What to check when inspecting a used VFR800

[Heretic]

Just joined as I'm 99.99 % sure that I'm going to buy a VFR 800.

I havn't ridden in over 10 years, so I will be a re-entry rider. :)

I checked out one at a dealer here in Calgary last weekend, and am going to look at a 1999 VFR800 this Saturday.

The bike has 43,000 kms (26720 miles)...

Ad says "New tires, recent service, Excellent running shape. Always garaged".

I will get an inspection done at a motorcycle shop, but is their anything in particular I should check on my intial visit?

Thanks...

[drewl]

Look at the insides of the plastics to see if there are any cracks or repaints.
Ask for service records.
Check the color of the brake, clutch fluids--should be clear if changed recently.
The '99 have gear driven cams so the front of the bike should have a nice whine to it and the V4 should have a nice rumble at the pipe.
The regulator/rectifier has issues fairly often so have the electrical system checked thoroughly.
Other than that, you should be good.

[Heretic]

Well - I checked it out - a bit disappointed...mechanically, bike is great.
The bike was dumped once - so the fairing on lower left side is scratched really bad, and under the headlight it is cracked right through to the side....
Also, the tail light cover is smashed....

Would you still buy a bike like that?

I probably could get it for $3500...

Edit: Tail Light Assembly: $225
Front Upper Cowling: $468
Lower Left fairing: $395

He's asking $4150.

[derstuka]

Look at the book prices for that year and miles, then look at the cost of replacing the damaged parts and see if he is in the right ballpark.

Also, check out this thread to look at more things to look at on the bike.

Looking at a 1999 800 tomorrow

[reg71]

As they mentioned, price the parts. I think I would try and get the dealer to go ahead and replace damaged pieces... Or, if not, I'd go ahead and offer a price allowing you to still get the bike into the shape you want for less than $4k. Otherwise, another will come up before too long. They are pretty rare nowadays but many people don't know what they are so deals are out there. I got my 98 a couple years back with pristine plastics and lots of aftermarket goodies for $3750. At the time I thought it was high because I was comparing it to a CBR 600 of same age. I didn't know what the VFR was.

[Heretic]

Here she is!!!!!

1999 Yellow VFR800 - VFRworld Photo Gallery




BTW - I didn't buy that damanged one - got this one instead.

[Rollin_Again]

Nice lookin bike! I think you'll like her and if you take good care of her and she'll last a long long time. I've got a few friends who are well over 50,000 miles and their bikes still run like new. How many GSXR's or Ninjas do you see on the roads with 50k+ miles?

Regards,
Rollin

[elf800]

Originally Posted by Rollin_Again

Nice lookin bike! I think you'll like her and if you take good care of her and she'll last a long long time. I've got a few friends who are well over 50,000 miles and their bikes still run like new. How many GSXR's or Ninjas do you see on the roads with 50k+ miles?

Regards,
Rollin

good job brother patience when buying used best bet that is a sweet bike always liked that yellow color also... but ive read articles on busas with over 100k and i know someone had a gsxr with 90k all these sport bikes are great if you do the maintance on them by the book no worries but the viffer is just a little more solid and less tempermental welcome to the club... may have missed it but how much you get it fer?????

[Heretic]

Originally Posted by elf800

good job brother patience when buying used best bet that is a sweet bike always liked that yellow color also... but ive read articles on busas with over 100k and i know someone had a gsxr with 90k all these sport bikes are great if you do the maintance on them by the book no worries but the viffer is just a little more solid and less tempermental welcome to the club... may have missed it but how much you get it fer?????

Got it for $4800 Canadian.

I insured and got a plate today.

I was on the bike @ 4PM and got back home @ 9 PM. (visited a few peeps).
I racked up 162 kilometres my first day.
This baby really likes to go!

I ordered a Sargent seat yesterday and a Givi windscreen.
I'm riding up to Edmonton this weekend to pick up a set of Helibars - only $200!

I wonder if I can phone in sick the rest of the week? cough cough. :)

Edit: BTW - the inside/back of my thighs are sore!!!! Using muscles I havn't used I guess in 10 years.

[reg71]

That sure is a pretty bike. I'm sure Drewl thinks so, and a few others...