Question of Honda VFR750 year 1990 re; high mileage.

Hi,

I have found what I think is a good deal in Ontario. A 1990 Honda
VFR750 that is very clean, runs well but has high mileage (70K+ km).
I like this bike but am concered about the high mileage resulting in
poor reliability and heavy maintenance costs.

Any VFR750 owners that can shed some light on what the potential
issues might be with this bike? Some of the available reviews I have
ready are positive, but they are considering new bikes.

Thanks,

 

My '97 is basically the same motorcycle as the previous generation,
'90-'93, and it has 53,000mi (85,000km). The only extraordinary repairs
I've made are: replaced steering head bearings, replaced fork seals,
replaced regulator/rectifier (several times). Everything else has been
either routine maintenance or consumables (tires, brake pads, battery).
The engine remains tight, and it shifts flawlessly. It burns NO oil,
and valve clearances have never needed adjustment.

The regulator/rectifier is the only widespread problem on the '90-'97
VFR. However, Honda has recently re-engineered the part and even it has
become trouble free. If it doesn't have the new one, I would suggest
that you replace it pre-emptively for peace of mind. Cost is around
$200US.

But there are no guarantees. If the bike has been abused or sat unused
for an extended period (not just over the winter), you could see repairs
pile up. Documentation of the routine maintenence might give you some
insight to the care it's received. But absent that, it's an intuitive
call on your part. Do you think the seller is the kind of person who
takes good care of his motorcycle or not?

For info, the next major service, due at about 75,000km, may run as high
as $400US. It's one of those services where all the intervals are in
phase and will include valve clearance inspection, carburetor sync,
spark plugs, air filter, coolant replacement, hydraulic fluid
replacement, and more. But after that, it won't need routine
maintenance (other than an oil change) for another 12,500km.

 

Might have a look at http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~john/vfr/
and browse thorugh the archives.

bob