Looking at a SH on Saturday. Advice?
All,
I put an ad on Craigslist to sell or trade my current bike ('96 Honda Magna) hoping to purchase a naked standard (FZ1, Z1000, 919, SV1000, etc). Found an ad on Craigslist a day later for a Superhawk the owner was wanting to trade for a cruiser. Asked him about the trade for my Magna and he sounded very interested. We've discussed a few more times via e-mail, regarding the value of both bikes, and we both still seem interested in the deal. This will be my 5th motorcycle, so I know that I should look for some of the typical stuff (worn tires, old rusty chain, hard to reach places for signs of neglect, leaking fork seals, etc.) but wanted to know if there's anything in particular I should look out for, more than the typical cam chain noise that indicates a need to replace the tensioner on this machine. The bike has ~20k miles, and looks pretty good in the pictures. Chain does appear a little rusty, the tiny fairing is missing under the front exhaust, and there are no decals on the side fairing (it's a 2000, don't know if that was a model year specific option). I'll post some pics once I get home and can reach a site to host them (work comp won't allow). If there's anything I should pay particular attention to, it'd be appreciated. I'm really looking forward to purchasing this bike, so hopefully things go smooth, and it'll be great to get back on a sporting machine again. Thanks! |
Originally Posted by flynavyj
(Post 356475)
The bike has ~20k miles, and looks pretty good in the pictures. Chain does appear a little rusty, the tiny fairing is missing under the front exhaust, and there are no decals on the side fairing (it's a 2000, don't know if that was a model year specific option).
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Originally Posted by Tweety
(Post 356476)
It wasn't... No VTR, ever, was sold as stock without decals on the fairings... So the conclusion is that the bike has been down at some point, and repaired with new fairings, stock or otherwise... So have a good close look at other parts that isn't as easily replaced... The repair might be good, and it might be bad...
thanks for the reply, anything else major? |
Cam chain tensioners* (search for what I mean) and R/R (if unfinned it will need replacing), rear shock/swing-arm linkage bearings. Starter motor lead connector bolt under the rubber hood.
* I should look out for, more than the typical cam chain noise that indicates a need to replace the tensioner on this machine. |
Originally Posted by Wicky
(Post 356478)
Cam chain tensioners* (search for what I mean) and R/R (if unfinned it will need replacing), rear shock/swing-arm linkage bearings. Starter motor lead connector bolt under the rubber hood.
* When CCT failure occurs on the VTR it mainly happens without warning as when a spring in the tensioner fails it acts like pulling a pin in a grenade... There are a range of options to prevent it happen if you search. Thanks for the heads up. I didn't know the R/R's were a problem, I replaced mine on my Magna earlier this year because of a failure. Nothing fun about putting your battery on a tender every time you want to go ride...and some idiot engineer at Honda stuck the stock R/R under the battery box, behind the engine, with it's fins perpendicular to the airflow (genius). Luckily, there's enough slack in the wires to relocate the R/R towards the outside of the bike, where it should receive plenty of air...the best location however would be at the very front of the bike where the VTX models (and maybe the fury) mount theirs. |
Originally Posted by flynavyj
(Post 356479)
Thanks for the heads up.
I didn't know the R/R's were a problem, I replaced mine on my Magna earlier this year because of a failure. Nothing fun about putting your battery on a tender every time you want to go ride...and some idiot engineer at Honda stuck the stock R/R under the battery box, behind the engine, with it's fins perpendicular to the airflow (genius). Luckily, there's enough slack in the wires to relocate the R/R towards the outside of the bike, where it should receive plenty of air...the best location however would be at the very front of the bike where the VTX models (and maybe the fury) mount theirs. A much better option on the VTR, and also the Magna, would be to replace the arcaic design of R/R to a more modern type... search Mosfet... |
Well the decals on the side fairings can be removed as they're not clearcoated on. But if it's a 2000, those were only offered in the states in yellow, so if the bike is red at the very least it's been painted or had the fairings and tank swapped. You can confirm the color on the decal under the seat on the subframe. It's not the end of the world but it's nice to know and should prompt you to at look a little closer and make sure the bike wasn't wrecked.
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My 2 cents with bikes like this floating around if you look a little there's really no reason to buy (or in your case trade for) anything less unless you get a screaming deal.
2000 Honda VTR1000 & Accessories - Garaged, Like New, 6K Miles |
Originally Posted by Tweety
(Post 356482)
Well, since uniform airflow or no airflow really makes little to no difference in thermal efficiency of the R/R, the engineer didn't really make an error... The fins exist for the simple reason of adding surface area and thermal mass...
