Bought a 1998 VFR800 2 years ago as a winter bike and occasional commuter. Paid £1250 for it, it was tidy enough but knew I could make it better. Spent about £1200 on it overhauling forks, clutch, brakes, exhaust, rear shock, battery, tyres to name a few. It had the full works, did all the work myself and got it looking spot on. Went upto the Yamaha dealer today looking to trade in against a brand new MT09SP hoping to achieve close to £2200 (similar condition private can fetch £2500). Found out it's a bloody CAT D write off! Previous seller was private and never mentioned it and I didn't check! D'oh. Seemed like a straight bloke so never doubted him. Perhaps he didn't know? Dealer offered me £700....it might fetch £1500-2000 private. On the plus side, was very pleased with the look of the Yam and they said they are £10,202 list but they are knocking them out for £9895.
Hi Charlie - did it not get flagged as a cat d when you insured it? By coincidence I’m going tomorrow to look at the MT-09 SP myself. Test rode a standard one around Easter time 2018 and thought it half decent (had the MT-10 out at the same time and figured that was just too much). The new 09 SP looks a much refined unit and gets very good write ups in the press
No mate, never got mentioned at insurance time. Its not a huge loss, I've just not added the value to it that I'd have hoped. I went to Smiths at Chester a few weeks ago to hopefully see the MT09SP but they only had the standard one. Yamaha at Wigan had both though, the SP does look a fair bit better than the standard one. The colours and few bits extra just make it look that bit more special. There are still a couple of untidy bits on it though. Going to get my VFR advertised then book a test ride. 2-3 month wait for an SP from Wigan.
Insurance companies couldn’t care less as long as you pay your premium, they’ll only flag it when it comes to paying out.
That sucks mate, but still, you had good time with a great bike. I ran a 750 VFR for a good few years as my winter hack and I really did come to love it very much. Was sad to see her go but it had to be that way at the time; divorce and such meant I had space to keep only two of my five bikes and she was never gonna take the place of the blade - which is a lifelong bike - or my Hypermotard, which, cunty as only a Ducati can be, is still an absolute fucking hoot (when it works). Please be happy that you can afford to get one of those new hella fun Japanese bikes like the MT. I've heard many good things but have been away from home for so long that I've not had a chance to test.
Hi Charlie (as I said on the phone) it was a lot of fun plenty of low end grunt. Nimble on the move and very quick to turn. Totally different riding position (obviously) and as I’m only able to have the one bike I’m not sure I want to give up the blade for it. The TFT screen was clear enough, but the wheel on the right side control felt a little fragile for my liking - the guy at Yamaha said you can perform all the same functions through the switches on the left bar and they felt fine. Maybe it’s just something you’d get used to with time. Go for a test ride, see what you think and let me know your thoughts afterwards.
Could be wrong but I was told a dealer must declare any history without being asked.A private seller must answer truthfully if asked but doesn't have to disclose any claims against the bike if not asked directly.That was always my understanding.I do stand to be corrected though...
start to replace most of the oem bolt7screws with black ally or tit , add 320 mm discs with brembo SC pads , already order : braided lines , levers , mirrors , tail tidy and rearset .
