I Could Be Joining The Club This Weekend !

Greetings all, Canadian VFR dreamer here :cool: . I have been a fan of the bike ever since the 2000 came out in that wicked green color, however it wasnt until just over 2 years ago that I started riding. I rode for one summer then sold my 2000 Triumph Sprint ST and have gone without for 2 summers now. Tomorow the current owner of an 05 VFR will be taking it to a local Honda shop to have one of their "Honda certified" inspections done on it and if all goes well I am pretty sure I will jump on it. The bike is a "rebuild" title however the story and the visual indications that I can see suggest that the damage was almost entirely cosmetic and it was a low-side fall. The plastics have been replaced and the headlight and windscreen show marks from wear seemingly indicating that the front end was not impacted. Everything looks good on the bike but as I am no mechanic I wanted someone else to check it out to be sure the forks are straight and such. It comes with an undertail elim kit, bar risers and a top hardbag. 2005, Sivler with ABS :biggrin: and 12,000 km's.

I dont even have the bike and I have already jumped on the Buell Ulysses foot peg thread and the Suzuki mirror mod thread. If I buy it this weekend it will take all my willpower not to convert it to a full blackout in the Fall to match my car and stick to a black with red accents theme.

My current toy :
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Theduke_13/DSC00235-1.jpg

My potential new toy:
http://images.craigslist.org/3nf3pe3o4ZZZZZZZZZ94uff9910a312d418c6.jpg

Anyways wish me luck and I hope to see you all around.

[image: View Post]VFRCanuck, on May 8 2009, 01:15 AM, said:

Greetings all, Canadian VFR dreamer here :cool: . I have been a fan of the bike ever since the 2000 came out in that wicked green color, however it wasnt until just over 2 years ago that I started riding. I rode for one summer then sold my 2000 Triumph Sprint ST and have gone without for 2 summers now. Tomorow the current owner of an 05 VFR will be taking it to a local Honda shop to have one of their "Honda certified" inspections done on it and if all goes well I am pretty sure I will jump on it. The bike is a "rebuild" title however the story and the visual indications that I can see suggest that the damage was almost entirely cosmetic and it was a low-side fall. The plastics have been replaced and the headlight and windscreen show marks from wear seemingly indicating that the front end was not impacted. Everything looks good on the bike but as I am no mechanic I wanted someone else to check it out to be sure the forks are straight and such. It comes with an undertail elim kit, bar risers and a top hardbag. 2005, Sivler with ABS :biggrin: and 12,000 km's.

I dont even have the bike and I have already jumped on the Buell Ulysses foot peg thread and the Suzuki mirror mod thread. If I buy it this weekend it will take all my willpower not to convert it to a full blackout in the Fall to match my car and stick to a black with red accents theme.

My current toy :
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Theduke_13/DSC00235-1.jpg

My potential new toy:
http://images.craigslist.org/3nf3pe3o4ZZZZZZZZZ94uff9910a312d418c6.jpg

Anyways wish me luck and I hope to see you all around.

Uh oh! Don't let Timmythecop know that you're thinking about blacking it out! And the Suzuki mirror mod is cool, but definitely not the first one I'd do, if you want a mirror mod, start with Lobster's extenders. :D

And welcome aboard!

I say if you get it, keep it silver.. Then get rid of those orange turn signals and put on some clear ones. :fing02:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1239769334/gallery_14973_4528_1203245.jpg
IMG_4482.JPG

In before the BAN!

Just kidding but seriously no car pics allowed on this site. FYI

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_images/light/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />alwaysaware, on May 8 2009, 08:02 AM, said:

I say if you get it, keep it silver.. Then get rid of those orange turn signals and put on some clear ones. :fing02: IMG_4482.JPG
Absolutely, where is a good source for the 06+ signals ?

Oh ... and sorry about the car pic, didnt know. :blink:

[image: View Post]FotoMoto, on May 8 2009, 09:21 AM, said:

In before the BAN!

Just kidding but seriously no car pics allowed on this site. FYI


Oh, you're allowed car pics, just don't upload them to the VFRd server.


And based on the fact that I can't see his car pic here at work, it must be hosted elsewhere, so he's safe.

And to VFRcanuck, your name sounds almost familiar...........

