Howdy

Hey ya'll, need some help.

But first, intro.

I'm 27, born in Europe, raised in the US, now living in Europe again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) I've had a few bikes before ranging from 50cc's to 1100cc's.

I'm currently without a bike, and have been looking at some here locally, I've looked at some bikes within my price range, but I've grown really fond of the 1996 Honda VFR 750.



I've read quite a few user reviews and a couple of website reviews for that year, and they all say the same thing: Comfortable, looks good, handles well (despite some mentioning it dips in front when you break hard) and that the motor will last well into high mileage. So my question is, to you who've owned VFR's for a while, what's your take? I'm especially looking at the 96' models so comments from owners of 96's will be greatly appreciated.

I've got one I'm going to take a look at later today.

It's a 1996 Honda VFR 750, has 135000km and been regularly maintained.

Anything I should be on the lookout for? Comments? Good bike despite the KM'ers?



Thanks for the help guys. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I haven't owned a VFR750 so I can't answer your questions but WELCOME here and some will chime in with the answers you seek. Post your location and there may be a member near by who can assist you.

Other than regular maint., 94-97 VFR's suffer from regulator/rectifier failure (replace with upgraded unit), 2nd most common problem is probably starter clutch failure, and yes the front spring are soft as should be upgraded.

Otherwise, very reliable and a great choice. 135k km is pretty high mileage. Make sure the price is right. I bought a mint 95 w/ 28k miles for $3k, and from what I've read, that seems to be an average deal.

When they release the new 7th gen, wait a little. Then pick up a 6th gen with abs at a clearance rate and save some cash on a new bike. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)

I've got a '95 with 149K km, Racetech 0.90 springs, Ohlins shock and Galfer s/s brake lines (front only) - otherwise stock. The only thing that's gone bad is the r/r. I replaced the original r/r in 2002 at 80K km. Unfortunately it took out the battery too. Some owners treat the battery as a regular maintenance item and change them every 5 or 6 years regardless.

I did valve checks every 25K km up to 100K km and haven't needed to adjust a valve. So I stopped doing them.

It's been run on Motul 3100T / 5100T since 25K km. I'm not particularly anal about oil changes. I generally do one at the beginning of the season.

I've used Bridgestone, Metzeler, Continental and Michelin tires. I really like the PR2 that are on there now.

Check the plastics for cracks, especially around the Frankenbolt and passenger bars. The tabs on the seat cowl (if it's included) are also prone to breaking.

Check the tool kit. You'll need the spanner tool for adjusting the drive chain. There should be a handle for it under the seat too. And if it's got the stock rear shock, there's a long socket for adjusting the preload through the frame on the left side.

I don't worry about the mileage on my bike. There's a reason the odometer goes to 999,999. If this were any other bike, I'd have a low(er) mileage bike w/ only 49K km showing.

So where in Europe are you?



The model you are fond of IS ofcourse the best VFR out there.
Build during 1994-1997 (I bought one of the last red ones..), the only 2 potential flaws are already mentioned.
Soft front springs, but if it doesnot bother you/your rididing, you may leave it. I was happy for 9 years untill I joined VFRD and got bitten by the "modificatus plentyus" bug that goes around here. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

A set of repalcement springs is around Eur 100 + labour.

OEM springs are shorter and use a thin walled cilinder on top

(IMG:http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/HPIM3514.jpg)

As for the R/R, they came without cooling fins. From day one I strapped a PII heatsink to it and 12 years later I have no issues (touch wood).
If the bike still has the oem R/R, use to negoatite price down. Buy a replacement unit and chuck the oem under the seat.

Rear shock, if the tool to adjust pre-load is missing, donot worry, I have one in the shed for you.

Thanks guys for the replies and the welcomes! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I'm about to head out now go check out the bike, I'm off to a late start but better late then never. I'm in Norway. Motorcycles cost a lot here, even 'old' bikes will run you a small fortune. So the price is high. If I convert it to US bucks, the bike I'm looking at would be around 7,500$

Quick question, excuse me for my stupidity, but what is a 'r/r'?




And thanks again for the welcome! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

VFR09, Sep 13 2009, 11:40 AMQuick question, excuse me for my stupidity, but what is a 'r/r'?

Rectifier / Regulator - the box that controls the output from the Alternator and keeps the battery charged. And there are no stupid questions.

Top left corner of the picture, that is your r/r




(IMG:http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/HPIM2330.jpg)


As you can see, an old P2 heatsink chopped to size help rid excess heat.
Since you are in Norway, you will not have too many 25C+ days.
The ambient temperature will help you.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I swear I posted a reply to this about 45 mins ago. Oh well, here it goes again...

First off, I want to thank everyone for the excellent help given, and especially for the warm welcome!

I did go check out the bike a couple of hours ago. It was getting dark so I didn't get to see the bike in the light of day. However, it was in a nice brightly lit garage. I have to admit and say I was a bit disappointed. The bike was in poor cosmetic condition. The fairings were bruised up (plenty of scratches, nicks and misc. scuffs.), the tires looked like they were ready to pop due to wear. The actual frame had a good deal scratches itself. Not to mention it looks like it's been sitting in the sun for a while. (discoloration, some parts looked yellow, but not sure if this can happen with bike fairings.)

However, the bike ran, and it ran nicely. He started it up, I got to rev it and take it for a quick spin around the block. It purred! So he's obviously taken good care of it mechanically. I have to say I enjoyed the very short test drive. It was comfortable to sit on, I enjoyed the sitting position as well. I even tried to stop it using the front brake at a little speed to get a feel of the "dip" everyone keeps talking about. It's not that bad, at least for the speed I was going.

Well needless to say, I thanked no on buying the bike. Especially for the price. So I'm going to keep my eyes open, maybe even wait til summer comes around again as it's not too long til the snow starts to fall here and the season has pretty much come to an end.

I'm going to keep my eyes open for the 93 to 96 models. (Especially the 96's.) If I'm lucky, I might splurge a little more next year and see if I can get a 2000+ model. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I've looked at several bikes, including the ZX6R (Owned one about nine years ago), the GSXR 600, a Firestorm, GSXF (Katana for ya'll back in the states) and can say that out of all those bikes, only the VFR really has made a lasting impression on me. I really, really enjoy all the aspects of the bike. Even though I've not had a big chance to test it out.

Thanks again for the help guys, appreciate the warm welcome as well. I hope no one will mind if I stick around and partake in some of the discussions here on the forum despite I'm not an "official" VFR rider? I'm smitten by the Viffer Bug, that's for sure! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Good thing you walked away.
If it ain't smelling right, it usually ain't right.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)


Participate as much as you like, bike or no bike.
We even have/allow I4's owners here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) We are a very forgiving lot....
What binds us is the love for bikes, and you obviously have that too.

Thanks Dutchy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I thought I'd get a heads start, try to get with me some of the common problems and How To's regarding fixing them, get some maintenance tips etc.

Regarding the love of bikes... I've owned five bikes in my 27 years on earth but never owned (or wanted) a car. I feel more comfortable driving a motorcycle then I do driving a car even though a car may be safer. So hopefully by this time next year, I'll be putting away a VFR for winter storage! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)