Any Reason Not To Buy 2002?

Was wondering if one were in the market for a 6th generation, is there any reason to pass over a 2002 (with it being the first year)? Been seeing some really good deals on them. Looks like from what I read that you have to get to the 2006 models to bypass the harness issue so if the 2002-2005 are basically the same, it seems that one could score a nice 6th gen 2002 for a good price. Any changes on the 2003 models that would make them a better purchase?

Thanks!

Love my 2002 VFR. 48K miles later and still no problems.

VFRMike

You cannot go wrong with any year VFR, despite what some non-Vtec owners may say.

No reason to stay away from any year VFR IMHO. Some people choose 'their' VFR based on color, mileage, existing mods and/or ABS. Other than colors there were no changes I'm aware of from 2002 to 2005.

There were a couple recalls on earlier 6th gen VFRs. Check to see if they were done. If not, make sure a local dealer will still do the work on Honda's dime, because IIRC some recalls are 'limited time offers'. Those recalls include the wiring harness, which was a more recent recall, so it should still be available.

Nope. Can't think of any really. As long as it's been reasonably well maintained, not a problem.
ppm
PS I've got an '03 and I love it.

i have no issues with my 02.I read everyone complain of electrical issues and chain tensioners and I have none of those issues. Yes I do get the low speed engine jerkyness but i correct that with slightly more throttle.

All year round all weathers all of the time no major issues other than wiring harness which is easily fixed :fing02:

I still love my 02. No problems here that I haven't created myself. ;)

I've had my '02 for two years now and love it. The only think I've added is the VFRness (see Tightwad's profile). It's an awesome bike and while newer years are by the nature "newer" they really aren't much different...just more expensive (though truth be told I would have bought a newer one if I had the money, so I don't know what I am talking about)! :beer:

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Sounds like I shouldn't take the 02 off the list! TimC, I know about the wiring harness but what other recalls should I ask about? Any other first hand experience with the 02 MY still welcome!

Thanks!

My 02 is fine. No worse than any other year. Recalls were done (Wiring harness and subframe) other than that, it's the same as any other gen. VTEC can be a bit jerky when humidity is up, but somehow I think that it has nothing to do with its year.
Haven't had any major issues yet.
3 Years riding it now.

[image: View Post]MGN54, on Sep 3 2009, 09:46 AM, said:

TimC, I know about the wiring harness but what other recalls should I ask about?
As Rice mentioned, there was a subframe recall on at least some bikes. But I did a search and found this:
http://www.automotiv...r800/index.html

So in addition to the subframe and wiring harness, there was a PCV issue on some bikes.

If you find or buy an older VFR and the previous owner doesn't know if the recalls were performed (or you want definite proof), call or visit a local Honda dealer with the bike's VIN. They should be able to look it up online and find out whether the recalls have been performed.

I love my 2002, no issues other than the charging system fix. I haven't even had the wiring recall done...maybe I should do that while I am down...or not

I have owned 3 VFR's.
A 95 4th Gen (80K)
98 5th Gen (35K)
02 6th Gen (20K)
Rented a 07 and put a couple of thousand miles.

Which one works for you depends on what you want from the bike and where you come from.
1) It seems like a lot of (younger) guys who come from all-out sport bikes like the VTEC.To me it acts and sounds more like a Inline-4 than previous models.You have to keep power above 6.8K to get serious juice.Its way too docile below that for me.The previous models where smooth from 1500-to redline.Much easier to ride and much less shifting required.On a recent trip of long days,mostly all twisty stuff my wrist would get sore.That didn't happen on my other bikes.
The 07 made a big difference with the lower VTEC transition ,also felt lighter and better handling,may have been due to the fact that it did not have ABS and mine does which is heavier and sportier tires.
2) Other than regulators the previous models had very few problems.The gear drive is virtually indestructible and maintenance free.Remember the VTEC is more complicated to do regular service intervals.You have to add that to cost of ownership.I have seen people here say they have been handed a bill for 1K for that at every 16K miles it adds up.Others have never done a valve service and claim there's no need to.
There was an alt and solenoid recall done on my 02 in addition to the others mentioned here.I also felt that the Fit and finish were better on previous models.
3) I bought my first VFR because of that exotic feel of the V4,look and heritage of the RC and that Italian flair that the 4 gen had,the wide powerband and comfortable riding position.It also had a cool booming decel exhaust note that is not present on the 6 gen.Again more like an I-4.
I have been considering going back to the 5 gen,didn't think it was as Italian looking as the 4 gen,but the moter,FI and linked brakes were a really nice package.And you could pocket a couple a couple of grand and wait a couple of years for a low mileage,sorted 7 Gen.
Just my 3 cents,hope it helps!

[image: View Post]TimC, on Sep 3 2009, 10:59 AM, said:

[image: View Post]MGN54, on Sep 3 2009, 09:46 AM, said:

TimC, I know about the wiring harness but what other recalls should I ask about?
As Rice mentioned, there was a subframe recall on at least some bikes. But I did a search and found this:
http://www.automotiv...r800/index.html

So in addition to the subframe and wiring harness, there was a PCV issue on some bikes.

If you find or buy an older VFR and the previous owner doesn't know if the recalls were performed (or you want definite proof), call or visit a local Honda dealer with the bike's VIN. They should be able to look it up online and find out whether the recalls have been performed.

