New Member, Help Me Decide Between Used VFR's

Hey guys, I'm new here and I'm in the market for a 6th gen VFR. I learned to ride on a 95 VFR750 seven years ago and I've had a few bikes since then including an SV650, VTR1000, and recently a Harley Sportster. Anyway, after riding my dad's 07 RWB with ABS, I decided it was time to ditch the Harley and get a real bike. I've got two potential bikes and I was wondering which one you guys think might be a better deal or better buy.

2007 RWB with ABS - $6500

-9k miles, pristine condition
-Blue factory side bags
-The luggage rack (for top case)
-Scorpio i300 Alarm
-Corbin Gunfighter seat with Oval backrest
-Unopened Shop Manual plus all the original paperwork and clean title.
-PacSafe – Tanksafe tankbag
-Magnetic Tank protector

2004 w/ ABS - $5000 asking

-17-18k miles
-very clean with a couple incidental scratches (not from a drop)
-factory side bags
-Sargent Seat
-Heli-bars
-K&N filter w/ Power Commander 3

What do you think? I'm leaning towards the 2004 just so I can save a few bucks. The only thing that makes me hesitate about the 04 is that the battery, sprockets and chain are original, so they might need replaced soon. Also, it has never had a valve check/adjustment, so that could be a big expense in the near future. I don't think there will be much leeway in either of those prices, but maybe more on the 04. I'm a mechanical engineer and I do my own bike maintenance for what that's worth (but I don't think I could handle a VTEC valve check though, lol). Opinions?

 

I would go with the 07. Not just because the of the RWB but the 07 is a later version of the V-TEC and at least in my experience it is a bit smoother.If I was shopping I would look at 06 and newer.

 

+1

Go newer!
Don't worry about the valve check, it is only nuts and bolts, you can manage it.

 

I find it a little odd that the second bike has a power commander but no aftermarket exhaust. I personally would rather buy the older bike and save a few bucks to have some cash leftover for some new matching gear.

Rollin

 

Go for the RWB! They look awesome and if your going to have it for a couple years why not? Newer the better.

 

Before I bought my VFR two years ago I rode a final-year 750, my 800Fi and an early VTEC. I really didn't like the VTEC engine, but riding later ones since I've found them much better, so my advice would be - with VTECs, the later the better. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the replies everybody. Is there really that much difference between between the 06+ and the earlier models? Aren't they almost identical except for some minor VTEC reprogramming? Or is this just due to the age of the bike? I thought these bikes were supposed to last forever anyway. The guy with the 04 said the Power commander helped smoothed out the VTEC, but I don't know if that is realistic or if it's as smooth as the 07. I haven't actually seen either bike in person, but as far as I know both are very well maintained and clean. Maybe some test rides are in order.

 

Since you're asking for opinions, here's the answer to your prayers. Can't go wrong with either in my opinion. I've got a 2003 and find that the complaints about the older VTECs are at least a little over-done. There is some noticeable surge when all valves go into operation, but it's kinda like hitting the sweet spot in a rev range for any motor - you just feel it pulling harder. So don't let that get in your way. Regarding the 2, for me it often comes down to the seller - and which one looks to have taken the best care or strikes me as believable. I know that's not something you can always judge. The other question of course is - what do you plan to do with this bike? Both look setup for distance - though the 07 perhaps somewhat more. If you're more of a weekend rider and not going 100s of miles a day, you might even consider expanding the search for bikes without the added expense and weight of bags. If you're going to do a ton of miles, looks like the '07 is ready to go. Lastly, consider one last check with your local dealer on 'left overs'. Over the winter my local dealer could still get a new 2007 for me at a hair over $7k. Not a big stretch from the $6500 - and you have a bike with zero miles, zero expected maintenance, and a warranty. Free advice!!! Worth everything you paid!!

 

Both sellers seem to have taken good care of the bikes. The 07 I know pretty much for a fact was well maintained because it's my dad's friend who is selling it and I know him. The 04 also seems really well cared for with the owner even being a member of the other VFR forum (VFR discussions).

I did actually look at the new bikes and found an 08 ABS for $7988, but they wanted 900+ in fees and it ended up being 9600 out the door which is way too much for me (in fees at least anyway). I'm really leaning towards the earlier one, just so I can save some money which might be better spent buying a first house in the near future. Although, if the 07 is that much better, I might just have to splurge.