Looking at my first VFR tonight: Need your insight

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to be looking at my first VFR tonight.  Here is a link to a couple photos of the bike:

http://inlandempire....2945438432.html

Is there anything I should keep my eyes open for?  Any key questions I should ask?  Please let me know if you notice any red flags that stand out in the photos.  Thanks for your help and input!

Looks clean.
Some missing bits may be important to you. Frt/Rr side reflectors, passenger grab handles, full rear fender.

price seems a little high... KBB says $4100 in my area. It may be different in yours. I'd offer $3750

ALL OEM could mean original battery which meass you must buy a new one even if she starts up right away. So ask if battery is oem
Tyres? look at the DOT code to see when they were manufactured, anything over 4-5 years, factor in a new set
Depending on how well lubed/set, the chain may be on its way out (if dry/brown, a new set sprockets and chain may be in order
Color of brake clutch fluid (bit hard so see through the small windows) must be clear. If brown, replace.  If he doesnot mind has the tools pull the lids (rag wrapped around for spills. brake fluid damages paint

none of the above is a "run away" thing, just to keep in mind when negotiating price.  The moment that red beauty creates a lust in you, you will be sold....

I've already begun to negotiate the price with him to around the blue book price, a little lower even.

I'm very new to the VFR, regarding the rear seat cowl, is that a cover that latches over the full seat, or has the seat been changed?

He says he needs to sell asap.  I would definitely offer him less money.  You never know how low you can get it for unless you try.  I say throw between $32-3500 and see what he says.  Ask him how long the chain and sprockets have been on there, look for cracks on the fairings (because they aren't cheap), ask if its ever been dropped or laid down.  Use those things to help you gain a monetary advantage to get it as low as possible.  You can even ask him his rock bottom price for him to let it go.  If he says $3500, tell him the best you can do is $3100 or $3200.  See what he says.  He doesn't give much info in his posting.  Maybe even tell him if he can go the $3000 area you'll definitely come look at it.

My 2002 w/24k miles was advertised for $4200 last year.  It wasn't in immaculate shape.  But was definitely a rider and isn't bad overall.  I told him to come down to as close to $3000 (what I was looking to spend on a bike) as he could and I would come look at it.  Did all of the above and in the end got it for $2900.  Not a bad deal.  

Also ask him the reason for selling.  If its to get a new bike he may not move as quick as if he needed the money to pay bills or something due to the economy.  If he's hurting for cash you can prolly get it in the $3000 range.  Maybe a little more if its in good shape.  Go with what you wanna spend period!  In the end the money is in your pocket.  If this one doesn't pan out theirs others out there on craigslist.

Had I waited I could have got one in a lot better shape for just a little more, with less mileage than mine had on it.  Good luck checking out the bike.  Their great bikes and I love my 2002.  I'm sure theres other things to look at, just sharing my buying experience.

Chain and sprockets: minimum $100 shipped
Tires: on sale, minimum $200 shipped
Fairings: your wallet if you buy new and still expensive on fleabay and everywhere else.


Mike

[image: View Post]Onyx, on 02 May 2012 - 11:23 AM, said:

I'm very new to the VFR, regarding the rear seat cowl, is that a cover that latches over the full seat, or has the seat been changed?

The seat cowl goes over the rear half of the seat to make it look like a solo seat.  It is able to be taken off when you pull the seat off.  Check for a tool kit under the seat as well.  They run about $60+ on fleabay.

[image: View Post]njcop, on 02 May 2012 - 11:27 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Onyx, on 02 May 2012 - 11:23 AM, said:

I'm very new to the VFR, regarding the rear seat cowl, is that a cover that latches over the full seat, or has the seat been changed?

The seat cowl goes over the rear half of the seat to make it look like a solo seat.  It is able to be taken off when you pull the seat off.  Check for a tool kit under the seat as well.  They run about $60+ on fleabay.

Is the tool kit a standard kit that came with the VFR, or is it specifically to remove the cowl?

Thanks for all the responses so far!  I am not the best haggler, I've talked him down under the blue book already...but I will factor in the maintenance costs of things like the chain/sprocket, tires, battery into the negotiating price.  He seems like a genuine person, so, we'll see what happens.

Looks nice. Use search tempest, there are about 20 vfrs in your area as of Tue.

What njcop said.
I wouldn't pay more than 3200 for this bike.
If you have about 4500 in your budget, I would advise getting an 05+ ABS version.  It may require a bit of patience and possibly a little road trip, but you'll find one.  05+ bikes have some minor gremlins worked out compared to the prior VTEC versions.

Here is what I heard from the seller "Oil was changed with Synthetic about 2000 miles ago.  Tires are pretty new and have at least 70% left on them. There are no leaks. The battery is new and is always on a trickle charger. It could use a good detailing. Other than that there are no issues."

What gremlins do 02-04 bikes have?  Should I be weary of them?

[image: Posted Image]

As far as gremlins go, I must preface this by saying that there are no bikes w/o gremlins.

