A guide to buying a used VFR?

Discussion in 'New Riders' started by Jaynen, Jun 2, 2009.

  1. Jaynen

    Jaynen New Member

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    I love bikes
    I love V-4 sound
    I want to have another bike I currently ride dual sport/dirt and have a set of 17"s coming for my little bike but... we all know one bike is never enough.

    A pre-VTEC VFR is high on my list for many reasons
    comfort
    performance
    kick ass sound
    price range

    I live in San Diego and was just wondering if there are any decent guidelines when it comes to looking at certain years/mileage/pricing

    I've seen information about things to look for on these bikes when you go to look at one and many bikes seem to have a few scratches etc from a tip over but when it comes to things like mileage vs price vs year of the bike I am clueless.

    I am a big fan of FI so that probably means the 98-00 are my favorites but I have seen what could potentially be some pretty crazy deals for some of the older bikes and I really like their styling as well.

    So does anyone have any advice or guidelines on that front?
     
    Jaynen, Jun 2, 2009


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  2. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    work e'm

    I would suggest taking me and toxic but outside of that look and wait. Pick it apart and offer a price that is fair for our times or just walk off and wait for him to get desparate. It will come.Trust me.:thumbsup:
     
    TOE CUTTER, Jun 2, 2009


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  3. Jaynen

    Jaynen New Member

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    Hehe well maybe when I get closer to buying one someone will be local and having them go along might not be bad
     
    Jaynen, Jun 2, 2009


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  4. cebuVFR

    cebuVFR Member

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    cebuVFR, Jun 2, 2009


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  5. Jaynen

    Jaynen New Member

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    Yeah I was looking at both of those a few minutes ago
     
    Jaynen, Jun 2, 2009


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  6. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    Mostly, just look at them like you would any other bike. Look for signs of neglect. Ask about maintenance schedule, like oil changes, spark plugs, air filter, valve adjustments, etc. For your knowledge, most all of the people I have talked to have said the first one to two valve adjustments are always in spec...most of the time, not all.

    The main archilles heal of the 5th gen is the R/R (regulator rectifier). The 5th gens R/R and corresponding wiring harness/connectors are subpar. Ask the owner(s) about R/R trouble....like if it has ever been replaced. If it was, was it the upgraded (larger finned) model? Did anything else get damaged in the process (wiring/connectors)? Normally, the connector leading into the wiring harness would melt (or in RARE circumstances catch fire) along with the harness as well. The bike will start acting very weirdly if the R/R is going out though. Not to worry though, as if you are up for it, a guy has a good upgrade. Go to www.wiremybike.com You can get an upgraded stator with the VFRNess as well, and you are good to go with steady voltage.


    Well, I have beat this :deadhorse: enough for now. Oh, I am in Dayyyygo as well, so drop me a line sometime.
     
    derstuka, Jun 2, 2009


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  7. proverbio

    proverbio New Member

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    I like to spend a few days or weeks checking on prices. My go to place is Crazedlist at ([http://www.crazedlist.org). It's Craiglist on steroids. Here, you can check the listed prices of your chosen bike from multiple cities at once. Once I know the range, I get acquainted with my local mechanic, and talk bike. I've been in the same city for 10 years so he knows me pretty well. He is a wealth of knowledge and I'm sure yours is too. A six pack goes a long way in establishing a positive first impression. Good luck!
     
    proverbio, Jul 7, 2009


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