new to the forum, need some advice

I am looking at a 2006 VFR 800, it has 21000 miles with staintune exhaust and a power commander 3, new tires, k&n drop in filter. I haven"t seen it in person yet so I'm looking for advice on what to look for when I inspect it so I'm not buying something that I shouldn't. I appreciate any input you can give me.
Thanks

 

Check the frame for cracks and damage, check inside the gas tank and make sure there is no rust, check the fluids and make sure they're topped off, check the chain and see if it needs lubrication and adjustment, check plastics for damage and/or broken tabs. If possible, turn the engine on when the bike is cold and make sure it idles smooth.

 

Hey, thanks for the quick reply, that's an excellent list of items to check, I'll definitely bring it with me when I get over to check it out in person.

 

The bike sounds like it comes with some good extra bits.

VFR's are in general very mechanically reliable. The 6th gen's occasionally have cam chain tensioner problems, and sadly all Honda's seem to suffer from occasional regulator/rectifier failures, neither of which is an expensive repair if needed. As MOFO says, do a cold start on the engine and listen for unusual rattles. Other than that, I'd just be looking for any general lack of maintenance (tyres/brakes/chain etc) or crash damage.

 

You didn't tell us your experience so I will just brain dump everything. Ignore the stuff you already know.

Print this out:

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/...-schmoes-house-with-some-cash-in-your-pocket/

Take rags, adjustable wrench, multimeter ($10 jobby at Harbor Freight is fine.)

Tell them in advance not to start it, request for 24 hours, or call you if someone else inspected it so you can reschedule.

* There's no manual choke for you to worry about on this one.

* To assure it is cold when you arrive put your hand on the oil pan or radiator.

* With the cold start put your hand on the radiator. May not be possible with fairing on. Got a laser thermometer? If the radiator warms up with the engine the thermostat is stuck and needs replacement. It should stay cool then get unbearably hot all at once when the temp gauge is around 180°.

* Dark brake fluid or crystallization of fluid means caliper rebuilds and flushes. Be careful and get full permission to inspect, lay rags around. You should inspect this, and perhaps ask the owner to remove it for you. The brake fluid is damaging to any finish!

* Idle and 5000 RPM voltages being below spec mean a charging system problem. This is quite easy to test with a voltmeter.

* Put the ammeter between the black cable and battery (bike off). Current must be 3 mA or less, otherwise there is a short. Many people sell bikes with shorts they can't find!

* Run your hands along the wheels to identify dents which could mean the wheel needs replacement.

Nothing is a deal killer, as they stressed above the bike quality is par excellence. Every problem is simply a negotiating point.

 

This a list I have used in the past, I would check;

1) Measure the battery voltage at idle and 5K RPM -Charging problems are common
2) Check the engine temperature and when the cooling fan kicks in (215-220)
3) Check the head bearings for notchiness. This is easy with the center stand. Have someone push down on the rear to lift the front wheel off the ground and turn the handles bars left and right. Look for a notch at the center.
4) Check brake pad thickness and if the rotors are straight. This will require a test ride
5) Check for missing or mismatched fairing fasteners or new and faded fairing panels indicated something has been replaced due to a crash
6) Check fluid level and condition (color). Brake fluid, clutch fluid, coolant and engine oil
7) Check the chain for rust, binding links and if the owner has changed the chain make sure BOTH sprockets were replaced
8) Look for scrapes on the front directional lenses, bar end weights and mirrors. Also check to see if the black panel/plug is in place in the front fairing. Under the front fairing, in the center under the headlights is a 2” x 2” black insert. If you look you will either see the panel or an open hole. These panels pop out if there is a drop.
9) Look under the seat for evidence of aftermarket wiring. If there is, make sure is looks OK and is not a “hack job”. It would be great if you could look at the stator, regulator and green(?) ground block connector. I don’t know how to do this without taking the bike apart. If I was the seller I wouldn’t allow this.
10) Check all lights, the horn, and the license plate light. Sometimes when folks eliminate the rear fender they forget about the license plate light. That could trip you up at a vehicle inspection.
11) Bring a flashlight and look in the tank for rust. This is not a new bike after all.

This seems like a lot but it only takes me 20 minutes or less to do all these items. It helps to go in with a list.

I once looked at a 1998 VFR at a dealer and after the inspection, when I added the cost to repair the motorcycle had a negative net value. They would have had to pay me to buy it J
Good luck

 

As far as I know the U.S spec 2006 model was only available in Pearl White and Pearl Black so if it is not one of the these colors use caution as this might indicate that the bike was re-painted or replaced with plastics from another year. I personally would also remove the side fairings on both sides to make sure there is no hidden damage from a drop.

Rollin

 

Oh Man late to the table again, that's all great advice there, then there's the Gut feeling that it's telling you, good, bad or.. best of

 

I can't thank everyone enough for the great suggestions, I will make a list that covers everything you have posted and take it with me when I check it out. I've been riding since 1971 but this could be my first VFR, always liked what I've read about them so figured it's time to try one out.

 

Hey Wyatt, great advice from everyone. ..always a good idea to bring an experienced rider with ya, two sets of eyes are always a good idea if you overlook something. ...
Otherwise. ..good luck

 

"Wyatt" Good one ducc. Sheriff Wyatt should be his avatar.