First time buyer, XRV 650 1989. Help please.

[cutepape]

Hi all.

Going to have a look at three Twins tomorrow afternoon. 2 x 1989 and one 1988. All 650s.

Since this is my verry first bike and I'm a real newbie on motorbikes. Just used to ride MTBs on the trails.
What do I need to look for?
Questions about the bikes?
The price seems a little bit on the exp side. €3500, dont know the milage yet.
would reackon its around 4-60'000km.

Please advice... I really want to be an Twin rider

[Northy]

They do seem expensive 3500 euro = approx £2500 which would normally get you a say 1998-2000 XRV 750 with 20K on the clock.
Try this tread for more info
http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1824

Northy

[Dilbert]

I paid £1,020 for an '88 model at easter off ebay, it's a bit of a shed though, but not that bad for the age, I reckon you should be looking around £1,500-maybe £1,800 for a really clean one.
mileage can be a factor, but mine only had 44,500km.
Like Northy says you should be able to get an RD07 750 for that sort of price.
Do a bit more research, check ebay/ buyers guides/ phone round dealers to get an idea for your area, ideally get someone to go with you who knows a bit about this kind of bike.
Good luck !

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I was looking at 01s at first... then 95s.. and now 89 to90s.. only reason is:
Insurance.

Insurance cost for a -95 would cost me €1800 for 3rd party and theft.
Comprehensive insurance for a -90 is €450.
So... maybe you see where I'm getting. Cant afford €1800 a year in just insurance.
So it has to be an old bike for the first year.. if I dont move back to Sweden..

[robelst]

I was looking at 01s at first... then 95s.. and now 89 to90s.. only reason is:
Insurance.

Insurance cost for a -95 would cost me €1800 for 3rd party and theft.
Comprehensive insurance for a -90 is €450.
So... maybe you see where I'm getting. Cant afford €1800 a year in just insurance.
So it has to be an old bike for the first year.. if I dont move back to Sweden..

I understand you are from Sweden and moved to Ireland? I came from Holland to the UK 4 years ago and initially I got ridiculous insurance quotes for my Buell: £900 - £1300 for 3rd party only. The bike itself was hardly worth that sort of money After searching a bit further I found an insurer through Carole Nash that only asked £160 and I got theft and legal cover with that as well. For only another £35 I insured the '94 AT I bought shortly after that

I don't know how Ireland treats their immigrants insurance-wise but all I can say is not to settle with the first quote you get.

Having said that however, in your case, choosing an early 650 over a later model could actually be the best thing you'll ever do, they are simply the best imho. If the steep price means it is in mint condition I'd go for it. Condition is far more important than year, esp on the AT where the finish of the later models is quite poor anyway.

Good luck!

[banger]

I don't know how Ireland treats their immigrants insurance-wise but all I can say is not to settle with the first quote you get

Unfortunately Carol Nash are the only insurance company covering motorcyles in southern ireland............Hibernian have pulled out of the market and another company 'Aon' will cover bikes but you have to go through a dealer whos only interested if your buying a bike from them.

'Any UK bike insurers out there interested in entering the market and giving us some choice?

[Simon]

I don't know how Ireland treats their immigrants insurance-wise but all I can say is not to settle with the first quote you get

Unfortunately Carol Nash are the only insurance company covering motorcyles in southern ireland............Hibernian have pulled out of the market and another company 'Aon' will cover bikes but you have to go through a dealer whos only interested if your buying a bike from them.

'Any UK bike insurers out there interested in entering the market and giving us some choice?

Have you tried Open and Direct in Northern Ireland, as i have found them really good, noone else, even motorbike specific companies, could get close to what they charged me. Even try Adelaide in Belfast.

[modrover]

[quote="robelst"]

Having said that however, in your case, choosing an early 650 over a later model could actually be the best thing you'll ever do, they are simply the best imho. If the steep price means it is in mint condition I'd go for it. Condition is far more important than year, esp on the AT where the finish of the later models is quite poor anyway.

Good luck!

I'll second that one! Wonderful bikes... those 650 motors.

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I had a look at the Africa Twin 650 1988.
Through a newbies eyes... I must say it was in almost condition. A scratch on the tank just above the seat. Like from a zipper.

It felt good.. engine did sound ok.. no revs up and down in neutral on stand.

Only thing I would like is to change the foot pegs to steel ones.. you know.. ones with "teeth" so my boot wont slip of if wet.

I tried it on friday (yesterday) and I just smile everytime I think about it.

The frame on the -88... is it much that differ from the -89 or 90?

The sprocket looked ok.. All teeth seemed to be in the same height.. or how do one check it?

Last thing.. if I buy it I want to take good care of it. Maybe ad some bits and bobs.. keep it in good shape.
You guys have any good links to sites where I can do some shopping? =)

[modrover]

Those rubbers come right off the pegs... there's teeth underneath Mate!