How does this deal look?

'02 with 21k miles for $4500. Guy selling it works for honda and will change the wiring harness this week for me.

What do think?

http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2002-Honda-VFR800FI+INTERCEPTOR-89833602

 

I think you can find a better deal when summer comes. That's a lot of miles for $4500.It's going to need a new chain,sprockets,brake pads,plugs and oil change soon. And why does the wiring harness need to be changed? You shouldn't have to anything to a VFR except general maintainence. If it is "salvaged" definately don't buy it. Personally,I wouldn't buy an 02. They seem to have the most problems for some reason.

 

It seems reasonable. Have you seen the bike? It would depend on the condition after it's been viewed in person. I saw asking prices on 2002 models higher than that this summer. You never know when you'll "find" a good deal but I seem to think fall is a better time to buy than Spring as I've seen asking prices lowered recently.

Is this the original owner? If a knowledgeable person has cared for the bike the miles shouldn't affect the condition mechanically.

I have no idea why one would assume the bike will need a chain, sprockets,pads, plugs and oil change unless I missed something in the ad. All of these could be in good working order if the bike was taken care of properly. I've got 30,000 miles on my ST1100 and it needs absolutely nothing.

First year with a redesign could relate to more problems but I'm not aware of anything major unless the VTEC has gotten smoother over the years.

Have you already determined you want the VTEC model compared to the previous models?
There's brand new 2005 and 2006 models on Ebay currently.

 

I thought now was the time when bikes were cheaper, when it's cold and all.

That's what I found on KBB.

I read on this board about a recall on the wiring harness, I assumed you guys knew(I don't know why).

As far as salvage goes, autocheck.com ....I don't think carfax does motorcycles. He has it financed through his credit union, I'm sure they'll disclose that info to me(especially when I ask).

I'm going to look at it tomorrow.

No, he's not. Although if he purchased it used as a honda service guy, I would assume he had faith that it was a good bike. That's me being optimistic :smile:

I don't know, 21k mi. doesn't seem too bad, and the price is right for my first street bike.

BTW, anything particular I should look for when I look at it?

 

Any last minute tips?

I'm leaving to look at it on an hour.

 

Have him put a meter on the battery for you, and start the bike.

Should be pulling around 13.5v - 14.5 at idle and over 14v at 5000.

 

What does this tell me? Condition of the battery?

 

It tells you if there is enough voltage coming from the regulator (R/R) to charge the battery.

A big issue with VFR's is the R/R's die. I think its less of an issue on the bike you are looking at, as Honda's new OEM R/R's are alot beefier.

A new OEM R/R will run you $250, so its always good to make sure the one on the bike is working properly.

If its not, there wont be enough charge being sent to the battery, and you will probably find that after a couple of hours of riding, there wont be enough charge to start your bike.

If its fried, it will most likely be pulling low 12's and below 13v at 5000.

While he is there, have him test the battery with the bike ignition OFF. A good condition battery will pull about 12.7v and higher.

 

Here's a link that explains the R/R issues and yes the 98 models have had problems. Read through the info. it will list a new OEM part no.
http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/showthread.php?t=76159

 

I wouldn't worry about the mileage - 21k is nothing for a VFR, or any Honda.

I agree about the wiring harness - What's up?
Also agree re: chain & everything else - Should be OK if cared-for.

Check the fork seals, wheel bearings, chain wear, brake pads - all the typical stuff.

Oil & filter are routine service for any used bike for me.
Inspect the air filter; Save $50- if it's clean, replace next year.
Spark plugs probably OK for another year or so.

My only real concern is the wiring harness...

 

Wiring harness recall sent out in September for 02-05 VFR's.

http://vfrworld.com/forums/sixth-generation-2002-2007/10647-2002-2005-honda-vfr-recall-letter.html

Fork seals looked clean....brakes are new OEM, new chain also. Searched th same bike in about 15 different cities on the same bike, all were about a thousand(or more) bucks more with a little less miles.
Found one in SF for the same price. He has the stock exhaust and Leo Vince(which is on it).

 

I have a 2006 ABS model I'll be selling with 1200 miles for $5000. It has a salvage since it slid on one side. I replaced CDI (new oem) because cover was scraped and had small crack, replaced radiator and left lower. I see 02-04 VFRs with salvage titles with basically no damage and are rideable at the insurance auctions for about $2500.

 

It's an '02.

 

hey tso, bike looks good to me already has leos and a better screen worth a little more to me. wiring harness is a recall issue from 02 to 05 not a big deal.21k not that many miles. price sounds fair to me as long as the bike is in good shape and clean, but then i live in the far far great white north where prices are over inflated so what do i know.
Good luck!

 

Dude seems like a nice guy. He said he's the service manager at the local Honda dealer and he bought it feeling that it was a good bike(he's the second owner). He also said he changed out the stator last week, I believe this may have to do with the r/r deal.

I'm getting it set up tomorrow to pay for it and pick it up. Wait for the welcome until it's sitting in the garage, but it looks dang good.

It looks clean, two small scratches that aren't really noticable.
He paid $6100 OTD for it a year ago and put 3k miles one it. It'll be about $4850 after taxes for me.

Tha fact that he has the exhaust and the shield is nice too.

Here's a pic I took of it.

 

Cool,I hope it works out for you. I have been riding VFR's for 13 years and was just going by Honda's maintainence schedule. Things sound good it has a new chain,brake pads,and oil has been changed. I didnt know about the recall thing. Just change the oil and filter every 4k and plugs every 8k and your vfr will live forever. have fun