[Hapless biker]

Hi there

Glad to join this forum. I'm looking to buy an Africa Twin as I've always loved them and given the current global situation it seems the perfect bike on which to survive the apocalypse. I'm looking at imports from a Cornish shop called Chequered Flag motorbikes. Does anyone have experience of these guys? I'd be buying it blind and having it delivered so I really need to know in advance how reputable they are.

Thanks in advance!
Ps I'm selling a mint NC750x to finance the AT; does this make me an idiot?

 

[Rallyug]

Just bought my first RD07 blind from a random guy in south africa. worked out well, it is perfect. I would suggest at least do a videocall, have him fire it up, listen to it and ask all about the bits like fuel pump and rectifier.

 

[Hapless biker]

That's good advice mate, thanks a lot!

 

[Sohoeasy]

Chequered Flag Motorcycles Ltd have only recently it seems come into the Africa Twin market. I'd never heard of them (by way of all their Ebay ads) until very recently. It looks like they have just cottoned on to the popularity of XRV's and begun to import them from some place along with other popular dual sport bikes.

Just a point to think on (and this is no reflection on this particular dealer) Imported XRV's tend to look in better condition because of the warmer climes they come from, but it's also easy to delete a high milage imported bike's history and bring the clocks back to a low number. Africa Twin prices are also pretty highly inflated right now.
Although I'm a life long AT collector/rider/freak, common sense would say hang on to your NC for a while. (or if you're determined, at least get a UK bike rather than an import)

 

[Hapless biker]

Thanks for that info; I know prices are a bit steep now but they seem to have been pretty stationary for a coupe of years; I don't see them falling too much and my NC is only going to depreciate. What you said about the milage is basically what I'm concerned about and why I'd like to know more about the dealership. Appreciate your feedback mate, thanks!

 

[Sohoeasy]

Thanks for that info; I know prices are a bit steep now but they seem to have been pretty stationary for a coupe of years; I don't see them falling too much and my NC is only going to depreciate. What you said about the milage is basically what I'm concerned about and why I'd like to know more about the dealership. Appreciate your feedback mate, thanks!

Just googled the company - it's only been registered with companies house for two months ? Just saying'

 

[Hapless biker]

Nice one; I bit more research required I think! Do you happen to know of ant AT specialists here in the UK?

 

[Sohoeasy]

There are no specialists. Stafford motorcycles are the most prolific sellers of AT's. Been around a while so probably know a bit about what they are selling, but they are massively high priced.
My advice is be patient and wait for a privately owned AT to come up '99- 03 top condition (with all it's mot's) 20 to 25k on the clock at around 4 grand +/- You''l be gad you waited.

 

[Hapless biker]

Great, thanks for that; Stafford isn't far from me but as you say they are priced top of the market. I'll keep an eye out. Thanks again