AberdeenBikers

Thinking of changing my VFR800 FI, and quite fancy an Aprilia Futura since they're like proverbial rocking horse poo.
Have sort of found one down in Halifax that didn't make its reserve on fleabay and gave the fella a speculative message after the fact, to maybe do a bit of a deal.

The facts:
14k miles
Sorn'd and no mot but he'd MOT it for the buyer (i imagine this would still stand hopefully)
Cheapest other Futura on ebay is £1900, he'd take less but not much he says.
No panniers, this gives me pause as i'd imagine there were with the bike originally but that means he's bought it 2nd hand without them and done a euro trip without them .. they're even harder to locate on the net without paying a kings ransom.
Usually there's a couple of mods done to them , rectifier and fuel disconnect i think, he's no knowledge of either of them being done, so that could be an wrinkle to iron out in future


A wee bit conflicted as it could be a cracking deal for a low mileage bike ... 14K miles for a 16 year old bike.
if anyone has any experience with them i'll gladly listen.

cheers
Dunc

I wish you luck.

MCN like them...

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/amp/bike ... tura/2001/

No panniers. .. has the bike been in a crash ?
Has the owner got a good reason for not having them ?

Cheers Dave, I do wonder about the panniers.. why wouldn't you have them.

Yeah, something is strange.

Also when you sell the bike, the prospective buyer will probally have the same thoughts.

About comparing price with other bikes...did theyhave panniers ?

If so, "saving" 10% on purchase price still makes the Halifax bike over priced.

And spares...rocking horse poo parts are probally harder to get that buying a spsre rocking horse.

But, if this is going to be a fine weather toy and a bucket list bike...then the full sence check is not really needed.

Aye, most other ones have panniers , and it would be a bit of a commuter ...maybe a bit less than the vfr. I do just really like single side swingers And am not so drawn to triumphs and can't afford a Ducati ha ha .
The grippy part of me tho can't see past the low miles tho.... any others that low are / have been twice the price ...
I have a number in my head to offer and that would be it...take it or leave it ..just need to sit down and get all my ducks in a row....

The engine on the futura is shared with the Millie and the falco so should be robust if properly serviced. The sprag clutch (starter motor clutch) can be damaged on startup if the charging system is weak. I'm sure you have done your homework and read up on this already.

I've had a couple of falco's and been impressed by the build quality. However one thing to watch out for is the plastic fuel tank. The ethanol content in modern fuel can affect them causing them to swell. This can not only make it a pain in the arse to get back on at service time but can cause leakages at the fuel pump gasket underneath.

Spare parts can be a challenge but there are a few specialists in england shire that you can get some brand new parts for. Just don't expect them in a hurry.

Due to the rarity of the falco, and I would assume the futura, the aftermarket manufacturer s will have stopped catering for the bike many years ago.

You already have the VFR which would have been the bike that I would have suggested going for as an alternative and you have discounted the Sprint STD (which also has a plastic tank and all the fun that goes with that).

If you are going for one then its because you want one. Regardless of what price people are trying to sell them for it is a buyers market as they are difficult to shift to normal punters so don't just look at one because it is going cheap. Wait a few months and watch what is going unsold and make offer on a bike you want.

Hope that helps.

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).

Cheers Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian)... much obliged for your tuppence worth. There's a couple I'm looking over ....via t'internet..what attracts me most is low mileages of them. 12,700 And 13,700 respectively .
As I've stated , it's the lack of panniers that's the headscratcher...

Oh the 13,700 one was unsold...so have a number in my head for that
The other is currently running on ebay and I'm watching curiously.
Listed just as motorcycle...

As long as it has been serviced the engine can easily take high milage and still feel new. Don't let high milage put you off an otherwise good one!

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).

Duly noted thank you

So...have you bought one yet ?

Not yet, have been looking around at other...less suitable bikes ha ha.
Had 2nd thoughts about one futura, had non standard mirrors and no livery on its panels ...deeply suslicious

Have yet to contact the fella I spoke to 1st and make him an offer.

Made a cheeky offer on the other low mileage bike £1400, turned down flatly. Fella says he's looked up the mods I mentioned and will be doing them. £1750 is the lowest he'll take ...I've wished him well and put a counter offer in of £1600, based on the low mileage and lack of panniers with it, and should he change his mind to let me know.

I've seen spotless higher mileage examples not make their 2k reserves on ebay, fully kitted out too,a lower mileage example with nothing extra isn't going to cut it I think but we'll see

If you dont ask...then you never get

Shy bairns get nae sweets .

Ever so slightly jim'll fix it.. but I like that phrase.

8

Jim has no fixed anything for ages