1999 VFR First Bike since 1995

I inadvertantly found this site while looking for exhausts for the 1999 VFR800 that I just recently purchased. I wasn't really looking for a bike at the time other than a 1993 CBR900RR that was in Stratford Ontario. It was going for way more money than I thought it was worth and the seller wasn't going to take what I offered so I moved on. That bike is something that if I found one I wouldn't get rid of it as I rode Rueben McMurters many times in the 90's (even with reverse shifting) and it was a great ride. I received a call a month later from someone that I consider a friend and almost like an older brother about the VFR. He gave me a bit of background on it as he sold it to the buyer who kept it in his garage all of the time with two other bikes which are as mint as the one I bought. I called my wife and said that after work we need to go check it out. We got to the shop and when I first seen it (yellow is probably my least favourite colour but for some reason it works perfectly on this bike and I love it) my jaw dropped as I couldn't believe the condition this thing is in. Not a scratch or rock chip and the chain looks like it is brand new. Gord didn't know exactly how many kms were on it as the battery needed to be replaced. As you will see in the pics that it is super low. My wife said that I cannot pass up this opportunity which was spot on. Enjoy the pics.

 

Here are the balance of the pics. The bike was brought over in this condition and was only rinsed off to remove some surface dust.

 

Wow. Very nice bike, Congrats. I agree about the color. Yellow woukd never be my first choice, but that yellow simply works on that VFR. I had a customer who bougnt a yellow 99 out of Canada before the US got it later It was gorgeous in person.

 

Amazing, 4500 miles. That is basically brand new. You found a museum quality one. Is that the original chain? I have to wonder about 24 year old o-rings and the grease in there.

If you want to swap out the rubberbumper mirrors for the sleeker 2000 style it's a very easy thing to do. https://vfrworld.com/threads/mirror-upgrade-for-1998-using-20-21.60343/

 

The yellow is an awesome colour for the Gen5. There's too many red ones, lol. I can't imagine where that was hiding all this time......

 

I never thought I would get as such enjoyment at looking at a few pictures of a 24 year old bike as I have this one.
amazing how all the brake lines, calipers , everything look like this is a new bike sitting on the show room floor
The only thing that helps date it is the few remaining spider webs on the tires and below the gauges
Simply amazing what is still out there

 

do you tend to over over-worry about things ?

 

I think it's wise to point out that 24 years is a long time for rubber items.

At 24 years the Honda-quality maintenance-free honeymoon period is kinda over even if the bike has no miles on it. If the new owner of this ultra-low-miles bike starts riding it regularly he may find that some of the rubber items aren't quite up to it any more. Just watch out for things that might weep or leak, like the thermostat housing or the water pump.

But WOW, those pictures, that bike is amazing.

 

One can inspect the chain closely to see if side plates rusty or if it threw any O-rings.... otherwise, lube and ride it for a while and check again.

 

I could be wrong in saying this but I think the new member with the mint 1999 Yellow Hornet knows his way around a race track in years past
If that is the case I am sure he will work his way through the new ride and take care of any old long term storage issues
I personally would have no problem heading across Canada on that bike after the fuel and brake system was refreshed. And as cheap as I am I would replace the tires, 20 plus old new tires are still too old, and if the chain was not seized I would lube it and ride
I hope the new owner gives us an update on how he gets along with the restore.

 

I will definitely keep an eye on a lot of the rubber items as I am aware of the year and what can happen. I am fortunate enough to be in the bike industry (Warehouse Manager for Parts Canada) and friend with a local dealer which is how I was introduced to this bike. Had a service done in late December/Early Jan and was told to run an additive for the first few tanks. From what I understand that is the original chain which again I could change out easily if needed. Once I pick it up in the next month or so depending on the weather and road conditions I will be giving it a full wash and wax and will have a chance to look it over from top to bottom. I almost feel guilty riding it but that is what they were made for.

I have been fortunate enough to ride a lot of different bikes over the years but have never thrown a leg over a VFR. I have always been a Honda guy as I love the fit and finish and I plan on staring at this bike parked in my driveway. A couple of friends were reading to jump all over it if I didn't buy it. Once I get it out and cleaned I will post more photos of it. I have been a little disappointed on how few vendors actually sell aftermarkets items like exhausts but again they can't make product for bikes of this age. I did look in our catalogues but didn't find anything. We sell plenty of the maintenance type products which will be helpful in the long run.

 

Thanks for the heads up regarding the mirrors as my 91CBR600F2 had them and they drove me mental. Always popping off which makes my OCD go nuts. lol

 

WOW - Very special indeed CONGRATULATIONS. I also Love the 5gen Yellow. hope it brings you plenty of riding smiles

 

The bike looks like show room new....and all stock can't beat that. The yellow is preferred for visibility and sports statement. Welcome to club "Yellow Fever" : )

 

It must be the colour of each yellow as I dig the yellow on your Toyota. Same as white for me as i don't like most of them but a nice pearl white does the trick.

 

What a find, that bike is gorgeous. Enjoy the new ride.

 

Thanks. Spring can't come fast enough. Was thinking about putting some PPF on the front end to prevent any rocks chips but haven't been able to find any kits on the internet.

 

So the weather was decent enough yesterday to take the bike out on the first ride. It was definitely chilly and there were spots where gravel hadn't been washed away yet from the rain. Bike ran great and did it get a lot of looks. It was either the bright yellow or people were wondering why someone was on a bike so early. lol I will be changing out the rubber grommets at the front of the tank as they are intact but have some cracks. On order and I look forward to inspecting everything in more detail. The rain in London needs to stop at some point though.

 

For anyone interested in what the bike looks like out in the sun before I gave it my first wash.

 

Yay! Yellow VFR's rule. Welcome SMYellowVFR.

I had a red 99, sold it in 2019 and missed it, and bought my current yellow 99 at the start of last year. Like you, I was not sure I wanted a yellow bike, but in the flesh the yellow/black combo just works and I have been very happy with my purchase. I'm sure it is still on the original brake and coolant hoses, tbh they feel fine at nearly 90,000km. I have replaced the thermostat and steering head bearings, fork seals and bushings, as well as the tyre valves (which were perishing). The "condom" mirrors have been perfectly well behaved, I suspect that (like me) the previous owners have been fond of Armorall (or similar) to keep the rubbery and plastic bits in good shape.