Opinions- What's high miles for a used VFR???

I've been looking for a fourth gen VFR for a while now. I'm wondering what some of you would consider too high mileage to buy? Typically I try to find lower mileage bikes when buying used, but being these are older now it's been tough to find any with very low mileage. From what I've read these bikes wear well as the mileage goes up, but I want to be sure it's not an issue before I buy one. Thanks in advance.

 

I think it really depends on the condition of the bike rather than miles. Also the maintenance being taken care of. I also look for the lowest miles I can find but at times that can also be bad if the bike was not taken care of for the proper storage. I just brought a zx11 back from the dead that had been sitting for 5 years with no maintenance whatsoever during that time. The miles are low andthe bike looks and runs great but I would not want to own that bike for fear of uunseen damage in the motor. I think a lot of buying a used bike is a gut feeling that what the owner tells you is true and that it matches up with what you see on the bike. I can usually tell within a few minutes if it has been a well cared for bike or not.

 

Well, Mine is not that old, but I would not hesitate to buy it used for the right price right now and it has over 100K miles.

 

Randy How about a bottle of Scotch for your bike :biggrin:

 

Of my choosing? I have read of a $4500.00 bottle so that's about right.

 

If you are new to the VFR and not very comfortable working on your own bike I would say to find one with less than 50k miles on it. The VFR engine itself is solid and reliable (when maintained properly) so knowing the bike's complete history is key. Also be aware that earlier generation VFRs such as the 3rd and 4th Gen were plagued with electrical issues so you might want to take a voltmeter/multimeter with you to perform some basic charging tests. The issues are easy and relatively inexpensive to fix but keep in mind this may mean replacing of the stator, the R/R, or the wiring harness. I would be more worried about the overall condition of the bike itself over the engine mileage since stuff like hoses, seals, and gaskets tend to start cracking and deteriorating with age. The replacement of these little things can add up and what was once a "good deal" can end up costing a lot over time especially if you have to pay someone else to do the work for you. Also keep in mind that finding parts for older bikes, especially bodywork, is becoming more difficult each year and you might even find it challenging to find someone who is qualified and knowledgeable to work on an older bike. These are all factors you have to consider in addition to the engine mileage.

Me and most people I know would take a well maintained higher mileage bike with known maintenance history over a low mileage bike that was neglected or has an unknown maintenance history. The same applies for a higher mileage bike that was stored indoors versus a low mileage bike that was stored outdoors. A few extra minutes chatting with the previous owner can provide a lot of clues about how well a bike was maintained or treated. Ask lots of questions and take a checklist of things to look for when shopping for a used bike.



Rollin

 

I think having the service history is key. I am probably comfortable buying a bike that has under 50K miles..

 

2002 Honda VFR 800

So heres a bike that obviously has a below 21 owner/rider as the plate sez. Age is a good reflector of care a vehicle gets sometimes. The nice thing about buying a used viffer is that the owners are usually older (read-more mature) so the odds of the vehicle being "thrashed t0 shite" is less likely, but nothing is gauranteed...

The above bike I wouldnt touch as the owner probabaly rode the snot out of it and is ready for some gixxer or something (not that there is anything wrong with them bikes.)

 

That bike at 3300 is cheap..

 

I picked up my 96 VFR with 140,000KM (about 87000 Miles) for $600 bucks
Did a valve adjustment when I got it and a couple were "just" out of spec.

Having said that I had to rebuild the main electrical harness on my other 90 because it wouldn't charge. Harness had a couple of burnt connectors...

I wouldn't be worried about the mileage so much as ensuring the electrical is OK.

 

I got my 1991 in 1995 with 4000 miles on it for $4500.00

It was no stranger to the pavement but had all its bodywork intact. It has 78,000 miles on it now with a nice granite blue paint job (stock for 92.)

I woulda fought yah for that $600.00 bike! Thats a smoking deal :bandito:

 

Hi folks- just test rode a 94 vfr with 91000kms on it. Rode great- started first time- everything working fine although the high beam dash indicator light was lit up when on dip beam and the dash turn signal light was also lit up continuously. Bodywork was ok. I usually buy lower mileage bikes but have a limited budget at present- just concerned about the mileage. From reading the various forums this does not seem to be a major issue for vfr's- comments appreciated- thanks

 

Mileage shouldn't be too big a concern assuming that the previous owner(s) maintained the bike properly however these bikes are notorious for their electrical problems so make sure to test the charging voltage thoroughly and inspect all electrical connections prior to purchasing. Upgrading the wiring harness is easy to do and well worth the investment along with upgrading the R/R (regulator/rectified)

Rollin

 

I recently picked up a 98 VFR800 with 40,000 miles for $3000 and felt pretty good pulling the trigger on that deal, I did talk him down $200 though.

 

I would look at the connections for the left handle-bar that plugs into the harness. On my model its behind the windscreen, so, its mirrors, and windscreen off then a honda-think cover and you have access to them...Might as well have a look at all of them while your there and spray some shit (dialectic/electric) in the connection blocks...good luck...

 

I paid $200 for my 86 750 about 12 months ago and wasn't sure if I had a good deal or not. Runs like a dream:smile: ...

 

Thanks for the advice- I have to say i'm very tempted- i'll let you know how i progress.

 

Signed and sealed

Hey guys,

Just to let you know i collect the bike on Monday and am looking forward to the 3.5 hour ride home! Turns out the previous owner is an airline pilot and very fussy- apparently hes had the bike for years and when not flying he was riding- so following your advice i feel pretty good about it- i'll let you know how we go. Should be an improvement on my first honda 20 yrs ago which was a 250 superdream and older than me at the time.
Many thanks