Advice needed about CAT C

[Bubbs]

Hi folk,

Just seen a bike online that looks really good condition and only done 21,000. I've got the price down to 1,400 which about the average price then did a HPI check and found it's a CAT C Extensive Damage. I've asked for the price to go down, but by how much? Is CAT C really that bad? Should I walk away?

I really like the look of the bike, and the owner was honestly surprised it was written off. Should alarm bells be ringing big style or would you think it ok to buy a cat c if it's been fully repaired?

Just concerned about parting with 1,300 quid.
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

[Pete.]

Extensive damage could just mean small scratches on many parts. My bike went over on it's side and was written off Cat C. Apart from the bent forks and scratched tailpiece you could harldy tell it was damaged at all, but they wrote it off with a 'bent frame'. All that was bent was the right footrest hanger - part of the frame.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Bubbs]

[Pete.]

There's nothing on the V5 nor any checks to make nor do you have to have it inspected nor MOT'd after a CatC. It'll only come out with a HPi-type check.

Still got the bike, done 8k miles on it this last year. I nearly always buy cheap CatC bikes for work, yet to be stung.

What bike you looking at?
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Imonster]

My last one was a Cat C and came with full receipts for the repairs. Didn't bother me personally, if it's at a good price and you like it go for it.
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Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

[Bubbs]

[Bubbs]

[Pete.]

Honest-looking bike. I wouldn't worry about the Cat C but I'd be checking the headstock carefully.

They aren't so much of a sought-after model so it would have to be a minter to command good money which it ain't. Couple the CatC status with the bodywork dings and yea, a reduction is due I think.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Bubbs]

[Nick 50]

If you do buy it, figure into it that when you go to sell it on, the buyer will offer less as it's a Cat C.

But to fair, that's not too bad a price dependent on condition.
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Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......

[Bubbs]

[Nick 50]

[weasley]

Not much wrong with them. You'll read of tales of second gear going bad, but it's a lot rarer than made out (and other bikes suffer the same issue).

Brakes are great when clean but need to be kept on top of to keep them tip-top; just cleaning and general servicing.

Engines are strong and these bikes don't really attract hooligans, so wheel bearings and headstocks tend to last (unless it's been used to open a car door at some time ).

The Cat C is a bargaining tool, but if you want the price dropped because of it then expect the next buyer to do the same. That said, if you're planning to keep it for a bit then forget about resale value and just make sure it's straight.

I've had mine 9 years and the only thing that's gone wrong is a failed spark plug cap and a loose battery terminal.

Here's the forum you are looking for.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[Bubbs]

[weasley]

Well I've never ridden an SV650, but I'd guess it'll give you a grin if you like to get up and go from pretty much any revs. It'll probably feel a bit heavy compared to the SV but it is stable as a rock.

After 9 years I still get a grin out of it and it still sometimes surprises me when I pin it.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE