Looking to buy a 5th or 6th gen, but would like advice.

Hello,

I've never ridden a motorcycle, but I've got quite a lot of experience on e-bikes, for what that's worth. I've wanted a motorcycle for years, and I've finally decided to get my license and buy one, notably, I'm in the market for a VFR. My brain says the 6th gen is a better purchase due to (I think) wider availability of parts, but my heart loves the yellow 2000.

I'm watching quite a few 5th and 6th gen VFRs on facebook marketplace, but as I'm new, I'd like to get some advice on things I should look for or ask about. Are there any particular items of maintenance I should ask about, things I should inspect on the bike prior to purchase, etc.? Also, assuming that either generation is up to snuff, what is a reasonable price? I realize these are pretty broad questions, but I'd appreciate any advice you all could give.

Best,
JH

 

Get your license first ….good luck

 

Already have the permit, license is just a matter taking the MSF course.

 

Then get a yellow 2000, motorcycles should have some passion involved. These bikes are all "old" now, there's no issues keeping a 5th Gen on the road. Either way (5th or 6th), you better have a work space and a desire to do some wrenching. Otherwise get a "new" bike.

Do a little searching, your exact questions have been asked and answered DOZENS of times.

Click search function (spy glass icon upper right), "buying vfr", Search titles only. Bam.

But I'm sure someone will come along and politely offer some advice too.

 

I will refrain from providing any of those details. A VFR is a LOT of bike for a first motorcycle and will really slow your learning curve.

 

I'll only comment on your two choices....... I'd get the 5th Gen. No problem with maintenance items.

 

I definitely understand this point. I've also kinda been considering a used versys 650 instead. Almost all my riding will be long distance and maybe some weekend trips around the lakes near me, no daily commuting, so I figured a slightly "bigger than necessary" bike would be a good starting point for my specific use-case.

 

How tall are you and how much do you weigh?

What is your astrological sign?

Do you like corners or straights?

Coke or Pepsi?

Do you want to hear/feel an engine, or is it just something that makes you go?

Brisket or Pastrami?

 

And I'm surely not knocking you...just stating the facts. We see the same all of the time at track days too.

 

Diet Coke, and brisket. If I had to choose between the normal versions though I'd choose Pepsi.

I'm 5'10" and weigh about 200 lbs.

 

You're tall enough and big enough to ride whatever the fuck you want. Get a yellow VFR with some patina and enjoy life.

Or get a Versys and have a diet Coke.

;-)

 

5th Gen any day, all day. If you want VTEC, get an 8th Gen.

I wouldn't be too worried about spares. Consumables like pads, sprockets, and chain are common items readily available. 120/70-17 + 180/55-17 is one of the most common tire size combos around, so installing modern rubber isn't a problem. Stators and rectifiers can be had aftermarket. There's plenty of ergonomic mods available. From Helibars,risers, to the Hurrcane Police handlebar kit.

These are old bikes, so a lot of the following might apply to anything but for the VFR... look in the tank for rust, check condition of fluid in brake/clutch reservoirs. Have the seller warm the bike to operating temp and take a sniff around the V for the sweet smell of coolant. There's a lot of hose connections, and 25 year old o-rings in cylinder head goosenecks are well past their prime. A little whiff might not necessarily put me off from buying one, but definitely bring a good light to see any huge leaks. Check battery charging voltage. Inquire about stator and regulator/rectifier work. If the seller looks confused and the bike is low enough mileage be prepared to do a regulator change yourself. If the original Honda rectifier is in there, you want that thing gone ASAP.