New to VFRs, and looking at a 98 VFR800i-- Good bike/deal?

Good evening, ladies and gents;

I have recently come back to the world of motorcycles, and I am looking into buying a 1998 800 from a local seller. I have owned a 2006 Suzuki SV650S, a 1999 GSX-R600, and my favorite of all, a 2009 Buell 1125R. I am an experienced rider, and I'm looking for a bike that is different than most other bikes on the road, and the VFR caught my eye. Is there anything in particular that I should be looking for, being new to the VFR? The bike has the following mods:

42,000 miles
remus exhaust
three wind screens
high rise bars
pazzo levers
dynojet III tuner
Sargent seat

The owner is asking $2,450 USD, and I want to know what you all think. The bike does have a small scrape on the left side where it was laid down by the previous owner, but it isn't noticeable. The bike however does need a new rear tire, and most likely still has the stock r/r, which I have heard is a big issue with the 5th gens. The bike books for $2,450 in excellent condition, with new tires, no damage, etc.

Any tips, advice, opinions, or input is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your time.

 

I think if the bike is in decent condition and depending on how bad the lay down was, it may not be a bad deal. If you go by the "any bike that runs right is worth atleast $1500" rule, $2000 ballpark ain't too bad. See if you can the price down a little for the rear tire, would be a bonus.

As for the Buell, I'm always tempted by the 1125R but not sure what the dealer support is going to be like in a few more years. Mostly the belt drive. I don't know how often it needs to be changed or if there's a compatible Harley model for future parts but that would suck if you couldn't source one.

 

Yeah, you do need to check the R/R, but it's possible with that mileage it's already been changed. You might check the plug from the stator for discoloration, if the owner doesn't mind you removing the rear fairing part.

That seems like a pretty fair price, but if you can get him down a little that's even better. Looks like it's had most of the most desirable mods done.

 

I love that phrase. It means it was crashed!

 

42,000 miles? Oh yeah, the R/R has been replaced. Maybe twice. If it is still the OEM style, I would replace it immediately with a MOSFET one. There are tons of 5th gens for sale with half that mileage for just a little more. Talk him down to $2K or walk.

 

The R/R is easy. Tire is easy. The 5th gen. is super reliable and that mileage is fine. Have a shop check the frame is straight and the forks aren't bent. If it checks out healthy, that is a good price. Buy it.

Jose