Used Vfr What To Look For ?

hi , i'm going to be looking at a used vfr tomorrow and need to know what to look for as far as maintenance and damage . the bike has some scratches and scrapes . thanks

Which generation?  6th - 2002 on; or 5th 98-2001?  Or earlier?  Post up more info on what you are going to look at and someone will chime in I am sure.

[image: View Post]motorhead1977, on Aug 9 2009, 06:53 PM, said:

Which generation?  6th - 2002 on; or 5th 98-2001?  Or earlier?  Post up more info on what you are going to look at and someone will chime in I am sure. sure thing , it's a 2005 and it has 4,000 miles . owner says the maintenance has been done properly along with factory recalls

[image: View Post]germanicus, on Aug 9 2009, 05:40 PM, said:

hi , i'm going to be looking at a used vfr tomorrow and need to know what to look for as far as maintenance and damage . the bike has some scratches and scrapes . thanks
I think the most important thing when looking at a used bike is how that specific bike has been treated.  It could be the most reliable model, but if the owner has been neglectful, its probably best to walk away.

So I tend to look at more things than just the bike - does the owner do some of the work on the bike?  If so, is that "workshop" area clean, or are there tools/parts everywhere and a big oil slick on the floor?  Is the bike clean, and I don't mean if it was washed 2 minutes before you arrived, I mean the areas that don't get clean unless you really put in the time, how do they look?  What about receipts for larger maintenance items?  Does the seller appear to have good safety equipment - would you by a vfr from a t-shirt and flip-flops rider?

None of these things are deal breakers by themselves, but taken together, you can start to get an idea of how the bike was treated.  And if it might be a good idea to buy it or move on to the, literally, thousands of other used bikes for sale.

my $.02

jim

[image: View Post]jim v, on Aug 9 2009, 08:21 PM, said:

[image: View Post]germanicus, on Aug 9 2009, 05:40 PM, said:

hi , i'm going to be looking at a used vfr tomorrow and need to know what to look for as far as maintenance and damage . the bike has some scratches and scrapes . thanks
I think the most important thing when looking at a used bike is how that specific bike has been treated.  It could be the most reliable model, but if the owner has been neglectful, its probably best to walk away.

So I tend to look at more things than just the bike - does the owner do some of the work on the bike?  If so, is that "workshop" area clean, or are there tools/parts everywhere and a big oil slick on the floor?  Is the bike clean, and I don't mean if it was washed 2 minutes before you arrived, I mean the areas that don't get clean unless you really put in the time, how do they look?  What about receipts for larger maintenance items?  Does the seller appear to have good safety equipment - would you by a vfr from a t-shirt and flip-flops rider?

None of these things are deal breakers by themselves, but taken together, you can start to get an idea of how the bike was treated.  And if it might be a good idea to buy it or move on to the, literally, thousands of other used bikes for sale.

my $.02

jim
thanks , i'll keep that in mind .

You can get the VIN# from the owner and take it to the dealership where they'll run a check on it to make sure all the recalls have been done on it.  Generally speaking, the older the person, the more the bike is likely to have been cared for.  I wouldn't buy anything from a 20 year old no matter what he told me.  An '05 VTEC with only 4,000 miles ought to be in excellent condition.  Did he tell you how the scratches got there?

I'm not gonna ask you what you're willing to pay, but keep in mind there are lots of used VTECS out there in near-new condition.  It truly is a buyer's market.

Keep in mind also that there are still new left overs at VERY nice prices.  Just have to look for them.  First Coast Honda in St. Augustine, FL has some 2007's for IIRC $7,000.  You can use that as a bench mark on what a used one ought to sell for.  Good luck and post up pics when you get it!

[image: View Post]motorhead1977, on Aug 9 2009, 10:41 PM, said:

Keep in mind also that there are still new left overs at VERY nice prices.  Just have to look for them.  First Coast Honda in St. Augustine, FL has some 2007's for IIRC $7,000.  You can use that as a bench mark on what a used one ought to sell for.  Good luck and post up pics when you get it! well that guy balked when i made my offer so i got to look at another one today . a 2004 , the chain had a little surface rust and the rear tire will need replacing . the bike was dropped but the plastic was replaced . you could still see the scrapes on the right side engine cover and peg . the bike was completely repainted a burgundy color and looks nice . the price is whats attractive , 3800.00 . it's got 6500 miles . the kid is leaving for the military hence the need to sell . i rode it and it runs ok . just looks like it does'nt get used much . a little rust inside gas tank also . opinions ?? my thinking is why repaint the whole bike ? also the gas tank was dented but fixed at a body shop . looks good . to me the bike has'nt been well taken care of hence my hesitation .

It does sound like it was ridden hard (maybe poorly) and put away wet.
There are so many bikes that are clean, detailed and well cared for that I would be a bit hesitant to jump on this. I think your gut is telling you so.
At that price (or any price) would rather have one that has 25K well maintained miles on it than a repainted bike with a little rust in the tank.

I've seen some really good deals lately. It is that time of year when people seem to sell. Funny... Because in most parts of the country autumn riding is the absolute best!

[image: View Post]RE-Agent, on Aug 29 2009, 06:27 PM, said:

It does sound like it was ridden hard (maybe poorly) and put away wet.
There are so many bikes that are clean, detailed and well cared for that I would be a bit hesitant to jump on this. I think your gut is telling you so.
At that price (or any price) would rather have one that has 25K well maintained miles on it than a repainted bike with a little rust in the tank.

I've seen some really good deals lately. It is that time of year when people seem to sell. Funny... Because in most parts of the country autumn riding is the absolute best! yeah , i'm like should i or should'nt i . my current bike is running well and with that i know what i've got . yeah it's a 95 but it looks real good and only has 8200 miles .

If you are already on a bike you are in the pilot's seat. You should wait for a great deal on the perfect bike for you!