Aspiring VFR Owner - SOS

Hi all,

I checked out this VFR with my Dad because he's much more knowledgable about bikes than myself, and is in fact a former VFR owner. Humbly, I deferred to him as an extra pair of eyes. However, he's also been known to be somewhat manipulative in his own agenda.

I checked out this bike with him: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/d/2002-honda-vfr800-interceptor/6716230942.html

I thought it was a good buy. Perhaps not the deal of the century, but I thought the price was fair enough, especially with how many miles are on it. Everything is essentially new on it, the owner was honest about everything and it was kind of my perfect VFR.

My Dad's main points to not buying the bike had to do with the:
"Rebuild secondary master cylinder." He said because the rubber went on that, all the rubber everywhere could be no good?

and that the owner had the bike sitting for long periods of time. My Dad said that the seals in the engine were probably no good?

Anyway, I thought I'd ask some experts here who are hopefully feeling generous enough to guide me on this one.

This is the current market for VFRs in general where I live. https://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/mca?query=vfr

I could also buy a brand knew SV650 for 8k which would remove some the headache, but the VFR is quite a bit more inspirational for me!

 

My advice is to always listen to your Dad's (and Mom's) advice. That said, it looks nice but the $5K price is rather high for a 2002. The seller claims his price is "firm" but I would only offer $3K and go up to $3.5K max. You're in an entirely different market though so hard for me to say. I'd check cycletrader to see what folks are asking for 6th gens in your area. The tires are at least 16 years old so I'd want to replace those right away so I'd also factor that into the price.

Also, if you’re willing to spend $8k on a new SV650 you should be able to find a leftover new 8th gen for that price. Search the forum and you will find some threads with some amazing deals that members have gotten on new 8th gens. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

Many thanks for the reply!

I'm about to check out this listing next: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/d/2006-honda-vfr-800-abs/6724554598.html

Would you recommend spending even less on this!?

There's also this bike for 4k: https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2002-Honda-VFR800-Interceptor-5004530297

 

Oooh I like that pearl white one! Looks like you have your heart set on a 6th gen so I will defer to my 6th gen owning colleagues to give you further advice as I mostly know 8th gens. You may want to post another thread in the 6th gen subforum as well to get more exposure. Good luck!

 

16 year old tires? Those gotta go. Why was the master cylinder rebuilt? Your dad may have a pint. How long has it been sitting without being run? If it is a matter of it being run semi regular just for shorter periods of time, I would be less concerned. But if it has sat for years on end, your dad may have a point in that seals may have dried out. IDK. I am not a mechanic. But anything rubber will dry out.

 

Low mileage bikes are not always a good buy, because they have sat a lot, and very few are put away properly. When buying bikes the head and the heart thing kind of get in the way. Try and use the head. Pictures look good on the first bike, but as others have said, price is a bit high. Be patient, looks like you have lots to chose from.

Find the best one for the least amount of money. Maintenance history on used bikes is really important, much more than the actual miles.

 

^^This^^ An excellent idea.

The prices seem a bit on the high side in the SF Bay area compared to what I'm used to. You can look a little farther afield and pay for shipping and probably still get it cheaper than that 02 you like.

And if all else fails, that Triumph Sprint ST looks real nice to me.

 

Check this one out,

https://reno.craigslist.org/mcy/d/07-honda-vfr800-25th-anni/6725409706.html

I don't know exactly where you are in the Bay area but this is about 3 1/2 hours away from San Francisco in the Reno/Carson City area. Seller is asking $4k or best offer. Might be worth the trip.