I was wondering, what to expect from a 6th generation VFR. I'm looking to upgrade to a bike ABS, and I figured the VFR would be a good reason for a few reasons.
1. Comfortable riding position.
2. Has ABS
3. 6th generation has been out since 2002 so it shouldn't be hard to find used. I can't afford a new bike right now so as it stands this is my best option.
4. I love the looks
My main concern is the power. I've been riding a 2003 SV1000S for the past 5 years. And I wonder if I'm going to notice a difference with the VFR? Swapping the sprockets is probably one of the first things i'll do. A lot of people say the weight is a big concern. My bike weighs around 490lbs. wet, so I imagine i'd be used to it more than someone who rode an R6.
What about valve timing and maintenance? People tell me that valve maintenance is really expensive on the Viffer.
The weight shouldn't be a problem for you. I know the VFR is right around the same as you described for the SV1000S (VFR is 472 Dry weight).
I can't speak as far as power goes compared to the SV1000S as I have never ridden one. But coming from an 02 R6 to an 02 VFR I can say there is a lot of mid range torque and the VFR handles extra weight easily. The R6 was quicker in acceleration but not as comfortable. I could even corner better on my VFR once I got used to the ride.
Best bet is find one and take it for a test drive. 02-09 models are all the same with the exception of paint choice and where the VTEC kicks in (I think it was the 05+ models?). The experts will kick in soon to correct any errors I have made.
I have an ABS model and love it. Nothing like never locking up your tires and getting squirrely to give you the edge in a panic brake situation. :fing02: ou
I have not had my valves checked since I bought mine. It did have an initial valve check done by the previous owner though and everything was good. I don't know if BR is still running his around with never had them checked but he has more than my 45k miles on his VFR.
Check what year it is and make sure it has had the front harness recall done.
When you test drive it make sure you run it through the VTEC surge a couple of times as some people love it, some hate it. Keep in mind as you build up miles though it breaks in and is not as bad. I hardly notice mine now except the nice aural tone that comes with 2 more valves per cylinder kicking in and the very nice acceleration that comes in the higher rpms.
And while you are shopping poke around this site to get lots of useful information about the bike before hand (I did). It pays off to know the good and the bad before hand. Heck, there's even DIY for valve checks with nice pictures in the How-To guides. :comp13:
Personally, I think it is a great all-around bike. I can do 2 up riding over long distances comfortably, drive it to campus for classes, or solo ride it through some nice twisties for a breath of fresh air and a big goofy grin. I sold my R6 after a long and painful internal debate but looking back I don't regret it. And as a bonus you get to hang out here with all the rest of the VFR junkies and get great advice, meet nice folk, and maybe even join up for one of the rides to put faces to names. :)
Edit: Glad to see you stopped lurking and welcome to the forums.
Get the red ones. They are the fastest. ;)
I have a bud with an sv1000, We switch and ride eachothers bikes all the time.
They are basically the same speed. When we drag whoever gets the best launch wins.
The VFR is smoother than the SV but the SV's vibration isn't anoying like an RC51
The riding position on the SV is more aggressive but still comfy... but not as comfy as the VFR
The SV steers slightly faster than the VFR... but it's really negligable... you really won't notice much difference
The SV with TBR pipes is one of the loudest bikes I have ever heard... a real thumper. The VFR with TBR pipes is not as loud but the music is a little sweeter.
The VFR kills the SV on range and has a fuel guage which is convienient
The VFR runs much hotter than the SV on summer days it's not uncommon to hit 220+ while the SV hangs around 180-190
The VFR's engine has more character than the SV... the SV doesn't really have a hit anywhere
Wind protection is better on the VFR... but the SV is no slouch
The 6th gen CCTL's will eventually fail and need to be replaced... The SV has gear driven cams!
There are more recalls for the SV, one of which is a tank replacement
VFR Brakes are marginally better than the SV... even though the SV has bigger front rotors
Suspension is a wash... they both suck.
The SV is a fantastic bike in my opinion, I would love to add one to my stable, but not if I have to sacrifice the VFR
You'll like the VFR if you like the SV
*edit* You won't notice the extra weight of the VFR... but she is physically larger than the SV, and you won't really see that unless they are side by side. The only time I ever noticed the extra weight of the VFR was getting on my bike after I demo'ed an 04+ RSV1000. That was the only time I truly wished she was lighter. The funny thing is the RSV1000 is not a light bike by any means...
