Hello!

I am a new poster looking to join the VFR club. I've been riding for a few years now and I've owned a Ninja 250, 2006 Ninja 500, and a 2009 cbr600rr. I loved my cbr but had to give it up for personal reasons last year.

Now I'm on the prowl for a VFR. I wanted something with a little easier riding position but with plenty of spunk. And I'm a sucker for the V4 sound. I'm going to a local dealer tomorrow to test drive a 2006 with ~35k miles on it. They are asking $5,500.

So, hello everyone! And if you have any tips on what I should look, listen, feel for tomorrow it would be helpful.

 

HI! Welcome!

Dremstar, depending on your finances, check out any new/leftover 2014's at the Honda dealers. Here is one example I could find around $7000, and that is for a brand new bike. After a few years and a couple repairs of the old bike, your total cost of ownership between these two would be even closer.

https://lacrosse.craigslist.org/mcd/5527282121.html


Here are some links back to used VFR inspection advise, as this comes up constantly here:

[DLMURL]https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=site%3Avfrworld.com%20buying%20used%20what%20to%20look%20for[/DLMURL]

 

I'll look into that. I wasn't too worried about buying an older model because of the bike's reputation of being bulletproof. However, as far as leftover 2014 models I'm mostly out of luck locally. Maybe they don't sell well here but it might as well be impossible to find a VFR on a showroom floor unless it was a trade in. On the other hand I could drive east a few hours and try my luck there.

 

Yeah I agree with Knight, a little more will get you a new or almost new bike. The 2014 has a lot of really good updates too. Front radiator (I like this a lot!) longer velocity stacks, different fueling and vtec transition, lighter stock exhaust, better cool air flow to the air box, lighter sub frame and narrower at the seat for better leg clearance and adjustable height seat, stronger singles sided swingarm, new shock with adjustable rebound, comp and spring preload, new forks and on the Deluxe you get the same adjustments as the shock, bigger front brakes, and new dashboard. Really a lot of good stuff on the newer one and well worth it.

 

I see your in Iowa, you might have to make a trip but worth it. Iowa was the 50th state I visited. I was stuck at 49 for almost 10 years! Went there in winter, -10 degrees. . lol

 

a 2006 is a nice bike, but that sounds too much. I paid $4500 for mine with 4500 miles. I don't really like the new 2014-it seems like Honda may have messed it up.

 

The 2014 is a great bike. I had a 2003 and I feel the 8th gen is better in every way, especially fit and finish.

 

I have not rode a 14 but I did sit on it and give it a detailed look at a motorcycle show. VERY nice.

 

How far are you from that dealer in La Crosse? Got a friend with a pickup truck? Go get it! Pelala!

 

Just spotted this one 5 hours away.

http://www.actionps.com/default.asp...&d=D&vt=motorcycle / scooter&fr=xAllInventory

I may be taking a road trip after all. Thanks for the advice. Whatever I decide, pictures shall be posted. hoto:

 

That is a great price, do it!

 

That's extremely expensive for that many miles. I got mine, granted it's a 2004, with 26k on the clock, mint condition, not a scratch on it, with ABS for 3500.

Edit: That deal for the 2014 is dope as hell. Probably like 9k OTD after all fees and shit, Jump on that if you can.

 

Oh hell yes, get the 014 model aka 8th gen if you can. you won't be disappointed. Like Gator mentioned, theres a lots little new bits that make it just that wee better IMO.

 

A 6th gen is nice - but like others have said, $5,500 is too much and you can get an 8th gen for only a little more.

I would either tell them they need to drop their price significantly or pony up a little more cash for a '14

 

Go get the 14. That's a great price. I used to sell bikes, so please remember, the dealer fees are negotiable. Be willing to walk away if they don't budge. Get your own financing if you can. Walk in with cash, it gives you the best negotiating.

 

Hi Dremstar and welcome to the Madhouse:welcome:

Good luck with the road trip - that 8th Gen could be a great deal provided the extras needed to get the bike on the road don't push up the price too much! Hopefully some of the folks your side of the pond can advise on what "extras" might apply to the new bike price just to ride it home.

If it turns out too much then definitely consider the 6th gen models, especially post 2006 which have a decent reputation, BUT they are still afflicted by the electrical gremlins. Search on here to find endless issues with RRs and Stators.

So far I have not seen any reports of electrical issues with the 8th gens, so if you can afford an 8th Gen then its probably the way to go.

Take care - post up pictures!



SkiMad

 

Do it!!! Go for 2014 and don't look back, you won't regret it

Welcome to the madness

 

Well, the finances didn't line up for the 8th gen. I was able to talk down the price of the 06 though. So far very happy with it. Rode it all day yesterday, beautiful weather.

Went over it a little closer when I got it home. Found a couple minor things I missed before I bought it, but easily fixed. No regrets at all.

Have no idea why but it seems these pics just want to be upside down. Lol

 

Wow - get that a lot with Australian bikes!

A very nice find with after market Zero Gravity screen and mirrors. Only obvious problem it looks way to clean - time to put some miles on it.


Enjoy



SkiMad

 

Congrats on the purchase!

Make sure you check out my "Electrical Load" thread, and verify the wire to the main fuse is updated to 12g from the piddly one that Honda normally uses.