I've had my eye on a '98 VFR for a while now and was hoping to go look at it this weekend. Unfortunately the seller isn't being very cooperative. As it happens, a '94 came up for sale. The 98 sounds like its in great shape, aside from tires and the ignition. The tires need to be replaced right away. Someone tried to steal the bike and messed up the ignition. Key still works, but I get the impression a screwdriver will as well. The rectifier has been changed. The 94 also sounds like its in great shape. Fresh paint job to repair damage from being tipped, New stator, voltage regulator, battery, fork seals. Tires are either brand new or have one season on them. Asking price on both bikes is the same, $3500. A local friend, that I trust, thinks the 94 is overprices and should be around $2500. The seller says he has receipts for $800 in parts last summer plus tires and the paint job. Now, I'm a relatively new rider. Took the safety course early last year and rode the entire season on my '82 Yamaha Seca 650. Really enjoyed riding, just want something a little newer and more my style. I'm guessing either bike would make me quite happy, but I'd like to know what the experts think.
$3500 for a 94 with fresh plastics, that has been wrecked is a little too spendy for my taste. However depends on the cosmetic condition on the rest of the bike, what mods it has, and most importantly miles. How many miles do these bikes have? A 98 with a busted ignition, needing new tires also seems a little high, however once again...depends how many miles. If it was below 10k...jump on it.
They are both very good bikes. I think the 98 is a bit heavier and further from the VFR HRC heritage. Also the earlier models are less expensive to find parts for in my opinion. I'm a fourth gen owner so not quite objective. Good Luck
I think the 5th gen is actually ligher..........VFR History/Specifications/Pictures Good comparison on this site 1998 Honda VFR800FI Interceptor - Motorcycle.com I like them both. 5th gen is maybe a little sharper. Carbs are smooth though with no snatch. Either one would be great though.
I bought my 2004 6th G for $4500. It had 3500 miles on it. Those prices seem high for bikes in that condition.
I paid $2700 for my 4th gen two years ago (when the economy was better) I think $3500 is still too much.
I think prices around here are inflated a bit compared to more densely populated areas. The seller on the 98 hasn't been exactly responsive or cooperative, so that one is becoming a last resort. A friend did point me to a 1996 Triumph Daytona 900. So I think I'll have a look at the 94 VFR and the Daytona. They are priced about the same, so it'll depend on the condition of the bikes more than anything at this point.
You cannot really compare US to Canadian prices. It's a different market. FWIW I bought mine(2001 model) in Vancouver last year with 21,000 kms for 3700. It needed tires.Other models here in Victoria were priced around the 5K area. I am happy with my deal.
I have just bought another 2001,have seen them priced from 3500-5500 for 5th gen,there is a nice 99 with 20,000kms here for $4000.00 and a 2000with 8000kms $5000.00,depends on shape and milage I sold my 1984 mint with 10,000kms for $4200.00??,we tend to be 20-30% higher than states
