Finally found one I'm interested in.

Hey everyone, I think i found a vfr that I am seriously considering picking up. It's a 1997 with approximately 16k miles on it. I haven't gone to see it yet but he claims he was an ex bike mechanic and has done everything on his own. He says it's in excellent condition and from the pictures it does look very nice. He is only asking $1,900 which I think is a pretty good deal.

I haven't been on here in forever and if there's anything I should seriously watch out for, I could really use some refreshing. I remember hearing about the stator and electric problems. Also, I know this may seem stupid but would this make a good winter commuter when weather permits? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

The Gen 4 are the best of the VFR's*. If it's good then buy it.

*This is just a fact, no arguing from those not lucky enough to own a gen 4.

 

^^^ + I concur 110% !! Don't worry about the electricks, just take along a volt/ohm meter and test the charging system output for between 13.5 and 14.5 VDC at 5000 rpm before paying for the bike.

 

I wouldn't ignore the electrics by any norm on this bike, because if they are not functioning correctly you have some wiggle room on the price.

Most times, electrical issues will run you a new R/R and battery (at the same time preferably).

Take a volt meter with you as mentioned above and test at idle and 5000rpm. At idle you should be getting low to mid 12's and then at 5000 hopefully in the 14v range.

The other thing to note is the mileage. Extremely low for that year. Has the bike sat for long periods of time? If the carbs have never been cleaned, I would put that on the hit list for a mechanic, unless he can prove to you otherwise.

If he is a bike mechanic then he would have winterized the bike properly, potentially draining the tank or adding a fuel stabilizer, depending on climate.

At $1900, the bike sounds like a good deal.

 

Wonder if he got it and what he actually got, had that been local to me, it would be in my garage.