posts: 114
In South Africa you could get a brand new ybr125 for about 2200USD and the DT is about double. A good second hand one with less than 5000km would have lost about a third of its value.
The main difference is that the DT is two smoke and the ybr 4 stroke. 2 smokes are becoming increasingly rare in these green times.

The ybr is used mainly as a commuter by students and for delivery bikes. Less margin in a competitive segment? And then each country will have different levels of import taxes.
__________________
To those who say it can't be done - stand aside for those who are already doing it.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Feb 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 16
A bit more info

Hello again,

I did not get a chance to go back to the Japan Motors dealer, so I can't give any more info with regards to the prices I was quoted there.

There is one other possible explanation for the cheaper price of the YBR125: the manufacturer's name mentioned in the owner's manual is "Yamaha Jianshe Motor Shanghai Marketing Co.,Ltd.". I looked for this on the web and found that it is 30% Japanese and 70% Chinese...

As JHMM says, I have mostly seen it used as a delivery bike. Most bikes (i.e. 90%) in Senegal, Mali, Burkina and Ghana are Chinese (Sanya is a popular name, but there are quite a few others). Only in Acra have I seen bigger bikes (most of which I was told by a very disillusioned and grumpy Englishman arrive in unmarked containers from Europe and America).

If I had to do it all over again, I might be tempted to get a Chinese bike, considering they sell for half the price of the Japanese ones, but mostly because they are so widely available here (thus more parts out there).

I will be in Togo and Benin in the next few weeks, so more news from there if I can.

Jean-Philippe
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Feb 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 16
Hi,

I am in Lomé (Togo) where the YBR125 sells for 1 400 000 CFA (from the official Yamaha dealer, CFAO Togo); That's the same price I was quoted in Dakar (about 2850 $US).

As a side note, a few people I have spoken to seem to think that I will get more for the bike in Cotonou. Specifically, I was told "they will pay fast and well" from a very convincing salesman working at at Sanya dealer (Chinese bikes).

jp
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 24 Feb 2010
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
Re YBR 125 prices.

In the UK it's possible to buy the genuine UK spec bikes or the chinese built version.

The genuine Yamaha one costs £2599.

The chinese Yamaha one costs £1699.

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 24 Feb 2010
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cameraman View Post
Re YBR 125 prices.

In the UK it's possible to buy the genuine UK spec bikes or the chinese built version.

The genuine Yamaha one costs £2599.

The chinese Yamaha one costs £1699.

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman
A bit confusing here Reg, I think you will find that the Yamaha YBR's are either made in Brazil or China, I have a genuine Uk badged Yam made in China and I think the retail price is now £2k+ anything less is a copy and will not be badged as a Yam.
It is a sweet little bike that is capable of upto 130mpg(efi)
But is a bit of a chameleon because when it gets wet the exhaust, frame and other cycle parts turn a reddish rust colour very quickly!
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Feb 2010
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
Hi Dave,

nope the chinese supplied bikes are fully marked up as Yamahas. It's only when you check the vehicle registration document that you'll find it's either a genuine or an import, complete with an SVA pass.

If you try to have any warranty work done on a none Yamaha UK supplied bike, you'll find that it'll be refused. The supplying dealer would be the only point re warranty work. So you could innocently buy a bike that you think has all the backing of Yamaha UK to discover it doesn't!

I know of a person who bought, what they thought was a Yamaha UK XT125, and 9 months down the line had an engine failure. The bike turned out to have been a Yamaha Italy supplied bike and Yamaha UK wo'n't even look at it. To compound the fun, the engine differ's twixt the bikes, so you can't even order the parts via Yamaha UK.

You have been warned!

Regards

Reggie
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Feb 2010
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Mines ok, just had exhaust replaced under warranty after 861miles due to rust!!
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Feb 2010
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
Hi Dave,

you're OK then!

Presume it was just cosmetic rust, rather than a failure within the construction?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 May 2012
bil bil is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1
sales of YBR125 parts

Hello everyone my name is Gustave, and I work at OMOTO IMP. & EXP (HZ) CO., LTD as a marketing egent/Translator.

I would like just to let know for people who needs YBR125 spare parts, OMOTO is able to provide you all the parts of it.

If you need more information about you can contact me at : omotoafrica1@gmail.com or visit our website at: [url=http://www.omotointernational.com]
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Spain --> Ghana Advice (Senegal in particular) UptownNow sub-Saharan Africa 3 11 Oct 2009 16:41
Wanted Yamaha 660 Engine or 'bottom half' Livotlout TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 15 Sep 2008 02:13
BMW 1200GS Acc. Add On's at half price Fits 04-08 jv3 TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 31 Aug 2007 00:43

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:25.