A much better option on the VTR, and also the Magna, would be to replace the arcaic design of R/R to a more modern type... search Mosfet... |
Originally Posted by captainchaos
(Post 356491)
My 2 cents with bikes like this floating around if you look a little there's really no reason to buy (or in your case trade for) anything less unless you get a screaming deal.
2000 Honda VTR1000 & Accessories - Garaged, Like New, 6K Miles |
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Originally Posted by captainchaos
(Post 356489)
Well the decals on the side fairings can be removed as they're not clearcoated on. But if it's a 2000, those were only offered in the states in yellow, so if the bike is red at the very least it's been painted or had the fairings and tank swapped. You can confirm the color on the decal under the seat on the subframe. It's not the end of the world but it's nice to know and should prompt you to at look a little closer and make sure the bike wasn't wrecked.
Attachment 23509 Attachment 23510 http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/r...arVTR1000.jpeg Attachment 23511 And here is the bike I'll be trading. 96' VF750CD Magna. Attachment 23512 Attachment 23513 Attachment 23514 |
I'll have to look in person, but that right hand engine lower looks like it might have some damage to the cover...anyone else see the same? Or more in the photos?
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I don't have any advice for you as you seem to have it covered..
but here's a nice little read on the bike.. ok it's a decade or so old but still Nothing we heard |
Originally Posted by Caffeine
(Post 356503)
I don't have any advice for you as you seem to have it covered..
but here's a nice little read on the bike.. ok it's a decade or so old but still Nothing we heard BTW, thanks for the read! |
Originally Posted by captainchaos
(Post 356491)
My 2 cents with bikes like this floating around if you look a little there's really no reason to buy (or in your case trade for) anything less unless you get a screaming deal.
2000 Honda VTR1000 & Accessories - Garaged, Like New, 6K Miles I bought a 1998 VTR1000 with 30k miles for $1800 in rough condition. Had to replace... 1. Fuel petcock 2. Choke valves 3. It has cut fairings, bad paint. 4. Possibly a warped front rotor. Not sure. 5. Temp gauge works about 20% of the time. Yeah I think I got ripped off. Whatever lol. I'm probably just going to tear it all down and re-paint re-do every thing as a project. |
Originally Posted by flynavyj
(Post 356501)
I'll have to look in person, but that right hand engine lower looks like it might have some damage to the cover...anyone else see the same? Or more in the photos?
Try and get a peak inside the plastics for signs of repairs/repraying - look closely around indicator holes as they often crack when they take the brunt in an off. Has the seller got all the original bits inc exhaust? |
Wicky,
Thanks. That was very much along the same lines I was thinking. I've zoomed in on the pictures, but look forward to seeing the bike in person tomorrow. From the photos, you can't see any damage to the mounting tabs/bolt holes but we'll know by tomorrow. I looked at some photos online, but I don't see any decals on the rear tail section of 02' model bikes, just the front decals which are clearly missing. My thoughts are it probably went down at one point, but the panel alignment makes me think either the damage wasn't bad, or all the panels were replaced. I'll plan to do a thorough look around on the bike, and test ride it to see if everything goes straight and smooth. There look to be a couple dents at the bottom of the left hand exhaust as well, plus what might be a scrape on the right hand engine case (we'll see...can't tell/confirm). BTW, I do not believe the current owner has the original pieces. He's never mentioned them, I'll ask him about whatever "crash" it's been in. Not a deal breaker for me, long as the title is clean and the fixes look good...not just pretty, but well done. |
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Well, it's happened. I pulled the trigger and have joined your ranks as a Superhawk-Haver.
The bike had been down at one point as evidenced by slight damage to the RH engine case, but damage was minor cosmetic. All plastics were replaced by the previous - previous owner hence the no graphics. The panels however are in good condition, I got the front fairing off today to replace the headlight bulb and all looks good, including mounting tabs. The bike will need a new set of rear brake pads immediately, and has a leaking fork seal. In the near future I think I'll add some frame sliders, and likely change the seat...or see if my butt adapts to it. The Speedo also seems VERY OPTIMISTIC at highway speeds. Shows about 80 mph when you're only keeping up with traffic, going an estimated 60-65. Going passed a radar station I was indicated 39 mph and the radar showed me at 31...I'll have to do some research to see what the stock tire size is, maybe find out if someone has changed gearing somewhere, etc...Does this bike receive it's speed signal from the transmission? The seating position is pretty decent, but the angle makes your butt slide forward, especially if wearing my textile riding pants...end result is a crotch in the tank...easy way to keep your butt towards the back of the seat appears seems to be grab a handful of throttle. The engine seems fantastic, although I haven't used all 9.5K RPM yet, and don't intend on doing it for a bit. Just trying to get back comfortable in a more sport oriented riding position first, and will let more lean angle come in as I get more comfortable with the machine. The fuel mileage is horrendous (as advertised). She provided 31 mpg today on my 100 mile jaunt after the purchase...The PO said it's a bit better on the highway, but we'll see. I was showing about 4k RPM at light cruise indicated that "optimistic" 75-80 mph range. All in all, i'm pretty dang happy to have something new in the stable. Only a little sad to see the Magna go. It was a great bike, but really don't feel it was for me. I'd love to add some saddle bags and a tank bag to this bike so I could commute on it a bit easier...but I think that'll be after I sort out the problems already mentioned. 1st pic of the new bike in her new home :) She's gonna need one heck of a cleaning (who sells a dirty bike....well I can tell you one guy) Attachment 23503 |
Looks goods!
