Quick introduction, I’m living in Canada and looking to get a bike having been off them for 2 years. Looking at a few 600s and a few early r6’s in particular. I’ve read about the second gear issue on these ones, but wondering is there any way to test for it without driving it because there’s still snow on the roads. I’m guessing there’s not, so here’s my question – if I can get the bike at a decent price, would people recommend it. I’m not shy of doing the work, but gearboxes are a bit scary to me.

Best result, bargain bike that runs nicely, and I get to learn about carbs.
Bad result, trailer it home and it jumps out of gear on my first spin, resulting in a couple of weeks work to replace gearbox parts.

My thinking for trying to buy now is that prices are lower at the moment, and climb as summer approaches. I’ll only get 4-5 months a year on it, so not really bothered paying too much to move up in the years.

Anyone any experience of this gearbox problem? I’ve read some places say they’re plagued with it, and then some people say they haven’t had a hint of it. Just trying to assess my risk here, I suppose.