I've been riding the wheels off my new to me 02 VFR. I didn't modify it too much because I was waiting to see how I liked it. Well now that I'm familiar with it, I've come to the conclusion that it's really a great all around machine. Here's where I run into some trouble with my decision making.. The bike has 21,000 miles on it, LeoVince carbon slip-ons, LSL bar kit, new tires, new fluids and inspection.. It's pretty much good to go for the summer but I've been thinking about doing a complete revamp on the suspension to make it even better. My problem is I'm a little concerned about spending $1,500+ on my suspension when the bike is already 8 years old with over 20,000 miles. I have $5,000 to play with right now and here are the options I've narrowed it down to;
1. Modify my VFR with new Elka shock and have the forks re-sprung/re-valved for my weight, maybe add a few other goodies and save the rest of my money for a rainy day.
2. Trade my 02 on a new leftover 07 or newer VFR and pay out approximately $3,000 difference. That would still leave me enough to do the suspension on the new VFR and I would re-use my Leo's and LSL kit.
3. Don't do anything else to the 02 I have and just enjoy it for what it is. Then I could use the $5,000 to buy another used bike.
Like I said, I'm leaning towards option 1 because it's the cheapest option and that would give me 1 bike that can pretty much do everything but I'm concerned about dumping money into it with the miles that are on it. I know these bikes are known for going high miles but I've also seen a lot of guys with major motor issues under 30,000 miles. So anyway.. what would you do in the same situation? Should I have any concern with the miles on my bike??
I'd go with 1.
You seem to like the bike and 21K miles is nothing for a well maintained VFR.
Having said that, I would advise to go to a tuner shop and pay them to install the shock and respring/revalve the forks.
You will pay more but it's worth it to have a pro. do the suspension setup.
[image: View Post]Smokey74, on 08 April 2010 - 02:54 PM, said:
2. Trade my 02 on a new leftover 07 or newer VFR and pay out approximately $3,000 difference.
If you can get a leftover '07 for $7k, your difference is going to be more than $4k because a dealer isn't going to give you that much for an '02 even if it has low miles and is in excellent condition. You'd be lucky if you got $3k for it.
Regardless, if you're sure you want to keep your VFR for a long time, then go with the suspension upgrades and save the rest for a rainy day (or a custom paint job!)
That's a tough call but I think you might end up spending all that 5k with the trade to get a NOS '07. I'd look into doing that first and if the numbers are not what you want, then upgrade the 02.
You get much better fuel mapping from '06 forward. I have an '06 and I am pleased with the Vtec. I hear rumors that the '09 are even better? If you are happy, and improve what you have, how do you loose?
I am seriously considering an '10 Kaw Concourse 1400, or a '10 Speed Triple, or a 250cc dual sport, as a second bike. The VFR stays, it's the best bike I have ever owned. My choices are all outside what I think is the envelope of the VFR. ICBM, Wheely machine, and dirt road runner, in that order. I had considered offerings by BMW, but came to my senses. Anybody want to buy an '06 Dodge Charger, SRT-8, with 15k on the clock?
[image: View Post]EmeraldVFR, on 08 April 2010 - 05:32 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Smokey74, on 08 April 2010 - 02:54 PM, said:
2. Trade my 02 on a new leftover 07 or newer VFR and pay out approximately $3,000 difference.
If you can get a leftover '07 for $7k, your difference is going to be more than $4k because a dealer isn't going to give you that much for an '02 even if it has low miles and is in excellent condition. You'd be lucky if you got $3k for it.
Regardless, if you're sure you want to keep your VFR for a long time, then go with the suspension upgrades and save the rest for a rainy day (or a custom paint job!)
I actually have a deal I worked out already for a leftover 07 in RWB or DkRed. I was told my bike and $3,890 OTD. If I want an 09 it would be about $2,000 more. I wasn't really considering the 09 because that would tap me out and I wouldn't have money to upgrade the suspension. If I do the 07 I would still have enough money to do the shock and forks. I might go over the $5,000 budget by a few hundred but I'd have a brand new bike with Leo carbons, LSL bars, Elka shock and re-built forks. The dealer told me the ACV on my bike is $3,200. I've purchased a half dozen or so bikes from this guy so he doesn't play games with me.
