Trying to determine selling price for my '98...

I have a 98 that runs great but requires some TLC in the cosmetic area. Some things are obvious...mileage etc. but there are intangibles to consider. I happen to live in an area where it seems the ol' VFR is unappreciated....only 2 types of bikes around here....Harleys and supersports. I was thinking of just selling it for the cost of a good running engine on ebay. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

Dude we need the specifics to even begin this discussion. Then we can apply things such as regional appreciation levels to arrive at a theoretical value for the beast.
Year: 1998
Model: VFR800FI
Mileage: ?
Condition: ?
Modifications/ Farkles or Improvements:?
Regional valuation (Timmins): -?

I do think your gut instinct serves you well since you are 8hrs north of Ontario's prime market (Toronto). That said, it only takes one interested party to close the deal. But why are you selling, if you don't mind me asking?
You have a 5th gen with gear driven cam for gods sake. What could be better? A sled?

 

I find myself jonesing for a 2014 VFR800F...

The machine is less than stock...bodywork is cheap aftermarket stuff and the bike needs a paint job to look nice again. Does have a K&N air filter if that matters to anyone. I dropped it last October so there is a bit of rash on the right side. The front tire is new mid-last season and the rear was new season before last...didn't ride much so tires are terrific. It has about 49K MILES...it's an American bike. Runs like a dream...shifts like butter.

I do have an OEM tail section to go with it. It's currently not installed...just the Chinese one is.

I toss around the idea of getting real bodywork and restoring it but I want to ride, not wrench. She's a great bike...you guys know how I'm feeling.

 

If you don't feel the love with the bike any longer then sell it to someone willing to fix her up. There is nothing wrong with selling and buying
another VFR. It is your bike and your money spend what you like as long as you happy. As for the price at the condition you stated I said
$2k to 3k

 

Based on your description I think you would be extremely lucky to get $2000 (U.S) for it. Even though VFRs are know for their reliability most buyers will be turned off by the mileage unless the bike was babied which it obviously was not. Anyone who plans on fixing it up will likely end up spending an additional $500+ dollars to paint and repair the damage and after adding that to the purchase price you are only a few hundred dollars less than a comparable bike with 1/2 the mileage and OEM bodywork that is in much better shape than what you described.


Rollin

 

I just bought a 98 with 23.5k. Corbin seat with backrest. Half life tires and brakes. OEM plastics, lower and upper cowls that need some work, needs a signal lens. $2200.
Might not help you much, sorry. There seems to be little appreciation for them here in not-so-urban PA.

 

Let's face it. The VFR was the top pick, years running, by the motorcycle press and they languished on dealer's floors. VFRs are an acquired taste and just don't have great resale unless they are cherry. I was just out for three days. Did 915 miles, riding the Twisted Sisters, (Texas ride, look it up.) and didn't see another VFR of any vintage. The Harleys were thick as fleas on a dog.

 

Rollin is right. If you don't love it set it free. I picked up a ratty and rough 2000 two springs ago with 60k miles and decent two color tupperware. The tires and chain were iffy, but I gave 1600 and felt ok about the deal. I got a nicer looking 97 last week that needs a few parts and a bit of love for 1250. Sport bikes in general don't seem to hold much value over the long term. Love them and leave them. If you want to wring that sucker out for cash, you will need to take it apart and sell the precious metals and common needful things that it is made of.

 

Well that is an unusual first post - but even so welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:

When you get a chance head over to the introductions sub-forum and say hello to everyone else on here, and tell us a bit about yourself and your bikes. We don't bite, but the folks on here really do like to see photos - so make sure you add at least one of your VFR.

Take care


SkiMad

 

Good catch Skimad
How are you doing mate?
Hope your winter going well, riding season is just around the corner :sad:

 

:welcome: to the madness :wave:

 

Hi Long!

Its been hard work but things are mighty fine over here:thumbsup:.

The winter ski season has been very good and there is ample snow to keep the slopes open until the official end of the season on the 27th. :smow: :smow: :smow: :smow: Even so things have thawed out enough to get the motorbikes out of hibernation. There are a few pictures here ...

http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/44946-Doing-The-Twisted-Sisters



SkiMad

 

Good one Reg...HAHAHA!! It's red brother!

Thanks guys I now have a very good idea what "fair" is for the machine...just didn't want to get taken nor did I want to rip anyone off.

 

*UPDATE*

It has been a exceptionally long winter. I was only able to pull her out of storage and wake her up last week! The first 3 minutes blasting down the highway reminded me what a great machine it is. All the aftermarket crap bodywork is coming off and I will attempt to make it more OEM. I've decided that there is likely a new 2015/16 VFR800 in my future. In the meantime I'm just going to enjoy the old gal a wee bit longer.