Advice on buying used

I am planning on buying a used 6th generation VFR in the coming season and I would like to get some information from all you experts on what to look for in a used 02, 03, or 04 model preferably ABS (ABS because I am a fairly new rider getting on the grayer side and I need all the help I can get). I used to have a Bandit 600 and had the opportunity to ride a 06 VFR for about 40 minutes. What a treat!

Any advice would be helpful, such as mileage, valve adjustment, recalls, etc.

 

Woo Hoo! fun times ahead eh?

I would look at the following in this order... just me though.

- Color preference? May determine the year you get.
- $$$ also may determine the year you get.
- Millage?

- Dumped?
- Maintenance... has it all been done.
- What is the previous owner like? Would he/she have beaten her to a pulp or was it taken care of.
- Take a look at the tires and foot rest warning scrapers to determine the type of riding its had.
- There were also a couple recalls out on those years, none of them were a big deal but good to know if they have been initiated or not.
- Taking your location into account. Was it ridden in the winter through salt covered roads? Again was it cleaned up accordingly?

And just because the pegs are worn down doesn't mean the bike is trashed, take the whole picture into account. If you get the heebee jeebee's then walk away. There are plenty out there.

I am fairly good at reading people, I always need to be sold on the seller before I consider the product.

 

I usually buy new, but if I have to buy used, here is what I look for:

1. Is the bike stock? In general, stock bikes are usually not ridden as hard or aggressively as a modified bike.
2. How many times has the bike changed hands? This determines how far back the current owner can speak to the history of the bike.
3. What is the condition? If the bike has been down or if the existing damage doesn't make sense as to the explanantion given for how it happened, then I would walk away.
4. Service history. Ask them how often they've changed the oil, who did it and if they have receipts or a service record.
5. If the bike is cherry, then price is not an issue for me. I would expect to pay top dollar for a pristine unit. You'd still be saving big over buying new.

On a 6th Gen, you should expect to get about 42 mph. Valve adjustment is recommended at 16,000 miles (many go longer). There is a wiring harness recall up to '04 (double check the year on that).

 

Thanks a lot guys. This is giving me lots of ammunition for when I find the right bike.
Will the ABS really help save my tail or does it really still depend on my riding experience and how I handle the situation?

 

I think that there is no replacement for experience. I'd say that it depends on your comfort level. Don't forget that the non-ABS models do have the linked braking system, so there is some sort of braking assistance no matter which way you go.