Hi, I’m in the market for a CBR1000RR and have been offered a 2010 sub 7k mile bike for £4500. It’s got the usual tail tidy, exhaust and screen. The seller bought the bike as a cat C and had it repaired using genuine fairings that were bought off a bike converted to track. My only concern is that would it have been categorised as a C for just fairing damage? He said it’s all fine and straight and had taken a slide on one side. Price seems well compared to others with similar spec / miles / year. All help appreciated.
I think the between CatD and CatC it's mainly around the cost to the insurer to repair it. Category D write-offs can be put back on the road. Although the costs of repairs are less than the value of the bike, it’s still uneconomical for the insurer to do so. whereas Cat C bikes can be put back on the road, but the cost of doing so is more than the bike is worth. Category B can be salavaged for parts but can't be put back on the road and the frame must be crushed. Category A are supposed to be completely destroyed. If you add up all the potential bits that could get damaged even just a minor scratch it could potentially add up to the cost of the bike when taking Honda official parts prices into account. (Upper Cowl, Middle Cowl, Lower Cowl,Rear Cowl, Clips ons, Footpegs, Mirror, Engine case, Frame/rear subframe/swingarm could have superficial marks etc etc). Never bought a write off myself, prob best to give it a really good check over and just factor in that it won't ever be worth as much compared to others if you ever sell it. Prob best to double check the steering lock still works too.
Any paperwork available? Basically what needed repairing and or replacing and what was done to sort it out. Who did the work - a recognised dealer? Without all of the above I'd walk away; too many rogues out there... buts that's just my opinion
One thing to consider is that the doubts you are having now will be the doubts that other people will have when you come to sell it.
There is one school of thought about a write off that atleast you can buy it with your eyes open. You know you need to make certain that everything is straight....sub frame, wheel alignment, forks etc etc. You could quite easily buy a 2nd hand bike of any age that's also had a spill but has been repaired without involving the insurance. Imagine how you would feel finding out that had been crashed? If you you know what you're looking at or can take someone with you who does then I don't think it should put you off. But as always... Buyer beware. Don't just trust what the seller is saying, do your own checks.
As one who has purchased a few bikes of late - two of which were sight unseen, I make my judgements from the seller's nature and attitude; the history of the bike which will include: How long has the present owner had it? Why is he selling it? (Never accept the 'I don't get time to ride it' line. If we LOVE bikes, we MAKE time. Does he currently have other bikes? In your case; why did this seller buy the Cat C? For himself or to make money? If it is a profit making 'opportunity' you might expect there to be short cuts in the repair. If it was for him to keep, well, we would all go the extra expense to ensure the job's right. The question again follows: why sell it? Does it have books or service history? If your seller was interested in the bike, he would have sought them. If you're really keen, will the seller give you the name of the insurance company so that you can verify its history? IMPORTANTLY, get the registered number and do an MoT check which will give you mileage history. Use this: https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history A 'slide on its side' is not a reasonable explanation. Consider this: A 30 mph slide or a 100 mph slide?
He is a older guy (60 plus) and bought the bike 3 / 4 years ago so would imagine it was repaired to a good standard. He has another couple of bikes but they are bit more user friendly for the elder riders! I have the registration and it’s covered very little mileage between MOTs. I may just give it a miss and wait for something a little closer so I can actually view it fairly quickly. Thanks for the help guys
Final point? What you might consider is... a cheeky offer. After all you want a bike and he wants to sell it. Forget about resale and everything else. So long as mechanically it's a sound bike it might be worth a punt. Only you know the answer. Initial gut feelings will usually be the correct one... Best wishes with whatever bike you decide to buy
I think the comment nige made are good to keep in mind. I does sound to me the owner bought it to do it up then sell it to make some money which is fair enough or perhaps ran out of steam in looking after another bike in the garage. But once the write off label is attached to the bike, prices drop: you buy cheaper but you also end up selling cheaper
