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Service history

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 9:04 pm
by Jay1200
Before buying a vfr400
Should I be to worried about service history,
The bike is up for £2k, it's had a respray at some point, has been dropped but rides fine
A little fluctuation on idle, I'm not that bothered about, but the person hasn't done any service himself since owning it for nearly a year, and could do with new chain and sprockets. Again, I'm not bothered about servicing it myself.
I've heard these engines are great, but like a car, it's nice to have history before you go and fork out a lot of money.
Or am I just being picky at that price?
Dvla mot history is good but it's resale value as well that I'm thinking of

Re: Service history

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 9:20 pm
by jim157
Service history is a mute point with these bikes as there's no way of finding out how they were looked after in Japan before they were imported. I'd be more inclined to go on the general condition of the bike and the diligence/knowledge of the owner.
Do you have any pics? It'll give us an idea as to whether it's worth two grand or not.

Re: Service history

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 9:39 pm
by Jay1200
How do I add an image?
I'm using my iPhone if that makes a difference

Re: Service history

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2016 4:57 pm
by Kenthammer
Resale value on these bikes is all about condition, so are you buying to ride or as an investment?

As an investment, you want stacks of history.

If you are buying to ride, and the current or recent owner has cared for the bike then you will get some receipts etc.
and hopefuly a good feeling when you question them about the bike.

Then if its cared for it will be worth what the market can stand when you want to sell, obviously its easier to sell a cared for bike with history than a snotter.
.

As with any purchase, buyer beware.

Re: Service history

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2016 5:04 pm
by Jay1200
As a ride really but people seem to think they are worth top dollar just because it's a vfr400.
£2k for a bike with 330000km with no history feels a bit steep to me.
But then £2k is a lot of money full stop

Re: Service history

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2016 9:36 pm
by Dynamohum
As well as the good advice above if your about to shell out £2k of your hard earned on an nc30 ask seller to remove both mid panels a two minute job and have a good look under the skin check engine mounts are intact also exhaust join at pipes If standard system from below can seller provide receipts for service items purchased if he or she refuses to do either then walk away Patience should get you a decent bike for that money.

Re: Service history

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2016 6:45 am
by Jay1200
Thanks
I opted against that bike
He clearly hasn't a clue about bikes, he had it for a year and done nothing to it.
It wasn't looked after, which is a shame really.
I don't understand how people can run a bike of this stature into the ground
I offered £1800 he declined
Someone else nearby has a RVF for £3.5k.
But I've made an offer on k1000
My dream bike may take a little longer