Hello all. I've been lurking here for a short time. I plan on possibly buying my first 400 at the end of this year in Thailand. I just moved back to the US but will be moving back to Thailand at the end of this year.

I had a NSR in Thailand but am interested in getting a VFR or RVF. My question is are these hard bikes to work on? I will try to buy one in quite good condition but am I looking at is will I be wrenching a lot and always looking for parts. What problems should i'd be aware of? I guess what I'm asking is what will I be getting myself into? Thanks.

I don't think they are hard to work in, they can be tricky and at times​ cramped but not hard.
Do everything once or twice and once you've figured out your technique you'll be fine, unless you're completely handless: -)

Bottom radiators are vulnerable due to their location just behind the front wheel, the join where the front headers meet the rear section is prone to rust ( here in the UK but it might be ok elsewhere).

sparrow wrote:My question is are these hard bikes to work on?

How confident are you? How much experience do you have. It's too open ended to answer.

Nothing on the bike is difficult to do with the proper experience and sometimes specialist tools. The factory service book is in the downloads section.

The bike is a compact v4 in a small frame so somethings like carb balancing, valve clearances can be more fiddly than on a larger bike (nothing a right angled screwdriver won't fix) but it's all a matter of perspective, the actual process is the same as on any other bike.

They are generally good and reliable with no major problems despite their age but like anything it all depends on how it's been treated. I'd be wary in Thailand as there is a higher potential, like all the VFRS that seem to be in South Africa to buy a problematic rock-box.

Trying to fix years of abuse and lack of investment can be a nightmare as these would have all been grey imports with good chance of lack of local parts.

I'd consult the buyers guide and ask for some advice on the forum from owners before you buy something so you don't get stuck with a lemon, much easier to service something with a pulse than try and polish a turd.

Thanks. I see several for sale in Thailand from junkers to some that look mint. Pricing even for the better ones seems reasonable there. Around $3000-$3500 US dollars for one that looks mint. Here are some examples

https://www.kaidee.com/product-131509538

https://www.kaidee.com/product-131467768

sparrow wrote:Thanks. I see several for sale in Thailand from junkers to some that look mint. Pricing even for the better ones seems reasonable there. Around $3000-$3500 US dollars for one that looks mint. Here are some examples

https://www.kaidee.com/product-131509538

https://www.kaidee.com/product-131467768

First one looks dodgy, i'd want to see it in person.. wheels have been painted, calipers are possibly fireblade? stock ones are black.. guess they were changed to match the wheels? bodywork colours dont look right so maybe a respray or chinese panels.

why does it have no speedometer?

second one cant really see too well as the pictures are shit quality, far away and filtered.

id want to see them both and in the flesh before consiering buying one.

any particular reason on choosing an rvf over a vfr?