I am both a new member of this site, and a new first time owner of a 1998 VFR800. I'm right on the edge of being an old fart, and like to buy a new-to-me bike every so often. I figure that I ought to be able to try out some of the bikes that I have admired but not ridden or owned. This VFR is one. I sold a 2002 Moto Guzzi LeMans to afford this one. I really liked the Guzzi, hated to sell it. I am retired from the communications industry, I live in Western Colorado, and ride street and dirt to the best of my ability. In the 70's I was a motorcycle mechanic, and went to Honda school in Gardena, CA. I worked a Sun Honda in Thornton, CO while trying to get through college. It's funny, but this is my first Honda street bike. I have already had the charging problems, posted about it in the mechanics forum. This VFR is a seductive bike, I may not be able to ever sell this one. The previous owner had an interesting story about buying the bike. He was employed in the bike industry, and was invited to an unveiling and test tide of the then new 1998 VFR. He came back from the test ride, and insisted on buying the bike. With some negotiations, American Honda did sell him the bike! He has kept it as a garage queen since then, low milage, showroom condition, till I bought it. I feel fortunate to have come upon this VFR, and bought it rather quickly. VFRWorld seems to be every bit as helpful as the V11 LeMans forum was. In all honesty, I think that the Guzzis might need a little more help from a forum than a Honda, but I have already gotten a lot of info from this site. I'll try to give back as much as I get. Thanks!
You made a great choice. I've owned my '99 since '01/3K and now have 80K on it. Planning to never sell it, it just fits all my needs. Looks completely original and very nice. How many miles on it? Congrats on a very nice buy. There's also a bunch of CO VFR owners over on VFRD Home, worth checking out.
vfrcapn, thanks for the reference to VFRD. I took a look, signed up as a member, and noticed they are having a get together in my town later this summer. I may have to take part. My bike has 14K miles. I jokingly think that that's as many miles as the former owner could aquire attached to his battery tender, since it wouldn't charge.
Oh yeah, don't miss that. I went 3 years ago and was really hoping to be there this year but other obligations came up. Enjoy the bike.
You will enjoy the hell out of your 5th gen. You even have a pristine example. Welcome to the forums. Jose
