What is "high mileage" on a 98 VFR 800?????

wasmeneh · 12-24-2008, 7:16 PM

May go look at a 98 VFR (I'm waiting for pictures first. Guy says it's never been down and in excellent shape. Has 28,000 miles with new tires. What should I look for and ask about. Not a new rider but new to the VFR's.

Thanks
Mike

Twincam · 12-24-2008, 7:22 PM

I have a 98 VFR800Fi... (Pre-Vtec) It has around about 21k on the clock and I wouldn't be surprised if I don't see at least 80k if not more out of her if I carry on giving her tlc.

Not sure what were the main problem areas of the VFR's - I was told by a person I met at a meet that the mid pipes of the exhaust can rust if left outside and used rarely (but don't quote of on that).

Just look for wear and tear, service history and whether the owner looks like he has taken care of her.

Any mods? Price?

wasmeneh · 12-24-2008, 8:06 PM

Don't know about mods, haven't seen it yet. As far as I'm concerned other than exhaust I would prefer it to be close to stock. He asking $2800, he says he's moving accross the country and can't take it with him.

HondaGalToo · 12-24-2008, 8:12 PM

If it's really in good shape, that's an excellent price. VFRs are good, reliable bikes. I have a '99.

muddysteel · 12-25-2008, 12:23 AM

I sold my '98 with 36k miles on it - the person that bought it actually gave me more than they'd planned on spending - the bike was in prime condition. The motor was as strong as the day I purchased it (actually, a bit stronger - it was broken in!) I seem to remember a selling price of $3.8k, so sounds like a sweet deal to me.

Any bike - I would STRONGLY recommend a test ride AND a compression test (best way to determine a motor's shape).. (BTW - someone can test ride my bike when they have cash-in-hand, or bank cheque - they wreck, they buy it.)

IMO, the VFR is the best all-around sport/touring bike I've ever rode. I would expect 100k of great riding before any major engine work (cams, etc.).

stoshmonster · 12-25-2008, 3:14 AM

Hello Mike. I can't tell you what would be considered high mileage on a '98VFR,but I can tell you this. I've owned 4 Honda VFours,1984VF700F,1986VFR700,1997VFR750,and I currently own a 2003VFR800. Other than a camshaft oiling problem on the '84VF,none of the VFR's I've owned ever had a single motor related issue. IMHO Honda VFR's are simply the best all-around,do-it-all bike you can buy. They're velvety smooth and torquey,kinda like riding a sewing machine,and nothing about them distracts you from your ride. When I sold my '86VFR it had just over 62,000 miles on it,and it never leaked a drop. Who knows,a well kept '98 might double that,I'm sure hoping my '03 does! Hope this helps you Mike. Remember,you're not braking til your rear wheel's lifting,until then you're just slowing down.