Red Red Whine.........Bought a 2001

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by Brit in USA, Apr 26, 2021.

  1. Brit in USA

    Brit in USA New Member

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    I grew up in England in the era of anticipation. You had to wait for albums to arrive at your record shop and the monthly issues of Performance Bikes and Bike magazine was like hoping for a Valentine card except you the mag was going to arrive.
    My first encounter with bikes was when I was 9 or 10 years 0ld, 2 kids taking turns on a XR75. They'd never let me have a go. Years later I got a CB100, then a XL125, CR250. Seems like Honda had a customer. Then I heard the ping of tuning forks and got a Yamaha TDR250.
    At the age of 29, I took British Telecom up on their monetary offer to lessen the workforce and took off to New Zealand for a half year. I trailed around the bike shops in Auckland, kind of looking for a trail bike. Then I saw it. Like that one person that stands out in a roomful of persons, resplendent in Rothmans livery, a 1987 VFR400 nc24. I'd always liked the NC30 but love is a fickle creature, and it gives you what you get. We stayed together for the 6 months and 5000 smiles.
    I arrived in the USA in 2002 to work the on a harvest crew, met a girl, and fast forward to now. Three years ago I stopped feeding the breweries and distillers a very large proportion of my income and have found a clarity and new lease on life.
    Last autumn, I got that motorcycle emptiness feeling, and started scouring FB Marketplace. I found a well sorted KLR I thought I liked, then shelved the idea. Spring 2021 and the search begins again. A local (Nebraska) dealer had a 1000 mile plain white 2017 VFR800. What did they do to the VFR?, I asked. I put VFR in the search and up pops a few and out pops a red 2001, a bike I'd always loved. Much research and information gained (thank you!), I compared it to all Gen5's for sale within 500miles.
    I called the guy and found out it was a Florida bike, owned by a military person who was transferred to Omaha and then to Germany, hence the sale to this fine fellow. Quote " I looked at a lot of used bikes and this one didn't feel used."
    I'd clicked the guy's fb profile and saw he'd had it advertised for a while. I negotiated $700 off his asking price, paid under IMG_1102.JPG IMG_1157.JPG IMG_1102.JPG IMG_1157.JPG $6 a lb wet weight. It's got 31.000 miles. The original owner put on Helibars, adjustable span levers and, for pure aural pleasure, a Staintune pipe. The seller put on some tasteful stickers, painted the indicators and had some foam removed from the seat. (Anybody want to buy an underglow?) I think I saved it before he did anymore than cosmetic damage. The downpipes are black and newish looking, the infamous connector is showroom fresh. It will need work, but then don't we all? IMG_1102.JPG IMG_1157.JPG IMG_1102.JPG IMG_1157.JPG
     

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  2. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    looks very clean - I'd be happy with that one...

    Great first post - welcome to VFRW
     
  3. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    Welcome Brit!
    Nice 5th gen.
     
  4. Ratters

    Ratters New Member

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    Same as mine, 2001 (20th birthday this year!) in red! I hope you will be happy with it!
     
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  5. Sp00ks

    Sp00ks New Member

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    Looks good, worth buying for that exhaust alone :) Congrats, you will love it.
     
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  6. jroberts427

    jroberts427 New Member

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    Welcome and nice bike! I am on my 2nd 2001, also with the Staintune high mount. Enjoy the ride!

    Justin
     
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