My head is wrecked... need help

Bluefoam

I've been saving hard for a bike & if I sell the current scooter, I'm only 1-2k off my target... however...

I haven't done the test yet; insurance won't insure me on the new bike until I have the test + one year NCB; + insurance will be a wee bit crippling; add to this, that I'm in a new house with all the expense that throws up; and... I need to get the back garden paved, which as simple as it sounds will be a big benefit (but expense) to my life... the house is small, so being able to sit out in the garden and do BBQ's and beers would be great.

So...

• Do I keep saving for the new bike? The bike in question is a Moto Guzzi V7
• Get the garden done & keep feckin' around on the Vespa, then start saving again. (I won't take a loan)
• Split the cash, get the garden done, sell the Vespa and add a few quid to get a bike around €5k?

I really would like a modern classic & the Guzzi has been my target bike for many years. Is there anything worth while I can afford that would get me by? I love the Vespa, its a 200cc old style PX, but I'd like to go further afield in more comfort... Planning some small trips to the wesht coast & at least one trip down the west coast of France and into Spain... But the main purpose is just to enjoy, won't be commuting or battling traffic... just enjoying the ride.

What would you do...?

D

[quote]I haven't done the test yet; insurance won't insure me on the new bike until I have the test + one year NCB; + insurance will be a wee bit crippling; [/quote]

I think that you answer is there.

Keep saving, pass the test, get 1 year NCB, then look at getting the bike.

Of course that is the head talking, as for the heart...

Bluefoam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118529842#Comment_118529842

Lol, if this was just a question of the head... I'd get the garden done and leave it at that...

Trigger Happy

Its a personal call but I would not be going from a vespa to a brand new bike when that will be your first non-scooter bike.

The chances of you dropping it in the first few weeks and months are high and that immediate loss of value will hurt.

Go from the vespa to a older reliable bike. Easier on the insurance etc. Use that until you get your test, then your NCB etc... and then look at upgrading?

Bluefoam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118530647#Comment_118530647

Thanks, & good point. I'm not really concerned about dropping it. While I do need to get more saddle time in, I'm confident enough. Had bikes before, just never a license, never dropped one, but was attacked by cars.

goblin59

You'll get something on the second hand market easily around the 5k mark that will sort you out. Was a lovely vintage Guzzi up recently in that mark.

Have you rang around the insurance companies? Principal were the only ones to insure me after my IBT, also ask them for a quote as if you had done the IBT as theres no point buying your own bike until you have that done.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1142806643196282/

Bluefoam

This is getting interesting... I could look at importing a 2012-15 v7ii (current gen is iv)... Cost about €4000 - €5000 + VRT + transport... Guessing that the VRT is about €400 on a bike like that... Any idea what the cost of getting someone to pick a bike up for me somewhere in Europe?

Insurance seems doable for the older models too...

https://www.autoscout24.com/lst-moto/moto-guzzi/v-7?sort=standard&desc=0&ustate=N%2CU&size=20&page=1&atype=B&

goblin59

depends on where your picking the bike up from. Theres a lad some of the guys on here know that does the rounds of Europe, but your buying a bike blind, so you'd have to be 100% on the bike.

Bluefoam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118533225#Comment_118533225

I've heard that sellers in Germany are generally reliable and bikes generally kept well there... But their prices are also on the higher end... I saw this, which looks good, but its quite old now and the price is high considering I'd need to also get it shipped. The new model is €10k...

https://www.autoscout24.de/angebote/moto-guzzi-v-7-classic-750ie-benzin-weiss-f744a1c8-4a1b-4413-a40d-69d0cd3eb89c?source=list_searchresults&cldtidx=6&sort=standard&lastSeenGuidPresent=false&cldtsrc=listPage

Sir Galahad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118533225#Comment_118533225

That guy’s my mate. But my advice to you is do the patio and get IBT and your NCB sorted. The bike will wait for you.

Bluefoam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118533550#Comment_118533550

IBT is done and the Vespa is providing cheap NCB... Will be able to apply for the test next month.