Looking at an 03

Hello all this is my first post. I'm not new to forum communities I have a 85 vmax that is all done up and have been involve with the VMF Forum for a few years now.

I'm looking at a 03 with around 12k miles for only $1000. The bike fell over in the driveway 2x on him so plastic is scraped and there is a dent in tank (no hole). I came across this bike its not up forsale in and classifieds ads. Its been sitting now for about 2 1/2 years. The guy would start it a few times a year but then battery died last year hasn't been started since.. I am very mechanically inclined as I do aircraft maintenance for a living. I bought my first bike I ever owned last year for $700 it didnt start. Only because of battery and bad fuel. It is a 94 FZR1000 I wanted another bike because my VMAX is now a classic bike to me after all the work I have done to it I hate to ride it 100 round trip to work and put alot of miles on it. I figured I could sell the FZR for 1500 and get the VFR for a more upright comfortable position like my old bandit 1200.

So my questions are. Anything I should look for before purchasing? Anything particular to this year and model bike I can handle the usual pre buying inspection.

Also he said that it happened a few times during cruise speeds like getting on a highway. He would pull clutch in to shift and bike would totally die.. he said you let clutch go it would start back up and be fine.. and thoughts?

I did see the recall info I will call dealer today and find out what has been performed on the bike. I have the VIN


I guess all combined I dont want to get into a problem year if 03 is a problem year.. I know my FZR is a runner as I knew all previous owners as is definently a unique classic sportbike. Im 6'4" and loved the comfort of my bandit I think ill be happier with another sports touring bike


Thanks
Matt

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I have an 03, nothing major, just the recalls. looks like the most expensive thing that goes wrong (rarely/sometimes) is cam chain tensioners in motor can go out.

the shutoff thing, mine has done it and others as well, really random, mine did it slowing down for stop light, haven't read that anybody really pinpointed it, few say power commander stopped it, some say random grounding issue caused it. even read one guy thought it was outside electrical interference cause always did exact same corner by his house. don't know.

guys say valve adj is more expensive on VFR, suppose to do at 16k but seems allot skip it or if done bike didn't need it.

$1000 seems like good deal even with replacing the plastic.

Is it silver or red? the red ones are sluggish.

 

Hahahaha I would say the same thing because it is silver yea I did read on the one thread the guy having same issues with the dieing. Also read the RR fix and the harness reroute. Thanks Im pretty sure ill purchase it.

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Welcome Matt! Some riders find Vtec engagement on early 6th gens to be a little abrupt. More of a nuisance not a problem. The system was revised in 06 to help smooth out Vtec transition.

 

What is vtec transition? Is it like vboost on the vmax? Almost like a power ban feel?

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*edit* riding it you can tell when it happens if not watching rpms but not hyperspeed type jerk. the only time ive had issue with is in a curve i was riding at 7k, let off it jerked, rolled on it jerked and back wheel slipped for a millisecond. taking off i dont go over 7k in 1st gear cause it sounds like it's going to blow up, but 2nd/3rd/4th can hit high rpm and keep it there but then you are going like 100 mph so i let off again. i got used to it quickly and like riding higher rpms cause of it.

power commander suppose to smooth the jerk out as well, also low speed throttle is kinda jerky cause of FI, another thing pc suppose to help with, when i got bike i didnt really notice/mind it but after a season it became and annoyance, putting on pc this year.

i'm not expert on red, but even if you painted the tank and got silver plastics, im pretty sure once its red it red, sorry.

 

For $1000 I dont see how you can go wrong, I bought one a couple of years ago for that but it had 127k on it.

 

Nothing like your V-Boost. Although it does affect the "feel" of the powerband.

At lower rpms the Honda motor is operating on 2 valves per cylinder. Then switches over to 4 valve operation at higher rpms. On 02-05 the engine switches to 4 valve operation at 6800 rpms. On 06 & later models that transition happens at about 6400 rpms. I have an 07 and you definitely know when you cross that threshold. The bike (engine) feels different and the exhaust note changes.

 

DON'T BUY IT! It's a death trap! From everything you told us, it's obvious that this is a horrible bike and not safe to own.

Now, where is it? :biggrin:

 

A few pictures. I have a paint booth at work i painted my vmax my self with Napa single stage so I'm thinking a little sanding and such ill have it looking good

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This bike is perfect fot that price.
I thought that all the plastics are in small pieces, but this just need a few hours work and a new paint.

Go for it.

 

$1000 bucks seems too good to be true! But, if everything seems legit and proper, it's a steal, and shame on you for not posting..."Look what I just bought!" :wink:

All joking aside, two things that most riders complain about is the undersprung suspension and VTEC engagement point. Both can be remedied with a little $, and since the base price is $1K, that leaves plenty of room to spend on improvements! (This is relative of course). For suspension upgrades, don't just throw in higher rate springs though, go for new valving as well, it'll be one of the best ROI you can do. As some have already said, adding a Power Commander can help smooth out the VTEC engagement and low speed stumble in the throttle. Apart from some electrical gremlins that pop up here and there on some bikes, these bikes should last for 100K+ miles with the proper maintenance and care and at 12K mikes, this ones is just an infant.

Cheers!

 

Looks like an ABS model. I'd say your getting a lot of bike for not much money.

 

Even of somethings wrong with engine I can part out and make well over 1000

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There is a switch on the back of the clutch master cylinder that is in series with the switch on the kickstand, that kills engine in any gear except neutral when kickstand is down. Check all connections and make sure wires are pushed onto switch.

I have put more upgrades on bike than you paid for yours! Get it sorted out and it will be fantastic deal.

 

Welcome to the madness :wave:
I would go get them now before it too late.
If you don't want the bike let me know I will rescue her from the basement.

 

Will you guys stop encouraging him?! I want that bike now!

j/k - dude, that bike is a steal. If you are handy and have access to everything you need, you can triple your investment by flipping it. Or better yet, keep and ride the snot out of it!

 

Thanks guys I was thinking the same thing. I won't be able to test drive it unless the roads are dry seeing how I'm in NY and its winter that's the only big down fall

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What part of NY?

 

Western NY

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