Assistance from the wider biker community

[rvf'er]

So after nearly 2 years of trouble free riding the RVF400 has had enough. She now leaves a reasonable amount of smoke behind me when I take off at the lights (just enough that someone would notice if they test rode her). And its terrible timing too - im about to leave the country for 3 years and was gunna sell up anyway. So three options i guess:
1. get her fixed (not easy for me and dont particularly want to fork our excess $ to a bike shop - Mt Eden reackon shes burning oil so not a cheap job);
2. sell her as is (and take a serious price drop obviously) ; or
3. is there any other options...?

Any comments from those that have gone through this would be greatly aprpeciated.

[Cajun]

park it up for 3 years until ya get back, but honstly ya only gonn have to fix it then.

you opinions really are
fix it then sell it
or
sell it and take what cost to fix the bike.


rvf400 still be worth a good amount of money even with a engine that needs a bit of work

[MSTRS:Me]

Sell as is....you will never get your money back on top of the bike's worth if you fix it

[Coyote]

To make money you'll need to spend it, so just sell it. You'll get a lot of interest from VFR guys looking at the 17 inch rear wheel and USD forks as upgrades to their bikes.

I would be keen if I had the money.

[imdying]

Sell it to me, I'll give you $2k... I've seen inside one before, and whilst I'm not looking forward to going back there, it'll give me something to make me want to hang myself over the winter. Be careful though... I've seen them drink oil quite quickly... and then 'BANG!', goodbye little V4

[Paul in NZ]

Baring something crazy like an overfilled sump or at the last oil change you decided to substitue peanut oil you are probably up for some engine work.

I'd doubt you can do a proper job of that and make $$ at it. Sell it as it is - represent it honestly or fix it - either way it's going to cost.

Cheers

[rvf'er]

See this is what has been keeping me awake at nights - is $2k actually a respectable offer?..I just have no idea (trademe has nothing similar at the moment)

[MSTRS:Me]

$2k for a sick RVF? T'were mine, Id probably grab the dosh and shove off. Quick.

[Swoop]

The VFR Preservation Society insists on doing work that is needed.
One must maintain ones' bike in good condition!

[owner]

Agreed, post pics! just take the hit man. advertise it as much as you can until you go, then take the best offer. If its pretty mint Id be solid $4000 and take the best offer which might be 2G.

[imdying]

See this is what has been keeping me awake at nights - is $2k actually a respectable offer?..I just have no idea (trademe has nothing similar at the moment)

You would be best to put it on trademe, either a at a reserve you're comfortable with, or a $1 reserve (which seems to create some sort of weird bidding frenzy!). I've been inside, bugged my eyes out over the parts bill, and ain't gonna spend much on something that could cost me waaaay too much money. You'd probably break it for more than 2k in bits though, if you could be bothered with the hassle. The rear wheel and front forks should be easy enough to sell for about a $1000/$1200 for both, maybe get another $500 for a shagged motor, if someone were looking... the proarm you're sure to be able to flog, as with the fairings.

[rvf'er]

This is the most recent pic i have, but still a fair representation

[Mikkel]

How long is it until you'll be leaving?

I am kinda keen on the RVFs... and if the price is right I could probably find a space for it in my garage, hold on to my old bike and get it sorted out.

[rvf'er]

Leaving Feb 08. She lives in Auckland thou...

[scracha]

Leaving Feb 08. She lives in Auckland thou...

I'm interested. Wonder if a CBR400 motor would fit in it though