Back in the Saddle Again

It has been a while since I have ridden. A lot has changed in twenty years. Bikes have evolved way beyond anything I once rode. Even dirt bikes have electric starters. It makes looking for a bike interesting and a challenge. Over the last two weeks I have read a ton on the internet. Talked to friends with bikes.

I am looking for reliability and low cost of repairs and maintenance and easy to find dealerships. Narrows the field a bit. Oh, and comfort for a long ride and still good handling on the twisty back roads. A good friend rides a 2001 VFR 800, which what got me started on this in the first place.

Bottom line - from all I have read the VFR 800 is now my top choice. Now to find the right one. I do not plan to buy new. I am thinking 2007 or newer. I see plenty of pre-2000 bikes around and mentioned in posts but think newer technology would server me better.

The next step, after buying, would be to do whatever minor mods necessary to bring it to its best. This forum appears to be a good source of info.

Any recommendations for finding recommended pricing for a given model/year? Like NADA.

Now the hunt starts... :smile-new:

 

Good luck in your search.

A lot of guys - myself included - don't mind the "older" technology. Depends on what you consider older though. My 2000 is fuel injected, and has the awesomeness of gear driven cams. Most like that - some don't. All I do is press the start button and go from there. No adjusting carbs. no "fast idle" switch, etc. Simple.

There is plenty of information available on minor mods. Of course, for newer bikes, parts are more readily available. Not that we can't find parts for other bikes.

What things do people like to do? Most hate the stock seat. Sargent, Corbin or customize the stock saddle. Heli bars if you are taller (although I'm 6'2" and don't mind the stock bars). Aftermarket exhaust will really bring out the sound of the V4.

The 2 biggest complaints: First, the suspension sucks if you weigh more than about 135 pounds. No doubt this could be the best upgrade you could make for both touring and twisties. Secondly, is a well know fault of an inadequate charging system prior to 2007 that ultimately results in the R/R (regulator/rectifier) needing to be upgraded and replaced. There was also a recall issued on 2002 to 2005 models involving a wiring harness in the front fairing area. A quick call to any Honda dealer with the VIN and they can tell you if it was done.

Keep in mind that from 2002 going forward the motor switch to VTEC. Book recommends you do valve inspection at 16K miles. There are TONS of people here who don't even bother to do it until 30K or more. On the VTEC model, that will run $600+ if you go to the dealer - maybe even closer to $800. Its a bit cheaper on non-VTEC motors.

When you go to buy, or find something you like, try to get as many service records as possible. Also, don't be afraid to ask the seller to remove the fairings. Its 15 minutes tops to do this. You want to be able to see everything underneath and make sure the bike was not laid down or fell over in the garage. Also ask to see if they have the seat cowl and the factory tool set, which should include the chain spanner/adjuster.

Feel free to ask questions. We're here to help. Can't comment on pricing as its all relative: Year? Miles? ABS? Mods? Tires? Hard luggage? Service Records? The list goes on.

 

Hope you find the right machine. I too had not ridden in quite a few years, still have my original Interceptor (hibernating), I happen to stumble on a 2003 silver VFR, price seemed reasonable and that was it. Then I found VFRWorld and how much everyone loves their different vintages, but all VFR's. I followed the advice of the Heli-Bars, lowered pegs and it had a Sargent seat plus a few other tweaks. Very satisfied, very glad I got back into it.

Just about every time I park it in a busy area, someone always says "Nice bike" and they are surprised when I say it is 10 years old!

 

I am here to learn so do not have a fixed idea as to year. If a 1989 is in good shape then I will see what I can learn about that year. As for the VTEC, some find it really annoying. $600 to $800 for a valve adjustment? That seems a little stiff. Do they have to remove the cams to put in shims? Something else to learn about, and try and find a qualified independent. Dealers in any product seem to be more pricy no matter it if is cars or motorcycles, and the price can vary a lot by dealer. Fun and games. Onward.

Thanks for you comments, it all helps.

 

Sounds like you should get a 2006 and up vfr 800 like what I did-I am just getting back to riding again-last summer I only got to put 240 miles on a 800 2006 abs I bought -taxs are steep so I waited till this year to actually put the bike on the road-looking at 2014 april or may to get a real plate. I consider this bike a one of a kind-sports endurance bike-not a pure sport bike or a sport touring bike-something in the middle. None makes a bike like this any more-in the 800cc range. I paid $5300 with shipping for mine with abs. Don't get a bike unless it has abs-it might just save your butt!:tea::rambo::guitar::whoops:

 

Good luck hunting down your ride Greytraveler, found mine on craiglist at 3am with 1800 miles on the clock, oh ya it was in Tahoe, nice 300 mile drive in to get her but worth every cent.

 

Still Looking

Since my last post, I have been to a dealer and looked at a bunch of new bikes. Although many looked good and were within my budget, back home I keep thinking of the VFR 800. Since I enjoy road riding more than dirt, and have done a lot of both in the past, the hunt for a VFR 800 is now my focus.

A 2006 or newer perhaps although an older one is not out of the question. Are there any years to avoid for any reason? I will be doing more searches for things like VFR8000 FAQ or VFR800 known problems. But if anyone as a better suggestion let me know.

I know the maintenance of a VFR will be more than a single or a two cylinder and the VTEC adds to it, but if it is only every 15,000 miles or a bit more, I can deal with it.

And the hunt continues. :smile-new: