Advice sought, modernish tourer needed

[florence]

Thanks all, great advice as always.  I am now on the horns of a dilemma between, Triumph Trident 900 and VFR800.  Will see if I can find some to try.

It's 29 years since I bought a bike and that was in boxes.  Do people allow potential buyers to test ride or is it considered a no no?

[Laverdaroo]

Where abouts are you in the country?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laverda Dave]

Thanks all, great advice as always.  I am now on the horns of a dilemma between, Triumph Trident 900 and VFR800.  Will see if I can find some to try.

It's 29 years since I bought a bike and that was in boxes.  Do people allow potential buyers to test ride or is it considered a no no?

Most dealers will allow test rides, take your licence with you but private sellers normally only allow a test ride if you give them all the money on cash first (in case you drop it or ride off) and if you provide proof of insurance that you can ride any motorcycle. If a private seller arranges to meet you in a car park to carry out a sale run a mile because it's probably stolen!

[Johnny4428]

Thanks all, great advice as always.  I am now on the horns of a dilemma between, Triumph Trident 900 and VFR800.  Will see if I can find some to try.

It's 29 years since I bought a bike and that was in boxes.  Do people allow potential buyers to test ride or is it considered a no no?

Most dealers will allow test rides, take your licence with you but private sellers normally only allow a test ride if you give them all the money on cash first (in case you drop it or ride off) and if you provide proof of insurance that you can ride any motorcycle. If a private seller arranges to meet you in a car park to carry out a sale run a mile because it's probably stolen!

😳😳 Good advice Dave! Although I did chuckle a little.

[florence]

Thank you Dave, that is sensible, and funny.  It reminds me of a time many years ago when someone wanted to meet me in a layby to look at a bike.  I thought it strange.  When I arrived he had a balaclava on under his helmet even though it was summer.  I departed very quickly.

[andy120t]

Might be worth assessing your budget and key needs (eh hard luggage/ fairing/ minimum engine size..) then searching - dealers only - in a reasonable radius. It might throw up some other options too and point you to a few free rides!

Having said that, whilst I haven't ever ridden a VFR they've always been in my mind as top of the list for a ride all day sports tourer. There are a surprising number of MK1 750's too so you can still buy a classic!

[florence]

budget is a bit woeful really, I can only really afford about £2k, £3k if I sell the 500.

[andy120t]

...search 700cc, sports tourers on Bike trader and list them from oldest first..BMW airheads, GPZ900,  VF1000, FZ750, Ducati 996, BMW K1, BMW brick, FZR100, CBR1000, ZZR1000....( not necessarily dealers though!).

It's like a dream garage of bikes that used to be sports bikes!

[Laverdaroo]

Plenty of scope there for an excellent VFR, Pan or trumpet, there’s heaps out there


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[florence]

Bike trader, is that Auto Trader bikes?

[andy120t]

Stick in sub £4k ...there is still lots. A low mileage Sprint in a dealer in Bollingyon (?) and one in Hayling Island.

Max mileage will help too as some if them are pretty high!

[Laverdaroo]

If it’s high, don’t worry if it’s a Honda and been serviced. Pretty much unbreakable engines


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laverda Dave]

If it’s high, don’t worry if it’s a Honda and been serviced. Pretty much unbreakable engines


Very true especially the VFR with cam gear drive, no long cam chain thrashing around. Lots of the late model VFR750’s around at sub £2k in decent condition. These bikes have got to start increasing in value, an undervalued classic for sure.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laverdaroo]

If it’s high, don’t worry if it’s a Honda and been serviced. Pretty much unbreakable engines


Very true especially the VFR with cam gear drive, no long cam chain thrashing around. Lots of the late model VFR750’s around at sub £2k in decent condition. These bikes have got to start increasing in value, an undervalued classic for sure.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’d have an FP model, tomorrow. Awesome bikes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andy120t]

Yes - Bike trader...I mean Auto Trader Bikes!4