Viewed some bikes-One was Cat D-advice needed please

As it's the naked version I'm wondering what things could be damaged to write it off bearing in mind it was just over 12 month old when Cat D'd? I've heard fairing etc can cost the earth from dealers which could more easily explain Cat D's to sports and faired models?

[Biker Biggles]

Sounds like you need to get the relevant info from the seller who should know.Essentially you also need to look at this bike like any other.Check it over looking at all the usual bits you would check on any used bike.With this one you know its been in a prang so extra hard look at frame,steering head and forks is needed.If you agree to buy it Id do it subject to a test ride.You agree a price and then ride the bike(20miles or more)and if it is ok you have bought it.Genuine sellers should go with this as long as you agree that if you crash it you buy it.

Originally Posted by andrew311

As it's the naked version I'm wondering what things could be damaged to write it off bearing in mind it was just over 12 month old when Cat D'd? I've heard fairing etc can cost the earth from dealers which could more easily explain Cat D's to sports and faired models?

Who knows how they work it out!! I once had a Cat C car which literally had a couple of dents! - still had to get it VIC checked though when the repairs were done - then I had to shop around for insurance as my company didn't want to know - but I got some in the end.

UPDATE-

Spoke to the seller this morning. He knew nothing about the write off and works with the bikes previous owner who he thinks for definate won't have known this. The previous owner bought it off a dealer, I'm not sure about the legal side of this as CAT D doesn't have to be declared as only cat C or above is declared on the logbook. Are dealers controlled a bit more? Probably not I'm thinking seems a bit more of a moral rather than legal issue reporting cat D to a buyer.

Anyhow I said I'd take another closer look which is was happy to do. He said he'd accept £1600 for it yesterday and I said I'd have the same problem as him when I came to sell or maybe not as the two previous buyers didn't! I don't think I could knowingly sell it on and nto declare this now I know. Anyhow I've said I'll still be interested if he'll drop the price. I'm in no rush so could potentially pick up a bargain. He's going to speak to the previous owner and get back to me.

this is my opinion but anything that has been damaged you will have to declare when you come to sell and it fetch's no where near the price of a genuine straight bike, im only saying as ive done it myself and i lost a lot of money just dont want people following in my footsteps and loosing out. dont mean to put you off the bike sorry if i did

All opinions welcome mate. I've basically said to him I've read up on it and about a 25% reduction on the original price is what I'd be happy with so about £1300. The bike owes him more than that so I totally see where he's comign from, I told him that was my position as I'd be in the same boat when I came to sell. If he goes for £1300 and I keep it in good nick I sdon't reckon I'll ever loose too much on it?

The sale might not go through purely to the fact that the two previous owner have been dupped so they'll probably both want to get in touch with the dealer who sold it for £3500 3 year ago!

If I were in your situation, I'd just keep the look out for another bike, there are plenty out there... Do an HPI on the next one you find for the price you want to pay.

If I was riding a bike that had been written off it would be at the back of my mind the whole time! But thats just me... I get stressed with everything.