Declaration up front: I already have two bikes-Streetfighter V4S and a 998. I also have a project buggy in “the shed” that is awaiting more warm weather to get on with. And lastly, I have a dearth of storage/workspace. There, that’s out of the way I also have a weakness for “a bargain” and for something that needs rescuing. The Question: Would you buy a ‘20 Multistrada 1260S with 2500 miles BUT It’s been brought in from abroad with no NOVA papers No Service History Is missing ECU and lock set, so no possibility of knowing if it’s mechanically OK. £3750 I’ve convinced myself to leave it, but it keeps nagging at me like a hole in the tooth. Opinions appreciated
Fuck no, you been taking daft pills again? Gambles are self financed. Seriously though, if it was my last £3750, I’d probably leave it. But if I thought there’s a chance this could turn out fine and dandy, I’d probably take a punt. I’ve done it before and IME it usually works out fine. But a lot of people are shit scared of the horror stories. Which I get….
I like a bargain, correction I love a bargain. A 1260s with no histrionics at 2500 miles sounds great. However, why hasn’t it got a lock set? The ecu can be replaced but why, is it missing? Find out more. Be very careful. No history, no lock set, no …..nova? What’s that about? No notice of vehicle arrival???? Very very cheap! It does smack of being stolen and brought in. You’d have to get the frame number and do a proper search. Stinks of something and could well have been nicked.
The vendor has it down for “breaking” and has already sold the ECU&llockset. Don’t ask me why you’d do that!
The prospect (despite the vendor’s assurances) that I could be left with a stolen bike, a big hassle to get it registered, a broken engine/gearbox, having trailered it from the Scottish Borders, working on it in the cold, outside… Do I need the hassle? Probs not. If anyone fancies taking it on, I’ll put them in touch.
Its a breaker, trying to get DVLA to register it without import paperwork will have you going round in frustrating circles.
If it had an ecu and I could hear it running maybe. A good one is worth £8500 running with papers +/- maybe less at this time of year? So the gamble is £3750; the risks are re registering being cancelled by the Plod taking it away, the engine being stuffed, plus doing all the work and coughing up for all the locks and ECU circa £1000. The bet has now increased to £5k All being well you get a good bike though at the time of sale its worth £2K less than market due to the dodgy history (maybe Q plate?). Doesn't sound like a huge pay off for a £4K bet, unless you are planning keeping it forever and have always really wanted one.
So I wasn’t being such a pessimistic fella as I first thought. Thanks, all of the repliers. This is the benefit of belonging to a knowledgable community like this.
A MY2020 bike would be easy enough to register on an age related plate, would need the NOVA declaration, proof of age (obtainable from the manufacturer for a small fee), valid MoT, pics of the bike, frame number etc. Then send it all off to DVLA with the relevant form, and then wait for an eternity for them to send you a registration document If you don't provide evidence of age, they will send you all the paperwork back, giving you another chance to provide an aging certificate, or if you submit as is again, the bike will be registered on a Q plate, once a vehicle is on a Q plate, it cannot be changed
Oh, and to answer the original question, I would be stupid enough to do it, space/time/money permitting
On this particular bike, are we certain that the frame number is there, clearly legible? Perhaps its been removed which means there is no age confirmation from the manufacturer. There are definitely no Nova papers. Not a good prospect.
It’s nicked. Or the parts sold are to go on a nobles bike. Either way unless you can break and sell or use parts for something else, a special build using the motor etc, I don’t honestly see the appeal
That would be a question to ask The seller, no frame number, walk away, if the frame number is there, and is legit, it won't be an issue
Dilemma solved. The vendor says it’s sold. Thanks all. My biggest concern was a) the legality b) the NOVA discrepancy and c) the lack of info on the engine mechanicals. Now I’m off in search of the next sad case!