**edit** One thing that does bug me about the SV is it drags parts way worse than the VFR. If you take the peg feelers off the VFR there really is no worries... but the SV on the other hand, my buddies giant fly swatter of a kickstand is damn near worn through... it is annoying.
If ya need more power for street riding than one of these have i'd suggest the best gear money can buy, plus a good life ins policy :dry:. I've never wished for more, 100hp is plenty. Good luck, you'll love it if ya get one :fing02:
I had the same questions as you about a year ago. Like many here I've had different kinds of bikes...FZ1, FJR1300, GSX-R1000, etc. The GSX-R was fast! Heck the FJR was fast. Seriously I don't notice the power difference that much but there's another thing. The VFR is deceptive. It's so smooth you think you may not be going as fast as you are.
Somewhere, someone posted a PDF of all the 0-60, quarter mile times, etc. Except for the fastest bikes like the ZX-14, the VFR was right in there and the VFR was only a second slower than the FZ1 for example. But let's face it, when we're out riding through the countryside on a nice summer morning, riding a motorcycle is about a lot more than quarter mile times.
You'll just have to try one out. There are so many great deals out there.
I live in Toronto, so it's still going to be a while before the seasons starts...But as soon as it does, I'm going to look into trading up.
Just curious, what's a CCTL?...And also, is it true that the 2008 VFR has 106HP? I saw that online somewhere.
Oh, and you guys are probably gonna want to ban me for saying this, but I actually like the Red one the least. I think i'd ideally like to have the black one, and get powder-coated gold rims. That'd look sweet.
I have a dilemma!!! Especially after the zx12 photo.
I have sanded and am in the process of polishing my rims, lips only intend to paint the un-machined parts. BUT!!! I was going to paint the spokes black, my 98 is black, BUT the gold looks so cool.
I am doing the SP1 front end swap and my forks have been gold nitrated plus I�m using gold calipers. What do you all think, would gold wheels with polished lips be too much?
Would I look like a fidgety Gypsy at the dentist? Passing all the slow, common as mud Red VFR�s. :ph34r: ;p
[image: View Post]Bren, on Feb 19 2009, 04:42 PM, said:
:offtopic: sorry for hijack!
I have a dilemma!!! Especially after the zx12 photo.
I have sanded and am in the process of polishing my rims, lips only intend to paint the un-machined parts. BUT!!! I was going to paint the spokes black, my 98 is black, BUT the gold looks so cool.
I am doing the SP1 front end swap and my forks have been gold nitrated plus I�m using gold calipers. What do you all think, would gold wheels with polished lips be too much?
Would I look like a fidgety Gypsy at the dentist? Passing all the slow, common as mud Red VFR�s. :ph34r: ;p
Thanks for opinions.
Bren - feeling torn by colours.
I think it would look way cool, if you can get the gold wheels to match the gold forks and calipers. Otherwise it will clash and be a grave fashion felony!!! :laugh:
[image: View Post]Bren, on Feb 19 2009, 01:42 PM, said:
:offtopic: sorry for hijack!
I have a dilemma!!! Especially after the zx12 photo.
I have sanded and am in the process of polishing my rims, lips only intend to paint the un-machined parts. BUT!!! I was going to paint the spokes black, my 98 is black, BUT the gold looks so cool.
I am doing the SP1 front end swap and my forks have been gold nitrated plus I�m using gold calipers. What do you all think, would gold wheels with polished lips be too much?
Would I look like a fidgety Gypsy at the dentist? Passing all the slow, common as mud Red VFR�s. :ph34r: ;p
Thanks for opinions.
Bren - feeling torn by colours.
I think the only problem is the alum frame will clash with the gold. Notice the blacked out ZX parts.
Just bought my first VFR a couple of days ago. It's an 06 model with ABS. Prior bike was an 02 SV650S. I absolutely love my new bike and have no regrets whatsoever. I had doubts whether I'll like the VTEC, linked brakes and somewhat porky weight of the VFR. Well, the extra weight is not very pronounced and the bike is fairly agile but with a great sense of stability that was not present in my SV650. Brakes feel very solid albeit take a bit more effort than on the SV650, and the VTEC engement is not an issue at all. Take the plunge and get one!
Alex
End of thread · 22 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 12 Apr 2010