Test rode a '99 yesterday, few questions before I buy....

Hey Guys (and Gals)! I grew up on dirtbikes and have always ridden dual sports on the road. I saw a VFR pop up for sale locally (for a song, might I add) so I wrote the guy and worked out a time this past weekend to check it out. I went yesterday to see/ride it. It's got a couple minor cosmetic blemishes where it looks like it fell over (which matches up with his story), but pretty nice other than that. I rode it around his apartment complex but never got out of 2nd gear. What an awesome machine! I was grinning literally all day yesterday after that 2 minute test ride.

Anyway...my questions... The digital thermometer (the one for outside air temperature) ran very high. It was about 40 degrees yesterday and it read 88 degrees. Is it normal for them to be off? Is it an easy fix or could that be a sign of a bigger problem? Also, the bike's engine temp got up to about 205 while just sitting there idling for about 6 or 7 minutes. Is that about right? Through searching it sounded normal... Also, if I do buy it, what services would you recommend getting done? The current owner is definitely not a bike guy. He knew very little about the bike, he inherited it from his brother and has ridden minimally since last year. I think I'd need to at least have the valves checked...

Anyhow, didn't mean to write a novel, but the bike was a blast and just looking for some basic answers. I'm in Virginia Beach so if anyone is local and wants to ride, shoot me a PM!

 

^Common sense wins again.

I didn't even think about that. The hot air from the engine just sitting there must've definitely been what made it read higher than the actual air temp.

Thanks man!

These sporty contraptions are definitely new to me. I've had DR's and KLR's, but I can tell this whole VFR thing is going to be a blast. That test ride was great, hopefully going to pick it up Saturday.

 

I've still got my little XT225 for the trails, though at my weight (225 lbs), it leaves "something to be desired" on the open road lol.

 

Wait till summer when that sucker climbs up to 225 hot between the legs. The 5th gens are great bikes I would tell you to check the R/R and the harness to it if it been replaced with the vfrharness or if the r/r has been fellaced recently...just hearing those gears whine makes me want to bust a nut lol

 

I have a 99 and as a testament to how bulletproof they are, I bought mine in pieces after it was parted out after it was caught in Hurricane Katrina. Put the whole bike back together, replaced the harness and missing ECU and a few other small parts and she's been running ever since. I also own a Blackbird (1100cc sister bike), a Hayabusa and a GT250R and I'll tell you that my VFR800 (with a few mods) is by far the most comfortable bike I own.

I have read others stories about how hot their VFRs get, but I'm in TEXAS and with the exception of sitting through a couple of traffic light changes in 100+ weather, my bike never gets up into the 220 range (which is where my fan comes on), instead it stays just below 200 most of the time.



Mods: Genmar risers, Corbin smuggler seat, iridium plugs, K&N air filter, Power Commander III, Micron CF muffler, race levers, aftermarket windsheild, HID headlights, LED tail & gauge lamps, GSXR mirrors, Racetech front springs, CBR 954 Rear shock, stainless lines, sintered pads, acumen gear display & wheel stripes.

 

Hmm, maybe one day we can make a sticky about what to look for and check?

They are great bikes Falco. Seems like you've been around bikes long enough to know the basics like oil, fluids, etc. will need to be changed.

Everyone said what needs saying, but a quick summary:

I'm a bit heavier than you (230), and can tell you the suspension on these models are lacking, both front and rear. I'm still using stock suspension (we all got bills!), but I don't think there's a person out there whom, if they made suspension upgrades, would say they like stock better.

Expect heat, especially in warm weather. Most definitely in traffic. Even with ambient temps in the 40's and 50's, expect heat!

If the current owner doesn't know about the regular rectifier, you'll probably want to change it. Use the search function in the top right to uncover 1,238,476 posts on this subject.

Again, I'm sure you know to check tires for wear and such, but a good set of tires on this model makes worlds of difference. If you want suggestions, try the search function again. Depending on your riding style, the discussion/debates are endless.

Mileage will dictate whether or not you need to consider checking the valves. They say 16K. Many, many members on here have gone significantly longer before doing that service. Consider it is an expensive and time consuming job, unless you turn your own wrench. Ballpark $750 from a dealer, give or take.

Oh yea - typical add-ons for this include a seat (stock is usually uncomfortable for any lengthy ride. Most go with Sargent, I go with Corbin), exhaust, and depending on your height, heli-bars or similar.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

+1 on what pilskin said. Check the chain and sprockets for wear. Ignore the 16k mile valve adjustment if the bike has had regular oil changes with quality oil, wait til 32k miles. As far as tires go, the verdict on here is a sport touring tire, the new tires out right now are superb. I have the dunlop roadsmarts and love em. Others have had similiar experiences with the pirelli angel ST's and the michelin pilot road 2's. You really can't go wrong. If the bike appears to have the factory rectifier/regulator on it, save your self the trouble and get the ricks motorsport R/R and VFRness from wiremybike.com. It'l be about 200 bucks. I didn't do this and found myself stranded 200 miles from home. I put the stuff on from wiremybike.com and put about 2500 miles on the bike in 3 months with zero problems. Good luck with the acquisition, and enjoy the ride.

 

I have a Gen 5. I recently changed my thermostat (it was very slow to warm up) It was stuck open. But I also flushed my radiators with a hose and then de-ionised water. There was a bit of grime in there.
Ive noticed that my bike is warming up quickly and staying cooler. It goes to 80-95 degrees quickly and then doesnt get over 100 degrees unless I'm stationery for 5-10 mins. Previously it was over 100 if it wasa warm day.
Hope this helps ya.
Great bike. Get the manual and multimeter and check the rectifier/regulator as previously stated.
Battery has to be in reasonable condition to get a good reading whilst checking it.