Buying a VFR that's been standing

[joseph.griffin]

I went to look at a VFR400 NC30 in Derby today.

https://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee145/josephgriffin/1663239.jpg

It was quite nice but it won't start. It's been standing for 2 years apparently, and it's been 6 months since it was ridden up and down the road.

It turns over well, but won't fire. He said he had managed to jump start it from a car this morning. I let him try to jump it from my bike but it wouldn't go. May not be the battery. He said it has 4quid of fresh petrol in it.

Also, the back wheel was very hard to turn, probably due to the brake seizing. Lights all worked, bodywork a bit scratched but not cracked. Head/wheel bearings good. 21,000 miles. 1990 H reg. No tax or MOT. He wants £700 for it, but is open to offers.

I just want thoughts really. What do you think would cause these starting problems? Bad fuel in carbs? Regulator?

I've been looking for a VFR for a while, not often they come along at this price.

Joe
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1999 Honda NSR125RX F Black and Silver (but with loads of scratches)
13/04/08 - Now a 1991 Honda VFR400R-M NC30 Black and Grey (Not road legal yet)

[veeeffarr]

Why go for a 400 in particular? They're rip offs.

T

[joseph.griffin]

I've got about 14 months left of my 33bhp restriction.

I sort of set my heart on a VFR400, perhaps I am being narrow minded.

Joe
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1999 Honda NSR125RX F Black and Silver (but with loads of scratches)
13/04/08 - Now a 1991 Honda VFR400R-M NC30 Black and Grey (Not road legal yet)

[gmanxiii]

Battery is probably a gonner especially if its been left over winter. 6 Months shouldnt be too bad but its possible that the carbs could do with a clean. If you are willing to get your hands abit grubby, i'd go for it. If you cant then just save up abit longer and get a runner. Offer him 500 and if you cant get it running because it is fubar'd you can always sell it on or break it for the same.
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I kills hondas

VFR400NC30 > ZZR600 > CBR600FX > CBR1000rr

[Hetzer]

21,000 miler for £500 would be a proper result, so long as he's being truthful about it running fine six months ago. Strip the carbs, check all the electrics, replace what's needed and enjoy a shed-load of bike for the money.

If I was buying it (and I would for £500) I'd strip it down, re-grease all the bearings, re-furbish the brakes, change all fluids, chain & sprockets, rubbers, the full monty.
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"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

[KevTM]

could be anything simple, battery probably gone, give the plugs a change/clean at least, drain the carbs and/or clean them out properly, do the same with the tank etc.. you'll probably find it'll run without much if it did actually run not long ago.

my Bandit had been sitting for 6 months and wouldn't start, battery knackered and plugs needed a clean, starts on the button now

[joseph.griffin]

Thanks for your opinions. Does sound very tempting. I'll keep you updated. My next problem would be getting it from Derby to Nottingham. Anyone know of any cheap van hire places round here?

Joe
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1999 Honda NSR125RX F Black and Silver (but with loads of scratches)
13/04/08 - Now a 1991 Honda VFR400R-M NC30 Black and Grey (Not road legal yet)

[Pie-Roe]

IIRC thats only about 15 miles, if you know anyone with an oldish people carrier, you should be able to fit it in that.

Of course if you can take a jerrycan full of fuel, I'd go there with a battery jumper get it started and peg it the whole way home. But thats just me, and this might be detrimental to both you and the bike.

Pyro
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Previous: GSF600, FZR600 x2, ZXR750, XT600 Tenere, CB125, CZ125, ETZ 250, ER5, CCM R30, DRZ400, RF600x4, RF900x2, GS500, VTR1000F, 640 SMC, CB250 NIGHTHAWK, GT550x3, GPX750 TE610, CB500, X11x2, SV650, ZING 125, TL1000R,CB250 Superdream, CBR1100XX

[joseph.griffin]

It's only about half an hour, but I don't fancy driving down dual carriageways with a bike I haven't had a proper look at and a siezed back brake.

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone round here with a van or a people carrier.

Joe
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1999 Honda NSR125RX F Black and Silver (but with loads of scratches)
13/04/08 - Now a 1991 Honda VFR400R-M NC30 Black and Grey (Not road legal yet)

[Dreaming]

Derby is quite close by, and recently getting used to the workings of an engine I'd happily take it for £700!

My first guess would be stale fuel. Where are you? I'm in Leicestershire but know a good mechanic with a van who might be able to help you out.

https://www.autoinsider.co.uk/local/mot-testing-centres/ai_37967.php

MJC Motorcycles - 01162750222

Worst he can say is no, really friendly chap though. I think it's £30 for pickup, but not 100% sure.

[Pie-Roe]

[joseph.griffin]

I'm meeting him tomorrow and he's trying to find a mate with a car to show me that it runs (Why it would jump from a car and not a bike, I don't know). In a way, I hope it doesn't start so I can bargain with him.

He also says he has a mate with a van. Or I can hire a van for £40 for 24hours. (I struggled to find one because I'm 21)

I'll let you know how I get on.

Joe
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1999 Honda NSR125RX F Black and Silver (but with loads of scratches)
13/04/08 - Now a 1991 Honda VFR400R-M NC30 Black and Grey (Not road legal yet)

[mr jamez]

Well that is a good haggling point if it has starting issues, very common for the regulators to die on the NC30 and they are £60 a pop. As It has been standing for a few years it probably just needs fresh oil, carb clean and a service.
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NSR 125F > BROS 400 > NC30 > BROS 400 > Trumpet S4 > '97 VFR 750

[Fisty]

If you need any help fixing it im on the notts derby border!

Tom
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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[Jenks]

[joseph.griffin]

Jenks, Mr Fisty. Thanks. I'll bear that in mind.

Also, it needs a set of tyres. How much are tyres for an NC30?

Cheers.
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1999 Honda NSR125RX F Black and Silver (but with loads of scratches)
13/04/08 - Now a 1991 Honda VFR400R-M NC30 Black and Grey (Not road legal yet)

[gmanxiii]

about 100 each tyre
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I kills hondas

VFR400NC30 > ZZR600 > CBR600FX > CBR1000rr

[Jenks]

[joseph.griffin]

Yeah, I'll take that number please. Do you mean I could get a pair for £100 ish?

I went to see the bloke again today. The bike still won't start. He said he's had a mate round who's checked the plugs are sparking. Says he's going to drain the fuel tomorrow and put fresh in. Less work for me, I suppose.

Joe
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1999 Honda NSR125RX F Black and Silver (but with loads of scratches)
13/04/08 - Now a 1991 Honda VFR400R-M NC30 Black and Grey (Not road legal yet)

[gmanxiii]

nah about 200quid for the pair. You've not got much choice in tyre though due to the 18in rear. Believe bridgestone BT90's is the tyre of choice
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I kills hondas

VFR400NC30 > ZZR600 > CBR600FX > CBR1000rr

[aaron0288]

[EuropeanNC30R...]

It seems cheap enough to be a decent deal.

I think a lot of 400's are clocked before they come into the country, not saying that is, but Honda's especially are very easy to do. (The engines are very solid so it's not that much of a problem)

I wouldn't be suprised if my vfr400 had been clocked, there's a couple wonky numbers on the odometer, but it's still currently at 97,000km.

[MattEMulsion]

Also try John Coopers in Derby for motorcycle tyres: 01332 340421
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Yamaha YZF-R6