I have been lurking for a little while doing some research and finally broke down and registered. I figured, I needed some information on a little dilemma and this is the place to ask.
So, my dilemma...
I decided to move into the sport tourer world and have pretty much chosen the VFR as my next cycle. I have a line on a new leftover 03 (ABS) and a new leftover 04. Obviously, 05s are the current model year so that is an option as well. Right now I am leaning towards the 2003 ABS version. It is the cheapest in price, and is even in the color of choice (silver.)
Can anyone break down the differences between the 03-04-05 model years for me. From what I am reading there really are none (other than color selection and a recall.)
Are there things out there I should avoid or look for? Certain years troublesome?
Any help is appreciated, and I hope to be around here for a while and learn more about my soon-to-be cycle.
-Bill
I think between the 03 and 04 the difference is the subframe recall, the R/R recall (if purchasing from a dealer, both probably have already been done) and the 04 has a 4-way flasher/hazard button feature.
The hazard button is cool when you want to warn following traffic about a sudden slowdown or something, but if you can save good $$, get the color you want, and know that the bike has had the recall work done, the 03 could well be the ticket.
You can't loose!
:thumbsup:
fellswoop, Apr 6 2005, 11:38 PMI think between the 03 and 04 the difference is the subframe recall, the R/R recall (if purchasing from a dealer, both probably have already been done) and the 04 has a 4-way flasher/hazard button feature.
The hazard button is cool when you want to warn following traffic about a sudden slowdown or something, but if you can save good $$, get the color you want, and know that the bike has had the recall work done, the 03 could well be the ticket.
You can't loose!
:thumbsup:
Can you tell me a little more about the subframe recall? How can I assure that the work has been done? (I remember reading on here that they punch the VIN tag or something along that line...)
Thanks for the quick response too...
I have an 03 and the only recall that I've received has been the rear brake.
One cosmetic difference between the 03's and 05's appears to be the paint scheme on the wheels. The newer wheels aren't black.
The other option would be to wait for the 06 - lots of rumors flying out there, even a forum about it. Supposed to be bigger, better... and more $$$.
Happy choices! :joystick:
Welcome to the forum. One of the things to consider is the financial option. The 03 is certainly the cheapest to buy but on paper, it is likely the one worth the least too. I have no idea as to what your motorcycle turnover habits are. If the dealer is reducing the 03 just to get rid of it off the floor, then it would be my choice as I would likely have the same type of bike habits as I have car habits - they are a 1-owner vehicle.
I bought an 03 recently for that idea exactly. Just make sure that the recall work has been performed.
Good luck, be careful and most of all, have fun.
[quote=fellswoop,Apr 7 2005, 05:38 AM]
I think between the 03 and 04 the difference is the subframe recall
Can you or anyone else on this site elaborate on the"subframe recall", this is the first time I've ever seen this mentioned. :unsure: Thanks
If you go with the '03 silver, and it is important to you that you be able to buy OEM hard bags, be sure you can get them -- I've read that they may be scarce. YMMV. John
Thanks for the info... Its all good stuff!
A few things to point out...
I am not looking for the luggage at this time.
I will be keeping the bike for at least 5 years (Gotta love the warranty.)
Also, just to verify...
What are the differences mechanically between the 03 - 04 - 05? From what I am reading (other than recalls) they are the same exact bike.
Are there any differences in the ABS systems on the bike?
Thanks again for the help...
-Bill
..To sum it up from what I am reading so far, the only differences on the model years are the recall and the hazard lights button.
Bill, Apr 7 2005, 07:49 AMAlso, just to verify...
What are the differences mechanically between the 03 - 04 - 05? From what I am reading (other than recalls) they are the same exact bike.
Are there any differences in the ABS systems on the bike?
Thanks again for the help...
-Bill
..To sum it up from what I am reading so far, the only differences on the model years are the recall and the hazard lights button.
I don't know of any mechanical differences between 03-04-05 bikes although some have theorized that Honda may have played with stock computer mappings a little between the 02 and 03 models.
I believe any Honda dealer will be able to take the VIN and verify if any of the recall work have been done. I've got an 02 and have not had any of the recall items addressed yet. They haven't been an issue on my bike.
The subframe recall was to inspect it for cracks. I believe if no cracks are present then they just weld a brace on it. If cracks are present then a beefier subframe is installed. Newer model 04 - 05 should already have the beefier subframe I believe.
garider, Apr 7 2005, 09:22 AMI don't know of any mechanical differences between 03-04-05 bikes although some have theorized that Honda may have played with stock computer mappings a little between the 02 and 03 models.
I believe any Honda dealer will be able to take the VIN and verify if any of the recall work have been done. I've got an 02 and have not had any of the recall items addressed yet. They haven't been an issue on my bike.
The subframe recall was to inspect it for cracks. I believe if no cracks are present then they just weld a brace on it. If cracks are present then a beefier subframe is installed. Newer model 04 - 05 should already have the beefier subframe I believe.
Thanks... I will definitely check on that today!
I would go with the Silver 03 and have no worries. If buying from a Dealer, I think they are required to perform any recalls before they can sell the unit.
The recalls are not a big deal: 1st was an Altanator up-grade on 02's and some 03's; 2nd was the rear sub-frame (possible cracking) I think people who carried luggage or passengers often had some cracking and Honda would replace the sub-frame with an up-graded if there were cracks or add a brace kit to one's without any cracking; 3rd and latest is the rear brake (possible leaking).
I have 20,000 miles on my 02 and haven't done any of the recall up-grades as of yet.
:beer:
Bill,
The only difference between the 03-04-05 units are color and the 4-way flasher button, which can be handy but not worth spending thousands more for. The subframe I wouldn't worry about because the dealer must inspect it prior to sale (plus they get paid for it). The brake recall is for a possible leaking proportioning valve on VFRs, ST1300s and Goldwings. Again, dealer must inspect and gets paid for it. I'm very close with the local dealer and of all the VFRs they've checked for the leak not a single one has leaked. By the way, I just picked up my Silver 03 and took it instead of the red 04 because I want to be stealth and there are so many red ones out there.
Enjoy
And I believe the subframe recall issue was for the '02 models,not any of the '03's. I've owned two 03's and never had any subframe recalls....hence I believe it was for the '02's.
I now have an 03 sliver ABS....I'd say if that's the color you like best and feel that your getting the best deal...then go that route. You might want to request that the dealer perform what ever maintenence is necessary for a bike that's been sitting for some time:idea3:
Thanks for the replies folks.
I am putting the deposit down on the 03 today and will be going to pick it up next week.
:thumbsup:
Good choice. You'll love having the ABS brakes and getting the color you want. Although the bike has depreciated more, you've still got a full warranty on something that is essentially identical to the 2005.
Well, it has been done. The deposit is made and the paperwork is being processed. I should have it for some nice break-in riding next weekend (4/16 - 4/17.)
B)
Bill, Apr 7 2005, 11:19 AMWell, it has been done. The deposit is made and the paperwork is being processed. I should have it for some nice break-in riding next weekend (4/16 - 4/17.)
B)
Well How Much did you get it for ? I hope a bunch lees than a 05 ! :thumbsup:
Bill, Apr 7 2005, 05:19 PMWell, it has been done. The deposit is made and the paperwork is being processed. I should have it for some nice break-in riding next weekend (4/16 - 4/17.)
B)
Cool, congrats and welcome to the family B)
baileyrock, Apr 7 2005, 01:29 PMWell How Much did you get it for ?� I hope a bunch lees than a 05 ! :thumbsup:
I got the bike for $7999, the warranty for an added 4 years (5 total) was $552 on top of that. I actually got it from a place in VA, www.motorcyclefactoryinc.com . I got the link from another post in this forum. I dealt with "Jeff" in the sales department, and he was great!
They still have 3 more 03 ABS bikes at that price if anyone is interested. :thumbsup:
Didn't we just have a thread or two in March on these bikes at MotorcycleFactory in VA?
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=11110http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=11028I guess they were selling '03 ABS, not '04 ABS. Seems to be a good price on the bike, maybe a tad high on the warranty -- you may want to back that out of the sale and buy on line for $399 or less (looks like 04asphalt got his on March 28th over the phone from some dealer for $300 --
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.p...howtopic=11071).
Congrats. Silver is a great color. :wheel: John
So, do you not have to buy the warranty when you buy the bike?
You can purchase it anytime during your OEM warranty, in other words the first year. John
sportrider, Apr 7 2005, 07:35 PMYou can purchase it anytime during your OEM warranty, in other words the first year. John
That is good to know. I was unaware of that bit of info. I have a good friend that works at the Honda dealer locally and I am betting I could get a much better deal on it from him. I would have even bought the bike from him if he had access to one.
That is GREAT NEWS! Thanks.
I have an 03 with 23k no problems other then the one I caused :joystick: good choice enjoy.
Not tp derail the topic, but can you add flasher/hazard button feature on 02-03 models?
wow, I live in madison,wi and I thought I was getting a "deal" for a 03 VFR with ABS for 8,999$
Too bad I wasn't closer to PA to stop in at the motorcyclefactory that Bill got his at.
Maybe I'll see if the dealer in Madison here will come down in price if I let him know about another dealer with a lower price. Almost might be worth to make a road trip to PA.
I've never been the best negotiator -- does anyone think the dealer would come down 1,000??
Thanks
tremors, Apr 9 2005, 03:03 PMwow, I live in madison,wi and I thought I was getting a "deal" for a 03 VFR with ABS for 8,999$
Too bad I wasn't closer to PA to stop in at the motorcyclefactory that Bill got his at.
Maybe I'll see if the dealer in Madison here will come down in price if I let him know about another dealer with a lower price. Almost might be worth to make a road trip to PA.
I've never been the best negotiator -- does anyone think the dealer would come down 1,000??
Thanks
Guess it depends on what, if any, factory incentives Honda has given the dealer. If the dealer priced the bike before the incentives to move the '03 were issued, I suspect the dealer could lower his price. Notice I said could, not would. In the US, VFRs seem to be niche bikes, and I could see dealers lowering their margin to move them (especially '03s). Good luck. John
tremors, Apr 9 2005, 08:03 PMwow, I live in madison,wi and I thought I was getting a "deal" for a 03 VFR with ABS for 8,999$
Too bad I wasn't closer to PA to stop in at the motorcyclefactory that Bill got his at.
Maybe I'll see if the dealer in Madison here will come down in price if I let him know about another dealer with a lower price. Almost might be worth to make a road trip to PA.
I've never been the best negotiator -- does anyone think the dealer would come down 1,000??
Thanks
If that's the OTD price on this '03 ABS model, no that's not a great price...definitely not in'05. I paid less than that in '03 for my '03 ABS.....and that's here in CA. :blink:
Das Bone, Apr 9 2005, 07:33 PMIf that's the OTD price on this '03 ABS model, no that's not a great price...definitely not in'05. I paid less than that in '03 for my '03 ABS.....and that's here in CA. :blink:
You could always have the bike shipped out to you. Shipping across the counrty can be had on a motorcycle for about $400.00. You would still be saving $600.00 over your price.
WELCOME!!!! :thumbsup:
I am a newbie and I am delighted with the bike. Love every minute of it...
Enjoy your new "Nena"
Ride Safe!!! :)
End of thread · 29 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 11 Apr 2005