Decisions, Decisions, Decisions to sell or not.

Well, I've reached the conclusion to sell my 86 Babyceptor. A HARD decision. It's in the VFR classifieds right now, as well as local Craigslist. So sure, I want to sell it, but I also want it to go to a good home and owner. When I sold my 1980 CB750F to a first time buyer, he didnt take good care of it ( i wont go into that) and it pissed me off even though I didnt own it anymore. So now Ive got a young first time buyer for my VF500F and I'm almost thinking of telling him "No i dont want you buying my bike!!"
Here's his email.... tell me what you think I should do? Sell it to him or not?

................."I do not have my own bike right now, Ive been practicing with my friends XS650, we have quads and dirtbikes but Im finally getting my road license for a bike. Ive been looking at the Interceptors for a while now and I think it suits my style as well as on-road skill level. Im really looking for something zippy to get me around not like a GSXR as you mentioned, its just unnecessary! Ill be getting my permit one day this week, I had it last year but I never went for the road test because I didnt have a bike at the time, Im hoping this year I will! I really like your bike though from the one picture at least.

I also like the fact that youve had it for about 50% of its usage and you like it as well, It sounds like you really take care of it, and that is something else I was looking for."

So there ya go. He seems to really like it, MAYBE he will take good care of it. Maybe he will crash it the first ride out. UGH!!!:frown:

 

It depends on your concern. If your concern is for the bike, then I would say you are not really ready to sell it to anyone. Part of letting a possession go is knowing that you have no say on what happens to it. If your concern is for the buyer, then coach them on how to be safe. Talk them into gear and classes so that they actually have a good experience.

If we are allowed to make decisions that bring risk to life and property, then we need to extend that same right to other members of our society. There are risks inherent with our love of viffers, baby or otherwise. We accept, or reduce those risks for ourselves. But we cannot do so for others except by our advise.

 

It can be hard to let go of a beloved possession, but just keep in mind that every VFR-loving motorhead had to start somewhere on some bike.

 

I don't think that bike would make a good first and only bike for anyone.
Those are better as project bikes in a stable of bikes.

 

if theres some one who seems like they are about to fall in love with the mighty v4, you would be wrong to deprive them of such an experience. let him have it and love it like im sure he will.

 

If you get your asking price sell and move on!

 

A VF500 was my first and only bike for 2 years.. It was a great experienc!. Not only did it "teach" me how to work on it, it also tought me how to take care of it so that it wouldn't break. That is something that stuck with me

If I were in your shoes I wouldn't have a problem letting it go. It's not like your selling your kid to slavery. The guy that bought my old 500 bought it on a serious impulse and we dissasembeled it so that he could take it home in his 2dr ford escort. haha i should have taken pics of that

 

I have my 86 VF500F up for sale as well. I am hoping that a new rider will get it. My bike is cosmetically challenged in many ways but it is mechanically very sound. If it gets dropped, it's not going to hurt it. The VF500F is a fun bike with a really nice power band and good handling for a newbie. It has all the normal wear items replaced or at least checked out and I am asking $1450 but will take $1200. It seems that you can't even get a running bike for under $2000 anymore. I have two guys interested in it. Both of them are just taking their new riders courses.

I have to let it go to get something else. I want to do more distance rides and the VF is on the small side plus it just kills my butt. I also worry about dropping a valve on a long trip. I did my part. I saved this particular VF500F from certain death at the hands of amateur mechanics. I can sell it on with my conscious clear. I have done the best for it when it was mine. No regrets. On to other bikes.

 

I don't see anything in his email that would concern me. He's not asking how fast it will go or how much HP it has. He seems to know about the bike and is clear that he doesn't want a crotch rocket. The 500 is a great beginner bike. If you're willing to sell, then he's the buyer you want. I think Africord might have guessed right that you're not ready to let the bike go .............

 

I sold one of my Gen 1's yesterday to a guy who hasn't ridden. I didn't like doing it quite honestly, but he was in his 20's and seemed very mature and intelligent. He was already planning on taking the MSF course and had insurance lined up. His buddy rode his bike home for him.
In the end, I figured we all started somewhere and this young man seemed to have it together. Had he been an idiot, I might not have sold it.

 

Until you get money in hand you will probably get 10 offers just like the one that you posted. I once has a guy who planned to drive cross country to buy my car. He gave me flight numbers and then never showed.

One thing that I would recommend is that you put "as is" on the bill of sale and put the time and date on it.

Good luck.

 

Hmmmm.......A young lad who lusts for a Honda V4, how terrible. Sounds like someone I knew about 20 years ago.

Rollin