Here is my story...I've been riding bikes for about 10 years and currently have an 05 999R and HD Fat Boy. While I have done my share of track days and riding schools I'm looking for a sport bike that I can be comfortable on for 500+ mile weekend trips through the twisties. I will probably let the 999 go so having a bike that can do a couple of intermediate level track days per year would be ideal. I sat pillion behind Spencer in Vegas so I know this bike can get around the track no problem.
So...is there a discernable difference between the 05 and 06 VFR? I seem to recall reading a difference in the mapping between the 2 that lends the 05 to better throttle response through the corners? That may have been one person's uniformed opinion and the main reason why I am posting this.
motomadness880, Oct 9 2006, 09:46 PM I need help deciding between an 05 and 06 VFR.
Here is my story...I've been riding bikes for about 10 years and currently have an 05 999R and HD Fat Boy. While I have done my share of track days and riding schools I'm looking for a sport bike that I can be comfortable on for 500+ mile weekend trips through the twisties. I will probably let the 999 go so having a bike that can do a couple of intermediate level track days per year would be ideal. I sat pillion behind Spencer in Vegas so I know this bike can get around the track no problem.
So...is there a discernable difference between the 05 and 06 VFR? I seem to recall reading a difference in the mapping between the 2 that lends the 05 to better throttle response through the corners? That may have been one person's uniformed opinion and the main reason why I am posting this.
Any insightful input will be most appreciated!
Vtech transition, Injectors, and cosmetic changes. IMHO, go the '05. You can get it cheaper, and find touch-up paint for it. (Just in case).
I love my 06, so I may be a little bias, but I have ridden an 04, and my 06. The 06 just feels faster to me, I mean there has to be some reason they dropped the VTEC treshold, besides the whole (there is a dip before the transition on the old map) excuse. I heard (of course hearsay) that the 06 power curve is very similar to an 04 with Staintunes fitted. It may have a few more ponies as well as ft.lbs. of torques as well, but I am not sure it would be enough justify the difference in price.
motomadness880, Oct 9 2006, 09:46 PM I need help deciding between an 05 and 06 VFR.
Here is my story...I've been riding bikes for about 10 years and currently have an 05 999R and HD Fat Boy. While I have done my share of track days and riding schools I'm looking for a sport bike that I can be comfortable on for 500+ mile weekend trips through the twisties. I will probably let the 999 go so having a bike that can do a couple of intermediate level track days per year would be ideal. I sat pillion behind Spencer in Vegas so I know this bike can get around the track no problem.
So...is there a discernable difference between the 05 and 06 VFR? I seem to recall reading a difference in the mapping between the 2 that lends the 05 to better throttle response through the corners? That may have been one person's uniformed opinion and the main reason why I am posting this.
Any insightful input will be most appreciated!
I owned a 2004 Interceptor - basically the same as the 05 - unfortunately, it met with early destruction. Now, I own an 06. I like the 06 better for the following reasons: The VTEC kicks in earlier (6.4K instead of 7K) and it is a smother transition, IMHO The windscreen on the 06 is definitely better The tach gauge is easier to read The clear lenses on the lights are slick IMHO As for unfair comparison - my 06 is an ABS model; my 04 wasn't; I like the 06 brakes much better
I went from a 97 VFR to the 04 and never really got entirely comfortable with it for some reason - ended up totalling it TWICE within a 3 week period (long, long story) - but when I saw the white 06, even though I had already bought a Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 as a replacement for the Interceptor, I went ahead and bought the 06. Also loaded it up with side bags, trunk and the wife on the back and as recently as Sunday we thrashed through the twisty WV two lanes for a great fall ride.
Last two days - been riding the ZX12R - but tomorrow will be an Interceptor day again.
I vote 06 Interceptor - but then I don't care about money when looking for motorcycles. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/wheel.gif)
Also - for a good 500+ mile a day comfortable bike that handles unbelievably well, the 06 Yamaha FZ1 is also great! Does not have the low-in grunt of the Interceptor (but has a lot more high end horsepower) and is a more upright seating. I've ridden 450+ miles all day in the WV 2 lanes and was very comfortable. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/biggrin.gif)
(IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif) My favorite bike is the one I'm riding at the moment...
I worked out a great deal on a new white 06 ABS with my local dealer and bought it. Tonight I'll mount the Ti Two Brothers (and remove the passenger pegs and grip bars) then fender elim, double bubble and don a set of pilot powers. I'm also working on a plan for the suspension upgrade and I got a lot of good ideas from previous posts.
Great site by the way. Reading some of the posts in this community helped encourage me towards this purchase.
motomadness already got his VFR, so I'm posting my thoughts here for anyone else wondering which VFR to buy.
If you have the bread, I say go with the '06. Seems to be an improved version from what many riders and testers have said. I know I'd go with it and never have to wonder if I settled too much by buying the '05.
Now, having said that, I'll tell you I bought a like-new '04 w/4200 mi. after test riding a like-new '06 w/2300 mi. Saved ~$1400 plus have lower insurance rates every year since I bought the older bike. I don't regret buying my '04 at all. I figure with insurance costs I'll have saved ~$2k over a couple years of ownership. Got the color I wanted, too - red, of course!
Thanks for everyone's input. I've picked up a LOT of tips from the forum members. Along with the options mentioned above the bike is currently at the shop having an Ohlins rear installed, front fork is at Traxxion and a PCIII on the way. I'm headed out of the country for a couple of a few weeks but it should be ready when I return and I will post up some pics and the dyno runs.
motomadness880, Oct 24 2006, 12:17 AM Thanks for everyone's input. I've picked up a LOT of tips from the forum members. Along with the options mentioned above the bike is currently at the shop having an Ohlins rear installed, front fork is at Traxxion and a PCIII on the way. I'm headed out of the country for a couple of a few weeks but it should be ready when I return and I will post up some pics and the dyno runs.
Great mods...post the pics!!!........................................... (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/beer.gif)
End of thread · 15 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 14 Nov 2006