Specifics on a used VFR800, questions for the gurus

Hi folks,

I know there are a million of these posts around, I'll do my best to be as detailed as possible to avoid a re-post. If a VFR is the one for me, then based on research it seems like a 98-01 800 noTEC or an 06+ 800 VTEC are the two best choices, both for what i want to do with the bike, and for my budget. I'm not talking a bike that can cross the Sahara or keep a rider comfortable riding in just-above-zero weather, rather I need a bike dependable enough that I can plan a week-long trip, check the standard safety stuff and go. I'm also not looking for a sportbike, I understand that a sport tourer isn't a sportbike, and I have my RC51 for when I feel the need for speed. So...

98-01 noVTEC
- gear-driven cams, no VTEC, simpler engine operation
- no ABS (for me this is a con, I don't like the idea of a computer controlling my brakes)
- based on these first two, presumable much cheaper maintenance...true?
- rear seat looks a little more comfy than that of the newer bike...true?
- luggage options readily available
- can be had for 1k to 3k euro in germany
- likely high mileage, how high is too high for dependability?
- Where are the weak points?
- is there diffficulty finding parts for a bike in this year bracket?

06+ VTEC
- chain-driven cams, VTEC, more complex. More to go wrong?
- 06+ had improved VTEC control to eliminate the wonkiness
- ABS (meh...not bad, just really not my thing)
- based on the above, presumable pricier maintenance...true?
- based on reading, fewer luggage options available
- can be had for 4.5k-7k euro in germany
- much lower mileage, but are there still weak points?
- Where are the weak points?

Examples of a "weak point" would be a point at which the suspension needs an overhaul, swingarm slop, valvetrain slop, etc. I can do my own maintenance, but I don't have the workspace to overhaul front forks or rebuild a valve train or press out/in chassis bearings.

Any and all feedback and experience on one or both of these models is welcome, as well as PM's. Below are a few specific questions,considering my intended use of the bike, but please don't hesitate to provide other info.

1) Is paying more for the newer, lower-mileage machine worth it?

2) In the case of the high-mileage machine, are there specific things that should be addressed before a long trip, but that are not necessarily reasons not to buy the bike?

3) How sensitive are these VFR's to accident damage?

Thanks, folks!!

 

I'll keep this short. IMHO, the best VFR800 is the '98 and '99 model.
It has the larger exhaust manifold, no VTEC, etc. The 2000 and 2001 models
are very good but they have the catalytic exhaust system.
Also, the best ones are the non-Caifornia bikes without the smog stuff.
Because of my old age and health I "might" be selling a cherry '98 unmolested bike soon.
Oh, BTW, it also is a low mileage bike :beguiled:

 

I might be interested keep me up to date sale of 98 thanks

 

Ok, seeing you have a RC51 i will spare you from the 98 to 01 models, its the sportiest VFR model but of course V4 sweet, nuff said to a RC51 owner i.will assume. Now, if you really are thinking a little more tourerie'... 2002 style is the actual model winner. More power slightly larger (even with VTec its the way to go, really unavoidable at this point any way right), way more aerodynamic and sweet it iz, but a drastic change at 2002 in biker philosophy it is not. Just a little better on the freeway instead of the twistys. Will say that VTEC is not so awful on this bike unless you got your knee down.