[image: View Post]Pete McCrary, on 08 April 2010 - 04:47 PM, said:
Suspension upgrades definitely!
Penske out back, RaceTech 2nd generation valves in the forks (both R & C), and a set of Sonic Springs matched for your weight.
I've been all over the place on what suspension set-up I want but I think I'm pretty much settled on an Elka with hydraulic pre-load out back and race tech valves up front. I talked to my buddy that owns a local shop and I forget what spings he said he uses. Is there a reason you say Penske over an Elka??
[image: View Post]Mac, on 08 April 2010 - 05:47 PM, said:
You get much better fuel mapping from '06 forward. I have an '06 and I am pleased with the Vtec. I hear rumors that the '09 are even better? If you are happy, and improve what you have, how do you loose?
I am seriously considering an '10 Kaw Concourse 1400, or a '10 Speed Triple, or a 250cc dual sport, as a second bike. The VFR stays, it's the best bike I have ever owned. My choices are all outside what I think is the envelope of the VFR. ICBM, Wheely machine, and dirt road runner, in that order. I had considered offerings by BMW, but came to my senses. Anybody want to buy an '06 Dodge Charger, SRT-8, with 15k on the clock?
Mac
I'm pretty happy with the way my 02 runs. All the talk about the fueling issues and harsh v-tec hit had me concerned but now that I've ridden it over 1,000 miles I have no idea what the fuss is all about. I can definately feel the v-tec kick in but it's nothing that affects the way I ride. The bike feels silky smooth in comparison to other bikes I've owned. If I keep my 02 and modify it, a PC and a custom tune would be more than enough for me. I rode an 06 before I bought my 02 and I can't say I notice much of a difference other than the v-tec transition is a little softer. Not sure why but my 02 actually feels faster than the 06 I rode.
As far as how I would lose if I modify what I have.. well that's why I'm asking for input. I'm just a little concerned about the miles on my bike and puting money into a bike is half or over half worn out. Understand? Other problem I have is I've never owned a bike longer than a year. I think this bike may be different but history tells me I'll get sick of it eventually.
I've got a whooping 80kms seat time on my VFR, but I managed to put over a 110,000kms on my Katana since 03. The best money I spent on that bike was adding some Ohlins springs and a Ohlins rear shock. My vote would be to go with a Suspension upgrade, something I'll be doing too I'm thinking.
[image: View Post]Smokey74, on 09 April 2010 - 06:54 AM, said:
My problem is I'm a little concerned about spending $1,500+ on my suspension when the bike is already 8 years old with over 20,000 miles.
Dude I just dropped $5,000 on my 2002 with over 70,000 miles on the clock! I must be batshit insane! :goofy:
My '04 has over 41k mi. on it and it's still going very strong. And while my VTEC transition was never harsh, the PCIII and O2 sensor eliminators I installed a couple years ago made it butter smooth most of the time.
I'm a big guy and finally just swapped out the OEM suspenders, but I didn't go deluxe. My buddy and I installed RaceTech 1.0 fork springs (no Gold Valves) and heavier weight fork oil, plus we swapped out the OEM shock for a used OEM shock I bought last year and had VFRD member Jamie Daugherty rebuild and respring for my weight. My VFR's handling has been radically improved. I can only imagine what dropping $1k on Gold Valves and a higher end shock would do.
So I suggest you go with Option 1. You can buy the leftover '07 but you'll still have the suspension issue with the new bike. For less than half the cost of the out-of-pocket trade/purchase price for the '07, you can buy good suspension components, swap 'em out, buy and install a PCIII (or the newer PCV), O2 sensor eliminators, K&N air filter - and even have a custom map done - and your '02 will be truly customized for you.
You already have new shoes on your '02. You don't want to waste all that good rubber, do you? ;) Keep in mind, too, that you might see a substantial increase in your insurance premium going from your '02 to an '07.
Having said all that, however, if you don't think you'll hold onto your VFR for more than another year or two, I'd move on to another bike. Probably not another VFR, because (and no offense meant here) what would be the point? Like Carlitos said above, I like "new" things but can't see the value in just trading for a new or newer 6th gen. unless there is something seriously wrong with your existing one.
#1 all the way. I put on a WP rear shock and Racetech + Sonic goodies on the front last year, and it feels niiice. Take the leftover $$ and do some trackdays so you can really feel the difference.
Interesting question. From MY perspective, because I'm not too heavy (180lbs) and I ride the VFR like an old granny (most of the time anyway), I would purchase another bike and double the fun!! A dual sport (KLR?) or maybe an old cruiser type, such as a Magna or a cbr, whatever you want to do. To me, being able to do two different types of riding would definitely outweigh the ability to push the VFR harder. But I understand that suspension may transform the bike for other people.
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 09 April 2010 - 12:18 PM, said:
Well,
Interesting question. From MY perspective, because I'm not too heavy (180lbs) and I ride the VFR like an old granny (most of the time anyway), I would purchase another bike and double the fun!! A dual sport (KLR?) or maybe an old cruiser type, such as a Magna or a cbr, whatever you want to do. To me, being able to do two different types of riding would definitely outweigh the ability to push the VFR harder. But I understand that suspension may transform the bike for other people.
Whatever you pick, enjoy!!! :wheel:
c
Funny you should say that.. I was just thinking today that another option (we'll call it option #4) would be to spend $1,500-2,000 on suspension and custom tune for my 02 VFR and use the other $3,000+- to buy a 2nd bike to play with. Now, I just sold my second bike (02 Speed Triple) because I didn't like it as much as the VFR and to me it was just too similar. I felt like I had 2 sport touring bikes.. So for this option to work for me the second bike would need to be totally different than the VFR. I just found a sweet deal on a Superhawk but I think that would put me right back where I was with the triple. Maybe a supermoto?? The ideal situation would be to use the second bike for track days and local short rips in the twisties and have the VFR set up perfect as well. The wife says I should fix up my VFR and give the rest to her.. LOL..
[image: View Post]sckego, on 09 April 2010 - 08:59 AM, said:
#1 all the way. I put on a WP rear shock and Racetech + Sonic goodies on the front last year, and it feels niiice. Take the leftover $$ and do some trackdays so you can really feel the difference.
Where did you find a WP shock for your viffer?? I had WP on my Superduke and I loved it.
[image: View Post]kaldek, on 09 April 2010 - 02:17 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Smokey74, on 09 April 2010 - 06:54 AM, said:
My problem is I'm a little concerned about spending $1,500+ on my suspension when the bike is already 8 years old with over 20,000 miles.
Dude I just dropped $5,000 on my 2002 with over 70,000 miles on the clock! I must be batshit insane! :goofy:
[image: View Post]Smokey74, on 09 April 2010 - 11:06 AM, said:
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 09 April 2010 - 12:18 PM, said:
Well,
Interesting question. From MY perspective, because I'm not too heavy (180lbs) and I ride the VFR like an old granny (most of the time anyway), I would purchase another bike and double the fun!! A dual sport (KLR?) or maybe an old cruiser type, such as a Magna or a cbr, whatever you want to do. To me, being able to do two different types of riding would definitely outweigh the ability to push the VFR harder. But I understand that suspension may transform the bike for other people.
