Joining VFR fam, but need help deciding on bike...two options - Sixth Generation VFR's

Decided to start looking at bike a month ago.  I originally thought I wanted a CBR600, but a used bike dealer told me to throw a leg around the VFR... I did it while I had my mind and eyes on other bikes, but I instantly realized that it fit me a lot better (6'3" 230 lbs).  This will be my first bike actually owning.  The research I have done on this bike has consumed all my spare time and I'm happy to finally join vfrdiscussion.  My two options are listed below.... Feel free to tell me what you think, share experiences, other things to consider, or other first time buyer tips.  Thanks in advance.  

1.  2007 VFR...16,000 miles, 1 owner, used bike shop seller, asking price $7,000 (6500 with cash), in my current city so no pick up or delivery issues

2. 2009 VFR... 10,000 miles, 2 owners, used bike seller, asking price $8,000 (6000 with cash), 500 miles away

Both bikes appear to be in great condition... What things should I ask from dealer to help in my decision making process. Looking at blue book...both buys appear to be deals.  Any issues on maintenance that i should consider or ask?  The dealers both said the bikes past their inspection.  How can i trust that?  What do you all think????

If your buying from a dealer they should have performed all maintenance.  The 6th gen VFR has a costly valve inspection every 16000 miles.  Nearly $1000 in some cases.  If your are paying that much for an '07 I would make sure the valve inspection has been completed, fluids have been changed, etc. etc.  Currently there are two 2007 VFR's in the mid-atlantic on craigslist with less than 10000 miles for less than $6000.

Saying that,  The bikes you are looking at didn't really change from 2002-2009 (wire harness recall on 2002-2005).  You can find good used ones with less than 20000 miles for around $4000.  Recently here in the Mid-Atlantic I have seen 4 6th gen VFR's with less than 25000 miles on them go for less than $4000.  Two of them had full OEM luggage and all were in good shape with clean titles.

Either way,  it's your money.  I'm cheap and the VFR (any generation) is a great bike that you'll be happy with.  I'm your size (6'3" and 235lbs.) and it has fit me fine when i had it.  I plan to go back to a 6th gen VFR in another month or so. The suspension is alright for commuting and sucks for sporty riding but there are a million threads here on how to make it better.

It's just my two cents but I'd go for the same bike, a few years older and a few grand cheaper.

Welcome,

Are either of the bikes equiped with the ABS braking system(the abs also comes with a more adjustable rear shock).

Hard to say, but I think that some brand new left over '07s could be had for $7,000 OTD I think a couple of years ago. So, unless they have ABS and farkles (Sargent or Corbin seat, PCIII, side cases, etc.), I think they're a bit on the pricey side. These bikes are known to go 100,000 miles (and possibly double that) without any problem (some even never do the valve adjustments with no issues whatsoever) so I would say that mileage is not a big issue here.

Not sure what to recommend since both bikes are identical for the most part. If you were comparing a 4th gen with a6th gen, there would be more to say even if the choice may be just as hard.

In any case, keep us informed on your choice.
C

[image: View Post]smackdoogle, on 06 May 2012 - 04:28 PM, said:

If your buying from a dealer they should have performed all maintenance.  The 6th gen VFR has a costly valve inspection every 16000 miles.  Nearly $1000 in some cases.  If your are paying that much for an '07 I would make sure the valve inspection has been completed...
Playing Devil's advocate here, I would say that the valve inspection is not a huge deal to be looking for; lots of people go without doing it at 16K (myself included) with no issues.  In other words, its added value is only what you make it out to be.   :tour:

[image: View Post]Monk, on 06 May 2012 - 04:43 PM, said:

Welcome,

Are either of the bikes equiped with the ABS braking system(the abs also comes with a more adjustable rear shock).

Are you sure the rear shock is "more" adjustable?  I have an ABS model with the remote preload adjuster, but I thought the non-ABS bike had the same preload adjustment, just using a spanner?  

[image: View Post]Polarbear, on 06 May 2012 - 04:49 PM, said:

Hard to say, but I think that some brand new left over '07s could be had for $7,000 OTD I think a couple of years ago.

