OK thats fine he says it hasnt but better to be safe. Also by dropped do you mean crashed? Can dropping it from ur hand make a difference lol
What kind of maintenance would I need to learn for my 125? Oil change, filter change, brake pads? Chain or sprocket change? Where should I look for parts and buying the right tools and motorbike centre.
What sort of things should I inspect on the bike? Oil level, chain sprockets?
Sorry for the late reply - been away!
My instructor always said that a drop from a few feet, could be enough to compromise you lid - the thing to remember, is that in the event of an accident; you need your lid to perform at 100% - if a drop has caused any issues you won't be getting the best. It's probably an arse-covering exercise really, as I personally doubt that dropping your lid form [say] knee height will kill it - but why take the risk?
Skills to learn - just the basic stuff within the manual should suffice - most have a section on the daily/weekly checks and most shouldn't require any tools. Stuff like checking your oil level and topping it up, tyre pressures, checking chain slack, coolant levels, brake fluid levels etc. A reasonable set of spanners, allen keys, a torque wrench and associated bit for you nuts (ooh err) will cover the vast majority of DIY work on the bike - a foot pump and separate tyre pressure gauge (Draper do a decent non-digital one) will allow you to keep your pressures on point too.
A bike stand is optional - but will make cleaning, checking and adjusting your chain a doddle! As for changing components, you might not need to if you only have the bike a couple of years (assuming you get bored of a 125) - providing it is coming with decent history and the pads and chain/sprocket are ok; though that depends on your mileage. But these are skills you can easily teach yourself, though you will need the correct tools for the job - pads are normally a few bolts and out they come, oil and filter are just a case of draining into something suitable (you have to dispose at a council tip) - then fitting a new crush washer on the drain plug, and getting the old filter off can be achieved by stabbing a screwdriver though it to turn (unless it has a notch to spanner it off). Chain and sprockets are a bit more involved and will need the rear wheel off, a chain breaker/riveter, and replacement locking shim (for the front).
Get yourself signed up to forums for the bike too - there will be plenty of advice on there, same goes for YouTube videos, though just be wary of some of the things people do on them (like crappy mods!). I'd also suggest signing up to forums before-hand, as you will be able to ask owners for advice on the model you are interested in. You'll also be able to get advice on what to check for when you go to look at a bike - you can take printouts then, and check through the items to look for - but bear in mind, it is going to be second hand, so not perfect!
