I thought I would be able to find plenty of threads answering the question, "Which generation VFR is the best for sport touring?" I guess I am inept at the search function, because I cannot get any responses! Can anyone kick me in the right direction to discover which VFR rules at sporty touring? By the way, I put the emphasis on the "sport" side of the equation. Thanks!
Alaskan, Jan 9 2007, 03:34 PMI thought I would be able to find plenty of threads answering the question, "Which generation VFR is the best for sport touring?" I guess I am inept at the search function, because I cannot get any responses! Can anyone kick me in the right direction to discover which VFR rules at sporty touring? By the way, I put the emphasis on the "sport" side of the equation. Thanks!
Well I would have to stay the 3rd-6th are all capable, the 1st-2nd aren't really as comfy IMO ( I'm sure I'll get crap for saying that). But of them all the 6th gen have the most accessory options. I might be partial because thats what I own, and I'm sure you will get plenty of responses from mixed opinions. VFR is a great sport touring bike, very capable, which is why I picked it. I wanted something I could take 2k mile weekend trips but drag knee's if I wanted after I got where I was going. No regrets in any way of my choice in a bike. Good luck.
You should get plenty of responses on this one, as it's a huge can of worms! (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/biggrin.gif)
IMO, they're all great for sport-touring. All gens are plenty sporty. The 6th gen seems to be the most convenient, because you can get factory hard bags and ABS, which are typical sport-touring prerequisites.
tinyminds, Jan 9 2007, 04:39 PMWell I would have to stay the 3rd-6th are all capable, the 1st-2nd aren't really as comfy IMO ( I'm sure I'll get crap for saying that). But of them all the 6th gen have the most accessory options. I might be partial because thats what I own, and I'm sure you will get plenty of responses from mixed opinions. VFR is a great sport touring bike, very capable, which is why I picked it. I wanted something I could take 2k mile weekend trips but drag knee's if I wanted after I got where I was going. No regrets in any way of my choice in a bike. Good luck.
You treaded lightly VERY well through all that "best gen" stuff Jason............................... (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/goofy.gif)
Alaskan, Jan 9 2007, 02:34 PMI thought I would be able to find plenty of threads answering the question, "Which generation VFR is the best for sport touring?" I guess I am inept at the search function, because I cannot get any responses! Can anyone kick me in the right direction to discover which VFR rules at sporty touring? By the way, I put the emphasis on the "sport" side of the equation. Thanks!
The best generation for sport touring is the one you have. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
Alaskan, Jan 9 2007, 03:34 PMI thought I would be able to find plenty of threads answering the question, "Which generation VFR is the best for sport touring?" I guess I am inept at the search function, because I cannot get any responses! Can anyone kick me in the right direction to discover which VFR rules at sporty touring? By the way, I put the emphasis on the "sport" side of the equation. Thanks!
Well I would have to stay the 3rd-6th are all capable, the 1st-2nd aren't really as comfy IMO ( I'm sure I'll get crap for saying that). But of them all the 6th gen have the most accessory options. I might be partial because thats what I own, and I'm sure you will get plenty of responses from mixed opinions. VFR is a great sport touring bike, very capable, which is why I picked it. I wanted something I could take 2k mile weekend trips but drag knee's if I wanted after I got where I was going. No regrets in any way of my choice in a bike. Good luck.
IMHO. Yes. 5th and 6th gens, in general. Lots of folks have put plenty of miles on there 6th gens, but 5th gens are definatly proven.
betwen the 5th and 6th gens. The 6th seems to be the best a s.t.ing. It can come with honda/givi hard luggage It has a more refined motor (smoother torque curve, but not as fast) and suspension But the 5th is great as well
I don't know since I haven't done any touring yet. But I can tell you I'll know for sure my 5/21/06 - the day after I return from my ride to, around and from the Blue Ridge Parkway! 400 miles each way and probably 400 more over the two days I'll be riding around there with another group.
Anyway, I'm expecting my 6th gen. will pass the sport-touring test with flying colors!
Hey I am very Glade to see another Alaskan here. I have a 5th gen and love it. I pretty much have it set up for more sport then touring. I don't seem to have any problem keeping up with friends except for top end 165++. But when we switch bikes they call mine the couch and realy like it.. Riding to Anchorage from Kenai or going to Seward is a blast and very comfortable 160+ miles...But now I am setting it up more for sport and changing a few things. The ride will be the same feul consumtion will change alot not for the better though. Maybe I'll see you around riding a VFR any Gen.. They all are good bikes.. I don't think you will be disapointed..
AKVFRGUY, Jan 9 2007, 06:27 PMHey I am very Glade to see another Alaskan here. I have a 5th gen and love it. I pretty much have it set up for more sport then touring. I don't seem to have any problem keeping up with friends except for top end 165++. But when we switch bikes they call mine the couch and realy like it.. Riding to Anchorage from Kenai or going to Seward is a blast and very comfortable 160+ miles...But now I am setting it up more for sport and changing a few things. The ride will be the same feul consumtion will change alot not for the better though. Maybe I'll see you around riding a VFR any Gen.. They all are good bikes.. I don't think you will be disapointed..
