Newbie - Looking to Buy a 2000 VFR

Hey guys, I am new to the site and could use some advice. I am a rider/navigator and currently own and ride a 1994 Intruder and a 1983 Goldwing Aspencade (Cadalliac of Motorcycles). I am going to check a 2000 VFR that is for sale ($3500) tomorrow. The bike has 20k mi on it and he is the second owner. I was told by the owner that the bike has been garaged and is well maintained. I believe the owner to be sincere (aren't most VFR riders sincere people). With a bike of this age and mileage what type of things such as scheduled maintenance should be done. Is synthetic oil ok to run in a 2000 VFR and what tires are good for someone who is more of a crusier/tourer. Are there any suspension modifications that anyone would recommend or any third party suspension parts that could enhance performance. I am interested in going from a Crusier bike like the Intruder because I want better performance in the following areas: brakes, suspension, quicker steering and acceleration. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanx in advance.

 

Well, at least you only have a question or two...heh
As you have probably read, the VFR tends to be a very solid bike and well cared for VFR's can go 100k+ miles without issues.
The only "major" problem for the VFR is the rectifier/regulator which some bikes seem to fry with regularity.
20k on a VFR is not high mileage by any means. Oh, and $3500 for a 2000 in great shape seems like a killer deal.
After you buy it, then you can figure out the suspension, oil, tires, etc.

good luck...

Mike

 

"I want better performance in the following areas: brakes, suspension, quicker steering and acceleration."

Yikes, seems like one could call up any modern sport bike to fill that requirement.

 

The price is right ....:smile: (Monty Hall, I hear your call.)

 

Hope you went thru with the purchase 'cos (biased) I reckon a 2000 viffer is the pick of the bunch! (ok, very biased!).

If everything that you would normally check out on a used bike looked and felt ok your looking at the next service interval of 24000 Miles to replace:
oil and oil filter, air cleaner, radiator coolant, brake and clutch fluid.

As far as the synthetic oil goes - no problems - the bikes engine is worn in enough to make a switch without any problems (various spanner gurus I've spoken to recommend using mineral based oils for the first 10,000-15,000 miles before making the change).

If your not jockey size and weight, talk to some bike suspension guys about setting up the correct sag for your weight. If your like me (on the heavy side) you may find some higher rate springs for both the front and rear will give you a better suspension set up. Shimming the rear shock to increase the height of the bike at the rear by about 10mm also helps with quickening up the front. I had both these things done plus revalving and the change in handling was brilliant.

Tyres - well Im running Avon AV46's (sports tourers) and so far have had no issues with either grip or longevity.

Hope the bikes now sitting in your garage - let us know how things went!

Cheers,

 

Thanx guys, VFR riders are definately a great bunch or riders who are friendly and maintenance conscious. I checked the bike last night and the owner has kept the bike pretty much stock. He had sliders installed and Yoshi pipes put on the bike. I read the info on the site about purchasing a used VFR and while he has never had a regulator problem with the bike he has a new one he keeps stored on the bike. The bike is almost perfect cosmetically with a few light scratches on the top of the tank and the seat hood catch is worn but can be secured. He is running Bridgestone tires on the bike and they have plenty of rubber on them. The owner and I clicked really good and he let me ride the bike and check it out. I have a Goldwing with LBS so it was not much of an adjustment for me, but being a crusier the bike was much more responsive than I am used to. I am finalizing the deal today and picking up the bike tomorrow. Once everything is settled I will post a pic of the bike. I am in NYC and can get to a G.M.D.Computrack location in Milford, Connecticut or in Scranton, Pennsylvania to have the suspension tweaked - since I am a Lee Parks ARC Rider Instructor I get a discount with them. Thanx again for the response to my post and I hope I will be able to contribute and help others on the site. REALLY GREAT SITE!!!!!

 

vfr

WOW 3,500 in great shape that is a steel. I bought mine last year for 5,000. I guess I was wrong with trying to sell my bike for 3,500 that needs 800.00 in fairings???
Greg

 

Yes, the VFR is a Gentlemen's bike. Since I got such a good deal it is only right that I put the same thing out there. I am selling my 94 Suzuki Intruder 800cc which is is good shape with 13k mi. The bike has new rear shocks (progressive), a new PIAA headlight and new Avon VenomX Tires and new front brake pads. I will probably post it on Craigslist and sell it for 1500.00 OBO (Heck I might even throw in the T-Bag I have for it also) - I really believe the things you do come back to you and since I got such a good deal on the VFR I can let someone else get a good bike and a great deal. The only thing I would do with the Intruder is get new fork springs and a tune-up (the fork oil was changed approx 3 months ago). I am gonna miss my Intruder ("Trudy").

 

Enjoy your new ride.

:smile:

Now for the crucial question: What colour?

:smile: