6th Gen Lifespan

Hi folks. I used to post over at the 1st gen forum until soon after I sold my project 500. I've been riding a Honda 919 since but I'm now considering a few low mileage 2002 VFR's.

What kind of mileage are folks able to rack up on these things without needing major service? What are the more common failure items and when do they typically fail?

Thanks!

 

Jason's bike is 90k + no major service done just regular maintenance

 

No worry there.....It will last longer then you.....live

 

If treated and maintained well, these motors will easily go over 100K. When looking, your best bet is to try to determine how well the bike was cared for. Ideally, you're buying from the original owner, but if not, there is a lot you can tell just by looking the bike over. If it looks like a trailer queen, then it probably is. One other thing I look for when buying used is a stock bike. In my humble opinion, a stock bike means that it has seen less abuse. And remember, it is a Honda, so reliability and longevity are built in. Good luck with your search.

 

Thanks guys. I should have titled the thread VFR reliability. The 919 is truly bullet proof and easy to maintain yourself. I am reading a fair bit about the VFR valve check complexity. I used to do my old VF500's, but this vtec VFR seems possibly out of reach for me.

The three VFR's that I am looking at are 2002-2003 and each have only 7 - 11,000 miles on them. All three look immaculate and clean.

 

Yes, the valve adjustment is involved, but I know many skip it altogether and those that have had it done have typically reported that they were in spec. I wouldn't be too concerned about it. It sounds like you've got some good candidates, so let us know how you make out.

 

Admin ought to sticky this. Its a common newbie question!

 

Sold one this year with 122k on it and it is still running with no issues. Gen 6. My gen 2 has that and some....have no worries aboot failure and ride it like I just stole it when I do ride it. Super charged the one I ride everywhere and it runs like a champ after a brutal spanking. Aside from electrical issues your good to go.

 

I've done a bit more reading on the topic and I think that I will be able to tackle the valve check myself when the time comes. I enjoy wrenching and I learned a fair bit during my 500 project:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/29875-interceptor-500-low-budget-project.html

If I go forward and buy a VFR, I will start up a new thread. Thanks again

 

So would you be keeping your 500? I couldn't let mine go.

 

My 500 is long gone. I can only have one bike due to space and the price of insurance up here. I loved the 500, but as everyone knows, it's not reliable enough for long rides.

My 919 has been awesome and I am having anxiety thinking of selling it. However, I've always wanted a VFR and I need some better all day ride options. I did 3 10+ hour rides on the 919 last year. I survived, but I think the VFR would be a more comfortable ST platform.

My 919:

 

919 is a great bike. The fairing on the 6th gen VFR will make a big difference for longer rides. Too bad you can't keep both!

 

Well Michael just bought my 2002 VFR. So I guess he needs to start that new project thread. That is, as soon as he takes delivery. The bike is pretty much stock except for a K&N filter and heli-bars so he will need someone to offer up and exhaust and a seat to really make it "His". I will let him post up pics etc. I don't want to be a spoiler!

He rode his 919 out to my place yesterday and then look what happened this morning!

 

It just makes the wait until I pick it up a little more tolerable! If it were nice out I would be hurting...

 

You are going to like it. I own a 5th gen and like it. I rented a 6th gen and liked it too. If I had a bit more garage space...

 

I like the egros and looks of the 6th gen but I would drop a 5th gen motor in there in a heart beat if I had the chance.

 

I raised that question a year or two ago in a different thread. It seems like it would be possible. Both bikes have similar layouts as far as the radiators and swing arm goes. That could be the ultimate bike.

 

I had own two 919 before. One is '02 and one is '06. Both of them are great.
The only thing I have is the '02 of mine had FI problem, so I gotta replace the FI header. Then all fine.
With 919, I can ride very easily in City. It's damn strong, especially two first gears, can do wheelie anytime I would say.
Cornering of 919 also good. I can do conering cofortably whilst taking photos. (I know it's not safe, but, well, forget it...).
But riding 919 for abt 100miles continuously is not a good idea. You can find very much different when getting on a VFR with such distance.
My both 919 don't have ABS but my current VFR, so that's a very advantage of VFR to compare.