Hello all, I'm new here and I'm looking for information regarding a VFR purchase. My criteria is as follows. Price - I'm looking to stay at or below 5k for initial purchase. Years I'm interested in - I really haven't much of a clue other than the fact I like the looks of the 02 and newer due to the exhaust. Purchase reasoning - I want a bike I can commute to and from work on during the week and a little cruising on the weekends. Experience - I've owned two street bikes, but my street riding dates back to the eighties. Current bike - Well if you want to call it that. I restored a 75 Honda cl360 a few years ago. I ride it on back roads and play around a little. Plans going forward - I'm currently signed up to take a safety certification class in early May. I let my endorsement expire years back. I figured it would be beneficial to take it vs just testing at the DMV. I've got approximately two months to learn all I can about the VFR, find one that suits me, and purchase prior to summer. Location - I'm located in Seattle. Well, that's me in a nut shell. Any information regarding miles, years, watchouts, after market additions would be greatly appreciated.:wink:
Welcome. Looks like if you have $5000 to spend, and like the 2002, that is exactly where I would start looking. I own a 4th generation VFR (1994-1997), so I am not sure about the specifics of the 6th generation (2002 - present), however from what I know, $5000 should get you a mint 5th gen (1998 - 2001) with low miles, or an ok condition 6th gen. Do you homework though, cause all generations (4th, 5th and 6th) have their different personalities. In a nutshell the bigger differences are... 4th gens, are known to be super smooth on the throttle, due to being a carburetor model. I own a 4th gen, and its incredibly smooth. They also have gear driven cams, which produces the beautiful sounding whine. 5th gens got fuel injection, and kept the gear driven cams also, and the suspension was stiffened up a little. Besides that, its a bike that rides almost the same as the 4th gen. 6th generation VFR's got their gear driven cams replaced by the VTEC system, which also replaced the beautiful whine. From what I have learned, you will either love VTEC or hate it. People that hate it, say its too on or off, when working the throttle. However the 6th gen VFR's look more modern and have better suspension once again. Either way you go, you cant go wrong, when buying any generation VFR, including 1st, 2nd or 3rd gens. They are all awesome bikes. Hope this helps.
Thanks, I've heard the 16k valve adjustment on the 6th generation bikes is pretty pricey. You have any info regarding that? On a side note. I see you frequent BC pow. Have you ever hit the zip lines up there? I've been thinking about trying it next time I'm up.
Dude if you want, I'll finds ya one. here's an offer that rarely comes around, RVFR at your service. $5k you say Hmm. could be a tricky maneuver for a clean 6th gen, like Ash said, some clean 5ths can be found, if I where you I'd be looking that direction. still Hmm I love a challenge.
I just bought an 02 ABS from Skagit Powersports (up in Burlington) they actually had 2 of them (the other one was not ABS) I dreaded going to a dealership to buy the bike but you know what, they were actually awesome to deal with. Scott, the sales manager was a no bullshit guy who was willing to deal. I got my ABS for just around 5800 with low miles and some extras from the shop. The other 02 looked like it had never been driven, clean inside and out, I just wanted ABS because I am a freak. Give him a call and tell him Billy (who bought the other 02) sent ya! www.skagitpowersports.com
The zip lines in Whistler? You mean Ziptrek right? Sure. However Skyline out in the valley is better value. Longer, faster, and you go two at a time. Head to head. Jay, did you find me my mint, 2001 929 yet with red/white paint. Oh...hang on...your looking for one of those also.
Billy, Thanks for the info. It's gonna be raining this weekend so I might just road trip up there to take a look at the other one. Powder, Thanks for the info on the zip line. I saw it on Northwest Backroads a couple of weeks ago and I've been dying to try it out. RVFR, Thanks for the invite to help me find one. I'm pretty set on the 02 and newer even if I have to pay another grand for the bike. I'm hoping to find one with the Heli bars and a nice after market exhaust but I doubt I'll get that lucky in my price range. BTW, Is there an auto spell check option on this site?
Try Cycle Trader. Try the Honda ads in "SoundRider." If you feel that you need to get the bike checked out, See George Dean. For bikes in general and a whole lot of iron try the VME meet in Georgetown on the first Wednesday of the month. www.bluebook.com will have the info to help you along with prices. All dealer salespersons are nice guys. LOL!!!
If you have to actually do anything the the valves they can be kind of expensive but everyone I have talked has said the valves required no adjustment when checked so in reality it does not seem to be a big issue.
I was in I90 Motorsports in Issaquah last weekend. There is a nice used 6th Generation VFR there. I don't know the year, price or the milage. I just noticed it among the used bikes and it looked really clean.
I live about five miles away from Issaquah Motor Sports. I'm gonna be doing some looking around this weekend. That bike at Skagit Power Sports looks awesome. 6k is a little high for me though considering I'd have to purchase the Heli bars and exhaust on my own. By then I'd be up to 7.5k before tax/lic.:censored:
2nd RW on Craigslist for finding deals. If you aren't mechanically inclined, then maybe a dealership is the way to go so you have some piece of mind/can get a 30 warranty or something. but I've been happy with some of the treasure's I've found there.
Check prices on "Bluebook." Accessories and goodies are worth about half of retail. Bluebook will also give you the price ranges. Nothin particularly wrong with dealership but they are in the business of selling at a profit whereas a private party isn't and the overhead is much less. Sounds like this guy is RA and is going back to Iraq. My guess is that he is an NCO or Officer and probably a career man. He might be a Ranger, so don't piss him off with a lowball.
I am very obviously biased but I say get a 5th Gen. I've ridden both back to back on several occasions & I prefer my bike over every 6th Gen I've ever thrown a leg over. That should save you a few bucks. There are a few in the board classified. KC-10 FE out... lane:
