When to think about parting....

Have a '98 VFR. It's been everything I was looking for in my first bike. I currently have 17k miles on it. I am not having any problems with it at all, but am curious how long I can expect it to maintain it's performance levels....in how many more miles? I just don't want to start having to think about putting alot of dough into it. I'd rather upgrade to a newer VFR or something different. Comments?

 

I'd say you've got another 50k or so before you start to have any expensive problems! Other than regular service at a dealer or some unplanned pavement surfing , you shouldn't *expect* to have any major problems.

I'm about to hit 25k on my '98, with no problems so far, and I haven't exactly babied it. Although it's probably far happier since my wife started riding it full-time at about 20k!

Tom

 

You can reasonably expect to put many more miles on your VFR. I sold my 91 to a (now) riding buddy. I sold it at 38k and he has 58k on it now. I did regular maintenance, replaced the front wheel bearings at 25k. He recently had the steering head bearings replaced. He borrowed a 2000 a couple of weeks ago to see if he wanted to buy up, and decided that the difference in performance wasn't work the 3 grand he would have to pay for the newer bike. He rides the wheels off the 91, takes really good care of it and will probably see 80k before he gets rid of it.

 

Thinking about selling after only 17K because you're worried about reliability and performance degredation. Say no more, this must be your first VFR or V4 engine. You must be used to 20K inline 4's. You have nothing to worry about, you're viffer will keep performing as long as you keep taking care of it. If you really think its a hazard, I'll take it off your hands real cheap for your sake There are definately faster bikes, and better handling bikes, but try riding them for over an hour at a time, or two-up even. I've ridden mine from MA to as far as SC, OH, and Cape Breton Nova Scotia, Canda. Make sure to post it here in the classifieds if you decide to pary. Safe Riding.

 

heh ... i've just sold my 1985 vf700f to a riding buddy, and it was *still* in awesome condition. now it can't quite keep up with my 98 vfr800i, but heck, it sure was fun to ride. that engine will go on forever. keep your 98, gck, you'll love it for years to come.

 

I've got 57,000 miles on my VF 500, and it still runs strong!!! And these are not one of the most reliable of the v-4's under general opinion, especially with the cam problems, and my engine is still on the original timing chain, etc. It's never been touched except for valve adjustments. Maybe I got one of the good ones, but I know the VFR engine is much better than the VF engine, so you should have many more happy miles ;D

 

Let's put it like this: here in Holland (and Europe), you will be lucky to find any type of VFR with only 17k for sale. Most 2nd hand you find here here have about 30k on the clock, and not because they are bad, but because the owner wanted a newer one.

 

My '91 VFR has 82K miles and still running strong, tho' I've been through 3 reg/rects. Think about replacing the rear hub damper rubbers anytime after 60K, and the rear axle bearing after 80K.
17K miles is just broken in.
Scott

 

High all nice little site you got going here ;D
gck Hey its taken you all these years to run it in m8  8) Now the best bit you own the second best bike on the planet as the best ones mine Still even thought its only the second best expect it to last as long as mine and i'm aiming for 150000km out of her ;D

 

My '86 had 53,000 km on it when I sold it (sob) and was still running strong.

Some folks have over 100,000 MILES on their viffers and they are still tight.

Just give it proper care and feeding, and it'll run near onto forever. It's a HONDA after all!!

 

Greg, Although its possibly to last at this point,being you posted this some time ago,I'll say my two cents worth!
I bought my 99 VFR one year ago October. It had 89k on it.Now its up to 96k and still going STRONG! Presently I'm dealing with one of two problems,the battery (4 years old) or the rectifier being replaced.I have changed the chain recently.In any case,if one changes the oil regularly and generally maintain the bike it should last a long time.The previous owner to this bike recently saw his 92 on the road with 149k on it.
It's still running well. No mechanical problems,yet!

 

I HAD THE NIGHTMARE OF BLOWN RECTIFIERS AND BATTERIES AND HERE IS HOW THE SUICIDE WATCH ENDS.REMOUNT THE RECTIFIER BELOW THE HEADLIGHT AND OFF TO THE SIDE SO IT IS VERTICAL WITH THE FINS BEING COOLED BY THE AIR .IT WILL!!!! FIX THE HONDA SCREW UP.SEACREST OUT!