new 2007 RWB's v. slightly used

It seems like quite a few brand new 07 RWB's are still hanging out at the dealers with discounted prices, while there are slightly used (3-7k miles) with options etc on the private party market available as well. Based on maintenance issues and experience of owners here, is it worth the extra money to have the new bike warranty or go for the used deals with options and ABS ? What age related issues should I be looking out for on the VFR that is 3+ years old regardless of the minor mileage ? Thanks in advance for the info and advice.

 

The sixth gen VFR is a rock solid bike. They're all the same for the most part from 02-09 with a few small changes. The earlier ones had some problems with wiring harnesses but most of that has been fixed through recalls. 50k miles is nothing for our VFRs as they are meant to last for forever. Common issues with them are bad regulator/rectifiers, thermostats being stuck, and cam chain tensioners, all of which the rider doesn't have control over.

Judging from what I have heard the prices of the overstock RWB's going for (6k-7k), I would probably buy new just for that feeling you get having a new bike. Knowing what I know now about the VFR, the warranty would mean nothing to me. It just is a rock solid bike and there isn't much to worry about other then the problems mentioned above. That said, if I were to find a deal that could blow a new one away, I would have no problems going used either. I'm happy with my 04 VFR that I picked up used and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

What it boils down to is whether or not you can find a used one like YOU want it (add ons, condition, milage, price) vs a new one that YOU want at the price YOU want.

 

Good post Meatloaf.
Plasma.

 

I think a used bike is the way to go. While $7000 - $7500 is an excellent price on a new bike you could get a bike that is a couple years older for much less that already has all the aftermarket goodies such as hard bags, aftermarket seat, aftermarket exhaust, power commander, bar risers, upgraded tires, etc. As previously mentioned, the 6th Gen has basically remained unchanged over the years so you are not necessarily going to be getting a better bike by purchasing new. The good thing about VFR's is that the bikes are solid, well built, and reliable and can last for a very very long time if maintained properly. Also the typical VFR owner tends to be older and more mature. For the most part this translates to the typical VFR owner taking better care of their bike versus the typical liter bike owners. Squids who tend to abuse their bikes usually want to purchase the fastest and baddest bikes out there and the VFR is a heavy slow machine compared to the liter bikes. Also keep in mind that the new bike prices affect used bike prices so you should be able to find great deals on used bikes especially during the winter. Good luck with your search and keep us posted.

Regards,
Rollin

 

I think it depends on how long you plan to keep the bike. If you think you might be looking to turn it over in a few years, then I'd go used. If you go new in that case, then you'll lose a lot of money in depreciation by selling it just a few years out. If you think you'll be hanging on to it for a long time, then I'd go new. The new prices are so low right now. The best thing about new is that you know the complete history of the bike and you can accessorize it to YOUR liking - not somebody else's.

 

There is a great feeling getting to know your "new" mount from the first day you take it home....virgin thing I guess. Its nice when when your the 1st. Noboby knows her like you do. Makes you want to keep her forever!

 

As expected from this group, some good information to think about. I have always purchased new and this would be I think my 10th bike over the last 30 years so my history says it will be a 3-5 year hold. That being said, it will probably be the last one for me. I like the versatility and size of the 800 rather than the big guy bikes. I also think that the demographics for the RWB is becoming extinct and that good deals should be made either new or used. There just aren't that many of us left who were road racing fans back 25 years ago and were actually following the Honda's under Freddie Spencer. Cheapest non-ABS I have seen at the dealers here in CA is $6995 plus, plus, plus. I have found some used very low mileage with ABS, bags, exhaust etc at the same or most likely better negotiable pricing so will probably go used. Now just need to convince the wife that when I said last time this would be the last bike I really meant the next bike would be the last bike....

Keep any advice coming. thanks

 

If you plan to keep it for a while (we always do, don't we!) and with prices so reasonable, I'd go new. As stated before, warranty really not an issue considering the reliability. I payed $9,999 (out the door) for my '07 RWB (no ABS) in 2007 in N CA. So, while I was surprised by the price reductions, I haven't thought about much and don't care at all - especially when I'm riding! Either way, you can't make a bad choice...

 

I appreciate your offer to check it out. If you don't pick it up it may still be available on my next trip in that area. I do need to unload my wife's Vespa before I add another bike to the garage. In the interim, it has been fun learning more about this bike and it has been occupying my evenings pretty well. With the weather reports for this week I should be an expert by the end of the week !

 

Should I or shouldn't I?

wow, this was a good thread!
I just joined this forum because I am thinking about buying one of these VFRs......
I am a brand new rider; just took a class and got my license last September 2009.
Then I bought a Ninja 500 in the same month and put about 1500 miles on it before winter up here in Minnesota.
So these VFRs are pretty good bikes huh?
Should I "trade up" to one? That is the question I have been asking myself...!

 

Agree - good thread.

If you can find a leftover '07, I'd jump on it. I'm starting to shop the '08s now. My preference: (1) 07/Red/ABS (2) 07/RWB/ABS (3) 08/Silver/ABS. The first two are really rare from what I've seen. A few shops advertise them on cycletrader yet don't have the actual stock or ABS. Always call first.

One dealer advertised an '07 ABS RWB on the floor (cycletrader). I went in and asked for the specific bike. They didn't have the ABS but brought me to the non-ABS model. Dealer told me to prepare myself for a shock. He pulled off the price tag like Bob Barker, kid you not. $7599 for the non-abs anniversary. I fell to the floor light headed and broke my ass bone. It wasn't ABS so I didn't bother trying, but I'm sure haggling would have been a multi-day dragout.

Used market is similar. A dealer in AZ advertised a '07 red/abs with 3000 miles for a pretty good price. Started chatting with the dealer only to learn it wasn't CA-state stickered (bummer). I think it was a pretty solid deal. Private sales fit into the "everything else" category. There are a lot of salvage titles on craigslist. Lots of unregistered bikes. Lots of high mile bikes at premium price. I know VFRs last forever, but $7000 for a 55k bike is way too much. There are a few low mile out-of-state bikes which are deadly for CA registration. One guy is advertising an '06 white (Canadian?):
2006 HONDA VFR 800 WHITE I have doubts on the registration.

Point being, there's a lot advertised but not much that pans out in my experience. If an '07 is out there waiting for you, go for it. New = peace of mind.

 

Thanks! very good insight!
And exactly on point - That was another question i had - Do i want the ABS or not? Pros and Cons? I don't have it on the ninja 500 obviously, and i am not a real aggressive rider. I don't know, is it known to be more expensive to maintain or anything? Probably not, knowing Honda.
Also, if the Red White Blue is not available, do i like the Dark Red enough?
I know, that is a personal question!
Cheers,

 

if you decide to go used...consider the gen 4 or 5 s......

 

Arent all 2007s 50 state emissions legal? I thought they were?

Flash