Fresh or not so fresh 99 - Purchase advice

I'm probably the last person to answer that, but I think they have more/less emissions stuff on them. I'll add my 2c in favour of the Denver bike. VFR's are generally pretty tough, for them to be still battling to get it started suggests perhaps there is a deeper problem? My 4th gen had stood for almost a year when I went to have a look at it, I put a new battery in it and took it for a test ride.

 

Whatever you decide to do, one of my favorite bargaining tools came from a TV show... that Barter Kings one, or whatever it's called.
I've only seen it a few times, but the guys are masters at things like...

"It's been sitting in that barn for how long?
If we don't make a deal and you roll it back into the barn, how many more years will it sit there?
What good is it doing you in the barn?
Would you rather have $3500 in your pocket today, or roll the bike back into the barn?"

My favorite tactic is telling someone "I have x amount ($3500 or whatever) to spend on a bike RIGHT NOW. I can give it to you, or I can give it to someone else."

 

Bryan88 got it, extra emissions crap that rob HP and add complexity & weight.

Even if the Denver VFR needed a new fairing, I would still go for it just because it isn't a Cali model.

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/4136902942.html

Low mileage west coast.

 

Get the denver bike and be done with it. GET YOUR MA FUCKIN VFR. I'M OVER HERE RIDING THIS FATTY ALL OVER THE DAMN CITY EVERY DAY AND LOVING IT. JOIN ME SUCKA.

 

Does anybody know how to recognize a California bike? Is it in the VIN?

 

Not into Yellow, however thanks for thinking. I talked to this owner, as I was trying to talk Jay (RVFR) into getting his dream bike. It started at $5500 and went to $5000, then $4500 and now $4000. Guy said it is immaculate.

Guess it goes to show, nice 5th gens don't even fetch over $4000 these days.

 

Don't have to worry about mice living in it. The cat takes care of them! :lol:

 

So Recon, my question is which model do you like more, 5th gen or 6th gen? That is my 1st criteria. Next, my bike is a garage queen and I would want to start with as close to show room as possible. I love talking with people that come up to compliment me on my bikes looks and have to ask what year it is because it's so clean. Just me.
About that tip for negotiating the price on the 6th gen bike, if I was the seller and I was paying that much to the dealer for the repairs and had already come down on my price, and you through out the I can give you this much for it or I can give it to someone else, I would tell you to pound salt and leave the bike with the dealer to sell on consignment. It's already there ready to go for a potential buyer.
If that's the bike you want, have them put some PR 2's on, mounted for about $300 and you ride home on a next to new bike. There's 2 cents worth!
John

 

5th generation only.

You make a good point about the potential for the dealer to sell it on consignment, if I start playing hard-ball. .

I have only been in communication with him through text over the past few weeks, so a telephone call with him will be able to tell me his attitude towards the sale after the repairs.

The positive about the California bike, besides the aesthetics, are the low miles, and when you think about it, I have had a Honda mechanic go over the entire bike, A-Z at no cost to me. Last conversation with him, he said he is going to recommend to the owner to bleed the brakes, and change the coolant.

I still have at least until Tuesday to keep this in play.

 

The CA bike's tag ('98-'99) will say it meets all federal >and California< emissions standards. The VINs are specific too and can be looked up online. The CA ECU's label will also have an AC on it, as all CA specific Honda parts are labeled. 49 or 50 state parts only have an A. I just received my "A" ECU and expecting 49 state cams in the mail any day to "upgrade" my '99 CA bike, and hopefully gain back those lost 5 hp. The rest of the parts are the same other than the easily removable emissions stuff, if you want.

Given your location and fly and ride situation, I'd probably go for the Denver bike. Being SF local, if I was shopping, I'd grab that CA bike even for a few extra $ given the work over the dealer is providing.

 

Ok, my bad, (5th gen only) I had it in my head that the Ca. Bike was a 6th gen. I see it's the first thing in your post. I'm still a sucker for pristine, having said that there are a few mods that for me that are a must, whether it's on my bike, my watercraft, whatever. Got to have an exhaust system to give it some character! And their never cheap are they? Also your going to want at least a better seat and probably a PCV for improved fueling. You mentioned the Colorado bike already had the exhaust and was better priced. Makes the decision tuff. Probably should have the Colorado guy email you lots of pics so you have a good sense of it's cosmetic condition. Glad it's your decision and not mine. I'll be curious to see which way you go. Good luck.
John

 

Thanks for the feedback and comments.

Whatever bike I select, the exhaust is coming off, and a high mount Staintune is going on....not even a question. Staintune are not making high mounts for the 5th gens anymore, however they are giving me a good deal on a one off, I begged and pleaded for them to make for me. I guess being Australian helped. It's sitting in my living room, waiting for the arrival of a bike..

The California bike also comes with a Corbin seat.



Here are the Colorado bike pics.....besides the rock chips, and couple of scuffs, it's very clean..

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=3c68...X.SkyDrive&sc=Photos&authkey=!ApGaLkJc6B9n67k

My brain is telling me to buy the Denver bike, however my heart is telling me to get the Cali bike. Either bike is a ship now, so whether i pay $600 from Denver or $400 from Cali does not bother me.

 

You planning on taking up bike riding when you retire? The roads are missing your presence. Get yourself a bike and ride the bitch. You will likely fall in love with whichever bike you buy.

Be safe man and good luck with a purchase.

 

+1 on Denver.
Basically with the Cali dealer saw that the harness is chewed up, or appeared to be (cuz who actually knows), and they are nickel and diming the owner on basic maintenance plus some extras for kicks.
That said, if it is truly a California model that is minus any points the low mileage may have added to the ledger IMO. All that emissions crap and HP robbing ECU programming is a no go even if it was running.
Buy the bike that you know has minimal issues aside from tiny dings and paint chips. I think you'll be happier in the long run.
Final negotiations should take place on a snowy day out in his driveway. Snow and 30 temps buys you an extra $600 - $800 off.