A VFR is one of the most reliable bikes out there, so here goes:
- Charging system is prone to failing, which can lead to a tow bill.  This does not happen to all of them and there are inexpensive things that can be done to mitigate this.  This affects all year models.
- Fueling in 02-05 models is a bit rough compared to 06+.  It is not a major issue, but an issue nonetheless.  This also can be mitigated for not too much cash.

So, nothing really to be weary of, but rather things to be aware of.  I would also recommend an ABS version.

I've owned a non-ABS 02 and currently own an ABS 06.  My 06 was purchased 2 years ago for 5200, just to give you a perspective.

Any tips concerning what I should be looking for during my test ride?  I haven't been on a bike with VTEC before, but I was reading that it is a very Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde kind of experience where the bike is docile and then turns into a monster.

Everything specific to this model has been already covered.  I'd check the fork seals for leakage, and check for paperwork on the valve check.  A lot of people skip the first one without issue, but it's leverage in the negotiation if it isn't already done.

The VTEC situation is way overrated.  It's not like an additional 50 hp comes out of nowhere!  I've never had it upset me, and I have the exact same model.

The only thing I'd suggest is if you plan on any touring look for one with the hard bag set up already, otherwise your looking at another $550+ for side bags out of the UK or $1000 at your local dealer.

The seat cowl does not require tools.  Only the ignition key to unlock and lift the seat.  The tool kit is standard issue, but many people keep them and leave them out of the sale for some unknown reason.  Check craigslist again if $4500 is your budget.

Like Rice said, you can find a newer model with less mileage for $4500.  Sometimes for around $3500.  Just a thought.  If you like the bike, which you will, and are fine with the price then go for it.  You definitely won't refgret getting the VFR.  Just some friendly buying advice.

Onyx,

Do you have an update? Did you buy her or not?

Haven't gone to see the bike yet.  I found another one I'm interested in.

http://www.cycletrad...eptor-102142479

That is what I was talking about- search tempest showed a glut of vfrs all around the country. Sometimes there are very few for sale and sometimes there are plenty. No rhyme or reason. There are 20 or so in your area. Get one!

[image: View Post]Onyx, on 03 May 2012 - 10:21 AM, said:

Haven't gone to see the bike yet.  I found another one I'm interested in.

http://www.cycletrad...eptor-102142479
The lack of decals on this one would give me pause as a prospective buyer. Of course it's possible the prior owner simply decided to remove them, but that would be somewhat unusual. On the other hand the lack of decals could suggest that the tank and fairings could have been repaired, repainted or replaced.

Since a dealership is selling this one one I'd definitely ask the for a copy of the carfax, etc.

The tank decals are there, so that means the only decals that have been removed are the "Interceptor" badges on the tail fairing.  Between the '02 & the '04, you will find zero changes other than the shade of red and different colored wheels.  So you're looking at a different bike with higher miles and more money.

I guess your right. Due to all of the reflections I looked several times before I was finally able to make out the Honda decal on the tank in the 4th image. I gather the VFR decals on the lower fairings of the '02 viffer were deleted on the '04 model?

Note that I ride a 5th generation and am not up to snuff with changes made during the 6th generation's production run.

In any case both machines look nice in the images provided.

[image: View Post]hondalover, on 03 May 2012 - 03:12 PM, said:

So you're looking at a different bike with higher miles and more money.

I would have to agree with this statement.  More money for higher miles?  I would keep looking.  Even though it's from a dealer, your not going to have a warranty.  And if they do happen to give you one it will be for maybe 30 days.  Keep looking onyx.  Unless their gonna drop that price $1-1.5k.  It's gonna be an over pay.  Hey the mileage is good for an average rider putting almost 2k miles on a bike per year, but don't over pay for one from a dealer.  $2k more and you can get a brand new left over 2009.  Which some are still out there across the country.

Like one of the other guys said, there's 20 in your area, start checking them out and grab one.

I have been in contact with the owner of the one on Craigslist.  We've discussed the price, now we just need to find a day when we're both available so I can go check it out and make him an offer in person.

I appreciate everybody's input, it has been very valuable.

AND, of course, should you end up getting that one --or any other one--, pics will be in order, right? Soooo, bring a decent camera with you, none of that cell phone pic stuff which is all blurry and impossible to look at.   :goofy:
Good luck in your purchasing the best bike in history!   :wheel:
C

I'm already looking to post up pics once's she's home and all cleaned up.  Should I post em here, or make a new thread?

I have been researching the recall on the wiring harness, and I don't believe the original owner had this done.  Is it imperative that I perform the modification to the blue harness with the green wire?

What is the duration on this kind of recall for the 2002-2005 models?

The dealer should still perform the recall for free. There was also one for subframe and, if abs, the rear proportioning valve. Should all be free of charge as far as I know. If the bike is from the dealer, he should have done it--punch marks or some kind of mark above one of the vin number on the frame should indicate that the work was done. Like I said, if the dealer has not done it, go back and ask them to do it--that's what I would do.

To answer your question, it is not imperative, as the bike may run fine, but I would seriously consider it as it is the best insurance for electrical problems. Baileyrock also posted a home made fix for it I think. A search would no doubt lead you to his post--or a pm.

I would post them in the proper forum (official welcome) and make a reference to it in this thread.

C