About to buy first bike - 2003 VFR 800A - What should I be concerned about on a bike this old?

Hi. First time poster here after looking around since my brother bought his VFR last year. So I've decided to take the plunge and buy a bike. I want to keep my investment controlled in case I decide this isn't for me (or my wife throws a fit), so I think a used bike makes good sense in that respect.

I've found a 2003 model with 7000 miles that appears to be meticulously taken care of. Apparently never been down on the road (2 owner bike with the first owner using it primarily for touring).

My concern is buying a 6 or 7 year old bike. Are there things I need to be planning to repair or replace on a bike this age (other than tires and brakes)? I'm thinking about shocks, electrical, engine (gaskets, rings, cooling system, etc.), transmission, clutch, and so on. I know the bike is essentially the same as '09 models with the exception of the VTEC engagement point and some cosmetic stuff, so it makes me think I'll be okay. But since I don't know bikes (I know cars to a certain degree), I want to get some guidance before I pull the trigger.

Thanks in advance!

-John

 

Hi John.

I'll let others comment about specific mechanical items, but by no means is your bike old. Hell, you may have even offended some people here by calling a 2003 old and that mileage is nothing. These bikes are well known to last tens of thousands - if not a hundreds thousand - if you take care of them.

Good luck.

 

Good point. I'm so used to cars that I can't help but have that as a reference point. I think about cars with low miles being prone to leaks and other issues due to a lack of use, but maybe bikes aren't the same.

Thanks for the feedback. Hoping there's more out there.

 

The differences between the 02-05 models vs the 06-09 model are not worth giving up a good deal or a good bike. A lot of cosmetic changes like you said, clear signal lights, white trim around the tach, painted front cowl divider, lowered the VTEC engagement point and further lowered the VTEC disengagement point.

The only real difference when shopping is that from 06 and on the majority of the recalls were already incorporated. There's a rather important electrical recall on the earlier bikes that should be done. If it's not done you can have it done.

With only 7k miles and it being taken care of like you say she's almost still new. I wouldn't worry about anything really. Now if it was beat on for 7k miles and stored outside then you should use caution.

Oh and welcome to the posting side of this crazy place John.

 

I have 02 bought used w/ 6,000 miles over 18,000 now change oil put in gas and tune up no problems at all
pull the trigger and enjoy

 

I'm going to have the local dealer do an inspection. Are there anythings in particular that somebody should be looking for that would be telltale signs of prior issues/wrecks other than the obvious outward cosmetic stuff (that might have been repaired)?

Thanks for the feedback.

-John

 

buy it.
it's not even broken in yet.
VFR owners generally care for their bikes very well, that is of course 'generally' but i can't think of a single thing aside from obvious damage or abuse that you should ever have to worry about.