Buying used: Checklist?

Hey guys,

New member here and on the market for a 4th gen VFR.

I'm going to see a 94 VFR tomorrow and I was wondering if you guys had a quick checklist I can go through to make sure the bike is up to snuff.

eg:

1. Check oil - Where is the oil filler plug??
2. Check head/valve gaskets - Can I see these with the body work on?

Thanks in advance!
Patrick

 

Off the top of my head...

Bring voltmeter, check voltage on battery at idle and 5k rpm. Shouldn't be any less than 13.5v regardless. Otherwise a rectifier will run about $200 for Honda unit.

Tires. No dry rot, not down to the wear bars.

Score marks on rotors. Should be smooth. Also shouldn't be any pulsations when braking.

Oil leaks. No severe wet patches under engine. Smell oil, shouldn't have a coolant odor.

Check for play in wheel bearings and steering head.

I like to have a look at the plugs, but not easy to do on these bikes.

Let the clutch out, shouldn't be any chatter nor release too far out. Middle of lever travel is good.

Sprocket wear. Teeth should be uniform in shape and size. Also make sure chain isn't stretched.

Do a light function test...turn signals, brake, neutral light, dash lights, headlights etc.

Run it through all gears for normal operation.

Engine pulls good through all gears. Make sure there aren't any bogging issues, a carb clean can be expensive.

Just ask for a maintenance history if he has it. Find out what has been done to the bike over the years.

 

Thanks for the info guys...

I went to see it today and it looks great.

The only "issue" is that it used to have rust in the tank (cleared now), so he had to disassemble the carbs to clean them.

Now it appears to be a bit tough to warm up on choke (needs playing with the idle speed screw).

Is this a minor problem? How complicated are the VFR750 carbs? I've rebuilt '77 GS750 VM carbs in the past without any problems.

Cheers!