Hi all,

I'm after a bit of advice please? I have a lovely little NC30 that I bought from a friend that bought it from another friend 8 years ago (so I have known the bike for over 15 years). The bike itself is immaculate, I have never seen a better condition, original NC30 (hence why I bought it). Previous owner never got round to sitting his test so it had been sat for 8 years prior to me buying it 1 year ago.

As soon as I bought it I stripped it right down and gave her a thorough going over (fully qualified mechanical technician for over 20 years). Carbs stripped and rebuilt (as per excellent guide on here), valve gear checked (all within tolerance) forks stripped and new OEM seals/oil fitted, brakes overhauled, ALL fluids, filters, plugs changed, new battery and BT090 tyres as well as lashings of degreaser and a good scrub.

The original exhaust was like new after a good clean apart from the usual rot at the joints underneath so these were repaired using stainless steel. She starts on the button every time, runs smooth as silk and rides like a new bike in all respects.

The only 'not so good' points are the fairings (all originals). The right lower and mid were cracking at the joints so I have replaced these with good originals (but not matching paint scheme) and generally the overall paint finish is showing its age and could do with a full respray although still presentable. If this was done, this could be one of the best, lowish mileage NC30's around (24k km, 15k miles).

Problem is, I've just found out I'm posted to Cyprus for three years and don't want to leave her sitting again. I'm thinking the best thing to do is sell her on so someone else can enjoy it for what it is.

Questions are, do I have the paintwork done then sell or do I sell her as is? Also, what is a fair price for an NC30, both slightly tatty (cosmetically) or freshly painted and mint? I'm not chasing ultimate top line whack, just people's oppinions as to what they would prefer to see when looking to buy one of these little gems (as I'm sure any increase in value would be ofset by the cost of a decent respray)?

All opinions appreciated and I have plenty photos of the stripdown if anyone's interested?

Thanks, Craig

Nobody willing to share their thoughts and oppinions on this?

A bike with mismatched bodywork is never going to appeal as much as one that does however ive struggled to find a decent nc for under 2k lately.
Trouble is a decent paintjob isnt cheap and i doubt you would recoup what it costs you but its likely to sell easier. From my point of view id rather buy it as is and paint it myself in a scheme i want however id say im in a minority as most would prefer a painted bike.

Get some pics up

And your in Scotland.........ballache to get to for most people :)

675craig wrote:Nobody willing to share their thoughts and oppinions on this?

Drunkn Munky wrote:And your in Scotland.........ballache to get to for most people :)

You did ask .

As said painting is expensive have you tried sourcing matching panels and tidying up others ?

Its also colour scheme dependent. A nice type 1 will command a large premium over one of the less popular colour schemes, even though they are the most common in terms of numbers produced.

Drunkn Munky wrote:And your in Scotland.........ballache to get to for most people :)

Thanks for your input. I know what you mean, I'm always of the oppinion that I would prefer to see genuine, honest bodywork that has imperfections and signs of use than freshly painted panels that hide its history. Although this is based more on restoring classic cars where paint can hide a multitude of sins.

I can also appreciate that being up north can limit the market aswell!

Problem may be, as you mention, I think a lot of buyers may be put off by the overall finish. Never mind that underneath it may be spotless?

Pictures are on my old phone so I'll get some up later.

davethetrucker wrote:

675craig wrote:Nobody willing to share their thoughts and oppinions on this?

Drunkn Munky wrote:And your in Scotland.........ballache to get to for most people :)

You did ask .

As said painting is expensive have you tried sourcing matching panels and tidying up others ?

I've been trying to find replacements for over a year now with little luck. I managed to find decent replacements but they don't match.

I won't go down the Chinese replacement route. I had a friend fit a set to a tatty ex tracked NC35 and wasn't that taken. For his application it was probably a good option as the bike was a bit rough but not on something as original as this.

jim157 wrote:Its also colour scheme dependent. A nice type 1 will command a large premium over one of the less popular colour schemes, even though they are the most common in terms of numbers produced.

Think it's a type 6 going by the guide on here. Not seen many around, or decent replacement bodywork. There was a full set went on eBay last night but was a different scheme.

Don't know what others thoughts are on changing the colour scheme completely? Would that be acceptable or would it be like painting a Lamborghini red???

With you on the Chinese panels been down that route fitted a set on a bike but something kept bugging me about them Although they fool those not in the know To the point I removed tham and sourced originals and had them painted by powapaints but that bike is a keeper which leaves you with the dilemma of selling as is or the unprofitable paint job if selling .
As its a good unmolested example do you need to sell it why not keep it and sort bodywork when time funds allow its always going fetch top dollar if as you say its a good nc30 ?