Hello VFRCanuck,
Great. Now make sure you ask the right questions at the dealership, and make sure they take the fairing off to take a look at the internals components. Mine's a rebuilt too, and some of the connectors are smashed. They are part of the wiring harness (back part, the one that was not replaced by the recall), and it would cost me about 400$ can to get the new part, and several hundreds to have a mechanic do it if I don't want to do it myself. My rear subframe is slightly out of alignment, which makes taking off the rear rack and putting it back on a real pain--holes don't quite align. All I'm saying is make sure they look at more than just cosmetic, cause the bike passing inspection does not mean that it is back in original shape.
Other than that, enjoy!!!
ppm

[image: View Post]PolarBear, on May 8 2009, 08:57 AM, said:

Hello VFRCanuck,
Great. Now make sure you ask the right questions at the dealership, and make sure they take the fairing off to take a look at the internals components. Mine's a rebuilt too, and some of the connectors are smashed. They are part of the wiring harness (back part, the one that was not replaced by the recall), and it would cost me about 400$ can to get the new part, and several hundreds to have a mechanic do it if I don't want to do it myself. My rear subframe is slightly out of alignment, which makes taking off the rear rack and putting it back on a real pain--holes don't quite align. All I'm saying is make sure they look at more than just cosmetic, cause the bike passing inspection does not mean that it is back in original shape.
Other than that, enjoy!!!
ppm

Excellent point, as a matter of fact I was about to call them to remind them its a rebuild and I am concerned about the frame, forks etc. Great minds think alike !

Ok so for those that care here is my update ... bike is clean, frame and forks etc all seem perfect which fits with the story about why it was down and what was repaired ... all cosmetic. But the guy is firm on price and it does need tires before the end of the season. So today I found another 05 silver VFR to look at tomorow. So tell me which of these 2 bikes looks best to you ...

Both 05 silver VFRs

Bike 1 : $6900 firm
Has ABS, Undertail elim kit, hard top bag and bar risers.
Its a rebuild due to a low side fall that blew out the plastics and mirror.
Needs new front for sure and new rear soon enough.
Chain and sprockets are original
12,000 kms
On its 3rd owner now.

Bike 2 : $7200 asking
No ABS
Has HIDs in all front lights (4), undertail elim kit, Remus exhaust, speedo healer, new chain and sprockets and new tires front and rear, includes cover and stock exhaust.
Its never been down.
Will see it tomorow but likely doesnt need a thing.
20,000kms

I am 6'5" so bar risers would be mandatory but an exhaust is a BIG plus saving me about $600US. How big a deal is no ABS considering i have absolutely no intention of riding in the rain ever (despite living on the West Coast).

Which bike would you choose ?

I think I would rather go for the one without the crash history and those Remus cans sound great - very expensive (and essential mod) sorted for you right there.

Hard to tell without any decent sized pics though

ABS/NON-ABS - Personally I prefer the sharper feel of the later, but I've had bikes with and without and it's not a deal breaker for me personally as the VFR stoppers are damn good with the linked brakes (even in the wet) but some here swear by them.

I think whichever one you get you will end up with one of the most capable, modern sport-touring bikes out there in the best colour :fing02:

[image: View Post]VFRCanuck, on May 9 2009, 12:46 PM, said:

Ok so for those that care here is my update ... bike is clean, frame and forks etc all seem perfect which fits with the story about why it was down and what was repaired ... all cosmetic. But the guy is firm on price and it does need tires before the end of the season. So today I found another 05 silver VFR to look at tomorow. So tell me which of these 2 bikes looks best to you ... Both 05 silver VFRs Bike 1 : $6900 firm Has ABS, Undertail elim kit, hard top bag and bar risers. Its a rebuild due to a low side fall that blew out the plastics and mirror. Needs new front for sure and new rear soon enough. Chain and sprockets are original 12,000 kms On its 3rd owner now. Bike 2 : $7200 asking No ABS Has HIDs in all front lights (4), undertail elim kit, Remus exhaust, speedo healer, new chain and sprockets and new tires front and rear, includes cover and stock exhaust. Its never been down. Will see it tomorow but likely doesnt need a thing. 20,000kms I am 6'5" so bar risers would be mandatory but an exhaust is a BIG plus saving me about $600US. How big a deal is no ABS considering i have absolutely no intention of riding in the rain ever (despite living on the West Coast). Which bike would you choose ?

