Looking at buying my first VFR

Hi folks,

I'm looking at buying a 1998 VFR. I was sold on the VFRs before I stumbled upon this site, and VFRWorld has done nothing but fuel my desire to buy one. The bike is listed for $3500 (CDN), badly needs tires, and could use a new lock set since apparently someone tried to steal it at some point. Other than that it sounds like its in great shape. I'd be buying it from the 2nd owner, 1st was a middle aged woman apparently. Claims to have always changed the oil using synthetic, and kept up with the regular maintenance. I'm not terribly worried about the locks. It looks like there are some locks sets out there for $100 or so, but I'm not overly concerned about that.

The searching I've done has revealed two different specs on the rear tire for this bike, 180/55-17 and 180/60-17. Which is correct for this bike. I'm hoping the former, since there's a discount tire place in Canada with decent prices on a set:
Front: 120/70ZR-17 BT021F- FJR1300 Front | Discount Motorcycle Tires
Rear: 180/55ZR-17 BT021R-F FJR1300 | Discount Motorcycle Tires

They also have some Michelin's that size, a bit more, but if they're significantly better, I'd consider spending the extra money.

Don't let the name fool you, I'm a pretty tame rider. This will only be my second season riding and I'm not the kind that would take it to the race track or push the limits, nor am I likely too for the forseeable future.

Thanks folks

Edit:
Ahh, found the specifications forum here, and its says 180/55, so I'm going to assume that's the right size. Anyone have thoughts on the tires I lined to, or the Michelin Pilot Road 2 that are available from the same place?

 

Bridgestone BT016 FTW!

 

I'm on my 2nd round of Michelin R2s, they're brilliantly suited to the Gen 5 although the front being a round profile is a little linear on turn in so a few I know have gone with the quicker turn in of the Piliot Power Front with the great gripping with long wearing of Road 2 Rear route with success and highly recommend that combination.

 

Cheaper tires...

I know how hard it is to get cheap tires in Canada, but after much searching, I had success: Motorcycle Parts & Gear | MotoSport
In January, I bought BT021s (front and rear) that were at least thirty bucks cheaper than anywhere else I could find online, not to mention that a lot of American sites with great prices don't ship to Canada.
My tires only took about ten days to ship, and the website handled shipping, exchange rate, and duties.
Hope these help:
Front: BRIDGESTONE BATTLAX BT021 MOTORCYCLE TIRE - FRONT 120/70ZR17 | MotoSport
Rear: BRIDGESTONE BATTLAX BT021 MOTORCYCLE TIRE - REAR 180/55ZR17 | MotoSport

Cheers!

 

my 98 uses 180 55 17 and 120 70 17, I use pirelli diablos

 

Thanks folks...
Hoping to go look at it soon... I'm a few $$$ short of what I think he'll accept as an offer, but if my old computer sells (had some emails about it) or if my existing bike sells, I'll be heading to look at it as soon as possible. Can't stop drooling over pictures of these bikes and its hard to find a negative comment about them, especially the 5th gen.

 

Have had 2 1999s and just bought my second 2001 I love bridgestones,there is a supplier in N.S. thats ships tire pretty cheap(have to google cant remember name),I still order out of U.S.A tires unlimited or motorcyle superstore,bt021 to my door for around $300.00,Buy the VFR you will not regret it I have had over 100 motorcycles and it is still the best allrounder,i will be in meadow lake sask early summer maybe a ride will be in order