Looking at a 1999 800 tomorrow

Hey all,

New guy here, looking to possibly buy a VFR. I've been intrigued for years and now that I'm looking for another bike, I'm pursuing a VFR if I can get one for what I want to spend.

At any rate, I'm going to look at a 1999 with 30,000 miles on it. First question...how many miles are too many? Should I be concerned? What specifically should I look for?

I can't speak on the state of the bike (yet), but it is red and includes a Corbin seat (and stock seat), a Micron pipe (stock installed), and Givi risers...asking $4k. How does that price sound? Your thoughts are appreciated, thanks!

 

Jason,

Thanks for the information. This will be my third bike (SV650, Buell XB9), so 30k makes me weary. However, as you've pointed out, my internet research caused me to second-guess that weariness. I'm looking for something I can have some fun with yet get some long range riding out of. This might fit the bill. I'll update after I look at the bike!

Nick

 

1-3-2-4...Could that be the Viffer's firing order? Good luck with the possible purchase. Sounds like a pretty fair price to me.

 

Good luck, sounds good so far.

 

Well, it looks like the 'showing' got moved to tomorrow. Bummer, because I'm anxious. While talking the owner, I did find out that he knocked it over in the driveway and there is some damage, but I'm not sure how extensive it is. I guess we'll see tomorrow.

So, another question...how many of you have taken these things to the track? I've never seen a VFR on any track...are they too heavy? I was looking for a track bike after I totalled my Buell at Summit Point, but this VFR has me really interested....and I still need my track fix. Can this bike do a track day or two until I manage to buy a track only bike?

How good is it for two-up riding? My wife refused to ride on my SV650 and my Buell (understandable) and I'd like to take her places with me since I think she'd really enjoy it. Are there any good hard luggage sets that bolt up with minimal work? Do any trunks have a back rest? She'd be all over that!

 

So, just to clarify, 32k is the official valve adjustment window? If this isn't done, is it worth some money off the asking price? I'm very mechanical apt, but he doesn't have to know that...

 

I've had my '99 at the track a few times, it's a heavier bike but still a blast to ride around screaming along at 9K, the sound is incredible.

I've done 500 mile two-up rides also with the gf and no complaints, bike handled great even over the switchback mountain passes.

I've got a little over 50K on it and it still rides great, no issues. I've upgraded the suspension, one thing you should ask about and plan for if it hasn't been done. Good luck.

 

With the 2-up riding I'm sure you'd want to use those aftermarket seats. With the valve clearance inspection I wrote up some tips on how to do it at this link: http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/16474-tips-5th-gen-valve-clearance-inspection.html

The hardest part about the valve clearance really was taking the airbox off because it's got over 10 tubes and connections and was quite a pain to get them off and likewise it was pretty challenging putting it back on.

 

Thanks for the pics and the insight. If I can take the bike to the track, I'll be happy. I am not an expert class rider yet, so it won't be the bike holding me back. I'm getting better, but we all know how that goes. I know I'm no Rossi.

As far as two up riding is concerned, I'd say I can expect the geared up passenger/cargo weight for my wife and I to be in the 350-400 lb range depending on destination:strong:

Looks like I'm gonna meet the owner at 4:00 this afternoon, so I'm excited. His Craigslist ad says no rides (can't blame him, I do the same), but I'd like to ride it since it is different than any other bike I've owned. If all goes well with this bike, it looks like I'm torn between it and a 2003 Z1000. Choices choices choices...

 

I'm so excited right now, I'm ecstatic and grinning from ear to ear. Yep, I bought the bike. I was really impressed with the condition of the bike. It has a couple small scratches where he knocked it over in his driveway on the lower fairing, but I'm not stressing of them. They really are minor. Other than that, there is nothing wrong. The sprocket and chain is original (29k), but I should be able to get through the rest of the year with them as is.

I am in LOVE with the sound from this thing, even with the stock can on it. I've never ridden a V4 engine, and suffice it to say, it is spectacular. I absolutely love the gear driven cam whine. WOW! As I mentioned earlier, he is including the stock and Corbin seats, the stock and Micron pipe, and there are Givi bar risers. He also is throwing in a couple gallons of Honda oil and a few oil filters...all for $3800. I will either pick it up on Wednesday or Friday. Hopefully Wednesday so I can register it on Thursday...

I should probably search for this answer, but how finicky is the fuel management system? How much will the Micron lean the fuel delivery out? Do I need fueling? If so, what is recommended?

Thanks again everyone!

 

Congrats! BTW, it doesn't really exist until you post some pics!:thumbsup:

 

29k on an original chain and sprockets???? You might want to look at them for wear, as I would guess it has seen the end of its life.

 

Congrats on the purchase. 5th Gen's rule as everyone knows. Like you already mentioned, the sound of the gear driven VFR's is freaking amazing & it's one of the things I like the most about my bike. Since you already purchased the bike, it's too late but I insist on seeing records on any used vehicle I buy, no exceptions, ever. No records? No sale. OOORRR I make a dramatically lower offer.

You will not need to do anything for the Micron pipe. Slap it on & go ride. Start to finish should take less than 15 minutes. The engine computer will adjust on the fly. It should take less than 100 miles of driving for the computer to fully adjust to the Micron pipe.

Now for the maintenance issues a higher mileage bike might have. You might want to check or change the following:

The fork oil
Definitely the coolant & thermostat
Brake & Clutch fluid. Look at your viewing ports on your brake & clutch master cylinder. Is the fluid nice & clear? A touch of color is fine but if it's brown, there's another thing to add to the list.
The charging system. There are many, many threads about this, just search for one of them. If you have charging issues, Wire My Bike is where you want to look for the solution.

Trust me when I tell you, you will grow to love this bike more over time.

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

 

The brake fluide (front and rear) and clutch fluid were both clear and reported to be changed at the beginning of the season. Oil was changed at the end of last season and it sat more or less since then. So, that needs changing.

The R/R was replaced last year with a new one and he mounted a small computer fan on it. Hopefully the fan fends off any potential issues. Maybe I'll buy a spare one just to make sure.

The sprockets will definitely get changed this winter, which going on wonderful NY's trend, will probably set it in around October . Looking at the chain, the links were well lubricated and free from binding. It is certainly worn, but riding it didn't create any funky noises or chain-related symptoms.

I'll certainly post pics when I pick it up...I'll also get a few shots of the seller's PRISTINE 996S. The guy is cool, very forthcoming with information. I feel like I'm safe, but we'll see with time.