Looking for a 6G

I've been searching for the right bike for a while now. Is there anything I should look out for other than damage and maintenance issues? I have around 4,500 to 5,000 to spend but of course want to spend as little as possible.

 

Let me google that for you

 

lol betarace, I think spdrcr is looking for info on any particular things to look at when inspecting a potential 6th gen purchase.

I don't know of any "gotchas" or things like that, but you should obviously check the tires, chain, sprockets... usually they aren't new when someone is selling it and it's a good place to try negotiating off some of the asking price.

 

Correct, I'm looking for the "gotchas". I'm not new to bikes by a long shot. I've been riding, racing and repairing them since about 1992. My last bike was a wreck (literally) when I bought it, so I'm OK with having to do any repairs.

 

I don't know of any real mechanical problems that plagued the 6th gen, like some of the earlier generations (the top end oiling problem comes to mind on the older bikes).

The only stuff I can think of would be stuck thermostats and cam chain tensioners... neither of which is a deal breaker at all, but if you're into fixin' stuff it is an easy repair/replacement and will help get the price down.

Faulty cam chain tensioners will make this odd intermittent "clack" sound ... which is really intermittent usually, and it's going to be hit or miss if you hear it or not when firing it up.

Fire up the bike and ride it (or if they won't let you ride it, have them ride it for a few miles) then check the water temp gauge.... properly functioning thermostat puts the water at 160-190°F, with the fan kicking on at 220-230°F. I had a stuck open thermostat and had trouble getting it over 150°F (which I believe prevents the VTEC from coming on)... stuck closed will be pretty obvious since it'll overheat, but most of the time it seems that the thermostat sticks open when it's a problem.

As far as the rest goes, since you've been riding/racing/wrenching for that long I assume you know what to look for to indicate if it's been dropped/etc. But those are the mechanical "issues" that come to mind... nothing major....

 

One thing to look out for is mileage. While a VFR will go forever, there are a few rather expensive maintenance requirements that come up at the 12,000 and 16,000 mile marks. At 12 there is a brake and clutch fluid that will cost several hundred dollars unless you do it yourself. At 16 there is a valve check that will cost right around $800 and is difficult to do yourself. So if your looking at a bike that is around those mileages you may want to make sure that they have been completed or work the price down to cover them. Same thing goes for the 24,000 and 32,000 markers.

 

Ah yes havcar I forgot the valves. That's quite a pricey service to have done, and while it can be done at home it isn't exactly a simple project. I'd personally change ALL fluids if I were to buy a used bike (coolant, engine oil, brake/clutch lines) so while knowing the service was done, I'd end up doing it anyway... it's pretty easy, just time consuming with the linked braking system of the VFR.

 

God I wish I were a better wrench, I've got the break and clutch thing to do right now and the thought of spending $300 for that easy bit of work has got me a little riled up. That $300 represents a new set of Delkevic headers.

 

Oh man, it's really really easy... literally open the bleed valve and pump the lever, periodically pouring in more fluid until it runs clear. Post up a thread in the mechanics section if you can't find info on a search, we'll save you that $300!!!

 

Thanks Elwray, I think I will do just that. I've had a mechanic do my wrenching for me, but over the course of the last year money has gotten tight for the first time since I was in my mid twenties. So I figured what better time then now to start learning some of this stuff. As it stands now I wouldn't even know where to look for the bleeder, made more difficult buy the fact that my girlfriend is out of town.... Sorry.

Apologies Spdrcr, thread on.

 

Complete fluid change is one of the first things I do to any new to me bike. That VTEC valve adjustment doesn't sound like fun.

 

Also there was a wiring harness recall from '02 thru I believe '04 or '05. It's a free fix, you would just need to report the VIN to an authorized dealership to find out if it's been performed. One other thing that I generally look out for, I'm sure you'ld check it too, is to look out for any leaking fork oil. To me that suggests that a wheelie aficianado may have abused the bike.

 

I found a 2002 with 9,500 miles for $4,300.00 obo that I am going to look at.

 

Wasn't there a second recall issued for some of the early 6th gens, or am I thinking of a different bike?

 

The only one that I'm aware of is the harness, assuming of course that it's some how related to the R/R.

Yeah I think your on the right track with the '02 that you're looking at. $4300 is probably a scosh high but it's within $500 of where it should be. If I were to plop $3800 in front of the seller and he took it, I would be feeling good about the deal. Especially for one with only 9500 on the ticker and assuming that the cosmetics are good. I don't believe that my bike was truly broken- in untill 10 or 11,000.

 

Nevermind you know what I was thinking was the steering stem - but that had to do with this recall it wasn't a problem with the steering stem, that's just where they stamped the VIN to indicate if the recall was completed on the bike.

That bike is practically brand new at that mileage... I bought my 03 with 18k on the clock. I can't really comment on price since mine was a fluke and the guy needed money, and the bike needed work. Good combination that worked out well for me ..

 

I checked out the '02 today and it spotless with the exception of a broken tab on the seat cowl (I can repair it myself). The recalls have been taken care of and he has maintenance records too.

I will be picking it up on Friday.

 

congrats!! Seat cowls aren't expensive if you end up needing a new one..

 

Nice Choice. Sounds like you found a good one. Welcome to the asylum!

 

Looks like you got yourself a great deal there. Congrats and post up some pics.