New to the VTR, not to bikes. I am looking at a trade this weekend for my newly restored 95 Magna 750 for a 98 VTR. I have only a minor acquaintance with the twin machine, however I have a '00 VFR800 that I have logged 50,000 grinning miles on. I took a quick ride on the 1000 last night. I liked the light setup, the torquiness ( is that a word?), the grunt. The bike appears basically stock aside from some aftermarket cans.
IS the anything I should take a second look at before making the trade? Any issues I should expect to correct or upgrade off the bat?
I am no stranger to wrenches, grease, carbs, or the like; so hit me!

 

Good choice as the VTR is a very reliable bike, however to address 2 main weaknesses change self-destructing auto CCTs to manual tensioners and upgrade stock R/R to at minimum a later finned version or even better a Mosfet. Doing these two fundamental relatively easy mods will give you many worry free miles compared to the cost and trouble if and when they fail & invariably bite you in the bum.

Check over for corrosion shock/swingarm linkages, starter motor terminal under the rubber hood. And subframe can exhibit corrosion. Look on side of plastics panels for signs of repair and clutch cover as that invariably gets damaged in tumbles.. Another thing that can tell you how well it is maintained is the condtion of the flat head plug pins covering the pad pins on the brake callipers. Plus check for excessive play in the rear sprocket cush drive.

And just check over the usual servicing / consumables as per most bikes.

 

When upgrading to the mosfet r/r is it recommended to just do the stator as well? I went through that on the VFR last year.

Had no idea about the cct's. I'll definitely look into that!

 

Should be fine with the stock stator as long as you get the right mosfet unit. There is a stickied thread on the subject with a ton of options.

Welcome to the forum.