The odds of the gearbox letting go are indeed very small. That doesn't of course mean it won't happen, or couldn't happen, just that it's highly unlikely. Statistics are a funny thing tough; you can read them many different ways and can see what you want to see in them, positive and negative. For example, did you know that a blue '09 XTZ is statistically 90% more likely than a white or black one to go pop! It doesn't mean diddly squit though, it just happens to be that way because blue was the new colour for 2009, so a lot more blue ones were sold that year.

Don't be put off by the gearbox trouble, but do your homework and minimize the risks. Check the bike carefully for service history, receipts, signs of abuse, previous owners (speak to them if you can - a good dealer will oblige you with the name of the previous owner). A well maintained and sensibly ridden bike is quite easy to spot. A good provenance will significantly reduce the odds of trouble (gearbox or otherwise) in the future.

Good luck with your quest to find a good 'un.

Can you post a link to the advert/listing?

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