Is this a good deal?

I am completely new to the Honda VFR and I just received my license about 9 months ago, but I have done a boat load of research ever since my neighbor and one of my clients (real estate) allowed me to ride his 2004 VFR 800 a few days ago. My first and only bike is a 1997 Yamaha 650 V-star (a hand me down gift from the father-in-law) back in November which has about 56k on it and has been down a few times (due to his rides not mine). I do not feel comfortable with the bike due to pulsing and weak front brakes, a sticking throttle, and a few other hiccups. Since I had never ridden a sport bike before I was a bit concerned of the power increase and my possible love for the newly found speed Well, let's just say I should have never gotten on the VFR...I definitely fell in love! The bike handled incredibly well at speeds I have never been at before, it had a great suspension, smooth shifting, substantial throttle response, and the list goes on and on.

Well, after the ride was over(roughly about an hour or so test drive and by far my longest ride on a bike period) my neighbor said that he was selling it to help pay for his newly built pool and possibly another Buell (he already had another Buell). I am trying to convince the wife that this is a pretty solid deal and I just figured that consulting with VFR experts would be a smart move.
Back the the VFR...it is asphalt black (rare color I'm told), non ABS, it has color matched hard side luggage and rear mounted hardcase trunk, a brand new rear tire, a tank guard, and only about 3,400 miles. It had a 3k service done by our local Honda dealership(not too sure on the name of the actual standard service, but I'm guessing that's it) and it looks flawless. I trust the guy and I have seen first hand how meticulous he has kept not only this bike but his other toys as well. The bike made me feel much more confident even though I hadn't logged more than a few hundred miles under my belt with my V-star cruiser. I have been told by a few other experienced riders that the Interceptor is a great sport/touring ride, award winning, and is the type of bike I, as a beginner, won't outgrow.

Sorry to be so long winded but I rather be detailed than not considering my particular situation. He is asking $7500 ($4,500 up front) and is willing to allow me to do the rest in payments without interest (like I mentioned before, he is a client, neighbor, and buddy of mine). Is this a good deal? I looked on NADA.com for the estimated value and it says around $7,200 without the $1,800 luggage. I'm not trying to be a moron, just doing my research. What do you think? thanks in advance...:smile:

 

I think I posted this in the wrong thread...sorry guys!

 

Yes. that is about right. There is one similar selling for the same with all accessary as you mentioned. Free interest payment is even better.

 

if I saw that deal, I would go for it.

asphalt Black is a 2004 only color,
there are 2 (including mine) that I have ever seen
and I have an eye for VFR's

I too have the luggage, (without the top box)
and I've put 3500 miles on mine just this summer

Russ

 

Although that is a nice color, this bike will be 3 years old come January. You can get a new Pearl Black '06 for out-the-door prices (TTL included) under 10K at most dealerships right now. '07s are coming out soon and they want to move the '06's. There are dealer incentives available for them to do this.

No interest is great but a brand new bike for under 10K out the door is hard to pass up as well. It's a great bike and you won't be sorry. Just think about what newer ones cost and compare.

 

I never buy anything used except Cars & Motorcycles. And then I look for a person who has really taken exceptional care of it, and it must have low miles, the way a person descripes it also has a lot to do with the future sale, the word I'm trying to say is, it must be MINT.

MGTX73 does have a point, but the counter point is if you bought the 06 and say it came out to $10,000.00 out the door, and then bought the Givi's, you have $12,000.00 into it.

On the other hand, $7,500.00 for a mint 04 with $2,000.00 in extras, low miles and is flawless. Maybe the bill of sale is lower, saving money at the DMV "not that I would ever do that :lie: "

$4,500.00 is a lot of money to me and that's basically the difference in the two bikes. Because as soon as you get the 06 out the door, it drops about $2,000.00 in value. I think you have already made your decision and will be riding it this weekend. :biggrin:

 

I figure that the only difference between the 04 and 06 is that the Vtec kicks in at 7k on the 04 vs. 6k on the 06. Not the biggest selling point from my viewpoint because I really won't be utilizing this feature enough to see the benefits. I sold this guy the home he and his family are living in and he let me take an hour long test ride with him and a few buddies. I too have done the research on whether or not buying new would be a better value, but I have to look at it this way...$4,500 less, no major tax and license fees, no need to break the bike in, no need to buy luggage, and this is my first sport/touring bike. Why spend the extra cash just to buy new if I don't really need to.

I just want to say thank you to all of you for your advice and help. I finally convinced the wife that this bike will become a new part of our family I will definitely post some pics once I get the chance. Thanks again and I look forward to becoming more educated about the VFR and its great legacy!

 

It's a great bike. You won't be sorry. I test rode one myself and I'm in the market for one. Enjoy!!

 

Sounds like a very good deal. You would have to expend a LOT of time and energy to beat it and never come close to the comfort level of dealing with someone you know to be meticulous and thorough in maintenance.

And then there is the interest free deal with only $4,500 down. Make sure that you are both satisfied with the payment specifics and that the transaction including when the title is transferred and how the payments are made is clear. No use screwing up a budding friendship with a decent rider, neighbor and client over such a trivial detail.

Best of luck with the new VFR! Ride on.

keith:lever: