To answer yes or no, you really have to be sure. I know because I went from a VFR, to an FZ1, back to a VFR. That's a pretty big loss in power but I don't really notice it. I can say without a doubt, if I were stuck with this bike forever, I would be totally satisfied with the power output. That's an awesome place to be. :wub:
The very second I master my 5th gen, I will post up about it. Dont hold your breath.
I'm actually looking for a low horsepower bike to get back on the track. Something that exposes your flaws and wont let you make up for mistakes with might.
The only time I've complained about power was when I had a full load of luggage on there. Even then it wasn't like it was slow, and it's not like I'm going to be trying to rip it like that anyways. Just noticed that it was running a bit more sluggish. I would predict that if I ever had a passenger AND a full load of luggage, I would be wishing for a bit more torque.
[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 14 July 2010 - 06:39 PM, said:
The very second I master my 5th gen, I will post up about it. Dont hold your breath.
I'm actually looking for a low horsepower bike to get back on the track. Something that exposes your flaws and wont let you make up for mistakes with might.
Should have let me know. There was a FZR400 near me in good condition. Guy only wanted $1000 for it.
I haven't yet mastered the power my '98 has, but there are times I wish it accelerated quicker. I'd like to ride a CBR 1000 or the like once in a while and warp the throttle. I rode both a Triumph Speed Triple and a 675 recently. I loved the power of the Triple; just so-so on the 675. I'm 64.
By the way, I'm looking for both a track bike (~600cc), and a dirt bike. I need to do this stuff before the old bod abandons me. I'd rather break a hip while on two wheels than from falling off the toilet.
Bags full, trunk on the back, and 2-up, I wish I had some more, especially going up Cherohala. I wouldn't trade it for a GSXR1000 though. I'd rather have the VFR comfort............an FJR1300 may be in my future though.
I voted No but I am 46 and may need the feel of an iminent high side while spinnng up the rear exiting a 3rd gear turn just to keep my tiny little heart beating...
Now, when I get to be as sensible as Timmy I will answer something like "If I were honest, when fully laden with luggage or a pillion, I ocassionally lust for 125 hp at the wheel."
So even though I said "No, give me an R1" I would have checked give me the power of a current 600cc super sport.
I do occasionally wish that my 6th gen were more efficient. As in, current 750's put out 130hp, so the full, naturally aspirated potential of this 800cc V4. Well ok, let's cut the crap. I do wish I had a few more horses. Especially when hauling my two full side cases and wifey. And more especially between 3 and 9krpm.
However - I'm under 30, pack like a woman, and have been called a squid on more than one occasion... :wub:
For most riding yes, there's plenty of power, but you get behind a fast rider on a more powerful bike on an uphill ride and the deficit comes to light quickly. Ideally I'd like to have ~130 to 150 at the rear and definitely have a torocharger in my future (the wife has been duly noted). LOL.
I voted yes, but I'm still tweaking and trying to get a little more out of what I've got. I don't know how many more ponies she will be willing to give up on a budget... 10 - 15% more hp over stock would be nice, but I love my bike as it was when I bought it and still do!
Probably would have more success and performance improvement by light-weighting... especially the rider!!!
:wub:
Every once in a while, and as I get older, it seems to happen a bit less, I like to ride a 1000 and twist the screw until it bleeds. It is a rush that is hard to beat.
For the most part though, the VFR 5th gen is plenty.
I chose the VFR to get back into riding after not having a bike for years. It fit exactly what I decided I needed to relearn the riding skills I think I had years ago. Figured I didn't need 1000+ cc but wanted something stable and comfortable and that gave me enough confidence to push my limits once in awhile. I guess if your cruising interstate more power might be nice at times but I'd rather take the state and county roads at a more leisurely pace and so far have found plenty of power when I want it. Like everyone says it's just a great all around bike!!! :wub:
It's hard enough to ride at the speed limit on my 5th gen. Would I mind it if my bike suddenly had another 25-50 hp? No. But, until the hp fairy donates some hp to my bike overnight, it's fine as is. And if I were to trade to another bike with more power, it wouldn't be my VFR; therefore, it wouldn't be acceptable.
[image: View Post]jaimev34, on 14 July 2010 - 09:25 PM, said:
But until the hp fairy donates some hp to my bike overnight...
If she does happen to stop by, please give her my address, which is... :fing02:
Seriously tho, I've always been fine with my VFR's power. I don't ride 2-up, and even with my fat arse and the hard bags loaded for a tour my bike has enough on tap. I don't mind downshifting if necessary tho, and my VFR's torque curve is just so damn smooth. I've yet to outride my bike's abilities, so extra hp would be mostly a waste on me anyway.
But I won't lie - a little more power wouldn't be bad. I'm sure my next bike will be at least 1000cc, partly b/c there are fewer and fewer less-than-1000cc bikes being made these days.
Also...Kind of weird when a "0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds" bike is considered old and slow. :excl:
I'm ok with it, I'm not freaking out just cause it doesnt have 150 hp. It does what I want out ot it. - But then again, one bike is never enuff, (even 2 or 4) and if I get a new job, I'm gonna try out that new BMW S1000RR. Yup, that should scare me good. lol :fing02:
Seb - your under 30? Whoa, didnt know that dude...... :excl:
Well...I have a pretty tricked out 5th gen, but that hasn't stoppe dme putting in an order for a sportsbike, in pursuit of something different to ride... so I dont know how to vote...
