29k Miles on an '02?

Greetings...

I'm currently in the market for a new bike, just sold my 04 599. I have been looking at the VFR800 for awhile, and tracked down a couple to look at.

One of them is an '02, with 29k miles on the odometer. My first thought was, wow, thats high. My second thought was, but it's a Honda.

Question for you veterans, is 29k miles on an 02 excessive? If I can get service records etc... that show proper scheduled maintenance has been done is it a big deal? Should this effect the price during negotiations?

Thanks so much for your time!

 

Not at all. I have 06 with 27K. I ride year round, less in winter but still ride. I get out for a couple hundred miles on weekends. Anyway, that is good. You are better off getting something with appropriate miles than super low. As long as the price it reasonable, you should be good.

Get info on maint. When chain was replaced, were sprockets changed then too? Check out the tires. Im not a fan of old used tires in used bike. I would probably get new. Valves, what oil was used, other maint etc.

Nothing too much to worry about it is just nice to know how it was maintained.

 

It is not high at all. I had 20K on my 05 when I got it in August '10.
It was in 98% pristine condition. I got lucky. The guy who sold it
was lusting for a BMW for some reason so I wound up getting it
for $200 less than the 5th gen I sold. One guy was asking for
7K for a 6th gen with 30K and many farkles. If you keep the
bike a while you will put many many more on it. It is a Honda
after all.

wrestler

 

As already stated, the mileage is fine. I'd focus on trying to figure out the history of the bike as best as you can and evaluating how it was cared for over the years. The current condition of the bike should speak wonders about just that. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

Have you done the math? assuming the bike was bought in 02 and ridden until last fall that's 10 years at only 2900 miles a year. My worry wouldn't be the mileage itself but were the oil changes and maintenance done. Is this a northern state bike were like us Canucks it wasn't ridden 3-4 months a year?

 

There a numerous examples of 100K VFR's out there, so properly cared for, 29K is of no concern. Big things to look out for are regular oil changes, and the very expensive valve inspection. The valves should have been done at 16k, but as long as they have been done once, you're golden. If they havn't been done, then a drastically reduced offer on the sale price would be in order (valve service is +/- $700). When considering your offer, keep in mind that a second valve inspection is due at 32K. Two brake and clutch fluid changes should also have been done, one at 12k and the 2nd at 24k, as well as two coolant changes.

 

Not all Canadian bikes get parked. Mine (06) has roughly 73,500 miles and not a concern in the world. If there is no snow, the bike is ridden. Yours hasn't even reached puberty. Hell. It hasn't even experienced and erection yet.

I agree though about the service records. That age and that low mileage, I would want to be sure that the thing was not gummed up with old oil.

I don't think getting the maintenance records or not will affect the final price. They would certainly be nice to have, but as far as affecting the end price...not. I for one keep all my records. For instance, I just recently got rid of the '92 jimmy I ordered from the factory and gave to my son in "03. We had every bill for every fuse purchased for that truck. File was about 2 inches thick.

 

i just recently started keeping detailed records. My bike has been maintained etc. But I wish I had kept records.

 

I've got a 2000 w/ 42K miles. Its been regularly maintained, placed in storage for more than 3 years (off and on while I was vacationing in Iraq), never had a valve job but it was broken in BY THE BOOK. I've put 3 chains on it and no sprockets. It still runs like a dream. It just went thru its coldest winter here in Seoul and is now back out on the streets in HEAVY traffic. My 2 cents: breaking them in correctly is the key to longevity. I rode mine very hard on the tracks in Germany.. still no problems.

 

Purchased mine used with 28k miles on it a year ago. Changed ALL fluids, filter and ran a few bottles of fuel cleaner through her. Now at 43k miles she runs better than she did when I got her. No worries at all as I can guarantee your PO took better care than my PO did. The brake fluid and clutch was mud. I swear the air cleaner was the original and NEVER change. I damn near had to use a putty knife to get the road grime off the rims.

 

Just had a major maintenance done a 30K (I bought it at 15K - it had no records). Valve clearances were in spec, there was some gumming up of brake fluid, the thermostat was swapped out as a preventative measure while he was checking the valves)

Mechanic said everything was in good shape and the engine will probably outlast the rest of the bike.

I also had the wiring harness recall done and put an aftermarket regulator/rectifier (MOSFET based) on it.

My favorite quote: "Honda's VFR800 has long been labelled the perfect Gentleman's Express. It's a motorcycle that maintains the creature comforts a man of means requires, but can go like stink when His Lordship is late for the regatta."

 

My '07 will be at the 16K mile mark by the end of the year. I know that is when you're supposed to have the valves checked, but I think I'm going to put if off. It seems that most bikes have gone far beyond that with the valves still being in spec just like yours.

 

My 99 has 35k its how you treat them that determines the years of service they give you. Hell my 86 has 21k on it the V-4's are tough engines.

 

Well, I ended up buying it.

Oil changed less than 200 miles ago (checked via receipts), new sprockets/chain installed (again verified) VFRness harness installed, new yuasa battery, new Pilot Power CT2's, got a bunch of extra stuff thrown in... pitbull rear stand (good since my 599's stand wouldn't have worked), tank bag, extra brake pads, some chain lube, a brand new Shoei TZ-R (not going to use it...doesn't fit and prefer my Qwest) couple old jackets that I'll probably sell with the TZ-R, couple pairs of gloves, battery tender, extra battery. A ladies helmet (cheap seven zero seven one) and ladies gloves... two covers, and a partridge in a pair tree.

Ended up costing me $3200... not sure if the deal was great or not, but it's what I sold my 599 for a couple weeks ago, so I'm happy.

I'll post some pictures soon, can't find my dang usb cable. Put around 400 miles on it already, getting used to the extra weight...little heavy on the surface roads...but stable on the highway part of my commute. Very happy so far.

 

Congrats again on this "alleged" purchase! (need pics LOL!) I think you got a better than average deal for the bike with all the included stuff. After riding it for a few weeks the bike will feel like it was made just for you. I have absolutely no problem tearing up the twisties and keeping up with much lighter sport bikes. Believe me, you'll appreciate the extra weight and stability when you are touring long distance and hit some nasty weather and wind. The VFR without a doubt is a much more solid bike that doesn't feel cheaply built. You'll appreciate how versatile the bike is and how you can ride all day without a need for a chiropractor.



Rollin

 

It sounds like you made out fine. All that really matters is that you're happy and satisfied with the deal, which you are. Now get out and put some more miles on it.

 

Agreed with the guys above. The deal is definitely a solid one with all of the associated stuff.

 

$3200 is a great deal with all the extras. You'll be able to get at least a couple hundred $$ for the gear you sell. The mileage is a non-issue. I had over 50,000 miles on my 05, bought it with 17,000. Valves were checked at 17,000 and I never touched them again. It took a garage fire to put that bike down; it ran strong until the day the insurance company took it away (it still started after the fire!!)