VFR Vtec experts, step inside...

[Lone-ZG-Rider]

After 75,000 mi, my 2001 Connie is starting to have issues and i think it may be terminal. Since I need a reliable bike for my commute (80 mi RT), I am going to take a look at an '02 VFR tomorrow with 47K on the clock. Factory bags, reportedly excellent condition and well maintained, tires have about a third of the tread left according to seller.

Other than the obvious (tire wear, damage, odd sounds etc.) anything in particular I should look for? I spent a week on a borrowed VFR a few years back, so I am not totally unfamiliar with the bike, aware of the step when the Vtec kicks in just wondering if the '02 has a reputation for anything I should look for. Info on how long chains and sprockets can be expected to last would be nice as well.

I am on a limited budget and need a bike that will last about 3 years doing 10-12K a year, is it reasonable to expect the VFR will go to 100K without major concerns? My Connie should have, but it was an all weather battle axe that was abused and appears to be a victim of the dreaded Hydrolock.

Since tires will likely be the first issue to address, does anyone have any recommendations?

Online book values are calling for $3100-$4100, is that about the right ball park? What is a fair price for a clean, well cared for one with factory bags and that kind of miles?

Any info ASAP is appreciated!

[veefer800canuck]

Check and see if the wiring harness and rear subframe recalls have been performed, and I think there may have been a recall for the stator and rotor as well.

[hovmaven]

Here's my quick reply:

Pretty much bullet proof, the cam chain tensioner typically needs replacing as the miles rack up -- ask if it's already been adjusted, or listen for a rattle.  Factory bags are a plus, they don't make them anymore, so its a good farkle to have.  

Since you mentioned budget, I'd watch for the valve check service -- it's every 16K, and this one is just about due at 47K.  Does the seller have records for the first two?  You can check VFRD, some folks don't do them, some do them themselves, but it isn't a 2 hr operation (think 10 hours plus).  For those that had the viffer valves serviced, it can be pricey . . ..  

For reference, here is the 6th gen service schedule, and copies of receipts for the 4K, 8K, 12K and 16K services.  Good luck!

[Hotbrakes]

With that many miles I'd be looking on the $3k side even with bags.  It should be a good bike though.  I love mine!

For tires I prefer a BT-021 rear (~8k mile range) and found that softer fronts work best because of the kinda crappy suspension.  Hard fronts don't stick as well and are prone to cupping and headshake at certain speeds.  Right now I've got a Pirelli race takeoff on the front that is phenominal.  The heavier VFR causes the tire to deform as it would on a race bike with high speed g forces.

If you're in the 200+ lb range I strongly suggest upgrading the front springs.  That is a big cause of strange tire wear too and the front is undersprung, especially if you're loaded down with gear.

The valve job is somewhere in the neighborhood of $800 because the vtec shims are $50 a piece (x8).  Run it into the ground and buy a new motor...

[Kraz]

I expect to pay under book regardless.  If this bike has almost 50k, and you need it last almost 40k more, I would pay WELL under book value.  There are just too many bikes out there with much lower miles.  If you're big on mileage, it may be worth paying more for less miles to make a bike last longer.

For example: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65101.0.html


Chain wise, I'd expect 20k or so if you're not too hard on a good chain and you use steel sprockets, half that for cheap chains, alu sprockets, and hard riding.... usually somewhere in between for me.  I hear you can extend that range with a chain oiler.

[Rogue]

Yes it's reliable and will go beyond 100k miles if you do your part in maintenance.

But keep in mind it's almost 10 years old!  Depending on how the prior owner or owners treated it, it may or may not need a bunch of things replaced.  In general, one that has been well maintained, not abused, have had the necessary electrical recall done should last a long time.  Somehow I highly doubt that this bike will be a buy-it-and-just-ride-it forever kind of deal.  Or maybe it is, only you will know that by giving it a thorough inspection and talking to its owner about its history.

[davesxx01]

Agree!