What to look for when buying used?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by OldSchoolInterceptor, Dec 25, 2019.

  1. OldSchoolInterceptor

    OldSchoolInterceptor New Member

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    Merry Christmas Viffers!! I’m going to look at an 04’ VFR800 red with 30k miles on Friday. What should I look for when considering buying this year/gen used? I’ve attached some pics. It’s been tipped over on the kick stand once never down when moving. Clean clear title. $2,400. Only thing it needs is a rear tire pretty soon.
     

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  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Merry Christmas


    Sadly 6th Gens are now getting quite long in the tooth so you really need to set aside any Christmas present mentality and focus as this is one present that could kill you.

    30k miles on a 15 year old bike is just 2,000 miles per year - so for much of its life it has been sat around - which to be honest is not good for any bike. So ask about the previous use of the bike - if they are the first owner they will probably have a heap of service paperwork and a good idea of how/when those miles were racked up.

    Look closely at any servicing and new parts paperwork - the bike may be heading for an expensive vtec valve check/adjustment.

    OK the mileage is low, but anything orginal is now 15 year old+. Hopefully service paperwork will confirm that it has been recently serviced and at least the brake fluid has been replaced likewise pads.

    Early 6th Gens had lots of issues with the RR and the connector to the stator and melted main fuse housing by the battery terminals. So take a torch and make sure you lift the seat and inspect the state of the charging system wiring.

    Open the filler cap and use that torch to check for rust inside the tank - also look outside the tank for any signs of paint pinholes/blisters coming through from inside - tell take signs of rust brewing.

    Check for any stored MIL (fault) codes - start engine with side stand down. If the FI light is not lit there are no current codes - but take a note if the FI light is flashing then consult this video

    Inspect state of chain and drive sprocket - is it too tight/loose - a ninja throwing star sprocket will need replacement

    Even if the tread on the front tyres(tire) looks good - check the pressures and age of both tyres - https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/tech-tips-how-to-read-motorcycle-tire-date-codes - so have a pocket pressure gauge with you.

    Do a basic pre-ride check to see all lights and horn work.

    Take it for a cautious test ride. Listen - does the engine sound healthy? Are you getting confident progressive braking on front and rear brakes? Check all gears engage smoothly - nothing snatching when releasing the clutch. Listen and feel for VTEC engagement and a heap of extra power around 6,000 rpm.

    If all good then you may have a keeper.

    Have fun


    SkiMad :Smow::Smow::Smow::Smow::Smow::Smow::Smow::Smow::Smow::Smow::Smow:
     
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  3. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Look for maintenance records. Without them, it should be a no go. Check for inside tank rust. Expect to put some money in the bike. Nothing that old is "perfect" or the price would be higher. I would rather buy a VFR with that mileage that has not had the valves adjusted because they seldom if ever need it at 16K miles and if done, you don't know if the adjuster knew what they were doing.....could have done more harm than good. Check to see if the VTEC engages properly and if the wiring is good, ask if it has has the Vifferness mod. done. Expect to buy new tires. If the current owner has bought new tires, expect to pay for them. Same with chain. If you go into this expecting to get "something for nothing" change your mindset. Nobody HAS to sell a VFR for only $24oo. FWIW. Sixth gens. are good bikes, like anything else, if taken care of. Considering what they will do, the asking price is very close to nothing, so again, expect to put some money into it. Again, FWIW.
     
  4. OldSchoolInterceptor

    OldSchoolInterceptor New Member

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    Thanks for all your helpful advise. I made a list to check off as I go through the bike with the points you listed above and a few of my own. I hope it’s a well kept bike but from the emails we’ve shared so far it doesn’t sound like she knows much about the bike at all or it’s bad and she’d rather not tell me. In either case I’ll know soon enough. The price is very good for my area of the states but the trade off might not me worth it.
     
  5. bk94si

    bk94si Member

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    Check inside the tank for rust.
     
  6. Darth Vader

    Darth Vader New Member

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    The very first thing i always check is the colour of the brake fluid. It is an easy maintenance indicator, dark = unloved ,clear = changed regularly and loved.
     
  7. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    It is quite unusual to be selling a motorbike in mid-winter so if the seller knows little or nothing about the bike it may suggest she wants shot of a motorbike which was actually her partner's pride and joy and may indeed have had a very pampered life and if you are lucky they may have a heap of service history stashed away somewhere.

    Inherently if her partner died recently or they are simply no longer able to ride the VFR, then the seller may simply want to clear the decks and be open to a lower sale price.

    Good luck let us know how you get on.


    SkiMad
     
  8. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Not intending to be argumentative but clear brake fluid can be in very bad condition. I would assume it needs changing which is no big deal.
     
  9. Darth Vader

    Darth Vader New Member

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    Please explain your answer Mr Bond . Brake fluid absorbs water and darkens with age , or so i was led to believe
     
  10. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    The colour is a good indicator of age/exposure to heat, clear fluid may have moisture but maybe a bit less of it.... no matter, it is good practice with a new-to-you bike to do a complete flush. I don't put too much weight on fluid condition when buying a bike unless it is really really dark, all you can say is the owner didn't do his brake maintenance. Just look the bike over and there may be other signs of how well it was maintained, but I just make a mental list of what I immediately have to spend, and know I'm going to go over the maintenance list anyway... basically that will cost me $500 just to know I've got it in good shape for me (fluid changes, air filter, etc.).. If I need a chain and sprockets, well, add to that number. At 30k miles, there really can't be anything major wrong with it, but strike up a rapport with the seller, you might learn stuff.
     
  11. OldSchoolInterceptor

    OldSchoolInterceptor New Member

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    I went ahead and purchased the bike. It has a full service history from new including the original sales receipt. Too much to list here but it has been very well kept and he owns 4 bikes and really knew his stuff regarding interceptors. Answered most of my questions before I could ask AND backed it up with paperwork or showed me on the bike.
    I do have a question about the clock- is it suppose to be on ALL the time even when the key is out and steering locked? Mine is and if that’s not correct any ideas what that could be and how to fix it? You guys have been super helpful, thanks again.
     

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  12. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    The last time I changed the fluid my 2014 came with, it was clear, just as new fluid comes from the bottle. I replaced it with Honda branded OEM fluid and it was clear but worked much better and was "chrisp" feeling with more positive feel and shifting with the new clutch fluid. Four year old fluid can be the same color as brand new fluid. That's the moral to the story. There you go, Darth Vader.
     
  13. Darth Vader

    Darth Vader New Member

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    Well i didnt know that, guess everydays a school day. Thanks for that
     
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  14. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    It is for me too, thank goodness.
     
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