New Member Intrio from Luxembourg/Advice on a used 2004

Hi all, I am Mark, currently living in Luxembourg but originally from Washington, DC. I probably knew some of you through the old VFR mailing list or the DCCycles mailing list. I used to organize Moto Night in DC and also was on the Moto Crew for many of the DC-area Aids Rides. So holler back if you knew me from one of these places!

From 1998-2005 I rode a 1991 VFR which I absolutely loved. In 2006 I moved to Europe and have not touched a bike since. I have my eyes on a 2004 800/ABS which I will take a look at tomorrow. The roads here and in nearby Belgium (Ardennes) Germany (Eifel) are just fantastic, even in a car

The bike I am looking at is 2004 ABS for 3,900 Euros with LeoVance pipes and 45,000KM (28,000mi), the ad is here http://www.luxauto.lu/fr/occasion/honda-vfr-800-abs.html?id=783743&page=2 and according to the seller the condition is impeccable. The only negative is the color, it is white and I just loved my red 91. If I can live with the color and the bike looks in good condition, I will probably go for it. Finding a VFR in Lux is rare. While there are many in Germany, most are far away. I don't have a way to transport it and after 10 years off a bike, I do not feel comfortable picking one up and driving 4+ hours back home.

I am not super mechanically inclined, so can you please tell me what to look for in terms of evaluating the quality of this used bike? What questions should I be asking (it will be in French) and what should I look for? It is unlikely it will be possible to get it into a shop for a check-up. I am not too worried since VFRs are generally bullet-proof but any advice would be massively appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Hi Mark and welcome.

Call in advance and tell him you want to inspect it when it is completely cold. If you put your hand on the oil pan and it is warm, point it out to him.

* Ask to see the repair records.
* Inspect for scratches or physical damage.
*Look for clear or dark fluids.
* This bike had a recall on the wiring harness that resulted in fire or melted parts. Make sure that was done
* Run your fingers around the wheels looking for dents
* Does it have a stand? Put it up then check the front wheel for binding. If it does not spin 1-2 times the brakes may need work.
* Take a multimeter. Measure voltage at idle and 5,000 rpm. If he is in a crowded area he may not want to rev the bike due to noise that is understandable. You should get in the 13 - 14.5 volt range.
* Inspect all lights and associated switches
* Familiarize yourself with tire date codes and check the tire manufacturer dates.
* Use the key in the ignition, tank, and helmet lock, and make sure all use the same key.
* Inspect the sprockets and chain. That can be difficult without a reference but you're looking to make sure the teeth aren't severely worn.
* Is he allowing a test ride? Check that the shifts are smooth. Pay attention to the response going from cruising to throttle. If jerky it may require some adjustments and tuning of the starter valves.
*Smell the tank. Old gas will probably smell bad.
* Does he have an OEM toolkit? Rear seat cover? Original windscreen? (That tinted one looks like an aftermarket.)

This is my current brain dump. Here also is a post on this topic:

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index....-schmoes-house-with-some-cash-in-your-pocket/

 

Thanks Knight. I saw it today and she is a beauty. The seller was great, he has maintained this largely himself and the bike is in excellent condition. I should make the purchase next Saturday.

 

Hi Mark and welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:

I have enjoyed taking groups through Luxembourg several times on my VFR and it has always been perfect weather and found the roads around there are brilliant for motorbikes. I am sure that VFR will be a great choice.



The biggest issue with the early vtecs is the dubious charging system, which sadly Honda decided to buy in, rather than making themselves. Search on here and you will find loads of messages from riders with charging system problems. If however the seller has already replaced the original (useless) RR with a Shindengen Mosfet style RR you should have a great bike to get out and explore the roads around Vianden and along the banks of the Mosel! If you are looking for folks to ride with, then you might want to get in contact with Gernot at the Ulysses-Club.de as they are mostly based about an hours ride from you around Sankt Wendel, and they are often to be found exploring roads near you.

Take care



SkiMad

 

Hey Mark,
Ive got the same year bike and like SkiMad said, my charging system took a dump and I needed to replace my RR. Had a local shop replace it with a solid after market one and its been golden ever since. Havent had any other problems at all. I have the titanium leo vance exhaust and love the tone and volume. Its loud but not obnoxious. I get a lot of compliments on how it sounds, even the guys at the shop i take it too think it sounds great. The bike looks beautiful. I wanted a white one but ended up with black and silver. Looks like you are about to have a good time on some of those Germain roads!

B

 

:welcome: to the nuts house across the pond :wave:
Good luck with your purchase.
Europe is bike and Beers heaven :thumbsup:

 

I've said in once and I'll say it again, the VFR s one of those bikes that looks great in just about any color but looks gorgeous in white! Hopefully it all works out for you next Saturday and welcome to The World!

 

I did not realize it was available in '04 in White. There is nothing better than the Might of White. Mine is just peeking at the 197,000 km mark. Colour has everything to do with that. That's right COLOUR. not color. you live in an area where they know how to spell so get on board.

I would have orgasm after orgasm and multiple concurrent orgasms if I ever had the chance to take my bike over to Europe to ride. You luck sumbich.

A lot of the things that Knight mentioned need to be looked at for sure. But most of them are easy fixes. Should be considered maintenance. But none the less, an effect on the price. But you have bought it look like so enjoy. I know I have immensely.

Welcome to the Forum. Stick around. There a re some door mats but most here are great people. I have met several of them and have formed a few long lasting friendships.

(hollering through the house) Hey honey! Bring me another beer!

 

Hey Randy, I neglected to write back. Sorry about that. It was a real pleasure to meet you and have a great ride! Maybe we can do that again, only next time I WILL be on the VFR!

Cheers,
Glenn

 

Well the baby is MINE! I probably left 200E on the table in my negotiation but 3,600E was well within my budget. When I find an honest seller its my tendency to not argue over relatively small amounts of money. The guy actually works at the Luxembourg Control Technique (they do the annual inspection of cars and bikes) and he is a car mechanic by profession. The bike is very, very well taken care of with lots of custom bits.

Randy, you are correct that the 04's did not come in white. This bike was originally grey but the owner dropped it at a stop light and scratched the left-side fairing. Rather than buy a new one, he had the entire bike painted white. It is not the VFR White but Ford White. The paint job was really nicely done.

The worst part is I still must wait to ride it as all my gear is still in Washington DC and will be shipped over hopefully this week. I also need to sort the plates and registration. Not that easy when you are not a native so I will pay a local company to do it for me this week. So I don't expect to ride it before the weekend of June 4th.

I did take a very short ride around the block. Compared to my 91 VFR: THE ABS BRAKES STOP SO FAST!!!! :witless: That will take some getting used to. I plan to take it very easy the first month or two and will probably take a safety class this summer. Remember, its been 10 years since I rode.

Cheers all!