Finally purchasing 6th Gen! What to look for?

Been a lurker here for a long time. Loved the 6th Gen VFR since I saw one in 02. Finally gonna quit procrastinating and get it!

Are there any model years that were more of a problem? Additionally, are there any class problems to be wary of?

I read about the side stand bolt issue, as well as the various electrical issues. Still reading in here looking for possible issues. Any quick help would be much appreciated.

BTW - I have located a 2005 with 18k, and it's set up perfect for what I need.

Thanks in advance.

Shawn

 

Hey Shawn

i think the 6th gen bikes had a recall for a wiring harness issue but I'm not sure which years it applied to. If you find a bike you like and you give the VIN number to a local Honda dealer they should be able to tell you whether the recall was performed. As with most VFR's there is always the possibility of an issue with the regulator/rectifier but heh, what used bike can not have a single issue.

There are things you might like to change, stock seat is changed by many owners due to lack of comfort on long trips, and the suspension has been said by many to be too softly sprung.

If you find a bike that you like and it SPEAKS to you, as mine have to me, then buy IT. Yes we may be biased about our choice of bikes, but if you buy the VFR, I seriously doubt you will regret the decision.

Best of luck with your decision and don't forget to post up pics of your new ride when you get her.

 

Zoom

Thank for the response, and will do!!! This bike has spoken to me for a few years now.

I did see the posting about wiring recall, so that will of course be checked. Also, the bike already has a Sargent seat, so pops will be riding in comfort!

In my reading this evening, found a few other things to look at. Good stuff!

Getting excited!

 

I bought a 2002 with 8K on it... done the r/r fix and the VFRness fix and got a healthy charge...14.70 to 13.50 at idle. Stock it was 13.25 to 12.70 at idle. Bought a Sargent seat and love it. Hard bags from http://www.davidsilverspares.com/VFR800A3-ABS-VTEC-2003/part_182621/ $512 to my door. Good luck. Love this bike.

 

:welcome: to our little world :wave:
Glad to have you, if you like the 6th gen I would recommend 2006 and up. The harness is upgrade and the Vtech transition is engage at 64 RPM in lieu of 6800 RPM
If you can get a good deal on the ealier year spend some $$$ fixing the R/R and the harness and you are good to go. Good luck

 

Fitzharris and Scubalong

Thanks for the info. Could one of you elaborate on the r/r and it's cost? Not sure I have heard of that mod. Also, how much is the harness upgrade and what was done to get the charge voltage increase too? Thanks again!

Shawn

 

The harness can be up grade free of charge by the dealer. If you want a better set up beefier gauge go with wire my bike. Let me see if I can find the link for you.....

 

Here is the link, a lot of good info here
http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthre...mmon-regulator-Stator-failures?highlight=Rubo

 

Wow! That r/r thread is great stuff!! Thanks again.

BTW - a bike update - Just got off the phone with the bike's owner. Deal done! He's gonna deliver the bike when I fly home for Thanksgiving. Bike is going from one retired Navy Chief to another. Awesome!

 

...and the recall HAS been completed for this bike. I will however, be upgrading the problematic electrical components to the most bulletproof items available (over the next 6 months or so). I hate electrical issues!!!

It also has new tires Pilot 3's, and oil changed (synthetic) 100 miles ago. Found out he did the risers as well. The only thing I would like that it doesn't have is aftermarket exhaust. That will come later. All my other desired items are already installed! Bonus.

 

I just got a 2003, had an issue with the stator and fixed it. I went oem stator, ricks r/r and wire my bikes vfrness and everything seems great now. Went for a 200+ mile ride today and havn't had this much fun on a bike in a long time. I absolutely love it, wish I would of bought one years ago. I think the seat and suspension will need an upgrade come spring time. 200 miles wasn't bad, but I think much more than that I;m gonna want a better seat. Suspension is a little soft for me (I;m 220lbs without gear). Not sure if I will do exhaust or not, it was kind of nice today with it being quiet (My mean streak is fairly loud)

 

You will not regret it. Honda quality is amazing. I test rode a 2006 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 yesterday. I can tell you the VFR handles better in the curves. Once the Harness has been replaced, put on a good set of rubber and ride.Enjoy! I've logged 17000 mi. in 5 years. Oil changes and tire changes is it, just wore out the original chain. Upgraded sprockets. A couple of batteries.

 

A courier from England put over 400k miles yes you read correct
Several members including myself have over 100k Honda :thumbsup: