Motorcycle Gurus, Advice needed (Honda content)

[Zacm829]

Currently looking to pick up a bike when my car sells and with some of uncle sam's money. Came across this Honda on Craigslist that seems to be in good shape except it has been down and has cosmetic damage. I am going to look at it and test drive it today.

Does anyone have anything specific that I should look for? I know there has been a problem with second gear popping out under load on the older bikes. I have only had experience with a newer F4, but the price looks right on this one. Thanks in advance!

http://columbia.craigslist.org/mcy/1646778929.html

[z31maniac]

I'd think for not much more you could find a MUCH NEWER bike. I sold my '04 R6 in the summer of '08 for $3600.

Granted it had been down, but fixed, and had 26,000 miles on it.

[Zacm829]

I'd think for not much more you could find a MUCH NEWER bike. I sold my '04 R6 in the summer of '08 for $3600.

Granted it had been down, but fixed, and had 26,000 miles on it.

I have been looking at a 2005 gsxr 600 for 3400, but it would run higher on insurance and be harder to service by myself. I would only get the Honda if I can't find any problems and if I can get him to 2k cash.

[hugh jass]

f2 is a good bike, can't really go wrong with it. have you considered looking for an 03 or 04 Kawasaki 636? They are awesome bike and should be around the F2 price.
i've got an 07 gsxr750 and it is as easy to work on as an f2. the technology hasn't changed that much (aside from engine internals, fi, etc), but for routine servicing its as easy as it was when the f2 was new.

[Zacm829]

f2 is a good bike, can't really go wrong with it. have you considered looking for an 03 or 04 Kawasaki 636? They are awesome bike and should be around the F2 price.
i've got an 07 gsxr750 and it is as easy to work on as an f2. the technology hasn't changed that much (aside from engine internals, fi, etc), but for routine servicing its as easy as it was when the f2 was new.

I would love to get a 636, but if this f2 is in good shape and I can take him down to 2k I might have to jump on it, save a little money for maintenance etc. Anyone know of common problems to look out for?

[yberther]

Don't spend under 3k to get a shitty bike, you'll be kicking yourself from then on out.

You can get a much newer still clean bike for just a little more.

F2 is a good bike but they're old, heavy and look classy but not fast

Be patient and wait for a 636, they're awesome bikes, get a 04-05 though they're the better ones.

[bejbis]

Sooo many better bikes out there for the price your looking at. Expand your search for a vfr750/800, honda hawk gt, or one of my favorite starter bikes, suzuki sv650. Ive ridden quite a few F2/3's they are not bad bikes, but are showing their age. you can get a nice sv650 for that price, that is a great bike, and low on ins.

[z31maniac]

About the only big "service" you have to worry about on new bikes is the 25k mile valve adjustment. At least that was the interval on Yamahas.

Other than that, flush the brake fluid every year. And replace the shock oil and rebuild the forks at the beginning of the year (That is dependent on mileage though, once done should be good for 7-10k miles depending on usage. If you're a track junkie, obviously less.)

And in reality, unless the bike is hard starting or a bit down on power the valves are probably fine.

[xwill112x]

i hate honda's. every bike/dirtbike i've had from them has blown or had constant problems. do your self a favor and savee for that gixxer.

[arch4ngel]

^^^ I'm curious what bikes you've had as I've owned 6 honda motorcycles ranging from 20+ years old to brand new and never had any major problems, engine work, or rebuilds (currently own a 2007 vfr).
Otoh the '00 gsxr 750 I had was the biggest pos I ever had the displeasure of putting my leg over. Couldn't sell it fast enough.

I think the f2 is overpriced. For a bit more you can get a newer bike with FI. I would highly suggest a vfr as they are reliable, will last for many miles, are comfortable for long hauls, and still handle great in the twisties. The 5th gens are especially nice and can be had for fairly cheap. I've heard many great thing about the sv650 and can also be found for a decent price.

The main thing I would look out for are bikes that have been abused. Many crotch rockets are driven by squids and get treated like shit.

One thing you haven't mentioned is what the bike will be for. If you are commuting you may not be happy with a weekend toy. Also are you tall? I swear many bikes are built around a 5' jockey (or Danny Pedrosa :D).

[808BMW]

Some good things in here. IMO the bike is too old. I prefer FI bikes. Honda quality is great with everything I've worked on. I can't say the same for Suzuki (especially streetwise, every GSXR I've seen is beat to shit and falling apart).

I like the 03/04 636 option, although I am a bit biased:


This is mine, got it for 3k in Hawaii, which is a much smaller bike market. I see so many incredible deals on the mainland, I wish I had the option of driving for a day or so to get a deal.

Be patient and wait for a 636, they're awesome bikes, get a 04-05 though they're the better ones.

03/04 is looked at as the first year of the good ones (fuel injection). 05 is a different body style than 04. 05/06 has tranny issues, 07/08 has ugly headlights :P

[808BMW]

Also are you tall? I swear many bikes are built around a 5' jockey (or Danny Pedrosa :D).

Which bikes are these? Everyone I know in even the 5'6" region are scared to get on a crotch rocket, I don't know anyone 5' that would even attempt it. I'm 6' and I don't even flat-foot my 636 :P

[arch4ngel]

+1 on FI, throwing on a power commander is much easier than jetting and rebuilding carbs is teh suck.

Incidentally, most people I know who ride rockets are right in that range. Off the top of my head a gsxr 750, cbr600rr, cbr f4i, r6. I even know a couple short guys who ride vfrs :)
I used to call the gsxr "the rack" as it felt like I was being tortured after a few minutes.
I may just have long legs as I've been able to flat foot every bike I've been on and I worked at a stealership. 6'2" btw.

[hugh jass]

I'm 6'4" and feel like I barely fit on my 07 gsxr.

[arch4ngel]

Barely fit as in the bike is almost too big or too small?

It's quite possible the more recent models have better ergos.