Hi all, I hope this is okay and I have put this in the right section...

I'm looking to buy an NC30, and after many months of searching, there are 2 that I am interested in. However, I am not entirely sure what sort of potential problems I should be looking for, so I figured to ask on here.

The first is an 1990 model, advertised at £1100, with original red + black fairings which seem to be in OK condition (I've asked for extra pictures to be sure). It has done just over 28,000 miles... I was hoping for something under 20,000 miles, but I suppose that is to be expected at that price. The main reason I'm looking at this one is because it is only 25 miles from my house, so it saves petrol money going and collecting a different one etc.

The second is an all original 1993 model in red, white, blue/black for £1700, just over 10,000 miles , 1 owner and full service history. This seems perfect to me, but it's an extra £600 and 177 miles away, although I am willing to go the distance for this beauty. Is this too good to be true?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Chris.

Mileage shouldnt be an issue with these bikes if they've been well looked after and regularly serviced. If possible go and view a few bikes to get a feel for what is good and what isn't; and in particular ascertain if the owner knows what they are talking about.

Do you have any pics of the bikes you're interested in?

I wouldn't get too hung up about mileage, especially if its an import. There isn't a valid way of checking that the milage is correct.

The engines are pretty bullet-proof so look out for one thats been well maintained rather than a neglected 'low-miler'

the exception to this would be a uk non-import model with every mot, these usually command a higher price though.

Things to look out for are usual crash damage/ worn items to knock money off (chain / sprockets / tyres)

Try and ride the bike, easiest way to tell.

Should start up ok and not be rattley or tappey with no smoke.

Steering is sharp and brakes are well matched, neglected calipers wont have much bite and cost about 80 quid to overhaul properly.

The only common problem with the bikes is the charging system, regulators die easy but it isnt too difficult to replace, if the bike doesnt start up without a charger or you see signs of battery acid leakage on the frame around the the battery then try and get a discount.

Stick us some adverts up - we'll have a goosy gander.

You can often find some right dogs pretending to be original.

Bottom line, they are 20 years old and so any claims of full service history are to be taken with a lot of salt...loads...buckets of it..

CMSMJ1 wrote:Stick us some adverts up - we'll have a goosy gander.

Well here is the advert for the first one

The advert for the second one

I have seen this one on pistonheads for a while too.

Thanks for your help so far!

I can't see the ebay one at work, but the AT one would get my vote over the PH one.
There might be someone on here who's closer than you to give it the once over.

Chris, tbh I think the first one at £1100 is the best one of the 3 for the money.
There is a reason why the one on pistonheads is still avail - looks over priced.
While the white one is nice, it's is rvf price territory.

Because they are fairly bullet proof Mechanically I would also made a huge judgment on fairings.

Also check for the smaller nigly issues which can be expensive and used a great bargaining tool:
Teeth on hubcentric adjuster
Chain and sprocket
Discs
Real caliper
Marks on lhs of swingarm behind rearset
Exhaust collars where front joins rear
Suspension
Tyres - matching pair/decent H rated
When where spark plug changed (£40)
Etc

Ahh brilliant, quite reassuring to know that the cheapest, closest one is the better option.

About the 1st one, where the fairing meets the seat (on both sides), the pattern looks as if it has faded/fading from red to white?

Last question, where is the best place for NC30 parts?

Cheers

chrishs wrote: Last question, where is the best place for NC30 parts?
Cheers

There are a few people available through here for parts;
Rick Oliver
Graeme France
Or David Silver Spares.

chrishs wrote:Ahh brilliant, quite reassuring to know that the cheapest, closest one is the better option.

About the 1st one, where the fairing meets the seat (on both sides), the pattern looks as if it has faded/fading from red to white?

Looks like the stickers have faded/worn over the years.
For reference here's how it would've looked when new:-

http://www.vsource.org/VFR-RVF_files/Br ... 992-5a.jpg

From the pics that bike looks alright, as mentioned I'd be inclined to go for that over the more expensive one.