Looking to purchase Demo 2015 VFR800 - what to check for?

My last VFR800 was a 2002 and I loved, loved, loved it. And, of all the bikes I've had, it is the one I keep kicking myself over having sold.

So, for my 66th BD present I'm looking at picking up a 2015. I can get a good price on a demo unit but before purchasing I wanted to check with the group to see if there is anything in particular that I should check out. I'll do the usual checks to see if it's been dropped, check the chicken strips to see how it has been ridden and the peg feelers and the overall mileage and tire tread remaining etc. Plus a demo ride. But, as my previous one was "pre-VTEC", is there anything I should check or listen too, other than get it over 7,000 RPM (hell, I plan to make sure the rev limiter works so 7,000 won't be a problem).

Thanks - BCDon.

 

Like when looking at any used bike, demo or not, you go over all you've said. Just make sure the factory warranty is in place. IMO though, in this case get the deluxe version, unless this one is price dropped big time, then only your gut will tell you if it feels right. The 8th gen is the sweetest VFR yet, takes a bit from both the 5th and 6th and polishes it. I'd have one if it wasn't for the great 5th gen that landed in my lap.

 

How many miles on the demo? I bought mine used with 2600 miles on it back in Dec 2014, before all the big price drops, got a pretty good deal at the time. (got quick shifter and panniers included). Tis a sweet bike, get alot of comments mostly from non-bike people!

 

I'm in Canada, as far as I can figure, only the Delux version is available. Sorta like Gold Wings, only 2 versions available in CAnada - either with or without airbag.

And yup, need the 1 year warranty on it as well.

 

White or Red? Depending on the milage, the best thing you can do is get a decent set of tires on it, world of difference.

 

Not sure where in BC your located Don (I'm guessing by your site name mind you) but here at my local dealer in Kelowna they have a brand new 2014 VFR that they are still trying to sell. Last I looked the dealer was asking $10,599 IIRC. It was a pearl white one and they also had a white demo unit but not sure how much they were asking for the demo.

 

zoom-zoom, thanks for the reply. I'm actually in AB. I don't have a final price yet but as my son works at the store I figure I should get a decent deal eaceful:. The local dealer apparently bought up a number of demos and has both red and white ones available.

 

White deluxe, got ta love that white....
Good luck


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Check the heated grips for excessive wear and see if they are sticky. If so, see if you can get them replaced. I have just Under 11k miles on my 2014, and it already needs new grips. The rubber just rubs right off.

 

Like Allyance said, just go ahead and throw the OEM tires away, get some decent tires and don't waste your bike on tires that don't like to go around a corner. It's a battle with the OEMs just to get them to turn. Not worth it. As far as what to look for, I would just accept that people have run the demo bike hard since it wasn't their property. I doubt if that hurt it. I've never heard of a VFR hurt from rpm abuse.

 

Most of this tire worry is BS. Just a quick look at any of the tire "conversations" will bear that oot. If they are worn then for sure get new ones.

The dealer bought up some demos? I'd sure be having some questions aboot that.

My apologies to the fast guys here who are tire experts and can go around corners so fast the rubber actually melts.

 

Don't know it was wear or tire compound, but when I upgraded to the PR4 front from stock there was a noticeable improvement, and I am no tire expert!

 

I think the key word is: "upgrade". The OEM's aren't even dual compound and just stand back and look at the lack of profile. If you ride around Kansas or other flatland, I suppose they would be just fine. ; )

 

Couldn't disagree more with this. OEM Dunlops are horrible. I haven't tried the Pilot Road series or T30s on the VFR, but the PP3, S20 Evo, or S21s will make a huge difference in how the bike handles. I went from a Zx7r to my Gen 8, and the first time I rode it in the twisties, I thought I had made a big mistake buying the VFR for canyon riding. Switched to PP3s first and my worries were put to rest. S20 evos were even better, now I'm on S21s, and while the jury is still out overall, they are still miles better than the OEM tires.

 

I'm amazed that on a two year old bike you've gone through that many sets of tires. You must be one of those fast guys I keep hearing aboot.

 

At 16k miles, I will be getting my 5th set (including OEMs). I'm one of the few that didn't mind the OEM tires (other than short life). And I think the Roadsmart2 is a good tire too. BTW my new set will be the Bridgestone T30 EVO.
Previous tires in order were...OEM Dunlop D222, Michelin PR4, Dunlop Roadsmart2, Pirelli Angel GT. Highest mileage was the Roadsmart2 and PR4 at around 6k miles. Only 3k miles out of OEM and 4k miles out of Angel GT.

 

Mileage is another factor that gets attention.

 

I like the non Delux, whatever that's called.


I have a really nice Gen 5. I'm tempted by the 14s. Is the last gen any better than my 01?

 

I don't know what you consider fast. I ride with sportbike guys so they keep me pretty humble.

In the year and 5 months I've owned it, I've logged 11,000 mostly canyon miles. I commute on it occasionally, but I've never worn the tread out in the middle of the tire. It's the one thing California has going for it.

 

Save that center tread for some really cool burnoots at the local bike nights.

I think a good set of tires could get you keeping up with those sporty dudes.

Fast is what you will experience on a racetrack riding with fast guys. The feeling goes something like this..." I'm going to fuckin die", then ten dudes blow by going 20MPH faster.

Take a break from canyon carving and head over to the Lancaster, Palmdale, Rosamond area and Willow Springs. Fast guys galore. Hook a right at Edwards AFB and check oot some really fast stuff.