Guys and Gals may I have some advice please???

Darkside · Trackday Trickster Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

I Have a 2000 rs250 Aprilia, I am happy with it but I am a twenty year old student who gets no loan, and the bike is becoming increasingly difficult to run financial wise. Now a guy on ebay is looking to part exchange a vfr 400 is it a good idea for me to think about this as i have heard "THE FORCE V4.....INDESTRUCTABLE" which cannot be said for my dainty extravagant bit of kit. Would he need to give me money plus the exchange or vice versa?? PLEEEAS AS THE AUCTION RUNS OUT SOON!!!! Thanks people!
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theftvictim · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Karma :

Depends what VFR 400 - is it the NC24 or NC30? year? mileage? photos? and how much does he want off your bike for it?

If you want to give him a shot, I'd personally end the auction early and deal outside of ebay so that if he wins and you decide you haven't got a good deal then you are not legally bound to anything.

You should see how much a bike of his spec goes for generally and subtract that from the amount you'd sell your lovely RS250 for...

Darkside · Trackday Trickster Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

R4nger · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Karma :

Darkside · Trackday Trickster Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

I'm no expert on this but I would think ballpark figures for a 2000 RS250 would be between £2500 & £2900. A 10 year old NC30 (that means grey import) would be about £1500 to £2000 (figures subject to correction from anyone in the trade).

An NC30 engine is pretty complex and tuned and any breakages are going to cost.

I take it you like the sports bike image and riding position. As a poor student you could be limiting your options, at least until you stop being a student.

As for sports tourers you should be able to get a 10 year old Honda VFR750 for about the same as your Aprilia (quick eBay search has this and this).

I've been told before Easter is best time to buy, worse to sell. After Easter = better weather (yeh, right Confused

) so bike prices go up. As I got a new (to me) bike for IMO a bargain price in late November I'd say there's some truth in that.

HTH Smile

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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

A sports/commuter 500 twin will give you decent reliabiity, the ability to cover lots of miles and good economy. They aren't anywhere near as full-on as your current bike but can still make you grin if pushed, more forgiving for everyday use.

You would get a decent one for under a grand. Consider the Honda CB500, Suzuki GS500 and Kawasaki GPZ500 and its derivatives. I am pretty sure they are two or three insurance groups lower than your current bike too.

It is a step down from the RS but remember it is only until you graduate and get a job. My GPZ500s rarely dropped below 50mpg even when thrashed.
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Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

After riding an RS250, everything will feel fat and slugish. A sports 400 isnt too far off an RS250 in power and handling, allthough it will still take a bit of getting used to.

I did a direct swap of a 1989 RGV250 (same engine as the RS) for a 1989 NC30.

I'm sure you could swap your RS250 for something like a 98 ZX4 Thumbs Up