Going to look at a 5th Gen Tonight...what to look for

Going to look at a 5th Gen Tonight... Bought it (w/ Pics)

As the title states, I am going to look at a '98 with 16k miles on it. It has a few goodies (K&N, Micron Ex, PC) and has been owned for 2 years by its current owner (3rd).

This is not my first used bike purchase, so I'm pretty good at spotting the general stuff. So, what things in specific I should look for on this bike? Any suggestions appreciated.

I realize valves are due, if not done already, and the battery, chain, sprockets, and plugs have been recently replaced. Anyone know the usual interval on fork oil and clutch?

 

Maybe see if it has an upgraded Reg./Rect. That's about the only trouble area on those bikes. I wouldn't be too worried about rushing to get the valve clearances checked, either. I haven't heard of anyone needing shims on the first check-up.

Good luck...great bikes!

 

Ah yes, thanks for the reminder: Is the r/r and its connecting wires viewable without major disassembly?

 

You can see the top of the R/R with the seat off (left side). Other wise the rear cowl has to come of to see the connector/wires. Left side cowl for the wires heading to the stator.

If the R/R has the large cooling fins, it's probably not original.

 

Nice clean ride, all original plastics, never been down - not even any marks on the triple stops. Aftermarket r/r installed last year. Needs a good cleaning, fresh coolant, and the paint is starting to show its age. Anyway, I will go pick it up next week :thumbsup:

 

awesome score!! post some pictures up when you get it.

 

post some pics if you can. congrats on the purchase.

 

Brought it home, after a quick wash:




The whole gang:

 

fork oil clutch every race...................................did not catch it i am getting old but how much did you get for her??? looks sweet fine job ......................

 

Looks like another person with MBS (Multiple Bike Syndrome)

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you get her for? I am considering replacing my 6th Gen with a 5th Gen and was just wondering what price range I'd be looking at.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Picked her up for $3500 through a private party, still owe the state some title and license fees. Valves not done, I'll take care of that this winter, along with new fork oil, coolant, and replacement of all hydraulic fluids. Probably pull the pair system to clean up the engine bay and replace all of the other vacuum/fuel lines.

Suspension wise, it feels pretty good to me @ 150 lbs. Having a big fuel tank is also nice, coming from a couple ~2.5 gallon/110 mile per tank types.

Anyone have an exhaust suggestion that gives a little more low RPM growl and isn't obnoxious on the freeway? The micron sounds ok, but I do ride a lot in town and would like some extra sound so cages are a little more aware of me.

 

Loud pipes make laws...

 

trust me man loud pipe wont make the cages see you better or pay anymore attention to you, listen for your self... YouTube - my vf500 part 2 how could anyone not hear that pipe?

 

If you want pipes that are pretty loud and borderline obnoxious then pick up a D&D pipe. If you want a nice growl I would suggest Staintune with the baffle removed.

Regards,
Rollin

 

The buell is well past borderline obnoxious and I feel like an ass riding around on it, especially in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, there aren't many choices available, all as loud or louder than what I have. The other option is to use the stock system, but it is a heavy boat anchor that is prone to cracking its head pipe. I seem to be noticed more on the buell than the duc, the mivv cones on it have the dB reducer tubes installed and are just a tad louder than stock at part throttle. I suppose there isn't a happy medium where cagers will hear you and you won't irritate others/yourself.

I wish I knew someone around with staintunes, they cost a good amount and listening to video or sound clips of an exhaust doesn't necessarily reproduce the in-person sound very well.