[image: View Post]Flightar, on 14 July 2010 - 08:47 PM, said:
Even though I voted yes...there is nothing wrong with the 6th gen VFR that another 25 horsepower wouldn't fix.
[image: View Post]Earthshake, on 14 July 2010 - 08:54 PM, said:
Yes, it makes me happy, but the grass is always greener...and I'm sure I could be more happy :biggrin:
Amen!
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 14 July 2010 - 10:39 PM, said:
I'm ok with it, I'm not freaking out just cause it doesnt have 150 hp. It does what I want out ot it. - But then again, one bike is never enuff, (even 2 or 4) and if I get a new job, I'm gonna try out that new BMW S1000RR. Yup, that should scare me good. lol :biggrin:
Seb - your under 30? Whoa, didnt know that dude...... :cool:
There are very few things that a 5th/6th VFR with 125-140hp would give up to a literbike - IMO, just making the best bike more into the perfect bike. Comfort, range, handling, power, and with a bit of Frankenviffering, superb brakes and even better handling/adjustability. Add the hard bags and there's no question left in my mind. I've given a lot of thought to the Torocharger, the one big thing that holds me back, is the vulnerability/lack of crash protection for those expensive and delicate components.
To be honest, even though I said the VFR needs another 25 Bhp and as I said, I am happy with the bike overall. The thing about me and the power is mostly about the torque...that would also be incresed, especially if the punched out the engine to 900cc or slightly more...the resulting 10 ft/lbs would be a great addition to the ridability of the bike and would go a long way toward making the bike a great two up mount.
135 bhp and 65-70 ft/lbs would be a great/world beating combination for this bike in my book.
My last primary ride was a CBRXX, so I gave up a lot of HP when I bought the VFR. However, I seldom miss the feeling of getting my arms ripped out of their sockets when I accelerate hard---well, I do every once in a while. The only time really I wish I had more motor (torque more than HP) is when I'm riding 2-up with luggage. Otherwise, I'm happy with the 5th gen motor. Age figures heavily into my response---I'm over 60---probably would have given a different response several years ago.
[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 15 July 2010 - 05:21 AM, said:
There are very few things that a 5th/6th VFR with 125-140hp would give up to a literbike - IMO, just making the best bike more into the perfect bike. Comfort, range, handling, power, and with a bit of Frankenviffering, superb brakes and even better handling/adjustability. Add the hard bags and there's no question left in my mind.
+1. I think that's what many of us were hoping to see in the 7th gen. Not that the new bike is a disappointment, but what most VFR fans wanted was 900-1000cc, inverted fork w/radially mounted brake calipers, fully adjustable suspension front and rear, available ABS, no VTEC, available matching hard bags and 120-130 hp at the rear wheel.
And if you think about it we actually got most of what we wanted, but in a bigger, heavier and more powerful package. :biggrin:
BTW, I wonder if they'll be doing a poll on VFRD 12-15 years from now - when the 9th gen. is 1800cc/190 hp - asking if the 7th gen. has enough power. :biggrin:
The only times I wish the VFR had more ooommph is when touring two-up with the side cases and tank bag full, otherwise there's plenty of power for my skill level. I'd rather push my limits on a smaller displacement bike on a track rather than a 800cc on public roads. The wife wants to get her own bike in the near future - my cunning plan is to find a nice Ninja 250R for her first bike, and then keep it as a track toy for me when she moves up to a bigger bike. :biggrin:
The only thing missing from my 98 is the TORO power. Otherwise, it's perfect. I think the other voters have been sorta sayin it. We all *LOVE* our VFRs. It's nice to step out for a hot date, but we always come back home. :biggrin:
The only time the bike needs more power is when it's loaded up with a passenger and full luggage. Then it needs more displacement (torque) than total horsepower.
Yes, a VFR has enough power for me. I've had a K1200R with 70 more HP and couldn't ride it any faster in the twisties. Who cares about power in straight lines.... :rolleyes:
HP doesn't get you through the twisties any faster. If the VFR had lighter, high quality wheels, as in BMW wheels, it would make a huge handling difference I think.
VFR wheels are heavy junk, IMHO. Take 50 lbs. off a VFR and it's in another universe of performance..... :fing02:
Just took a 3 day ride through the best twisties West Virginia had to offer, never felt like the bike was lacking in power (this is with hardbags and a tank bag, though not fully loaded). I do find myself wishing for a torquey v-twin sometimes, but that has less to do with power and more to do with engine characteristics. Overall, I prefer the balance of the 800 to the insane power of a liter bike. I too am under 30, maybe there's something wrong with me....
I voted yes, but... I would not mind a few more Torque/HP numbers. My last bike was a Bandit 1200 with Dyno'ed 120 hp and 98 ft # of Torque. I do miss the torque and the Inline rush at about 10K . It was one Fugly bike. I look at old pics and is just cringe. I have had the VFR for 2.5 years and I still like the looks of her. It does what I need it to do about 90% of the time.
End of thread · 30 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 30 Jul 2012