High Mileage question

After my lovely 1997 VFR750 was written off 3 weeks ago (woman in Toyota Landcruiser crashed into the back of me whilst stopped waiting to turn right off a main road) I am now looking to buy a VFR800. Budget limited but have found an excellent spec 98 machine (one owner, luggage set, FSH, bubble screen etc) for £2000. Sounds amazing but the mileage is 65k. I know this is high but,if its been well maintained could this be a problem? I'll just be looking to put on another 15 or 20k over the next 2 or 3 years before moving up to a bigger bike.
Thoughts much appreciated!
Jon

 

Hi Jon,

65K sounds high until you take into account the reliability and engine longevity of a well looked after VFR. Well maintained/serviced VFR's will see 100K+ with no major problems.

I would do the standard practice of checking out the steering head bearings (while its on the Centrestand weight the rear to take the front wheel off the ground and swing the bars through their full arc of travel). If theres no notchiness, the're still good. Also check the swing arm for excessive movement, fork seals for leaking etc. Also check how much material is left on the brake pads and of course take her for a spin.

If she rides as well as your departed 750 I would say - fill yer boots!

Good luck and post pics if you buy her!

Cheers,

 

That's brilliant advice Skid. Thanks for taking the time. I drove down to take a look at her just now and although a bit scruffy everything looks to be in decent enough nick. A few fairing cracks but these don't appear to indicate anything more than carelessness. Will browse biketrader and ebay for any alternatives though before committing myself!

Jon

 

Cooper - good luck with your purchase, and sorry to hear there are semi-blind drivers over the pond as well. I haven't been hit, but have had cages skid to the right of me twice in the last month at red lights.

 

I just bought a 99 with 42k miles. It had a charging problem but got that fixed with a factory Honda rectifier and a couple extra wires to the battery.

The idle/low rpm's are somewhat lumpy but otherwise it's a very smooth running machine. I paid $3200 for mine, sounds like yours might be a bit high.