Whatever you pick, enjoy!!! :wheel:
c
Funny you should say that.. I was just thinking today that another option (we'll call it option #4) would be to spend $1,500-2,000 on suspension and custom tune for my 02 VFR and use the other $3,000+- to buy a 2nd bike to play with. Now, I just sold my second bike (02 Speed Triple) because I didn't like it as much as the VFR and to me it was just too similar. I felt like I had 2 sport touring bikes.. So for this option to work for me the second bike would need to be totally different than the VFR. I just found a sweet deal on a Superhawk but I think that would put me right back where I was with the triple. Maybe a supermoto?? The ideal situation would be to use the second bike for track days and local short rips in the twisties and have the VFR set up perfect as well. The wife says I should fix up my VFR and give the rest to her.. LOL..
Do not, I repeat, do NOT listen to the wife!!! :blink: (unless she threatens you with abstinence for a month if you don't or some cheap shot like that... :laughing6-hehe:)
[image: View Post]Smokey74, on 08 April 2010 - 12:54 PM, said:
I've been riding the wheels off my new to me 02 VFR. I didn't modify it too much because I was waiting to see how I liked it. Well now that I'm familiar with it, I've come to the conclusion that it's really a great all around machine. Here's where I run into some trouble with my decision making.. The bike has 21,000 miles on it, LeoVince carbon slip-ons, LSL bar kit, new tires, new fluids and inspection.. It's pretty much good to go for the summer but I've been thinking about doing a complete revamp on the suspension to make it even better. My problem is I'm a little concerned about spending $1,500+ on my suspension when the bike is already 8 years old with over 20,000 miles. I have $5,000 to play with right now and here are the options I've narrowed it down to;
1. Modify my VFR with new Elka shock and have the forks re-sprung/re-valved for my weight, maybe add a few other goodies and save the rest of my money for a rainy day.
2. Trade my 02 on a new leftover 07 or newer VFR and pay out approximately $3,000 difference. That would still leave me enough to do the suspension on the new VFR and I would re-use my Leo's and LSL kit.
3. Don't do anything else to the 02 I have and just enjoy it for what it is. Then I could use the $5,000 to buy another used bike.
Like I said, I'm leaning towards option 1 because it's the cheapest option and that would give me 1 bike that can pretty much do everything but I'm concerned about dumping money into it with the miles that are on it. I know these bikes are known for going high miles but I've also seen a lot of guys with major motor issues under 30,000 miles. So anyway.. what would you do in the same situation? Should I have any concern with the miles on my bike??
I'd say go with option #1 qas well. I would get the power commander V w/ autotune, frame sliders, and F4i internals. After all said and done (about $2200.00), go ride the heck out of it.
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 09 April 2010 - 01:18 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Smokey74, on 09 April 2010 - 11:06 AM, said:
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 09 April 2010 - 12:18 PM, said:
Well,
Interesting question. From MY perspective, because I'm not too heavy (180lbs) and I ride the VFR like an old granny (most of the time anyway), I would purchase another bike and double the fun!! A dual sport (KLR?) or maybe an old cruiser type, such as a Magna or a cbr, whatever you want to do. To me, being able to do two different types of riding would definitely outweigh the ability to push the VFR harder. But I understand that suspension may transform the bike for other people.
Whatever you pick, enjoy!!! :wheel:
c
Funny you should say that.. I was just thinking today that another option (we'll call it option #4) would be to spend $1,500-2,000 on suspension and custom tune for my 02 VFR and use the other $3,000+- to buy a 2nd bike to play with. Now, I just sold my second bike (02 Speed Triple) because I didn't like it as much as the VFR and to me it was just too similar. I felt like I had 2 sport touring bikes.. So for this option to work for me the second bike would need to be totally different than the VFR. I just found a sweet deal on a Superhawk but I think that would put me right back where I was with the triple. Maybe a supermoto?? The ideal situation would be to use the second bike for track days and local short rips in the twisties and have the VFR set up perfect as well. The wife says I should fix up my VFR and give the rest to her.. LOL..
Do not, I repeat, do NOT listen to the wife!!! :blink: (unless she threatens you with abstinence for a month if you don't or some cheap shot like that... :laughing6-hehe:)
C
After 16 years, that wouldn't be a big deal.. :laughing6-hehe:
End of thread · 23 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 17 Apr 2010