Number Of Owners?

[Big Tav]

Hi guys, I'm looking at a bike and it is a 1995 model and an import. It's a nearly mint RVF400. I have just found out it has had 12 previous owners on the V5 so if I buy it that will make me number 14 I guess. Now I know it's 20 years old and bikes change hands a lot but would that put you off? It's a nice bike and is already becoming collectible. Nothing to worry about or should I let it go?

[MotorsportTom]

Personally if the history backed up that it had been looked after I wouldn't worry.

Sometimes people buy bikes and sell them on very quickly because they don't gel with them or they're not suited to them or a whole myriad of reasons. It happens.

Buy on condition.

[Yazza54]

A lot of those owners might have been the sit it in the garage and look at it types

Doesn't matter with stuff like this, more important what the bike is than whos owned it

[barker22]

Ive got a 1991 zxr400 and the log book says 13 previous owners. It rides great and wasn't very expensive so I wouldn't worry too much

[j00pY]

I was owner number 7 on a 12 year old ZX6R that had only done 4500 miles since new. The owner I picked it up from had had the bike for 4 years, so before that it had passed around a lot. It did concern me a bit, but the bike was in great condition so I took a punt on it and it has been fine.

[Ritchie335is]

I don't worry, I've got a garage full of multi owner ste, and to be honest I don't even worry too much about service history as bikes are so easily repaired. You just have to hope it's had regular oil changes, anything else doesn't really matter as it can be refurbed/replaced easily enough. IMO. Also, one of my bikes has had a crazy amount of owners and it's one of the tidiest ones I own.
A straight bike is a straight bike.

[shunter V8]

This is very common,it was the norm to change bikes on a regular basis then. I am the same I havesome older bikes one has 19 former owners. As stated before buy on condition.

[HertsBiker]

Ask the wife.....

[Ritchie335is]

HertsBiker said:

Ask the wife.....

IMO most have been thrashed to death and neglected.

[HertsBiker]

As long as 'it' has only been used in ordinary ways, what harm is there from many owners, apart from some stigma? Thrashed round a track or multiple riders at the same time, does it matter as long as it makes you happy!

[Ritchie335is]

HertsBiker said:

As long as 'it' has only been used in ordinary ways, what harm is there from many owners, apart from some stigma? Thrashed round a track or multiple riders at the same time, does it matter as long as it makes you happy!

You need to ask about the pillion usage, that can affect the resale value.