help needed for new purchase!

hey all! i have just passed my direct access bike test and i'm looking for a first bike thats sporty yet comfortable, with a view to go touring. no suprise then that the mighty VFR800 caught my eye! a good friend of mine, also a biker has a friend selling a red 98 vfr who has gone off biking a bit due to lack of time due to work and bad weather over winter and says i can have the bike for £1000 quid, bargain! i know my mutual mate (who is also going with me to see the bike) wouldnt let me buy a lemon but i am after some "what to look out for" points as this is going to be my first bike and i am sumwhat uneducated, altho not niave, the bike has done 43000 miles and i know this is high. i am assured the bike has been well looked after and is in good nick, but what should i be looking for to validate this? also are there any particular VFR specific points to address? and finally, what are the service shedules i should be aware of as i dont want to buy something not knowing i'm gonna need a few hundred quid to be spent 2 months later

you're help and comments are VERY much appreciate!

 

ok..... 1000 quid? not sure how much that is ....LOL but look for the obvious, cracked fairings, make sure the chain is lubed, pop the set look at the wiring harness.. make sure that the major connectors around the solenoid and the RR are not burned, if the RR is the original one, be aware that you may have a re[placement coming up in the near future. So if you decide to purchase, go pick one up. These bikes are pretty bullet proof, however the charging system is this bikes achilles heel, but once it is taken care of you should be good to go..

 

provided the oil was changed regularly (with a quality oil) you should be generally fine.
Things to check:
* headstock bearings (put on center stand and check for play) if they are overly tight or when you swing the bars, if there is any notchiness, thy need replacement (about $35, plus labor)
* wheel bearings (as above)
* warped rotors (not common, but could be a sign of neglect)
* any bodged wiring - particularly if equipped with an alarm
* check charging voltage for 15+ volts at 6000 rpms, higher than 16-17 is trouble (rectifier)
* check voltage when bike off (look for 12.5+)
* the rectifier is the only "known weak spot" on the bike - if you need a new one, go to wiremybike.com
* should start immediately when cold (ok 1-2 tries) and run on choke with ease