Viewing advice please

[angry_rob]

Hi every one, I was just wondering if you could help a noob out.

Basically I've just obtained my Mod 1 certificate so just the Mod 2 to go and then I'll be looking to buy a VFR400 when I have my full license, I was just wondering what are the typical things to look for on a VFR400 and questions to ask the seller to have a better idea about how well the bike has been looked after?

Thanks.

[mattUKNC]

http://www.v4power.co.uk/html/buying_an_nc30.html
Already posted on here, but worth a look.
Receipts are good, and then check the bike to see the bits are there! Checking fairing is a 'thick' plastic and not thin fibreglass, it should be smooth on the inside of panels.
If it's not standard paint, does the owner know why?
Most have been on a track at some point in their life, so no real worries there, that's where they're best.

If you/ the bike is close to another 400gb'r I'm sure they'll happily lend a hand for a viewing.

[angry_rob]

Thanks for the info.

I did use the search function, but it literally came up with 0 results.

[Cammo]

It's a good idea also to ask the owner to start the bike up from cold. Tell them you want to see this before you go to view it so they don't start it up beforehand (feel the engine to check).

This will give you some idea of the nature of the bike, it should start straight up no problems on the choke, if not it will probably need some attention - nothing that can't be fixed but it can be time consuming and a bit daunting delving into the V4 for a newb (and dollars if somebody else sorts it). Don't expect it to rev freely from cold, but when hot (not just warm!) it should rev through the rev range with no problems.

Because of the age and number of previous owners, it's hard to take the seller's word as to mods/history, it's better to look yourself and see what mods settings it has etc.

Check all of the consumables like on any bike (tyres, chain, pad life, bearings etc). If you do end up buying it, make sure to change all the fluids (coolant, oil, brake fluid), greasing up all bearings is also a good idea. The haynes manual is a must for nc30 owners IMO. Then go and enjoy it!

[Trinirides]

100% Take the advise regarding starting it from cold when you get there feel if there is heat coming from the engine could be trying to hide something. Also when I view a bike I look at the owner as much as I do the bike, if he aint got a clue when you ask him question like what oil have you been using etc that would make me think twice, a bike could have 7 careful owners only takes one to really mess it up. If the bike is garaged and the fella selling it has a Snap on tool chest and is going around the bike with you showing you the bits you need to see chances are you will do ok.

You really want to be buying somones pride and joy not purchasing from the Fleabay dealers buying and selling rubbish for beer money you know the sort I mean ...

Always wait for the right bike to come up for sale dont't just buy the first one you see. I waited 4 months and viewed about 7 NC30's before I made the purchase and was happy I did, however having years of experience helps to sort the good from the bad...

Ask the question straight out how many times has it been crashed this is quiet up front question and he may just say errr twice "bingo" you have a answer, sneaky but has worked for me in the past

Good luck