So this new VFR, it's a lemon, right? Well, no, actually...
Discussion
Well the new insurance certificate and the money arrived last Thursday, so it was down the road to pick up the new bike. 1997 VFR 750F, just under 20,000 miles, two grand.
"There's been a bit of a problem", says the seller (who seemed like a genuine guy...).
"Uh-oh", I thought.
"It wouldn't start to get it to the MOT. So it needed new plugs and a new valve. We'd agreed the price and shaken hands on it, so I've sorted that. And I've got the new back tyre we agreed on. And I've filled the tank on it it for you as well..."
I'd gone down in the car, as there were a few spares that needed collecting - grab handles, screen, OEM exhaust. I was tempted to walk away there and then (as I'd only put a tenner deposit on it!)
The seller fired it up for me (from cold), I had a run up and down the drive, and couldn't help myself... So I gave him the money, went and got the tax sorted, got my kit on, then back to pick it up and rode home, no problem.
I tried it for a day or so with the pillion cowl on, but it's not really me. So I took that off, and took out the bolts to reinstall the rear grab handles. And they were covered (not excessively) in that copaslip (sp?) grease. I'd already had a look at the bike, then taken more bike-savvy mate for alook too. He's since said "If you hadn't've bought it, I would..."
The bike had obviously been well looked after, serviced etc, and garaged ("barned", actually...). So my curiosity got the better of me, and I took the fairings off and had a right good poke around.
It's all clean, and has obviously been well maintained. And although it's an "old" bike, it's tons better than my old 600 Diversion (which is being passed on to B-i-L).
So the moral of my (smug) story is that there are people out there who don't want to rip you off, and good bikes to be had. I've been out every day on it, and already put just over 500 miles on it (and I've been on nights all weekend).
"There's been a bit of a problem", says the seller (who seemed like a genuine guy...).
"Uh-oh", I thought.
"It wouldn't start to get it to the MOT. So it needed new plugs and a new valve. We'd agreed the price and shaken hands on it, so I've sorted that. And I've got the new back tyre we agreed on. And I've filled the tank on it it for you as well..."
I'd gone down in the car, as there were a few spares that needed collecting - grab handles, screen, OEM exhaust. I was tempted to walk away there and then (as I'd only put a tenner deposit on it!)
The seller fired it up for me (from cold), I had a run up and down the drive, and couldn't help myself... So I gave him the money, went and got the tax sorted, got my kit on, then back to pick it up and rode home, no problem.
I tried it for a day or so with the pillion cowl on, but it's not really me. So I took that off, and took out the bolts to reinstall the rear grab handles. And they were covered (not excessively) in that copaslip (sp?) grease. I'd already had a look at the bike, then taken more bike-savvy mate for alook too. He's since said "If you hadn't've bought it, I would..."
The bike had obviously been well looked after, serviced etc, and garaged ("barned", actually...). So my curiosity got the better of me, and I took the fairings off and had a right good poke around.
It's all clean, and has obviously been well maintained. And although it's an "old" bike, it's tons better than my old 600 Diversion (which is being passed on to B-i-L).
So the moral of my (smug) story is that there are people out there who don't want to rip you off, and good bikes to be had. I've been out every day on it, and already put just over 500 miles on it (and I've been on nights all weekend).
Dibble said:
Chilli said:
Nice one Dibs, glad it worked out well. Just out of interest, wouldn't it be a benefit to put your work gear on when looking at new bikes....might get a better deal??!!
I wear a suit to work these days!!camgear said:
Enjoy, the VFR's are fantastic bikes, in fact, I'm thinking of trading my 800Fi for an 800VTEC.
It's the servicing cost that'd put me off the VTEC, though on a test ride I did love the change in exhaust note and increase in acceleration when it switches in the other cams.Think its a bit of a myth to be honest mate, plus it only needs doing every 16,000 miles.
My 800Fi cost £290 for valves, oil change, filter change, brake fluid change, clutch fluid change, brake pad replacement, chain adjustment, and a few other bits and bobs.
Can't see the VTEC costing /much/ more.
T
My 800Fi cost £290 for valves, oil change, filter change, brake fluid change, clutch fluid change, brake pad replacement, chain adjustment, and a few other bits and bobs.
Can't see the VTEC costing /much/ more.
T
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