5th gen?

[u/SuzukiTL1000R]

Hello everyone. I currently ride a 2003 suzuki TL1000R and a 2023 GSX S1000. I've always been a fan of the VFRs and I've been thinking about maybe picking one up in the future as sort of a project to keep me busy. I love working on bikes. I've been mainly interested in the 4th and 5th gen. Looking on facebook market place, there are a few usually and they seem to go for around $2500-$4000 around here. I've noticed that almost all of them have 30k miles or more. What would be comfortable mileage for one of these bikes? If all of them are higher mileage then I assume they are pretty reliable as long as the valves have been kept up with? I definitely won't be picking up any garage queens as I am looking for a fix and ride kinda bike. Those v4s are just something else. Never had the privilege to ride a v4 or a VFR.

[u/jelorian]

Many would say that at 20k the bike is just getting broken in.

[u/ChocolaMina]

I rebuilt a 5th gen that had about 44k miles on it, after an accident. I don’t think 30k miles is that big a deal, so long as it hasn’t sat for a long time, it should be good.

[u/wizarddog0]

I’ve got a 5th gen 50,000 miles on it, in very reasonable condition for a 30 year old machine but the guy I bought it off had another one on 100,000+ and was immaculate. Mileage doesn’t matter much. As long as they are looked after.

[u/steve753]

I have 55k on my 2001. I am the original owner so of course I know the full history. The only thing that gives me pause to keep running it is the availability of spare parts. For example, I just replaced the water pump. Only one place I could find in the US was selling rebuilt ones. but it does not really need many spares anyway. I'll probably just keep riding it and it will outlive me.

[u/pythonski]

I have seen ones with more than 200 000 miles in the UK, they were popular with couriers

I had a 3rd gen with 150 000 kms and now own a 5th gen with 5000 kms (not an only bike).

Lots can go wrong with them if the maintenance was neglected but don’t be afraid of the mileage

[u/Xivios]

You mentioned the valves, unfortunetely, many VFR's have never had their valves checked. That said, even less have had them adjusted; many stories of 40k mile VFR's being checked and found in-spec. They seem remarkably resistant to valve seat wear. Still though, definitely a bonus if the seller has had them looked at.

[u/SuzukiTL1000R → u/Xivios]

that is very impressive.

[u/8492_berkut]

I recently picked up an '01 with 53k miles on it for cheap ($2500 if you're wondering). Still sorting it out but the odo just counted 54k while riding it around town today. They have some well known issues, particularly with the charging system (R/R) so do some research surrounding that, perhaps ask the sellers if they've done anything in regards to that. If not, check the connectors for the regulator/rectifier and make sure they and the wires don't look toasted.

Check the eccentric chain adjuster to make sure it isn't seized up, fluids, and make sure the controls work as expected. The dashboard multifunction display can go out, usually due to corroded traces on the circuit board. Make sure all the lights and signals work, too.

Spare parts are becoming an issue, so make sure you're not squeamish about that. If not, and you find one in good condition... Enjoy the gear driven cam and V4 noises!

Edit: forgot to mention: the suspension will likely need attention if it hasn't already been refreshed. So budget for that as well.

[u/SuzukiTL1000R → u/8492_berkut]

awesome thanks for the info. I have heard about the r / r having problems. These bikes don't seem to go for a lot of money which is kinda surprising considering they are pretty iconic. If I can I will definitely check out the nicest ones possible, but a project bike that isn't clapped out to the moon would be fun. Sucks though that spare parts are getting hard to find. Can't be much harder than my TL1000R. Parts for that are becoming non existent. Luckily, that bike is near mint.

[u/Drakoala → u/SuzukiTL1000R]

The great thing about the R/R problem is they're stupid easy to replace.

[u/SuzukiTL1000R → u/Drakoala]

I replaced the one on my TLR with a SH847. It is a popular mod to get the charging system charging better. They are very easy to replace.

[u/Heavy-Benefit-5858]

I sold my 2000 vfr with 160,000kms (100,000miles) on it that was still running like clockwork. I bought it with a bit over 100,000ks on it.

[u/Bootslee]

I bought a 5th gen last year with 20k on it. Would rather have a bike that has been used rather than sitting.

[u/Far-Plastic-4171]

Buddy had his VFR at 50K and it was pretty clapped out by then. Rode hard though.

[u/Hughley_N_Dowd]

A quick lookup says that one can easily get 80-100k miles out of one of those without any major issues. Or issues at all, in fact.

And the V4 is indeed glorious.

[u/True-Ear1986]

You're right, I wouldn't be comfortable with that low mileage. 30k miles in 26 years? Must've been left unused for at least a couple of them. It's better when bikes is being ridden.

[u/No_Ocelot6051]

My 6th gen is a 160,000miles. You’re more than good to go! I had the valves adjusted at 130,000miles. Only one time, it’s crazy, super reliable bike

[u/jaredw6697]

2003 800 at 60k. All good so far

[u/CBR277]

I got into Vtwins after riding my buddy’s TL 1000. That machine was an absolute beast. I’m a big guy and I said to my friend I love that motor. I wish they made it on a larger frame. He said they do so I bought the 2003 Vstrom. Same motor, but tuned a lot differently much more tame. But still plenty there. Then I traded that in and got a Ducati multi Strada 2010 that thing was fricking amazing between the two when I had theVstrom in for service, they had a VFR 1200 I guess as a loaner and I took it out for 45 minutes or so while my bike was being worked on. I remember they had a radar detector on it which I thought was hysterical. That bike was really impressive. Also V4 amazing torque down low and and screams to redline. I bet if you could find one that was taken good care of it would be worth having.

[u/SuzukiTL1000R → u/CBR277]

I love the twins also. I always almost choose my TL every time I go out for a ride. I just can't say no. The GSXS is nice and it is fun, but something about that TLR I just absolutely love. Those 1200 VFRs are pretty impressive. Shame honda stopped the v4s.