Checking out a 98 tomorrow...Maybe I'll buy

I'm no stranger to high mileage Hondas. I put 150k on my 87 CBR600 (and raced it two years while stationed in England) so I'm not too put off by a 98 VFR with 88k on it. The price is a steal @ $2k even if it is a bit tatty (needs a new seat cover for sure)

So apart from checking wheel bearings, the R/R & sator wire, general leaks and over all wear and tear, are there any "you really need to check out XYZ" items on these beasties?

So what are the 5th Gen VFR things to look for?

Thanks
Garth
1991 HawkGT (700cc w/Africa Twin Cams)
1988 Suzuki RGV 250 (75hp 250lb track bike. Yes BIG smiles from this one)

 

Welcome........You cover pretty much most of the items.
Make sure you fill her up with gas and ride the piss out of her. :wink:

 

Not much to go wrong on these bikes. I have a 98 with 32k and it still feels like a new one. The things you said are the main ones other than that its just like any other bike for things to check. One thing I have had a problem with but is minor are the mounting points for the front fender and the tail section they like to crack easily. I'm sure its mainly my fault for tightening them to tight but I never had a problem with other bikes. But for that asking price you can't really be to picky. I would still offer about 16 or 1700 though

 

With 88 K on the clock it might also be a good idea to check and see if you can find out when the valves were last checked/adjusted. My bike has 62 K and though the valves have been checked twice and did not require adjustment, I would still want to know when they were last looked at. The cost of doing the valve check and adjust might be costly (unless you are mechanically inclined and could perform the work yourself) and provide a point to bargain price on. If the valves need to be looked at then you might want to consider changing out the thermostat at the same time since the part requires removing the throttle body. Call them both preventative maintenance items and there seem to be a few threads lately about thermostat failures and the bikes running hot. Just my 2 cents.

 

First off, thanks for the replies.

Yeah, based on the pictures, it's going to need a new seat cover at the least. The vinyl looks like it has a lot of weather exposure, which leads me to believe it was stored outside and possibly uncovered. That doesn't give me warm fuzziest when it comes to electrical connections. even after the 10 years I had it, the seat on my CBR never looked that bad and while it was stored outside (Overseas military base) It was always covered.

I hate feeling like I'm going to low ball the guy, but Kelly Blue Book says $2450 for a 98 in excellent condition. Even if you start at the asking price of two you figure $250 for a new R/R, $100 for a seat cover and $??? for a service if it needs it. Couple that with the fact that my boss told me I'd be flying out to work at a customer site through Thanksgiving and I don't really NEED a commuter bike. I'm actually leaning toward not buying it, but if he takes $1600, then it would be worth it just to get it home and park it until I can get to work on it.

 

All those little things add up quick. Especially if a lot of those miles have neglected servicing. 1600 would be fair.

 

IMO, the $2000 seems a bit high based on your description.. I'd definitely make sure you get to take her for a test ride. As you mentioned sounds like she's been sitting outside. That can lead to all sorts of issues, from electrical, to wear and tear, to rodent nests in the air filter/box. Bring an air pressure gauge.

You could actually do the R/R for about $200, to be honest (that's just so you know - not to un-sell it, lol!)

Good luck, though. Hope it works out for you.

 

After looking at the work I need to do on my Hawk (it's a long list) and since I'm going to be out of town I decided to skip the inspection. It would just tempt me into doing something I already don't have time for.

I will eventually get one because a) I've wanted one ever since I had a test ride on an 86 VFR700 b) they are awesome all around bikes. Still keeping my eyes peeled for an RC30 too

 

Hawk Gt with Africa cams is :boobies4:

 

Yeah, also ported heads, Ti valves, Ti rod and balanced crank. Stock carbs and Africa Twin profile cams were a choice made due to the fact that stock Hawk cranks are happier spinning in the middle of the tack. Hit 10k rpm too often and/or too long and BOOM! Icky things happen. Only real negative with the Hawk is the micro sized gas tank. 80 miles if you're lucky which for the commute would me filling up every other day. One of the projects is to get some mods done to a larger tank I've got. Needs some work to get there.

 

Have a picture?
I had a 1990 CB1, lots of similarities b/w the two in terms of size and parts.
I always get excited when I see Hawk Gts, there were a few at vintage bike days but they're pretty rare.