A Couple of Noob help questions - prices, and types?

[adamski]

Hi there guys,

I am new to the forum, but have been saving up for getting an nc30 for nearly a year now, my budget is around 3k (a bit less would be nice) .

In that time I have seen the cost of these beautiful bikes steadily creep up (maybe my imagination). I am looking to get an nc30 as a second bike, to be loved and cherished, but I am unsure which type/model to go for. I have had a read of the article http://www.vsource.org/VFR-RVF_files/Bvfr400r-mi.htm which is helpful. It would appear that the type 1 bikes (original rc30 replica scheme) are more collectable but have a few more drawbacks. Is this the case?

How much should I be looking to spend if I want a clean, original low mileage example. I keep seeing bikes on fleabay for over 3.5k!

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewit ... 8394029082

and

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewit ... 4785298846

I have also seen a really nice type 8 with low mileage but again over 3k.

Any thoughts on this and how much I should really be paying as I would like to keep the price under 3k.

Also any other advice, links or words of wisdom gratefully accepted as I am new to all of this.

Thanks in advance.

[Cammo]

From what I see nc30's sell for on this forum, you can get a neat well-sorted example for a lot less than 3k. I'm sure some UK members will add more relevant info regarding prices. Bare in mind that a mint low mileage bike (perhaps UK model etc) will always fetch a high price, but these prices are intended for collectors and cashed up enthusiasts.

Personally, I don't think you'll find a better place to buy than the classifieds on here from a forum enthusiast. There's a buyer's guide here with some good info: http://www.400greybike.com/nc30.htm

As to which type: the 1989 models (K model: type 1 & 2 colour schemes) have somewhat inferior suspension to the later model (which was unchanged - colours schemes aside - from 1990-1994), however this alone would not stop me from buying an early model. Many forks and shocks will have been changed by now (and can easily be upgraded), so buying based on a colour scheme is not a good indication really.

The type 1 colours are popular just because of their paint scheme and similarity to it's awesome big brother (RC30), nothing else really. I actually think they're losing some popularity if this forum is anything to go by. They do look nice (and I have one), but really, all of the original paint schemes look good in the flesh.

These bikes are getting on a bit now and if they've had a few uncaring owners then it's often more cost effective to buy a well sorted cared for example, regardless of how original it looks.

Just my 2c.

[CMSMJ1]

Cammo is right (as per usual)

3k is a lot of money for an NC30.

You say it is for a second bike - so are you looking for a show pony that is original, relatively unmolested and will likely sit on display for mos to it's life..Or, are you looking to get a bike that has had the common points of failure/age sorted and that can be used (and is used?)

Going by colour is not ideal - I'd reckon that a majority of the bikes now have incomplete panel sets and of those with full panels they might well have been sprayed by now.

Your options are (IMO)

1: Pay the inflated price for an original bike
2: Buy a bike that is mechanically sorted but requires the effort to get it cosmetically up to your standard
3: buy a shed, spend the 2k left over making it totally sorted, upgraded and with a regard for performance and with the cosmetics not quite as important (non std panels)

no1 - gets you a bike that looks nice, but will likely look better than it goes
no2 - probably my choice for 3k - get something that works, has already had the money spent on the good bits (exhausts, shock, setup) - then see what panels you can find bit by bit and finish it off*
no3 - cheapest method but takes time. Get something needing work and time, spend that time sourcing your bits and panels..

*see the members rides section. Bikes in there ranging from minor cosmetic upgrades to full nut and bolt rebuilds.


Either way, welcome, this is the place to be to get this all sorted!

[arsey30]

The R/W/B colour scheme seems most popular, although a lot of the enthusiasts on here prefer modified and repainted NCs.

Look on e bay at completed listings, "£2,000 seems typical for a good one, dealers ask too much.

Go for the best you can find or the best that you can afford, regardless of age and colour scheme, the cheapest will cost more in the long run.
Standard bikes in original colours [and panels] hold their prices.

They are sound mechanically, so good bodywork and cosmetics are things to look for.
There may be someone on here local to you that would look at an NC for you if unsure of its condition/value.