how many miles is too much?

Hello All

I'm looking at buying a 2005 vfr ABS. It has 49000km ( approx 30000miles) and is priced at about half new retail. I'm interested in hearing about higher mileage bikes, where do issues begin if any.

Thanks

 

Its just getting broken in!!!
These bikes will go over 100K if you take care of them.

 

I just picked up an 04 about 6 weeks ago, with 25,000, and now has 28,000 miles. Runs great, no issues. I have a friend with a 93 750 with 48,000 miles, runs fine too. As far as I know, if you take care of the bike, it'll run well over 100,000 miles. I wouldn't let the milage scare you off, as long as the bike's in good shape and runs good.

 

I'd differ from the other responses a little.

Assuming the avg VFR can go to 100K miles (probably accurate if taken care of), the bike has only used up 30% of its life, so a 50% discount off new seems more than fair.

However:

1. First miles have warranty, generally more trouble free;
2. New bikes have brand new tires, battery etc., this one probably doesn't
3. You don't know how it was taken care of.

Therefore, I'd argue it should be discounted more than 50% off new. Especially since it may only go to say 50K miles depending on how hard it was ridden. 30/50 implies it should be 40% of the new price.

I'd at least argue that to the seller.

K

 

ikavo makes good points to be aware of. My bike came with brand new tires and an oil change, with reciets to prove it. All original, with no modifications. Which I would prefer, makes me think it wasn't riden hard, since the owner didn't add exhaust, air filter or anyother "performance" adders. Plus the previous owner was a 50 year old. But there's always concerns in the back of your head with that kind of milage.

 

i have a 1998 with 63,172 miles and it burns not a drop of oil and runs and handles like the new ones ,i have tried to talk myself into getting a new one but i dont like the vtec.

 

My 2002 has just about 58,000 on it. I put a new rear shock on it earlier this season. It is on its third battery (my fault - I went cheap on battery #2, then went back to OEM). I've had some electrical issues with it, but there was a recall on this anyway - and I blame myself partially because I've added electric grips and sometimes run a heated vest - or two.

So in your case:

- What are they asking exactly? $5000? Way too high. They are only worth what someone will pay. No one should pay $5000 for a bike with that many miles, unless the market is really tight where you live. Personally, I would not even consider a VFR with 30,000 miles for over $4000. You'll need to convert this to your local currency - of course.

-30,000 eh? It is due for $400-$500 valve inspection in 2000 miles. Understanding that the bike is so close to needing this, it needs to be factored into your offering price.

-Check the tires and suspension. My forks haven't been touched in 58,000, so they'll go the distance if the sliding area is kept reasonably clean. But, expect the rear shock to be near the end of its practical life and a possible fork rebuild in your near future.

-Bearings should be fine at 30,000... even to 100,000 if you aren't in a dirty or wet climate.

-Is the chain original? If so, it isn't long for this world - even with a automatic chain oiler. Check the sprockets as well. At 30,000, a heavy bike like the VFR should probably be just finishing-off its second chain - unless a chain oiler was used.

-Look at the brake pads. They really should have been changed once already based on the mileage and 'normal' VFR riding (that is, sporty riding).

-Listen to the cam chain tensioners and make sure there isn't too much slop. It will be a whacking sound at idle lasting longer than just a few seconds at start-up.

That's about it. You shouldn't be afraid of miles. That many miles on a 2005 means they were mostly highway (how else, right?) and it means the bike wasn't sitting around in someone's garage with the tires dry-rotting and fuel turning to varnish in the tank.

Don't be afraid of it, but pay a realistic price for it.

 

+ one on superfastwannabe's post for me. He was way more articulate than I was, and more on point - $5k seems rich.

K

 

My 86 has 45K miles and still hauls ass. I bartered for it in May and have put 5,550 miles on it since. The motor is quite and uses about 1oz of oil per 1000 miles. I've thought about selling it and getting something newer since the tire selection isn't the greatest. But I cannot part with it.

 

I'd rather buy a bike with a few more miles. Sitting around seems to cause more problems than high mileage, as long as bike was properly maintained. If it looks good, rides good, runs good and you like it, buy it!

 

Why don't you look online at Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) or NADA (nada.com) and look up the value of the bike? I've bought plenty of used high mileage bikes before. As long as they have been maintained I see no problems. KBB has adjustments for mileage on used vehicles.

Stan

 

I'm looking at a Silver 2003 Honda VFR ABS tomorrow. thanks for the info on price.
Givi Windscreen
Heli bar risers
Power outlet
Electrical Connections Aux Driving Lights
Ram mount
40k miles
$4800

 

my 93 has almost 58k

 

make sure they had the valve check/adjustment done its pricey on the vtec should of been done with that mileage