New member here. Contemplating getting a VFR.

Don't bother. Won't help.

Engines are very strong... when they have oil. Transmission are pretty solid... when they haven't been thrashed by stuntah-boi.

Go look and get a feel for the situation. You're going to no matter what we say. Trust your gut, if it doesn't feel right, it's not. Walk away.

 

Figured I would update this thread. I ended up passing on the 6th gen I was thinking about getting. Went to look at it and let's just say it was a basket case I walked from that one.

Currently planning on getting a black 2001 with 55k miles. Bike looks to be in great condition and was originally owned by an older Walmart executive who I guess really liked VFR's and had quite a few of the older models. It was recently gone though and tuned up. Decent tires. Newer chain and sprocket.

Does $2500 seem like a good price?

 

So you are now looking at a 5th Gen?

5th Gens are well liked and assuming the seller has evidence of proper servicing it should handle massive mileages - My 2006 6th Gen was well past 200K when I sold it for significantly more in euro than that quoted price.

So what to think about - the bike and lots of vital bits are now 20+ years old and some stuff (especially rubber bits like brake lines and hoses) degrade with time even if it has not done a lot of miles.

Check the actual tyres for damage and date of manufacture - even if it still has ample tread - anything over 5 years should be treated with caution. If the bike has spent most of its 20years parked on the side stand, then tyres can deform and develop flat spots (weaknesses) which may be fine for occasional pootling around town, but just might delaminate with a sustained spell of sprited riding and throw you through a hedge.

Sadly unlike the 6th Gen models which were still being sold in Europe until 2014, parts availability for 5th gen and earlier VFRs is becoming an issue. OK basics like brake pads, plugs and filters should still be obtainable but be warned more and more parts are becoming unobtainium.

Personally if I was spending that sort of money I would be looking for a 2006+ 6th Gen complete with factory luggage. And of course red ones are the fastest !

Without luggage that 5th gen it looks quite expensive.

Good luck with the search - let us know how you get on.



SkiMad

 

Yep, it's a 5th gen. According to owner, it was restored, but I won't know what that means till I look at it in a few hours here. I'll definitely check the tires and feel hoses for hardness.
I honestly think the price is decent for its condition. It's actually the only 5th gen for sale in the state as far as I can find. There are a few 6th gens but they are wanting $4000+ for them and they are not in as good of condition.
Here's a picture... (Yes, he has the mirrors)

 

Anybody that installs those grips cannot be trusted. Look it over very closely.

I would rather have a 5th Gen, than a 6th too. No offense to any 6th Gen owners, they are cool, just not for me.

 

Hahaha lol. I know, they are very much an eye sore.

 

I'd prefer the 5th Gen too, and $2500 is not out of line.... from what I've seen, the average is more like $3000+.

 

Well I bought it. Looking forward to learning from y'all.

Well I'm stuck with it now lol. She rides beautifully and sounds amazing. There are some small scuffs here and there, but it should mostly buff out. I actually got it for $2,450 lol. He was pretty firm on price.

 

Congrats and enjoy!