Download the Honda Service manual to get the specs inc the stock gearing 98-03_VTR1000F_NoRestriction.pdf VTR1000F Honda Service Manual OCR.pdf PO is right fuel consumption is not the best, steady cruising can increase mpg by 10-15%. Check the airfilter and poor jetting set up can make fuel consumption soar. 80-90 to fuel light range is about the norm. Have the OEM CCTs been upgraded to manuals and also make sure the R/R is at least a later finned version - or ideally a MOSFETs. While you're doig the fork seal it will be a good chance to replace fork bushes, replace oil and install upgraded springs to suit you weight and riding style. To cover the clutch cover cosmetic damage and give some extra protection look at getting a Carbonadi cover. |
You did good! Tasteful mods (exhaust/hugger/windshield/levers/signals) make up for the scratched cover I'd say. Would have been nice to keep both bikes (I keep an 82 750 Nighthawk as a cruiser/cargo/backup bike) but if I had to keep one bike forever it would be the Hawk for sure.
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Originally Posted by Wicky
(Post 356682)
Looks goods!
Download the Honda Service manual to get the specs inc the stock gearing 98-03_VTR1000F_NoRestriction.pdf VTR1000F Honda Service Manual OCR.pdf PO is right fuel consumption is not the best, steady cruising can increase mpg by 10-15%. Check the airfilter and poor jetting set up can make fuel consumption soar. 80-90 to fuel light range is about the norm. Have the OEM CCTs been upgraded to manuals and also make sure the R/R is at least a later finned version - or ideally a MOSFETs. While you're doig the fork seal it will be a good chance to replace fork bushes, replace oil and install upgraded springs to suit you weight and riding style. To cover the clutch cover cosmetic damage and give some extra protection look at getting a Carbonadi cover. |
Originally Posted by VtrInMtl
(Post 356685)
You did good! Tasteful mods (exhaust/hugger/windshield/levers/signals) make up for the scratched cover I'd say. Would have been nice to keep both bikes (I keep an 82 750 Nighthawk as a cruiser/cargo/backup bike) but if I had to keep one bike forever it would be the Hawk for sure.
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Originally Posted by flynavyj
(Post 356691)
Thanks! Downloaded the manual yesterday so I could figure out how to replace the headlight bulb (aka...how to get the fairing off). Thinking of Buell pegs, since the current height can be a bit rough on the legs, doubt I'll use a bunch of "usable" clearance
and +1 on the Buell pegs, I did it and makes a big difference, and like me no chance of dragging em anyway. |
Originally Posted by VtrInMtl
(Post 356718)
You can do the bulb without removing the fairing, done it a few times.
and +1 on the Buell pegs, I did it and makes a big difference, and like me no chance of dragging em anyway. Was looking at the Buell pegs in some other threads, are those XB12S pegs? I know that was a huge item to purchase for SV riders who were above 6'. I'm lucky to not have that problem, but even at 5'10" it's a bit cramped. |
I'm 6' plus and have big ass hands, and not that skinny or flexible really, and I can do it with ease, so either things are very non-stock, or you are just a wee bit less lazy than me... ;)
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LoL, I'll have to look again at the routing of the wiring...anyone have a stock photo to compare to?
Considering a guaranteed crash at some point, there's no guarantee that things were ever put back to fully "Stock"...and if there's a better way to relocate the wiring for a more stock fit, I'd love it. Also, during the fairing removal, I learned that the two bottom clips to secure the fairing to the bike are missing. Might have to visit the dealership to see if they have something I can nab to better secure the fairing. It doesn't appear to move around much, but none is better than not much :) Luckily, all mounting tabs are still there and intact, on both the fairing and the frame. |
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