Great! Another rider from The Great Land! I live in Juneau, but during riding season I use the ferry system or barge my bike to ride on the Continental road system (for you guys who live Outside Alaska, Juneau is accessible only by plane or boat to the rest of the world). I will definitely look you up for a ride up north this summer. Right now I am riding an '84 VF750F that my brother built up out of 4 boxes of parts etc. He is a motorcycle mechanic extraordinaire! I am a mechanic "ordinaire," and nothing special in the wrenching department. But I have developed a familiarity with the Honda V-4 and I like it. I also like the V-Twin Ducatis. However it will turn out, a VF750F isn't really a great Alaska ride. An adventure bike (KTM Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom, Aprilia Caponard or BMW GS) is prolly the very best bike for all Alaska, but they are too fugly for me. So, it's sport-tourer time. That means Ducat ST* or VFR as far as I am concerned. I already have become familiar with the Honda V-4, albeit the 1983-84 variety, and I like it. I am careful to keep the revs up on my old motor, but I understand that the newer V-4s can be lugged down to lower RPMs without sacrificing camshafts. Sounds good to me.
vfrrider17, Jan 10 2007, 12:52 PMThe 6th seems to be the best a s.t.ing. It has a more refined motor (smoother torque curve, but not as fast) and suspension
Have you actually seen the 5th/6th gen torque curves side-by-side? That might be true for the 2006 on, but the dip before the engine switches to all 16 valves makes the torque curve a little bumpy... But I'd agree about the suspension, and if you're talking about "most sporty", then the 6th probably is. Refined? No. Gear-driven cams are higher tech. Unless you meant quieter, and it certainly is that. At least till the camchain tensioners misbehave.... (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/wink.gif)
Wow such restraint & not the normal flame war which gen is best (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
As already said the 6th gen has all the options & I find in the most relaxing on tour, BUT my 4th gen fills me with a thrill the 6th gen just doesn't have & it has nothing to do with the cam gears it's the complete package. Because I ride mainly with the OZVFR crew here in AUS you can ride any gen you like by just asking at any time & there all so close that it really just is personal taste. No other model bike I have swung a leg over is the complete package a VFR is & I don't think you can go wrong buying any of them because there all that good. When I tour the only luggage I take is a big gearsak bag on a ventura rack (ventura bags suck) because at my age roughing it after a long day ride isn't me so I stay in pubs etc so adding hard luggage means nothing to me & bought a 6th gen because the look appeals to me. My 6th gen isn't really a tourer with the speeds we seem to do on tour it's full sports :-)
I have been very happy with my 6th gen. Rode to Monteray and back last summer... will be doing the same this coming summer. Don't know what the others are like.
zRoYz, Jan 9 2007, 08:53 PMWow such restraint & not the normal flame war which gen is best (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
As already said the 6th gen has all the options & I find in the most relaxing on tour, BUT my 4th gen fills me with a thrill the 6th gen just doesn't have & it has nothing to do with the cam gears it's the complete package. Because I ride mainly with the OZVFR crew here in AUS you can ride any gen you like by just asking at any time & there all so close that it really just is personal taste. No other model bike I have swung a leg over is the complete package a VFR is & I don't think you can go wrong buying any of them because there all that good. When I tour the only luggage I take is a big gearsak bag on a ventura rack (ventura bags suck) because at my age roughing it after a long day ride isn't me so I stay in pubs etc so adding hard luggage means nothing to me & bought a 6th gen because the look appeals to me. My 6th gen isn't really a tourer with the speeds we seem to do on tour it's full sports :-)
Yeah, I tour Spartan too. I just carry a tank bag with a pair of jeans and some undies (whoo-oo!) and a toothbrush. I don't even take a razor.
I love Hondas. have owned 5 bikes and 3 were Hondas, 1 was a Triumph and 1 was a Kawasaki - Hondas have been the best of the bunch, though. However, I haven't ruled out the Ducati ST* yet, although purchase price and higher cost of maintenance may be difficult to sell to the wifey.
Alaskan, Jan 9 2007, 08:34 PMI thought I would be able to find plenty of threads answering the question, "Which generation VFR is the best for sport touring?" I guess I am inept at the search function, because I cannot get any responses! Can anyone kick me in the right direction to discover which VFR rules at sporty touring? By the way, I put the emphasis on the "sport" side of the equation. Thanks!
Can not speak to the 6th gen ride/performance, but I do love the Hardbag and ABS options. Took my 5th gen for Sport tours in the Sierras and AZ last year and it was fantastic. Only thing I really need to add are heated grips.
I absolutely wanted the 6'th gen for the ABS brakes. However, one thing to consider is the change in altitude changes that you will be having in touring. If you are going into the mountains and then low flatlands, then fuel injection may be best for you. This would limit you to the 5'th & 6'th gens.
However, the best for you me would be getting a bike that you can still get the mods for and accessories for, to customize the bike the way you want to.
You can't go wrong with either. I've put 18k or so on a 5th Gen in a little over a year. I haven't ridden a 6th Gen but as stated above the suspension is suppose to be better. You can fix that with aftermarket if it becomes an issue. One bonus on the 5th Gen is the valve check won't set you back as much $ and Gear driven-Cams give you a nice warm fuzzy feeling. I do wish my bike had ABS.... I went with GIVI hard bags and I'm very pleased...cheaper than factory with more more options. :thumbs: I will say that I think the 6th Gens are better looking...(ducking objects thrown by 5th Genners).
personally i think it comes down to this. the 6th gen was so good they quit making the 5th gen! and factory hard bags! is there even a reason to have this question (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif)
767fixer, Jan 30 2007, 09:01 AMpersonally i think it comes down to this. the 6th gen was so good they quit making the 5th gen! and factory hard bags! is there even a reason to have this question (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif)
Fixer, the 4th gen must be best...it has big NACA ducts. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
I like 'em all. I wish I had two from each generation in my garage....one to keep stock, and one to "tweak" with all kinds of goodies. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/491.gif)
tbzep, Jan 30 2007, 10:08 AMI like 'em all. I wish I had two from each generation in my garage....one to keep stock, and one to "tweak" with all kinds of goodies. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/491.gif)
keep wishing....like you wife would ever allow that. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/dry.gif)
End of thread · 28 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 25 Feb 2007