Good Value??

[Diefer Dog]

Hi guys - been away a while (last post July 06).

Am in the process of looking for another A.T. - have been offered an M plate '94 RD07 for £1100 but needs a far bit of work to get it half decent - needs tyres, the exhaust is knackered, plenty of surface rust on the fixings and brackets, crack/split on both sides of headlight fairing. Generally looks uncared for. The paintwork, tank, panels, and tail unit are fine and all the electrics are ok. Does £1100 sound ok??? Any advice much appreciated.
Cheers, D.D.

[shack]

What kind of miles does it have on it, service history? long MOT? (did the last one have any advisory notes)

[BobA]

Hello Diefer

Glad to see you back! No news on your RD04 then?

The trouble with bargains is, unless you're really lucky, they never end up being a bargain! (Believe me, I've had enough bent forks straghtened I didn't spot when I picked it up!!)

Add up the cost of all the parts you're gonna need (even by using eBay prices) then add them to the price of the bike. Even if you discount your own labour, you have to work out if it is worth the extra to buy a good/well maintained bike.

If the cosmetic appearance of the bike is shabby, is this an indication that they haven't looked after the mechanical side?

There's always a certain amount of risk involved, even with a presentable bike, but there are always a few AT's kicking about on eBay or in bike shops, so there is a choice. With eBay, I would always view anything BEFORE bidding, as I've ended up with quite a few turkeys in the past.

Best of Luck with your search, just be patient and get the bike thats right for you.

Welcome Back to the Fold

Bob

[Diefer Dog]

Hi BobA

The RD04 was recovered by the police, although their lack of co-ordination and communication was breathtaking, but thats another story...

I had started to add up some prices and an £1100 bike is quickly heading towards a £1500+ bike. I found out this morning that there is no service history or past MOT's apart from it's current one. Cosmetically its ok, apart from the fairing crack. Its got heated grips which indicate to me that it was used through the winter (or several winters) which may account for the rusty bits. As I'm writing I'm starting to think that maybe this isn't the one I should be buying......

Thanks for the wise words

Gav