Hey Gang,

Considering picking up a 99 with 11-12K on it. Anything common to that year that usually crops up?

99 VFR - Sold it - Regret it

08 KTM 450 EXC-r - Most fun you can have off road

06 Street Bob - Blacked out - Whole different Animal

Miss riding sport....ALOT.

Any advice to this newbie would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

 

There are only two reliability weak points on our bikes. They are the CCTs (Cam Chain Tensioners) and the R/R (regulator rectifier, also called voltage regulator by some). Other than these two things the bikes last forever.

The CCTs either need to be replaced with OEM ones regularly (every 15-20k), or replaced once with APE Manual CCTs. http://www.aperaceparts.com/ Some OEM ones have been known to go as early as 8k, but 17k -20k is more usual. And if one goes on you it is a PRICEY repair as the valves hit the pistons. ($110 peace of mind to get the apes)

The R/R should be swapped out with either an aftermarket one or one off of another bike. (R1/R6 is a popular unit) The best aftermarket one is sold by http://motovoltage.com it is the only one available with a lifetime warranty.

After that, it is just a matter of performance, style and taste for your mods as always.

 

a lot of vtrs pop their cam chain tensioners early on in their lives, like within the first 3k miles. If the bike's already made it to 11k without the cct going out, i'd say you're probably all right. Other than that i think you're good

 

Nope, ~17k is more usual for CCT failure.

 

Thanks for all the info. Looking forward to picking up the new rig and wrenching on some parts. Cheers, Mike

 

Oh, and welcome to the forum. Lively bunch here, good info and great choice on a bike.