2004, what to look for before purchasing?

It actually an '05. I don't know how to change the subject. Anyway, I'm thinking of purchasing a 2005 with ABS and almost 20K. It's around $4K. The guy has replaced the stock shock because a hose leaked. ??? He said he has stainless pipes and power comander 3. He said the headlight problem he fixed, whatever that means. I'm 6'2" with a 34 inseam. I have never rode this bike before so I'm not sure what to expect. I've been drooling over these VFR's for YEARS and am ready to pull the trigger. What should I look for?

 

4K for 05 with ABS that is a steal. Make sure the hardness recall is done. Sound too good to be true....Humm.....Check the frame make sure he did not wreck the bike before. I would look all around the bike for any scrape mark look under the foot pek as well. Good luck

 

I paid 4500 for non-abs 05 with 2K on the odo.

 

Is there going to be any major maintinance coming up?

 

Not really. You'll have brake and clutch fluid changes to make at 24K miles. That's about $400 if the dealership does it and obviously much cheaper if you can do it yourself. There was a major valve service at 16K that runs about $800. You'll definately want to verify that it has been completed before you negotiate the final cost. $4,000 is a good starting point depending on the valve check.

I'm not sure what he means by the headlight thing either.

The bike came stock with stainless pipes, what specifically are on the bike? Also what brand of shock did he replace the original with? The circumstances surrounding the replaced shock are suspicious, could he have been rear ended? Check the forks and front wheel as well, do you see any fork oil? A leaking fork can be an indicator of accidents or even a guy who liked doing wheelies. Not good either way.

Like Scuba said, you'll want to verify that the wiring harness recall has been completed by running the VIN at your local dealership, this would be free of charge if it has not been done.

The PC3 is a great addition to an '05 when it's properly mapped. This will allow you to put the bike on a dyno and get a map designed specifically to your bike, if the current owner hasn't already done so.

 

Thanks,

It has titanium 2 brothers slip ons. I'll ask about the vlave job. The shock was leaking from some hydraulic tube and a CBR f4 shock was installed. The recall was not done.

I've had bikes for over 15 years, but I'm wondering on this one what would one look for as far as dammage? Like the potential rear end accident.

 

Accidents are usually covered up pretty well. The shock thing is an indicator but certainly not a gaurantee. I would check the unusual spots like underneath the bike and foot pegs for any damage. I would also examine the bar-ends, mirrors, and levers for damage (especially underneath) or replacement. Carfax is also a good resource to use in finding out if there have ever been any insurance claims made on the motorcycle.

 

Well I bought it. Getting it tongiht.