I just don't understand why a tip-over would've totalled it. I do wish I had ABS, but so far I haven't needed it.

Here's a few thoughts which are merely reflecting my own take on this
-ABS is worth every penny; it may come in handy at any time, rain or not, or dry pavement or if you have to get on grass or sand or gravel to avoid some idiot on the road. Some people hate it, I think it is the cheapest insurance policy you can get (better not to hit than hit and claim anyway)
-a rebuilt is interesting only if you will keep the bike for a long time and resale value is not an issue for you
-aftermarket parts, saddlebags and top box are all nice, but they can be purchased later on used or new maybe cheaper than you'd be paying now; they may be worth it (they were in my case) in a specific deal
-don't feel like you must buy one of those two, there are others that will pop up on Craig's List, be patient

Have you thought about ofering $6,900 to the owner of the second one? If they were even on price, which would you prefer??

I'm not saying these two are not good deals, I'm just saying that you should decide what is more important to you first of all.
Good luck
ppm

PS SOunds like you'll have a bike pretty soon. Take a look at the different sections, such as the ride planning section for upcoming trips (Kootenay, The Return! in July). Just saying...

[image: View Post]PolarBear, on May 9 2009, 01:06 PM, said:

Here's a few thoughts which are merely reflecting my own take on this
-ABS is worth every penny; it may come in handy at any time, rain or not, or dry pavement or if you have to get on grass or sand or gravel to avoid some idiot on the road. Some people hate it, I think it is the cheapest insurance policy you can get (better not to hit than hit and claim anyway)
-a rebuilt is interesting only if you will keep the bike for a long time and resale value is not an issue for you
-aftermarket parts, saddlebags and top box are all nice, but they can be purchased later on used or new maybe cheaper than you'd be paying now; they may be worth it (they were in my case) in a specific deal
-don't feel like you must buy one of those two, there are others that will pop up on Craig's List, be patient

Have you thought about ofering $6,900 to the owner of the second one? If they were even on price, which would you prefer??

I'm not saying these two are not good deals, I'm just saying that you should decide what is more important to you first of all.
Good luck
ppm

PS SOunds like you'll have a bike pretty soon. Take a look at the different sections, such as the ride planning section for upcoming trips (Kootenay, The Return! in July). Just saying...
Good thoughts, thanks Polar. I do aggree that as a new rider ABS would be very handy to have on hand. I have not yet seen the second bike, I will see it tomorow and I will make an offer to equalize the price between them. I dont fear the 20,000 kms on the second bike, based on what I have seen that is still low for a VFR and with the few miles I am likely to ride it will average out as I own it. It is the resale value on the first bike that I fear, year after year it will be depreciate faster than any other bike. I am really pleased to find VFR local options at the $7k mark though, prices seem real good to me based on what I have seen elsewhere.

[image: View Post]VFRCanuck, on May 9 2009, 01:16 PM, said:

[image: View Post]PolarBear, on May 9 2009, 01:06 PM, said:

Here's a few thoughts which are merely reflecting my own take on this
-ABS is worth every penny; it may come in handy at any time, rain or not, or dry pavement or if you have to get on grass or sand or gravel to avoid some idiot on the road. Some people hate it, I think it is the cheapest insurance policy you can get (better not to hit than hit and claim anyway)
-a rebuilt is interesting only if you will keep the bike for a long time and resale value is not an issue for you
-aftermarket parts, saddlebags and top box are all nice, but they can be purchased later on used or new maybe cheaper than you'd be paying now; they may be worth it (they were in my case) in a specific deal
-don't feel like you must buy one of those two, there are others that will pop up on Craig's List, be patient

Have you thought about ofering $6,900 to the owner of the second one? If they were even on price, which would you prefer??

I'm not saying these two are not good deals, I'm just saying that you should decide what is more important to you first of all.
Good luck
ppm

PS SOunds like you'll have a bike pretty soon. Take a look at the different sections, such as the ride planning section for upcoming trips (Kootenay, The Return! in July). Just saying...
Good thoughts, thanks Polar. I do aggree that as a new rider ABS would be very handy to have on hand. I have not yet seen the second bike, I will see it tomorow and I will make an offer to equalize the price between them. I dont fear the 20,000 kms on the second bike, based on what I have seen that is still low for a VFR and with the few miles I am likely to ride it will average out as I own it. It is the resale value on the second bike that I fear, year after year it will be depreciate faster than any other bike. I am really pleased to find VFR local options at the $7k mark though, prices seem real good to me based on what I have seen elsewhere.

