Where did the center stand go!?

Hello everyone, my name is Wilbur currently bikeless in great Cleveland area, Ohio, US.

My first bike was a '92 NSR 10 years ago in Taiwan... (150c.c. yeah, asian world:wink.

(fast forward)

I had a 2006 FJR 1300 till May this year and a friend rode it to its doom's day.

Have always been a fan of the VFR and currently found one at the local dealers.

2008, silver with a pair of factory panniers and carbon fiber rear handles.

As I was checking it out today, the center stand is missing!!!:frown:

I asked the dealer, they all told me, VFRs don't come with center stands (Bull.... sh_t:chaingun.

Now, it is a beauty and I am very likely going to take it home. Regardless of missing center stand.

I can always find/make one later.

But here is the question, they are asking for $8000+ (With no center stand, so unacceptable).

The bike is in very good condition and has around 6k on mileage.

What will be a good price to take this baby toward sunset?

Best regards.

 

Hi and welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:


As for main stands the dealer is wrong and you are right. I am pretty certain all vtec models left the factory with a centre stand fitted, but quite a few were subsequently removed by riders.

The main reason people remove the centre stand seems to be where smaller riders choose to lower the ride height it increases the risk that the centre stand can ground out when the bike is cornering, with potentially disasterous results. Another more worrying reason is to shed weight - normally a sign of a bike which has been used as a track day special - which if the price is not really attractive would suggest its one to avoid. Finally there are some riders who find it a real struggle to use the centre stand and simply remove it as they can't safely make use of it. (Nb there are indeed plenty available on eBay)

So if you are still interested in this bike - don't be pressured by the dealer - there are loads of vtec out there. Take time to closely inspect the bike in good light - ideally outside where lots of imperfections become easier to spot rather than stuck in the corner of a showroom. You are looking for the sort of damage which a track used bike can show - lots of low down gravel rash, scrapes on the engine casings and pegs etc. Ask to see the service history and previous owner registration info. Take a note of their name/address and ring them to see what they can tell you about the bike's history and ask whether they do indeed still have a centre stand collecting dust somewhere.

It sounds like you are already half way to handing over your cash for the bike, but against UK/European prices - 8K US dollars sounds a lot for a 2008 even with full luggage.

So I suggest you take your time and either haggle hard or at least research other options before handing over anything like that much money for a bike which is now 7 years old! Nearer half that amount would be fair and I would expect to see a complete service history. Press for them to do a full service on the bike if its not already been done this year, and also fit new tyres front and rear even if they still have plenty of tread. The original 7 year old rubber will be far from its best by now.

Take care - let us know how you get on.




SkiMad

 

What he said!

Considering the bike costs 11K with bags brand spankin new.

 

Thanks for the insight about the track possibility, have not thought of that.

Well, for the price, it is way too rip off, that is why I came to the forum to see if I missed something...

Will for sure shop around. But I am going to test ride it on Tuesday and see how it runs.

Just can't wait.

Power down from a 1300 FJR to a 800 VFR.

Don't know if I will like the powered down feeling.

 

You will notice a difference as they are very different bikes which go about their role very differently.

In sheer power terms the FJR is about 5% ahead in peak HP/kg terms and the larger motor offers loads of low down torque so perfect for two up long distance touring without needing to stir the gears to overtake. The FJR is a stable well planted ride which will go on forever but for me lacks soul/spirit. That predictable temperament does explain why they are the stock police motorbike here in France.

The VFR is a different beast. Below vtec range the bike is also docile - barely sipping fuel and will be producing well below its rated 108HP. So if you are in touring mode it will cruise all day at 80mph without ever using vtec or much fuel. But drop a gear or three and the bike changes its temperament and will launch at the horizon, so your wrong side dwell time is minimal even with less power, and the sport oriented turn in means that in the right hands it will dance through corners, and can hold its head high if you enjoy track days.

Whether you will like it or not, only you will know - so enjoy the test ride.





SkiMad

 

:welcome: to the nuts house $8k :crazy: I would not pay more than $6500. Yes I am cheap ound:

 

$6500 with a new set of tires and add the center stand with full service out the door was what I am thinking.

I have several insists regarding what my bike have to have/look like:

1. Symmetrical on both sides, at least seems that way from the front and back (no sigle exhaust on one side and none on the other).

2. riding position more up right but still have the sports bike feel of maneuvering.

3. CENTER STAND

4. Large gas tank capacity.

5. At least 1 L engine or above 900 (VFR can be an exception, because it is just awesome).

6. Ability to equip factory hard case panniers

Thanks Skimad, what I like about the FJR and chose it above the VFR1200 at the time was 1. the exhaust and 2. gas tank capacity.

FJR is a five-geared tranny, when I am on the highway trying to pass a speeding semi, all I need is twist throttle a bit more and plenty of power comes out with no hesitation.

For the VFR, will it be a bit lack of power when on six while trying to speed up?

Love my bike been a police motor...

this forum is cool and informative, I like it.