Why yes.  Yes they were.   :fing02:

I agree both are a wee bit pricey for used, but IMHO the 2009 for $6000 is do-able.  10,000 miles is nothing.  It's worth checking out and would be my vote, but I don't know your tolerance for the 500-mile trip.  Good luck.

Depending on the condition and with or without ABS, the 09 for $6,000 sounds like the better buy.  The travel costs for a 1,000
mile round trip probably balances things out though.  Clean 06's and 07's can be bought for $5,000 or less, including a RWB
recently listed here with a few nice add ons.  Check the "completed listings" on Ebay to see what the real market value is and
ignore the book value #'s.

[image: View Post]carlitos92, on 06 May 2012 - 05:52 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Monk, on 06 May 2012 - 04:43 PM, said:

Welcome,

Are either of the bikes equiped with the ABS braking system(the abs also comes with a more adjustable rear shock).

Are you sure the rear shock is "more" adjustable?  I have an ABS model with the remote preload adjuster, but I thought the non-ABS bike had the same preload adjustment, just using a spanner?

I just bought a used 2007 ABS rear shock that I am having rebuilt by Jamie Daugherty and it has a rebound adjuster in addition to the remote preload adjuster.

Not having a abs myself, I could be wrong with my statement. Maybe I should have said more micro adjustments and easier??????

[image: View Post]Polarbear, on 06 May 2012 - 04:49 PM, said:

Hard to say, but I think that some brand new left over '07s could be had for $7,000 OTD I think a couple of years ago. So, unless they have ABS and farkles (Sargent or Corbin seat, PCIII, side cases, etc.), I think they're a bit on the pricey side.

Yup, I was one of them that got a brand new leftover 07 in late 09 for $7,000 OTD and that was with ABS! Though I have seen the prices go back up a little bit since then. I still see people paying more (for new and used) than what I got stole mine for. And as Monk asked, either bike have ABS? I would go with the ABS bike if it were me. But all things being equal, how about color? Which one do you prefer? I don't think you can go too wrong with either.

I'll echo what the others have said - there are better deals to be had on bikes with fewer miles.  A year ago, I paid $6K for an '07 w/ ABS.  It had 700 miles on it at the time.

Not associated with the guy at all, but that RWB for $5000 in the classified section here is something I would have for sure taken a look at last year when I bought my VFR.

I feel like to got a good deal last year for an '06 with 7,500 no ABS, flawless condition. Came with Throttlemeister, zero gravity windscreen, motorcycle cover, battery tender, tank bag, tail bag, 3m protective sheets on front facing plastics and on the tank, and everything it came with from the dealer (joke tool kit, manual which has proper maint logs, filler plates for the passenger grab rails, factory bar ends).

I'm sure people have paid more and maybe a little less for similar, but that's what you should expect around the $5,000 mark, IMO.

If you can get the OEM luggage with the bike, it usually goes for a little less than if you buy separately (add about $400 for side cases, $300 for top case) vs $720 for side cases, and $700 for top case plus rack if you buy new.

Have a look in the VFRD classifieds, better deals to be found, may have to travel a little. I bought my wifes 6th gen from a fellow VFRD member and still saved some cash after making the 12 hour trip (one way) to pick it up.

Maxey's in OKC has a 2007 RWB 25th Anniversary Edition with 1600 miles for $6999.  I saw the bike on Saturday and it still has the nipples on the tires.  I am not affiliated with Maxeys, actually I try not to give them any of my money, but the bike is clean and worth a drive from Tulsa if you are interested.

 Terc, on 07 May 2012 - 12:06 PM, said:

Not associated with the guy at all, but that RWB for $5000 in the classified section here is something I would have for sure taken a look at last year when I bought my VFR.

I feel like to got a good deal last year for an '06 with 7,500 no ABS, flawless condition. Came with Throttlemeister, zero gravity windscreen, motorcycle cover, battery tender, tank bag, tail bag, 3m protective sheets on front facing plastics and on the tank, and everything it came with from the dealer (joke tool kit, manual which has proper maint logs, filler plates for the passenger grab rails, factory bar ends).

I'm sure people have paid more and maybe a little less for similar, but that's what you should expect around the $5,000 mark, IMO.

