Looking at a 1999 800 tomorrow

[1-3-2-4]

Hey all,

New guy here, looking to possibly buy a VFR. I've been intrigued for years and now that I'm looking for another bike, I'm pursuing a VFR if I can get one for what I want to spend.

At any rate, I'm going to look at a 1999 with 30,000 miles on it. First question...how many miles are too many? Should I be concerned? What specifically should I look for?

I can't speak on the state of the bike (yet), but it is red and includes a Corbin seat (and stock seat), a Micron pipe (stock installed), and Givi risers...asking $4k. How does that price sound? Your thoughts are appreciated, thanks!

[derstuka]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I would typeyour name, but I cannot count, even when it is not in order! Hahaha

30k is low for a VFR. The VFR's v-4 engine (when properly cared for) can outlast many other motorcycle engines with ease. Many have had over 75k, and over 100k on their bikes. Some over 150k. My bike has over 37k and is still going strong. How common is it to see Gixxer's with over 75k on them?

Look for the regular stuff that you would on any bike. Check condition of the bike to see how well it has been cared for. Chain/sprockets, forks (are they damaged, leaking seals?) check the wheel bearings (wiggling the tire side to side). Tell-tale signs of a crash (scratched engine cases, swingarm, rims, forks, brake calipers, rotors, etc,). Ask for any maintenance history that he may have. Ask if he has had to replace the R/R (regulator/rectifier)ever.....just good to know, as this (well, the charging system) is the archilles heel of the VFR.

If the bike looks and sounds good, that price is good to me.

[1-3-2-4]

Jason,

Thanks for the information. This will be my third bike (SV650, Buell XB9), so 30k makes me weary. However, as you've pointed out, my internet research caused me to second-guess that weariness. I'm looking for something I can have some fun with yet get some long range riding out of. This might fit the bill. I'll update after I look at the bike!

Nick

[ILVFR75]

1-3-2-4...Could that be the Viffer's firing order? Good luck with the possible purchase. Sounds like a pretty fair price to me.

[drewl]

Good luck, sounds good so far.

[reg71]

buy it. that's not too bad of a price and you'll appreciate the seat and the pipe. it sounds like nothing else. I have 60000 miles on mine and still enjoy the hell out of it. ask the guy if the valve clearance has been checked recently... I want to say that it's supposed to be done around 32k but maybe he already had it done and you can skip it for a while. regardless, it's still not a bad deal. they are the best all around bike on the street I have tried. There might be a better one out there, but I haven't ridden it yet.

[derstuka]

Hey Nick, forgot to say.....ask him if the valves have been checked at all on this bike. They are pretty notorious for being spot on the first 1-2 valve checks, but it is nice to know what has been done just the same.

[1-3-2-4]

Well, it looks like the 'showing' got moved to tomorrow. Bummer, because I'm anxious. While talking the owner, I did find out that he knocked it over in the driveway and there is some damage, but I'm not sure how extensive it is. I guess we'll see tomorrow.

So, another question...how many of you have taken these things to the track? I've never seen a VFR on any track...are they too heavy? I was looking for a track bike after I totalled my Buell at Summit Point, but this VFR has me really interested....and I still need my track fix. Can this bike do a track day or two until I manage to buy a track only bike?

How good is it for two-up riding? My wife refused to ride on my SV650 and my Buell (understandable) and I'd like to take her places with me since I think she'd really enjoy it. Are there any good hard luggage sets that bolt up with minimal work? Do any trunks have a back rest? She'd be all over that!

[1-3-2-4]

So, just to clarify, 32k is the official valve adjustment window? If this isn't done, is it worth some money off the asking price? I'm very mechanical apt, but he doesn't have to know that...

[derstuka]

Originally Posted by 1-3-2-4

So, just to clarify, 32k is the official valve adjustment window? If this isn't done, is it worth some money off the asking price? I'm very mechanical apt, but he doesn't have to know that...

16k, then 32k (each 16k pretty much) are the first two valve checks. You could try and use that to haggle the price if he has not had that done, but I wouldn't let it shy you away from the bike.

Yes, several members take their VFR's to the track (hey, even Goldwing riders do sometimes), and they love them on the track. It is no 600 lightweight, but it seems to hold its own for what it does.

Lots of aftermarket accessories as far as luggage goes. Givi saddlebags are popular, and many riders on here have top cases with backrest pads on them as well. I have Givi saddlebags (just plain black, pics are in one of my photo albums) but I took them off as I never use them. Takes me about 10-20 mins to put the brackets back on.

Bike is great for two up riding. Just crank up the rear preload (might be needed) and you should be good to go. The VFR has good power, but it not a 1000 with loads of torque, so you will have to downshift some to pass, but it doesn't need to be revved to the moon like a 600 does to get spooled up.

Good luck.

[vfrcapn]

Originally Posted by 1-3-2-4

Well, it looks like the 'showing' got moved to tomorrow. Bummer, because I'm anxious. While talking the owner, I did find out that he knocked it over in the driveway and there is some damage, but I'm not sure how extensive it is. I guess we'll see tomorrow.

So, another question...how many of you have taken these things to the track? I've never seen a VFR on any track...are they too heavy? I was looking for a track bike after I totalled my Buell at Summit Point, but this VFR has me really interested....and I still need my track fix. Can this bike do a track day or two until I manage to buy a track only bike?

How good is it for two-up riding? My wife refused to ride on my SV650 and my Buell (understandable) and I'd like to take her places with me since I think she'd really enjoy it. Are there any good hard luggage sets that bolt up with minimal work? Do any trunks have a back rest? She'd be all over that!

I've had my '99 at the track a few times, it's a heavier bike but still a blast to ride around screaming along at 9K, the sound is incredible.

