What to look for when buying a 5th Gen..

Read through but I couldn't figure the proper entry to "search"..so I'll ask

I am wanting a 5th gen. Started looking and reading. Great forum, BTW. What's the 'stuff' to check for when I go inspecting, test riding? Are there any special VFR-specific trick things to do during a pre-purchase inspection? Any "Tells" that should send me running away fast?

I've been around motos for many years, owned plenty over the whole spectrum. I currently have a KTM 520 single and a NT 650 Hawk (88 much modified). I know how to buy bikes, in a general sense...but many bikes have specific know issues or things to look (out) for when buying one. I am aware of the electrical short (pun) comings the VFRs are known to have..so I do plan on checking the wiring loom for signs of scorching etc.
Anything else that might help?

Don Hanson

 

It's not 5g, or even VFR specific, but I always like to talk to the owner a bit more personally than about the sale. It can give you a good idea on how the bike was ridden/taken care of (or lack thereof).

I looked at several 5g VFRs before purchasing mine, but passed on several due to the owners attitude towards the bike. Two were owned by guys that belong on crotch rockets as they were squidly and obviously abused the bikes. One guy was selling his due to having a family and was nice enough, but he couldn't even tell me the most basic details of the bike which lead me to believe it probably wasn't very well maintained (also it had a ugly paintjob).

 

What kinda total miles would D.Q. a prospective bike? I see one with 68k miles! Seems a ton for a bike, but it is a Honda, so that may still have some life in it.
Don Hanson

 

Randy on here has around 70k on his 6th gen, and has had no issues, says it still has the original battery. Well maintained, these late model honda v-fours run forever. Mine didn't feel fully broken in until about 18k miles. At just shy of 24k miles the bike still runs perfectly and has never used any oil. There are newer bikes grabbing my attention but its gonna take a really good bike for me to let go of the VFR. I would pay more for a higher mileage bike that was well cared for and runs well than a low mileage bike that looks like its been ridden hard and put away wet. Just my 3.5 cents

 

Number one thing to check if the R/R is originally, if the owner is willing to have him remove the rear tail (super easy) if he does check the stator plugs if there burned then the charging system is either dying or dead. Fifth gens are are bullet proof and with some care can take them into the 100k range.

 

Went and test rode the one I am considering. Mechanically very impressed. I could detect nothing wrong with it. It ran perfect, rides excellent. Ohlin rear shock and some kind of Kawasaki charging modification...the seller didn't know much. Younger guy, new father now..Not a real motorcyclist, more like a freeway squid who rode the bike to work, etc. He said..."See, an 'extra' here...This knob (pointing to the Ohlin adjuster) you turn when you put someone on the back" The bike was dirty with freeway film...Portland, Oregon has wet roads often. The paint was dull and scratched...looked like a paint-over, not that that matters to me. Couple of dents in the tank cover and some scratches in the plastic, but not serious.

Obviously, not a 'pampered' Garage Queen...but the seller says he changed the oil properly and mostly just rode it...I think he was the 3rd owner, got the bike from 'his cousin' who got it from the guy who actually did the Ohlin, and probably the charging system... I didn't take it apart and look inside, I just went out and rode about 1/2 hr and did all the normal test ride stuff...Couldn't find mechanical fault anywhere....

We dickered a bit about the price. He agreed to a very attractive sum and I think I shall buy it..For the price, I can, with my own careful work, probably end up with a really nice bike..It will be a good winter project. Love the sound of the Two Bros can on it, the suspension was pretty good (from what I could tell from a 1/2hr semi-urban test ride. He says he has had no electrical problems ever in his and his cousins 20k miles of ownership...

I'll have to get those linked brakes off...I live on a downhill gravel driveway that is winding...that won't be fun when the back brake pedal also brakes the front....can you say....front wheel washout?

Anyway, I am about 90% of the way to buying this thing....I will decide by tomorrow noon.

anyone wanna talk me into it, out of it?

This bike may have been kid ridden some, I think. It has some cheezy flame decals on the tank, and an american eagle emblem on the fairing.... Price is certainly right, though...

 

You don't need that junkie ohlins shock ill take it off your hands for free. Sounds like a good deal to me post some pictures of that sucker when you get her. If you go into the fifth gen section here my thread "98 performance " I go through the step to delink the bike.

 

My 99 looks pretty decent and I always tell myself I bought it to ride it not to look at it, and these bikes were made to be ridden, not pampered.

 

I just bought a member's 2000 with 65k on the clock. Runs like a top and he had just replaced the RR and battery, along with having a host of other desirable and tasteful mods. Couldn't be happier. This version of the V4 engine feels WAY different than my old V45 Sabre. Much more powerful, torquey and the cam gear noise is AWESOME!!!!!! CAM GEARS FOREVER!!!!!!

I have heard so much about the reliability of the engine, that I worried more about the standard stuff. Check the fork wipers, cylinder heads and shock. If you don't see any leaks on any of those, then shine some light inside the fairing and check brackets and header pipes. You are looking for an honestly owned bike with no obvious signs of bent or all new parts.

Jose

 

100k miles on the 5th gen is nothing. I saw a '99 with 160k on it and it ran like new. Just keep the oil and filters changed and it will treat you well.

As far as de-linking the brakes go, why bother? It's a very well behaved system. I don't even think you will notice it. Really.