Common Problems for a (*

Don't know how the title got messed, but it's for a '98

I've currently got a 94 VFR with about 50K on it and although it runs perfectly the body is a little beat up. I really enjoy the bike, but want something with a nicer body, so I've been searching for a replacement and.....

Recently a '98 VFR with 18K miles on it turned up at a local dealership for $2900, which i think is a pretty decent price. I've done a few searches to no avail(besides similar rectifier issues as the 94's), but what(if any) other common problems do the 98's have?

Anyway, hope i don't get flamed for not being able to find a thread that i'm sure exists and thanks for the help.

Also, what are your thoughts on the change from a 94 to a 98?

Harold

 

Got my 98 for 1900. fully loaded (alot of aftermarket already) It has 70k on it running strong. its my first vfr but I love it. I test rode a 93 and liked it too. 2900 seems good for dealer I found 1 local when I was looking for mine and they wanted 3800 20k i think I am sure its still there too. Most 98's I have found are all around 3k + or - a few hundred. You should ride one first if you havent already as it may feel the same as the 94 and if so I would just keep the 94 unless you just want something new.

 

Other than the suspension being sub par, a trait most VFRs share, the most common complaint I've heard is that 98s without PowerCommanders tend to exhibit some twitchiness off idle in throttle and have a stumble around 3k-3500rpm, most likely due to factory lean fuel injection settings. Lots of people dont like the stock seat.

Sorry, no thoughts on changing from a 94 to 98, never ridden a 94.

 

I rode a fourth gen('96) before i got my 99, and while i don't distinctly remember it the friend of mine who owns the 96 model rode mine recently and said that the engine is much punchier and the brakes are better. Overall he liked it alot. I will say that the throttle on the fuel injected model can be a little abrupt at low rpm's compared to the earlier carbed bike. It just takes some getting used to. As long as you keep the tach north of 3k, all is well.

 

5th gens have their electrical problems just like your 4th gen as do 3rd and 6th gens - melted connectors, fried stators, R/R's - do a few searches. This seems to be either not too big a deal for most and a nightmare for an unlucky few. Get the VFRness for which ever one you have and annually check that the connectors are clean and tight - should keep a lot of the gremlins away tho you still may end up replacing one or more components if you ride it long enough. My first VFR was a 95 and when the '98's came out I hadda have one. I traded the '95 for a new '99. My first impression was that the suspension was better. I weigh 200 and had the pre-load dialed all the way in on the '95 and it still seemed to me to wallow more than it should. I never felt that way about the '99 - though there's still room for improvement. The 99 has a beefier swingarm that pivots in the engine case rather than the frame. For me it just felt more planted in the corners than the '95 ever did. I also like the linked brakes, tho many don't. Some hate 'em and will re-plumb the whole thing to get rid of them. To me they're seamless and the slight touch of rear brake when applying the front squats and balances the bike. Wide array of opinions about it. Again, do a search. I also like the FI - for me tuning with a laptop is easier than fiddling with jetting and balancing carbs. I never regretted the '95 - just like the '99 better. Other than electrical problems, you should be able to get 100k easily from either one with little more than routine service. Heck - for the prices of used 4th and 5th gens out there - get one of each! You'd be in to both for about 1/2 the price of most new bikes.

 

Haha, I should keep the '94 and replace the plastics with the race only counterparts and hit up some track days.....just not in the cards for me too many toys already

Thanks for the help, the VFRness website seemed to have some decent parts. I will have to take a look as i believe that i have those connectors at work, possibly could build my own. The wiring problems don't really bother me, I do a lot of work with that sort of thing on a daily basis and do all of my own maintenance work.

My main reasons for the switch are lower mileage, better plastics. It sounds like the '98 is a bit of a step up from the '94, so it's worth taking a look at.

Thanks.

 

Thanks for the input all.

I'm going to be picking the bike up. I was able to talk with the previous owner and the deal was too good to pass up.

It already has the wiring/rectifier fix done, new tires, oil/coolant changed recently and a valve job done at about 8k miles.