What to look for?

Hi all-

Been looking at a pair of different VFRs...one a 98 with 36K and the other a 99 with 31K on the clock. Neither appear to have been laid down. The 98 is $2700, the 99 $2800.

As best I can gather, both are in the range where a valve inspection/adjustment is warranted. Both should probably have all their fluids replaced. Anything else I should be looking for in terms of wear, required maintenance, or mechanical soundness? Specific/unique to the VFR, that is.

Also, how's the part availability for these bikes? Still pretty easy to get, despite being over 10 years old? Or is it pretty hard to find OEM or aftermarket stuff to fit them?

 

How's it going Tex.

Both '98 and '99 are exactly the same. I'd probably go with the '99 just because I tend to shy away from first year models, but there are a ton with the '98 and it's just like any other VFR. Good.

Valve checks on these are what ever you want to do. Some check them on schedule and some wait till 60k or so. I checked mine at around 46k and all were fine. Other than the basic stuff, check as much of the electrical as possible. The stator and Rectifier wires are on the left side, underneath the tail section so you'd have to ask nicely if you can take the plastic off. Also there is a ground block wrapped in electrical tape in the same area. It's up to you if you wan to ask them if you can cut the tape off and check it. It'll be orange and when you open the end there will be two metal pieces with 6 fingers each when you pull them out. It's just a bunch of ground wires meeting each other. If anything is wrong it'll usually be burnt/black.

On the stator and rectifier connections, just see if any of them are melted or burnt looking.

Um....put the bike on the center stand and check the oil level. If it's low then that gives me an idea of the bikes treatment. Also if the seller starts the bike up and revs high while its called. I personally would walk away. I can't stand people that rev a cold engine. I know these engines are well built but that crap adds up over time.


I'd offer $2500 cash or see how far down you can haggle. Make sure to check for any add ons or new parts like tires or new chain/sprockets. That stuff adds up so which ever bike has more "maintenance items" replaced, I'd probably go with that one. An aftermarket seat wouldn't hurt either.

 

Buy both of them.

The '98 and '99 are the "creme da la creme" models of the VFR world!

 

I have a '98 with 28k on the odo and it still rides and runs great. I commute 50 miles daily on it. I put 400 miles on it over this past weekend alone. Either bike, I think you'll be happy with honestly.

 

Thanks all, very helpful.

I have to say, the added comfort of a sport tourer combine with knowing that the bikes probably weren't stunted or raced is a comforting factor.

I'm going to go check out the 99 this weekend, I think.