New guy here considering a '98 VFR

Hello vfrworld members! I'm writing to introduce myself and do some research on the message board here. I'm a long time rider, love Honda motorcycles, have always had a soft spot for VFR's, but never owned one. I've had an ST1300, 919, and now...

I've recently purchased an '09 Wing for 2-up touring with my wife. I still have an '07 Bandit 1250 ABS. The Bandit is a great ride. 94 ft lbs of torque on a 500 pound bike makes for intense acceleration. It's not big on top end speed, and I don't care about that since flying along at 150 MPH is not my cup of tea.

So I've been wondering about a bike that would complement the Wing. Maybe just keep the Bandit. Or maybe sell it while it's still worth a good buck (I own it outright) and buy something else, a mid-sized standard perhaps. I'm trying to think of bikes that would kind of be the "opposite" of the Wing, something light, flickable, nimble, and pre-owned. It would be for solo riding exclusively, commuting and "spirited" mountain riding. I'm not interested in a cruiser or a crotch rocket.

So I was at my local dealer today and they have a 1998 VFR on the floor. It has 32,000 miles and looks to be in great shape. The previous owner is a multiple bike owner and needed to make room in the garage so he opted to sell the VFR to this dealership. It's pretty stock except for a Corbin saddle, ZG screen, and D&D slip on. Runs great. Sounds great.

They are asking $3400 for it. So I'm writing to ask for some input from the VFR gurus here. Anything specific that I should look for for potential failures, besides the normal wear and tear items? Can't see any evidence of damage. Any thoughts on the price? It's been sitting on their floor for a month.

Thanks in advance! I'm off to scour the board for info on this VFR generation.

 

First off, welcome! Secondly, $3400 isn't too bad. You'll probably be able to talk them down a couple of hundred since it's been sitting. This is a great bike; however, not too light and not too standard. Take it for a spin to see if it suits your needs. Check the usual as far as maintenance. For a price comparison: I got my '01 with 21K for $4K about a year ago and I didn't think I overpaid. Check on craigslist and cycletrader to see what they're going for in your area. If it's in good condition (i.e., good history, overall clean, good plastics, strong motor, good brake pads, tread on tires, good chain and sprockets, well maintained, etc.) I'd buy it. Plus it already has some nice goodies! That Corbin seat isn't cheap.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Thanks, drewl and jaimev. Love the bike in your avatar, drewl. My new Wing is Pearl Yellow - love that color on a bike!

 

I think you can find a better deal with less mileage if you look around and don't mind travelling to pick up your new toy. Where are you located by the way? You may want to check out Search All Craig's to search all the Craigslist sites at once to see if one is available near you. The VFR is a fun bike that is very versatile but will feel pretty slow compared to El Bandito. The good news is that the Viffer feels much more nimble and flickable compared to the Bandit 1200 that I owned several years ago.

Regards,
Rollin

 

I have had a 98 (and a few other VFRs), 98 was my favorite... I really felt at one with it in the curves.

The only thing to watch for is the RR (rectifyer regulator), google it, it will come up.

3400 seems a little high to me... but it is a dealer after all.

It is a wonderful bike, the RR issues is easy to fix for about a hundred to hundred fifty.

Other suggestions, SV (standard, not S), a motard (maybe DRZ400SM)

Good luck.

 

I would not be concerned with the miles. I would be concerned with the shape of it. If it's mint, $3400 is a good price, and I am sure you can bring them down a couple hundred more. A bike with perfect plastics, holds it's price.

Ask if it has had its valve check done. Supposed to do them at 16k, most wait until 32k as they usually don't need adjusting. Its a $400 job on a 5th gen. If it has not had vavles done, use that as leverage to get the bike $400 cheaper.

Ask if it has an updated R/R. There is another $150 that you will have to eventually spend.

 

32k miles is really nothing for a VFR, any VFR, also you may like to have a quick read on belows link to buying Used 5th Gen Review: :thumbsup:

Honda VFR800 - Buying Used â?? Motorbikes Reviews, News & Advice - bikepoint.com.au

 

Great site. Thanks for the link!