Things to look out for on a VFR400?

Bike_craze1 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Sep 2008 Karma :

Thinkin of gettin a VFR400 as I won't be allowed anythin more at the moment cous of my parents.
But I really like this bike so, what should I look out for when buying one? and how much could I get a decent one for?
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Yamaha R125 - Cagiva Mito 125 - Honda CBR 600
CBT passed: 22/07/08 Bike Theory passed: 28/03/09
Bike Test passed: 15/04/09

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

First and foremost make 100% sure that the exhaust is free from holes. Then check the wheels are round and not buckled. Check the brakes work and it doesn't have cheap alloy fittings on the braided hoses. Stainless or titanium are OK.

Check the head bearings

Check the forks for leaks

There is actually so much you have to check its really hard to get it into a post...
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

MaybeGuy · Super Spammer Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Karma :

i think he means more model specific things...
ie: head gaskets on ZXR400s and CCTs on CBRs.

i guess with gear driven cams theres not much to look for in terms of wrongness, unless its running unevenly, which could mean damage to front cylinders (from oil starvation/wheelies). or could just be unbalanced carbs.

also listen for backlash in the cam gears. blip the throttle widely and listen for knocks at the points where the revs begin to rise and fall.
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Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!! Mr. Green

Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

How much can you afford?

I generally see good condition VFR's go for £1400-1600 depending on age and what comes with...

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Specifically on the VFR check that it is charging the battery. Regulator / rectifier units are reknowned for having a short life.

Check if anyone has done the valves as they are not easy to get at to do.

Check for accident damage. Most are bought as first big bikes and so regularly lobbed at the scenery.

All the best

Keith
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