If you can get the OEM luggage with the bike, it usually goes for a little less than if you buy separately (add about $400 for side cases, $300 for top case) vs $720 for side cases, and $700 for top case plus rack if you buy new.

I will look at that one as well.  Do you think the luggage bags are worth it?  I will be living in a place in 3-4 months where the weather is always warm and I am 2-4 hours away from 3-4 major cities and tourist attractions (sounds like VFR season to me :)).  I have never seen the bags in real life.  I am all about comfort, but I hate to say it, but I really want a bike that looks cool too.  Will bags mess up the sporty look of the VFR?  What do you think?

 DT1, on 07 May 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

I'll echo what the others have said - there are better deals to be had on bikes with fewer miles.  A year ago, I paid $6K for an '07 w/ ABS.  It had 700 miles on it at the time.

Good to know... I'm going to keep looking for now then.  I think I will pull the trigger if I can find something $6,000 or less.

 gswanson, on 07 May 2012 - 01:11 PM, said:

Maxey's in OKC has a 2007 RWB 25th Anniversary Edition with 1600 miles for $6999.  I saw the bike on Saturday and it still has the nipples on the tires.  I am not affiliated with Maxeys, actually I try not to give them any of my money, but the bike is clean and worth a drive from Tulsa if you are interested.

I will check this out.  I have not seen the 25th Anniversary Edition upclose, but it looks nice and off the beaten path.  It has a nice ventage look to it.  Thanks for the heads up on this bike.  Anyone have the Anniversary Edition and want to weigh in on it?


Thanks so much for everyone's help.   I know this is a long message, and if I am not following the typical protocol - please excuse my ignorance.  This is my first time joining a forum/discussion group.  You all seem real cool.... I really appreciate(d) all of your quick and thoughful replies to this.

CJ

I definitely wrote out a long and thoughtful reply to everyone post, but I realized that by continuing to press quote,  I deleted all of my comments.  SMH...

So I will try to very very quickly sum up the highlights.

None of the bikes that I have seen have ABS.  The color does mean something to me, but I will get my second choice color for a better deal.  Leaning more toward the 2009 if I can get this price down a little more... I'm thinking that a good trigger price may be $5500 to compensate for the drive down there.  I will look to keep you all informed on my decision.  Glad to know that some of you are around my size.  Thank you for the other ideas about different places to look... Completed listings on Ebay (WOW)... and other areas in craigslist.  I am a newb to buying bikes.

For the 2007 with only 700 miles on it... was that from a dealer or an individual seller?

Any thoughts on ways to negotiate the price lower.   :unclesam:   I know that my require a little bit of politics on my side, but the truth is (just like anyone else)... I want the best, safest, bike for the least amount of money.

I will look into your other suggestions.  Feel free to leave other suggestions or ideas.  Thank you very much for everyone's help!!!

CJ

Will be :tour:   Soon!

 Boam31, on 08 May 2012 - 02:27 PM, said:

For the 2007 with only 700 miles on it... was that from a dealer or an individual seller?

I bought it off of Craigslist, from a private party.  The bike came from the OKC area.

While photos of RWB's look good, the bikes look even better in person, IMHO   :fing02:


If you're willing to travel or have the bike shipped, you will open-up a lot more doors, i.e. a silver '05 in Albuquerque, non-ABS, 7k miles for $4,600, or a red '07 outside KC (Louisberg) with factory bags and heli bars, 3K miles, non-ABS, for $6,650
Edited by DT1, 08 May 2012 - 07:29 PM.

There's an '02 in our classifieds right now for $4,250 with side cases, and 7K miles. I can't imagine why it's so low, but that's an incredibly good deal.

I would look for a new left over.  I got mine in 2006 for 8.9k.  the bikes you are looking at seem expensive, if willing to travel you could definately do better.

I found mine thru cycletrader.com

[image: View Post]DT1, on 07 May 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

I'll echo what the others have said - there are better deals to be had on bikes with fewer miles.  A year ago, I paid $6K for an '07 w/ ABS.  It had 700 miles on it at the time.
I got a similar deal.  Bought an '04 w/o ABS, 630 miles, in '07 for $5K.  (I did have to travel for it.)

