vfr (again)
 

hi

i have a potential opportunity of buying a VFR 800 1998 model

http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~john/vfr/spe...800-silver.jpg

it is silver with under 10,000 miles on the clock and has been owned by a mate who bought it brand new off an aqcuaintance of his who owns a honda dealership and is serviced regularly by them.

the bike is comes currently completely standard but there is an option of an end-can as well by Arrow for an extra 50 quid which i am told are quite good for VFRs

he is asking 3,000 for it - would you say yay, or nay?

yay! :wink:

& it looks very nice in silver imho! :thumbsup:

YAY !!

Don't know much about Arrow exhausts (except that they carry no guarantee) - I have a titanium Micron on my VFR (2001 pre-VTEC) & it sounds gorgeous !!

Great bike.Go for it. :wink: 8)

Only ridden the VTEC version, but that was an extremely capable machine. Didn't like the VTEC, but everything else was spot on. Just goes, stops and handles well. Will totally embarass some sports 600's. I just didn't feel special riding it. Felt a bit 50 if you know what I mean.

Don't forget about the regulator problems on pre-99 VFR800's. If they can confirm it's ok, in writing, I'd got for it!

is it possible to get the regulator changed (obviously not under warranty) - that's putting me off!

how do you find your bike?

are there any major differences between 1998 and 2001 models apart from the rectifier issues? there's always a problem!

Might be worth having a look at the VFR forum at Bikersoracle. They should be able to help you with your decision. (I already did the search 'Regulator' for you)

Changig the Reg/Rec on a VFR takes about 15 minutes, they are 65 quid from David Silver Spares. Their is some discussion as to whether the Reg takes out the battery or tyhe battery takes out the reg but either way you need to change both when the reg dies.

Its a much over stated problem, the reg/rec is no more fragile on the VFR as on many other bikes, the challenge is actually that the wind does not flow well over it to keep it cool.

As for the bike, milage is really irrelevent on a VFR from the engine perspective in fact many of us have found they get better as they do more, probably becoming "sweet" at around 35-40 K.

Consumables are a different matter; the shock absorber is well passed its best by 16,000 miles and will be sagging by 10,000, Honda standard head bearings will last 12-14K Swingarm bearings need sorting around 25K.

At £3000 you are being asked to pay top dollar for the low milage but you will still face the consumables within the year if you ride it a fair bit, New shock £270 Honda £540 Ohlins all other consumables are an irrellevence if you do them yourself.

Personally I'd look for a slightly higher milage which has already had the shock done.

Great bike though, you will never regret buying a VFR.