Buying used Vfr800

Hey guys and gals, I was hoping to get a few opinions on a matter. I'm in the market for a used vfr (somewhere between 04-10) and would like it for sport touring with my dad and brother. Does anyone have any heads ups on buying used and the reliability of them? I'd like to have ABS but they seem harder to come by in the years listed above. And I don't want to spend a ton on one and not like the ride but also something that I could rely on for 700+ mile trips. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, John

 

Well for the most part the 6 Gen (years you've chosen) are pretty reliable. Although the VFR has had issues with the wiring, especially the connections between the RR/Stator and grounding wire issues. If at all possible check these connections and wiring harness in general for overheating, melting and general quality.

As far as comfort, many riders have replaced the stock bars with heli-bars and the stock seat with either a Corbin or Sargent. If you can find one with these options already on, then long distance comfort will only be more comfortable IMO.

For the most part, the bike has gone almost unchanged from its inception (2002) to the end of its generation (2009) but as with most things the later model bikes will most likely have less mileage but cost more money, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Finding a diamond in the rough isn't rare but does take time. Be patient and be open to higher mileage bikes that are well taken care of, as the VFR has been known to last a long time if it's been treated well.

 

Thanks for the response! I'll keep that in mind. Have you experienced or heard of any issues concerning the ABS on the older models? Some are against using anything that is first gen. and from what I've read, '02 or '03 was the first year of the ABS.

 

I've been on this forum for a while and have not seen anything specific to ABS model issues. The most common as I mentioned earlier are the RR/Stator issues, which would be for ABS and Non-ABS alike.

For some things I steer clear of first gen releases but for the ABS at this point if there are no reports of major issues/problems, then it's a safe bet that it's fine.

 

Hi JMH3.

Reliability is very high. However, components need to be periodically refreshed. After your due diligence in inspecting and buying a bike, clean and examine every switch, fuse, and electrical connection, including the grounds. These shake loose from years of the harsh sport bike suspension, and the years of corrosion result in heat which will burn them up and leave you stranded if not addressed.

The electrical is a common failure of a used bike, but you mitigate or eliminate the risk by being as proactive as possible.

Like OOTV states, rarely do people seem to come here complaining about ABS. But if you are a glutton for punishment here is a google where you can read up on some of the few issues, and you can see what age bike they had at the time, and what the issue was. (Note, google is a better search than the search function on these forums which is terrible.)

[DLMURL]https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=vfr800%20abs%20problems[/DLMURL]

 

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the responses. I think I'm going to look at a 2003 this weekend and hopefully can come to an agreement with the seller.

 

Sorry guys, but I have another quick question for y'all. I'm going to look at a vfr this weekend and was curious about what y'all think of the price. It has 21k miles, ABS, and a few different aftermarket parts. No saddlebags though. He's asking $3700. Would you consider that a fair price for this bike? He also claims that the title is clean and has never been laid down.

 

What year? See if you can get and post some pics.

 

It's a 2003. Here are the pics from the Craigslist ad.

 

I paid 4000 for my 02 with bags and heli bars and delkavik mufflers. It had 16,000 mi. On it last year.

 

Hey that's a great bike. If it passes your inspection, the price is fair. Everyone expects haggling as well so you should get a few hundred off. Nothing wrong with that price if everything is intact.

 

I shopped around for about 3 months and found a 2007 with 16k owned by a 62 yr old mechanical engineer. Immaculate shape. out the door at $4400. Deals are out there, but if you find one have the cash ready, and don't lowball because they know what they have usually.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. Will let y'all know what happens with it!