[image: View Post]Terc, on 11 May 2012 - 12:08 AM, said:

There's an '02 in our classifieds right now for $4,250 with side cases, and 7K miles. I can't imagine why it's so low, but that's an incredibly good deal.

Thanks for the heads up.

[image: View Post]Terc, on 11 May 2012 - 12:08 AM, said:

There's an '02 in our classifieds right now for $4,250 with side cases, and 7K miles. I can't imagine why it's so low, but that's an incredibly good deal.

[image: View Post]Purvis, on 11 May 2012 - 03:57 AM, said:

I would look for a new left over.  I got mine in 2006 for 8.9k.  the bikes you are looking at seem expensive, if willing to travel you could definately do better.

I found mine thru cycletrader.com

[image: View Post]Conedodger, on 11 May 2012 - 06:48 AM, said:

[image: View Post]DT1, on 07 May 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

I'll echo what the others have said - there are better deals to be had on bikes with fewer miles.  A year ago, I paid $6K for an '07 w/ ABS.  It had 700 miles on it at the time.
I got a similar deal.  Bought an '04 w/o ABS, 630 miles, in '07 for $5K.  (I did have to travel for it.)

Thanks for the heads up.  I think that $4,000-$5,000 would be a good price range.  I will keep looking for better deals.  I may post a bike that I'm thinking about in the next day or so to get the expert advice from all of you all... Just a preview... '07 RWB in mint condition with only 2,000 miles on it.  Asking is $7,500, but I am sure she will go lower.  What would you all pay for this?  Also, so you think that an '07 with only 2,000 miles on it is to good to be true (like someone either wrecked it and put new body on it or change odometer)?  How would I know for each, so I am comfortable making the purchase... is their something like a car fax I can pull for motorcylces?

Thanks again for all of the help.

CJ   :tour:

Not sure how it is in your state, but another thing to consider is here in Georgia, if you buy from an individual, there is no sales tax (even if you buy from an individual outside the state). If you buy from a dealer (in or out of state), you have to pay sales tax when you register the bike. That could end up being an additional $350 - $500.

[image: View Post]Boam31, on 11 May 2012 - 07:29 AM, said:

Also, so you think that an '07 with only 2,000 miles on it is to good to be true (like someone either wrecked it and put new body on it or change odometer)?  How would I know for each, so I am comfortable making the purchase... is their something like a car fax I can pull for motorcylces?

Thanks again for all of the help.

CJ   :tour:
If it truely has 2,000 miles on it, it will have the OEM tires.  If the tires are not OEM, I would suspect the mileage.  Check for panel fit and alignment.  Many times, the support brackets were tweaked in a drop or accident, but not replaced, so the new panel doesn't fit quite right.  Look for color differences in the panels.  Replacement or repainted panels usually are slightly off color.  Look at foot pegs, bar ends, etc.  After a drop or accident, the obvious parts are repaired or replaced, but sometimes the smaller less obvious parts are not.  Look for non standard fasteners on the panels.

I bought a rebuilt salvage title bike a few years back.  The new panels were slightly off color.  There was non standard hardware used to install them.  The tail light had a very small crack in it and had not been replaced.  Some small trim pieces were missing.  Non of this bothered me, as I knew what I was looking at and the price was right, but were all subtle clues as to the bikes history.

As I stated above, my bike was 3 years old and only had 630 miles on it. The PO had bought the bike in NJ.  Shortly after was transferred to Florida and his wife delivered twins.  Between the move, the new job, and twin infants he claimed he didn't have time to ride.  A little online snooping confirmed the owner's story about the move.  When I saw the bike in Florida, it was on OEM tires and had an out dated 3 year old NJ registration.

[image: View Post]DT1, on 08 May 2012 - 07:18 PM, said:

If you're willing to travel or have the bike shipped, you will open-up a lot more doors, i.e. a silver '05 in Albuquerque, non-ABS, 7k miles for $4,600 If you are interested in this one I could swing by and check it out for you (not affiliated).   :smile:

[image: View Post]Boam31, on 08 May 2012 - 02:12 PM, said:

You all seem real cool.... I really appreciate(d) all of your quick and thoughful replies to this.

