Potential new owner - '99 or 2000 - questions for you folks

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by EWL, Apr 15, 2009.

  1. EWL

    EWL New Member

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    Hi,

    I'm new to the forum and VFRs. I've been doing a bunch of reading on all the VFR generations and have decided to try and purchase a fifth gen bike for longer, multi-day rides. There's two bikes for sale locally that I've got my eye on:

    Bike #1: 2000, 19k mi, $3900
    Bike #2: 1999, 14k mi, high-mount two bro's muffler, $4300

    Both bikes appear to be in very good condtion (I've yet to test ride them).

    For this generation of bike, is a 5k mi difference significant (worth paying more for)? How many reliable, trouble-free miles can one generally expect out of this gen?

    I love the look of the high-mount muffler, but I'm concerned it will melt my soft saddlebag. How hot does the muffler get? I've read VFRs run hot in the city, though I plan to mostly use this bike for highway riding.

    Thanks in advance, I look forward to your responses!
     
  2. nvoges

    nvoges New Member

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    What type of can does the high mount have i.e. alluminum, CF? I haven't had any experience with them getting hot enough to melt anything (besides, the high mounts look really cool).
     
  3. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Hi EWL, sounds like both bikes are very close. As a 5th gen nut I will tell you that the '99 is the more coveted bike. It doesnt have the catalitic converters and will have a tick more power. -- Yes the muffler will melt the saddle bag unless its carbon fibre.

    Miles? Dunno, but I have seen 100k and more out of these bikes. Typically I go for the lowest mile bike I can find.

    Good luck!
    MD
     
  4. EWL

    EWL New Member

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    That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks guys.
     
  5. leftcoast

    leftcoast New Member

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    Miles = nothing.
    there are stories of 400k miles on 1 engine.
    99 has no Cat; manual "choke" (enricher); goofy mirror condoms
    00 has the cat; no choke; revised mirror design
    00 may have an improved Regulator / Rectifier, but those are easily replaced if needed.
    Also California bikes have a different cam profile....not sure how significant that is. (don't know where you are...)

    bet the 00 is yallow, the 99 red.

    you may want to replace the seat....$400....depends
    a new exhaust midpipe & can can range from $200 - $450 or so.

    I have a Y2k & am buying a 99 for a "second home".

    great choice!....:thumbsup:.....& welcome!

    bob
     
  6. chrisallison

    chrisallison New Member

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    The vfr will easily go round the clock- she`s a tough old girl. mileage is insignificant. Try to find out if the 16000 mile valve check has been done. keep up with oil changes & all should be sweet. Enjoy!
     
  7. vfrcapn

    vfrcapn Member

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    I believe the '00-'01 California bikes got the same cams as the 49-state bikes but still had a different ECU. '98-'99 CA bikes do have different cams and a few less hp. Mirrors are interchangable and easy to swap.

    Mileage on either is insignificant. I'd look at maintenance, even with low mileage was oil changed on schedule, who rode them and how hard, any reported electrical problems with the r/r or battery on either? Honda does have an upgraded r/r available now but all the 5th gen's OEM r/r was the same.

    A CF high mount barely gets warm to the touch and should work fine with soft bags. I can hold my 2-Bros high mount after a long ride.

    My '99 has 55K and is still running strong. Either one would be a great choice if they're in good condition. :thumbsup:
     
  8. gradyggg

    gradyggg New Member

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    go with the 99', but I have one and always prefer bikes and cars with less restrictions and expensive components to replace, like cats or automatic chokes. Agree with everyone else, v4 and mileage of the nature of those bikes is nothing, have an 85 in the caring hands of my father in law with 50k and my 99' just hit 43k and both engines run like tops. though the rest of the 85' needs some work.
     
  9. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    99 for sure! those headers and high mounts are highly coveted! with low milage and red color to boot! this would be an easy decision for me lol...
     
  10. hatzyian

    hatzyian New Member

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    One thing to check is if the valve clearance check has been done on the 2000 bike. If bikes are from dealers get them to throw in the 16,000m service and buy the 99 bike. The best year!!
     
  11. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    anothe consideration on the y2k is that since it is rarer colr, replacement plastic is a little more. also, you are gonna want to open up those pipes and let them breathe just for the music. once you hear the diff, you'll know so that might be something you want to consider... you cant go wrong with either and those prices are good and so close together that it doesn''t matter a whole lot. my .02 is the red though cause that's what I have...and everybody on here will tell you, red is the fastest color...
     
  12. drewl

    drewl Insider

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    :blah: Do you want ANOTHER red bike like everyother sport bike on the road?! NO WAY!!

    Yellow is the way to go. Never get lost in the crowd. Give the cagers no excuses when it comes to visibility. And best yet, no one can tell you just wet yourself in that nasty decreasing radius down hill 15 mph left hander.

    [​IMG]
     
  13. e cabrera

    e cabrera New Member

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    hi¡
    I would buy the 99 because of the exhaust and it´s almost like the 2000, the mileage is not important in this kink of engine, check tires conditions and manteinance, I ride a yellow 2000 and I´m happy with it, I suggest to change all fluids and service the fronf fork with oil change,
    greetings from A mEXICAN VFRist
     
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