I've done 500 mile two-up rides also with the gf and no complaints, bike handled great even over the switchback mountain passes.

I've got a little over 50K on it and it still rides great, no issues. I've upgraded the suspension, one thing you should ask about and plan for if it hasn't been done. Good luck.

[Joey_Dude]

With the 2-up riding I'm sure you'd want to use those aftermarket seats. With the valve clearance inspection I wrote up some tips on how to do it at this link: Tips for 5th Gen Valve Clearance Inspection

The hardest part about the valve clearance really was taking the airbox off because it's got over 10 tubes and connections and was quite a pain to get them off and likewise it was pretty challenging putting it back on.

[reg71]

Originally Posted by 1-3-2-4

So, another question...how many of you have taken these things to the track? I've never seen a VFR on any track...are they too heavy? I was looking for a track bike after I totalled my Buell at Summit Point, but this VFR has me really interested....and I still need my track fix. Can this bike do a track day or two until I manage to buy a track only bike?

if a picture is worth 1000 words, here come a lot of words:










And all those are members so it's not just crap talking. They have all done it and had a blast doing it...

Originally Posted by 1-3-2-4

How good is it for two-up riding? My wife refused to ride on my SV650 and my Buell (understandable) and I'd like to take her places with me since I think she'd really enjoy it. Are there any good hard luggage sets that bolt up with minimal work? Do any trunks have a back rest? She'd be all over that!

Now this I know about. I have a few hundred 2-up miles on my bike. Not only does my wife like to ride (were are doing 150-200 later today), but my step daughter and step son both enjoy riding. They are all lightweight, though so don't upset the bike much. I keep my shock stiff amd recently installed a Penske, but even before, the stock springs handled a passenger adequately. Now, it's not as nice as an FJR or ST, but it's adequate for shorter trips. My wife and I have ridden it from the central coast up to San Mateo for the bike show, and we plan to ride it up for the next moto GP in Monterrey. It's heavier bike so two up actually works alright on it. Now if you go two up loaded with bags, you are starting to get pretty darn heavy for a VFR IMO.

[1-3-2-4]

Thanks for the pics and the insight. If I can take the bike to the track, I'll be happy. I am not an expert class rider yet, so it won't be the bike holding me back. I'm getting better, but we all know how that goes. I know I'm no Rossi.

As far as two up riding is concerned, I'd say I can expect the geared up passenger/cargo weight for my wife and I to be in the 350-400 lb range depending on destination

Looks like I'm gonna meet the owner at 4:00 this afternoon, so I'm excited. His Craigslist ad says no rides (can't blame him, I do the same), but I'd like to ride it since it is different than any other bike I've owned. If all goes well with this bike, it looks like I'm torn between it and a 2003 Z1000. Choices choices choices...

[1-3-2-4]

I'm so excited right now, I'm ecstatic and grinning from ear to ear. Yep, I bought the bike. I was really impressed with the condition of the bike. It has a couple small scratches where he knocked it over in his driveway on the lower fairing, but I'm not stressing of them. They really are minor. Other than that, there is nothing wrong. The sprocket and chain is original (29k), but I should be able to get through the rest of the year with them as is.

I am in LOVE with the sound from this thing, even with the stock can on it. I've never ridden a V4 engine, and suffice it to say, it is spectacular. I absolutely love the gear driven cam whine. WOW! As I mentioned earlier, he is including the stock and Corbin seats, the stock and Micron pipe, and there are Givi bar risers. He also is throwing in a couple gallons of Honda oil and a few oil filters...all for $3800. I will either pick it up on Wednesday or Friday. Hopefully Wednesday so I can register it on Thursday...

I should probably search for this answer, but how finicky is the fuel management system? How much will the Micron lean the fuel delivery out? Do I need fueling? If so, what is recommended?

Thanks again everyone!

[reg71]

Congrats. I remember the feeling. In fact, I still get it sometimes even after 2 years with the bike. I'd probably plan on getting a chain and sprocket set before long. The fuel I use is 87 octane. Chevron or Shell or Circle K. It all seems to work fine to me. I ran with a PC 2 for the last year or so but disconnected it for my trip to WA and haven't hooked it back up yet. I run a 2bros pipe and love it but have never tried the stock can. I can eek out high 30s or possibly low 40s with the aftermarket pipe if I play like I'm riding a scooter instead of a 100 HP fun bucket, but how fun is that? You got a great deal. Enjoy. Come on out here now before it too late. I have a little shindig goin down in a couple weeks.

Originally Posted by 1-3-2-4

I'm so excited right now, I'm ecstatic and grinning from ear to ear. Yep, I bought the bike. I was really impressed with the condition of the bike. It has a couple small scratches where he knocked it over in his driveway on the lower fairing, but I'm not stressing of them. They really are minor. Other than that, there is nothing wrong. The sprocket and chain is original (29k), but I should be able to get through the rest of the year with them as is.

I am in LOVE with the sound from this thing, even with the stock can on it. I've never ridden a V4 engine, and suffice it to say, it is spectacular. I absolutely love the gear driven cam whine. WOW! As I mentioned earlier, he is including the stock and Corbin seats, the stock and Micron pipe, and there are Givi bar risers. He also is throwing in a couple gallons of Honda oil and a few oil filters...all for $3800. I will either pick it up on Wednesday or Friday. Hopefully Wednesday so I can register it on Thursday...

I should probably search for this answer, but how finicky is the fuel management system? How much will the Micron lean the fuel delivery out? Do I need fueling? If so, what is recommended?

Thanks again everyone!

[vfrcapn]

Congrats! BTW, it doesn't really exist until you post some pics!

[powderrecon]

29k on an original chain and sprockets???? You might want to look at them for wear, as I would guess it has seen the end of its life.