CJ

[image: View Post]vanion2, on 11 May 2012 - 08:50 AM, said:

[image: View Post]DT1, on 08 May 2012 - 07:18 PM, said:

If you're willing to travel or have the bike shipped, you will open-up a lot more doors, i.e. a silver '05 in Albuquerque, non-ABS, 7k miles for $4,600 If you are interested in this one I could swing by and check it out for you (not affiliated).   :smile:

Sounds like a fly and buy road trip!

[image: View Post]wera803, on 11 May 2012 - 07:41 AM, said:

Not sure how it is in your state, but another thing to consider is here in Georgia, if you buy from an individual, there is no sales tax (even if you buy from an individual outside the state). If you buy from a dealer (in or out of state), you have to pay sales tax when you register the bike. That could end up being an additional $350 - $500.

Good to know...thank you for the tip.  :)

[image: View Post]Conedodger, on 11 May 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Boam31, on 11 May 2012 - 07:29 AM, said:

Also, so you think that an '07 with only 2,000 miles on it is to good to be true (like someone either wrecked it and put new body on it or change odometer)?  How would I know for each, so I am comfortable making the purchase... is their something like a car fax I can pull for motorcylces?

Thanks again for all of the help.

CJ   :tour:
If it truely has 2,000 miles on it, it will have the OEM tires.  If the tires are not OEM, I would suspect the mileage.  Check for panel fit and alignment.  Many times, the support brackets were tweaked in a drop or accident, but not replaced, so the new panel doesn't fit quite right.  Look for color differences in the panels.  Replacement or repainted panels usually are slightly off color.  Look at foot pegs, bar ends, etc.  After a drop or accident, the obvious parts are repaired or replaced, but sometimes the smaller less obvious parts are not.  Look for non standard fasteners on the panels.

I bought a rebuilt salvage title bike a few years back.  The new panels were slightly off color.  There was non standard hardware used to install them.  The tail light had a very small crack in it and had not been replaced.  Some small trim pieces were missing.  Non of this bothered me, as I knew what I was looking at and the price was right, but were all subtle clues as to the bikes history.

That really helps out a lot.  I am still kind of new to this, so you were able to help me start to build a list of things to look for.  Thanks.

[image: View Post]Conedodger, on 11 May 2012 - 07:58 AM, said:

As I stated above, my bike was 3 years old and only had 630 miles on it. The PO had bought the bike in NJ.  Shortly after was transferred to Florida and his wife delivered twins.  Between the move, the new job, and twin infants he claimed he didn't have time to ride.  A little online snooping confirmed the owner's story about the move.  When I saw the bike in Florida, it was on OEM tires and had an out dated 3 year old NJ registration.

Once I find a likely suitor I may go ahead and do some online snooping myself to see what I find.  Thanks.

[image: View Post]vanion2, on 11 May 2012 - 08:50 AM, said:

[image: View Post]DT1, on 08 May 2012 - 07:18 PM, said:

If you're willing to travel or have the bike shipped, you will open-up a lot more doors, i.e. a silver '05 in Albuquerque, non-ABS, 7k miles for $4,600 If you are interested in this one I could swing by and check it out for you (not affiliated).   :smile:

Cool...good to know.  I will let you know if I end up making a move on this one.  Appreciate you.

The wait is over!!!

I would like to introduce you to my new lady (name to be announced later)... http://www.vfrdiscus...r/24947-boam31/

Tell me what you all think.

I ended up getting the bike at a fair price.  This 07 RWB has ABS (which none of the others I was looking at had) and it came with a lot of good mods...seat, grips, windshield, two detachable bags, and best of all it was sold to me from a gentleman that bought it new and took great care of it.  The selling process worked out great... I really felt good about the bike and the people I met during the transaction...people I know I could ride with sometime down the road.  This has been a great process.  I am looking forward to meeting more of you all and posting more pictures from my trips and rides.  I am truly happy that I did not jump on the first one or thrity-seven I seen.   :idea3:
Ok...now I can finally Zoom Zoom... :tour:

CJ