Yes, VFRs are relatively cheap since they don't sell as much as CBRs or whatever. So, if you don' t like the deal, walk away and wait until you find the one you like. From what I read, the engine is pretty much bullet proof, so no worries there. One last thing, the bike has been almost identical from 02-09, so if money is a concern, you can always look for one that is "older" such as an 03 or whatever. Just a thought. Like someone else said, in either case, you'd be getting a great bike with lots of potential.
Anyway, good luck shopping! :)
ppm

Just do what I did... look for an '04 in Asphalt Black. Took me a long time to find one at the right price with ABS, but I'm glad I waited...

http://photos.linquist.net/photos/420610026_QkGWX-L.jpg

[image: View Post]klinquist, on May 9 2009, 05:56 PM, said:

Just do what I did... look for an '04 in Asphalt Black. Took me a long time to find one at the right price with ABS, but I'm glad I waited...

http://photos.linquist.net/photos/420610026_QkGWX-L.jpg
That asphalt black is spectacular ! Too bad there are so few around ... I guess unless you own one that is, then its nice to be rare.

I just want to see the wicked green of which you speak.
Don't think I've ever seen one.
Red is usually considered to be the fastest color, but otoh green means go. :unsure:

Although when you get down to it, color doesn't rally matter at all.
Pick one, ride and be happy. :cool:

I'm happy in red, the fastest color. Though, don't think I've ever seen the Canadian green.

[image: View Post]dendron, on May 9 2009, 10:12 PM, said:

I'm happy in red, the fastest color. Though, don't think I've ever seen the Canadian green.
The green was a 5th gen color, looked sharp !

*EDIT* here it is ...
http://www.angliamotorcycles.co.uk/files/200807111026480.HW898DWC.jpg

[image: View Post]VFRCanuck, on May 10 2009, 01:29 AM, said:

[image: View Post]dendron, on May 9 2009, 10:12 PM, said:

I'm happy in red, the fastest color. Though, don't think I've ever seen the Canadian green.
The green was a 5th gen color, looked sharp !

*EDIT* here it is ...
http://www.angliamotorcycles.co.uk/files/200807111026480.HW898DWC.jpg
Beauty is in the mind of the beholder.

I would go with the non abs, clean title and has a nice set of cans already on it, U can get risers and install yourself and get the side cases from england DSS.

Offer him 6400 he might just bite and U can meet me wednesday afternoon for a spin around the valley :)

[image: View Post]Axel_7, on May 10 2009, 09:32 AM, said:

I would go with the non abs, clean title and has a nice set of cans already on it, U can get risers and install yourself and get the side cases from england DSS.

Offer him 6400 he might just bite and U can meet me wednesday afternoon for a spin around the valley :)
I like your optomism, I saw the bike this morning and its pretty nice indeed. I am headed out of town tomorow for the week but I am arranging for a buddy to take it for a ride. The bike isnt insured so the owner needs to put a day permit on it so I can test ride it and my buddy has ridden since he could hold up a bike and would know far more from a test ride than me. With any luck he will give it a go this week and I will make an offer next weekend ! :biggrin: I'd like ABS but the linked brake system sounds quite solid and I dont like having a write off bike for resale values so this looks like a winner !

I had a green one once..

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2968/mynewvfr.jpg

Nice bike... but hasn't got the looks of my silver bullet thats for sure :cool:

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2852/dsc00063f.jpg

Wow this spending my money thing has never been tougher. So bike #2 is GREAT, however there is no insurance on it so I will have to wait until this coming weekend to get a day permit and take it for a shake down run. However I found bike #3 today ! This one is an 04 but the owner dropped it and replaced the plastics and painted it a wicked deep royal blue color (08 Accord Belize Blue) and it has a few mods however there is an ECU problem, likely since the accident, and the ABS doesnt work. it has been lowered for the lady that rides it but apparently the return to stock height is easy enough to do and the parts are with the bike. The price is really GREAT but I will need to figure out what exactly is wrong with the ABS and see what the costs are involved in remedying that before I can determine exactly how good a deal it is.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/westcoastraya/IMG_3828.jpg

Maybe this long weekend will bring about some resolution ... then again maybe not !