Subframe recall? What?? My understanding is the 2002's have a recall on the stator that the 2003-2005's don't have. And that's it.

That having been said, I own an '02 with no recalls and it runs just great!

Getting ready to sell my 2002 VFR800 with New Two Brothers M2 Exhaust, Staintune Ceramic Coated Catless Headers (bike sounds incredible) and Power Commander III USB ... I have Road Pilot II front and rear tires with barely a 1,000 miles on them and I service the heck out of the bike so its in great running condition and extremely reliable.

Also installed a Powerlet port to charge my GPS and phone "factory look" mounted between the bars so its easy to run a plug to your tank bag.

Dealer serviced, garage kept, adult driven and factory recalls (harness) performed.

Including everything above for $4,400. Kelly Blue Book retail is $5100 and trade in is $3500

I can shoot the VIN and pics if interested.

No don't buy it!!!

Wait for the soon to be announced 7th Gen :goofy:

[image: View Post]rlmccoy, on Sep 3 2009, 01:07 PM, said:

Getting ready to sell my 2002 VFR800 with New Two Brothers M2 Exhaust, Staintune Ceramic Coated Catless Headers (bike sounds incredible) and Power Commander III USB ... I have Road Pilot II front and rear tires with barely a 1,000 miles on them and I service the heck out of the bike so its in great running condition and extremely reliable.

Also installed a Powerlet port to charge my GPS and phone "factory look" mounted between the bars so its easy to run a plug to your tank bag.

Dealer serviced, garage kept, adult driven and factory recalls (harness) performed.

Including everything above for $4,400. Kelly Blue Book retail is $5100 and trade in is $3500

I can shoot the VIN and pics if interested.


That's a steal if there aren't too many miles! Those headers are extremely rare, and PRII's are the tire of choice on here. Want to trade? :)

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Sep 4 2009, 10:12 AM, said:

[image: View Post]rlmccoy, on Sep 3 2009, 01:07 PM, said:

Getting ready to sell my 2002 VFR800 with New Two Brothers M2 Exhaust, Staintune Ceramic Coated Catless Headers (bike sounds incredible) and Power Commander III USB ... I have Road Pilot II front and rear tires with barely a 1,000 miles on them and I service the heck out of the bike so its in great running condition and extremely reliable.

Also installed a Powerlet port to charge my GPS and phone "factory look" mounted between the bars so its easy to run a plug to your tank bag.

Dealer serviced, garage kept, adult driven and factory recalls (harness) performed.

Including everything above for $4,400. Kelly Blue Book retail is $5100 and trade in is $3500

I can shoot the VIN and pics if interested.


That's a steal if there aren't too many miles! Those headers are extremely rare, and PRII's are the tire of choice on here. Want to trade? :)

Thank you!!

17+k on it now .. headers - actually had a guy question me that they existed until I shot off a link to a price sheet ... between the header and TB exhaust the bike sounds great!

I'll post the Ebay link later today.

Going on a for a ride this weekend and next weekend .. should have 18k+ miles on by mid month. Its a great bike extremely reliable.

Selling to invest in a new house. Hope to buy another VFR in the Spring/late winter time.

You have been a member here since 2002 and still haven't decided to buy a VFR. Whats in your garage? Buy the 02 that matches with your membership date then post it in your garage. Ohh yeah, post some pics. :beer: Good luck on getting that 02.

[image: View Post]rlmccoy, on Sep 4 2009, 01:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Sep 4 2009, 10:12 AM, said:

[image: View Post]rlmccoy, on Sep 3 2009, 01:07 PM, said:

Getting ready to sell my 2002 VFR800 with New Two Brothers M2 Exhaust, Staintune Ceramic Coated Catless Headers (bike sounds incredible) and Power Commander III USB ... I have Road Pilot II front and rear tires with barely a 1,000 miles on them and I service the heck out of the bike so its in great running condition and extremely reliable.

Also installed a Powerlet port to charge my GPS and phone "factory look" mounted between the bars so its easy to run a plug to your tank bag.

Dealer serviced, garage kept, adult driven and factory recalls (harness) performed.

Including everything above for $4,400. Kelly Blue Book retail is $5100 and trade in is $3500

I can shoot the VIN and pics if interested.


That's a steal if there aren't too many miles! Those headers are extremely rare, and PRII's are the tire of choice on here. Want to trade? :)

Thank you!!

17+k on it now .. headers - actually had a guy question me that they existed until I shot off a link to a price sheet ... between the header and TB exhaust the bike sounds great!

I'll post the Ebay link later today.

Going on a for a ride this weekend and next weekend .. should have 18k+ miles on by mid month. Its a great bike extremely reliable.

Selling to invest in a new house. Hope to buy another VFR in the Spring/late winter time.


Ebay link
http://cgi.ebay.com/...K%3AMESELX%3AIT

#421.

Go for it.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1159476798/gallery_2922_1722_251980.jpg
scan0004.jpg 1st page of recall

Not affected by PCV. He states recall has been done. Question if it is the electrical or subframe. Subframe was not a recall, it was a, "campaign". Highly advise still beefing up the electrical. MY only other concern is that the dealer has done the work. I would double check the shifter gauge.