I`m slowly starting to think its time to get a fresher vfr. I might not sell my old one, but keep it unplated for track use.
I mainly think a 5 gen 800 vfr is what I want. price range is just in, still some low mils ones around and I dont like the 6 gen look, even I start to get use to it.
My question: What to look for when buying one, and how high mile/kms are still safe buys. I ride 4-8 tkm/2,4-4,8 miles a year, and proberly keep it 6 to 8 years. What to pay more for?
Thanks in adwans
(IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/beer.gif)
I just bought a 5th gen this spring. In my opinion, the motor is pretty bullet proof as long as the previous owner took reasonable care. Be a little wary of the r/r, but I think even that problem was fixed for the 2000 and later models. (Others here know more about that than I do.) Make sure you don't buy one with warped rotors...they're pricey. Other than that, do the usual lookover / review and you should be fine.
(I think the 99 and earlier models dont have the cat converter, but even that may be different in Europe...but at least something to consider. Wasn't the 2000 the first one without the manual enrichener lever? I think all the 5th gens have fuel injection, but the 98 and 99 have the manual "choke" lever.)
Please don't worry if I'm wrong. Someone will be along shortly to correct me. Lots of good knowledge here.
Lobster, Jan 1 2007, 05:04 PMWasn't the 2000 the first one without the manual enrichener lever? I think all the 5th gens have fuel injection, but the 98 and 99 have the manual "choke" lever.)
You are correct, and this is not a good feature IMHO. I, and several others have had the displeasure of having to replace the fast idle wax unit because when it fails it causes the bike to idle at 4000-6000RPM even after being warmed up, and to replace it you have to remove the throttle bodies.
I'm biased because I own a 99. I would look for the obvious: crash damage, chain and sprockets, signs of being left outdoors leaving rust on bolts, wiring messed with, general cleanliness. If you do some research on this forum, you will find 1 person who had a trans problem, one who thought he had a noise in the engine, 20 that have replaced the reg-rectifier unit. My total repair list consists of chain and sprockets, r-r, thermostat, and many tires. I only have 30,000 miles on mine. I bought it at the end of 99 when it had 1400 miles on it. The original owner traded it for a Concours.
For what it is worth, as everyone says as long as the engine is maintained there is not much to look for in there. [That is mileage {kilometreage?} is not an issue. Here a talk with an owner and an evaluation of their level of care will tell all.] As far as I know, there were no recalls on the Gen5 units.
I have only heard of one issue with an R/R in a 2001 unit, as the R/Rs were changed to the most modern design at that time. In North America, the 2000 was the first year without the fast idle lever, but with the catalytic converter.
I have had no trouble at all - well, at least that I didn't cause (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/happy.gif) - with my '01.
The Sargent Seat is the only thing that might sway my decision between two identical bikes. Otherwise, the changes that you might add are simple in themselves. If you wanted to increase the ability to flick the bike - install a shim under the rear shock strut. A voltmeter is always good to prevent concerns in the wilds of Finland - a failing battery or R/R or stator always gives notice. Headlight bulbs are an easy replacement. Plugs and things for comfort in the North are easy to install.
You know you are against the second owner's dilemma... Does the additional cost of the modification justify the quality of the actual installation? This is never an easy question to answer. I have seen bikes that were show pieces on the internet in person and felt the pain of the new owner as the "features" slowly disintegrated.
Good Luck.
They're all good. Pick your favorite color and go.