buying a 2000VFR Today. Help!!!!

just put a deposit down on a 2000 VFR and I have a few questions. The selling price is $4,400...is that good? The bike has 13,000 miles, a corbin seat with a backrest, aftermarket grips, d&d pipe, etc. The only thing that I don't like is it was repainted from yellow to Ferrari Red. Looks like it was lightly dropped on the right side with very minor damage. It also has 98 headers instead of 2000 headers...not sure why but he said it's a good thing. Any feedback on things to look for bike specific would be great. This will be my 3rd bike so I already looked over the tires, brakes, chain, sprocket,etc.

 

Price might be a bit high if damaged/repainted/no longer original.

Service history & records? How many owners?
Ask to have bodywork removed for a more thorough inspection.
Figure you'll need to do a 16,000 mile service (major).
Test ride a must.

Let us know what you discover, and if you bought it.

 

he bought it from a Honda Dealership last year, valves were adjusted, brakes, tires, the usual. He has all the service records and is bringing them tonight when I meet him halfway between our houses. Looked at the bike last weekend but he wouldn't let me test ride it. He did give me a ride around his neighboorhood on the back and it was very smooth

 

To account for the notorious R/R, take a multi-meter with you. I wouldn't say no sale if it was a tad weak but I would inspect the wiring further. I agree the fairings should come off.

When you look at a used bike, look for all the usual things. Also, pay closer attention to the following stuff.

1) Oil
Not just the level, the condition. Is it black & gritty to the touch? Is it milky in appearance? Pass on the bike for either.

2) Chain
A very neglected chain could be an indicator of how the person cared for the bike.

3) Fork Seals
My 2000 looks brand new. If you see leaking fork seals on a newer bike, it could be an indication of the owner prefering to ride on one wheel.

4) Tires
Anyone who tries to sell a bike with tires in lousy shape is not the most reputably seller.

5) Leaks
ANY fluid leak should be an instant cause for alarm.

6) New Items
If they are on only one side of the bike, this is a sure fire give away it's been laid down.

7) Goofy Looking Add On's
Aftermarket parts are fine but if it needed to be ghetto rigged to make it fit, pass.

8) Wiring
Again, pass on any bike with ghetto rigged wiring.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

what is this notorious R/R????

 

regulator/rectifier I believe. I'll let the 5th gen people tell you more about them, I'm not that knowledgeable. I second KC10FE's comment on the wiring, mine was ghetto'ed and cost me 500 bucks almost to fix.

 

For what it's worth I have a '99 that I paid $4500 for and absolutely love it.
My R/R was replaced and the battery as well at about 10,000 mi.
I did order a new wiring harness from wiremybike.com.
There is info on the R/R issue there.

 

The price seems high.

 

FWIW - This spring I bought an immaculate 2001 with only 5800 miles on it for $4500. No crash damage, or repainted bodywork. It came with a Corbin saddle and a spare touring windshield.

Does this bike have a matching seat cowl? They are nice to have even if you don't use it often.

Many people install 98/99 headers because they don't have a catalytic converter. Rumor has it that having one robs the bike of a couple horsepower, however I have no complaints about the HP on my cat-equipped bike. It will still pull clutchless wheelies in 1st gear...

 

comes with the matching seat cowl and brackets for soft bags