I currently own a Buell 1125R, a Triumph Daytona 675, a Honda CBR600F2 and a Suzuki DR-Z400E. I've been toying with adding another bike to the stable and originally had my heart set on a Ducati 848. (I figured it would be a great-handling bike and slot in between the 675 and the 1125R as far as power and weight.) Then I did a 200-mile mostly backroads ride a week and a half ago (most of my riding is commuting with several "sport" group rides each month) on my 675 and I was definitely a little uncomfortable before the end of it. It occurred to me that the 848/1098/1198 are known for pretty brutal ergoes and that an 848 would probably be even less comfortable for anything but short backroads blasts.
I like bikes that are a little out of the ordinary and prefer to have bikes with different kinds of engines so that they've got as much differing character as is possible in sport-oriented machines. I used to have a Vmax and enjoyed its V4 and wouldn't mind another V4 bike. The Aprilia RSV4R is a fantastic option, except that it's way out of my price range. I've always looked down on the VFR, mostly because of its pathetic power-per-liter output, but then I came across the supercharger kits for the 5th and 6th gen VFRs. Normally $5K is my budget for the bike itself, not an upgrade, but I've found some VFRs in the $3500-$4000 range, so theoretically I could buy a VFR and the supercharger kit and be at about the same cost as a used 848.
One of the most important qualifications for a bike to have is good flickability. I've owned several liter-class bikes in the past and none of them have ever been as flickable as a middleweight sportbike. My F2 and 675 are very close in flickability. The 1125 is by far the most flickable liter-class bike I've ever ridden but it's still less flickable than either of my middleweights. Flickablility seems to be directly proportional to engine displacement--in general, the bigger the motor, the less flickable the bike will be. I'm considering either a 5th gen or 6th gen VFR--how does their flickability compare to other sportbikes?
The other thing that's bothered me about the VFRs is the non-adjustable suspension. Why Honda thought it was okay to offer $10K machines without compression and rebound damping at both ends is beyond me. I'm about 220 lbs in full gear and prefer firm but controlled suspension, and I'm worried that the non-adjustable suspenders on the VFRs won't work well for me. I'm no stranger to modding stock suspension (my F2 has an Elka shock and a Racetech-revalved F3 hybrid cartridge fork) so I'm wondering if it will be likely that I'll have to budget for suspension mods as well with the VFR.
I've got a few more questions but I don't want my first post to be too wordy, so I'll leave it at this. How flickable are the 5th and 6th gen VFRs, and how is their suspension? Thanks!
VFR will not be as flickable as even a 100cc supersport. It is designed to provide decent comfort on longer trips, while being fun enough in the tight stuff. All that w/o being the most comfortable or the most flickable. I find it to be a very good compromise.
Re. the suspension, you would have to spend some cash to make it work for your weight and your riding style - Just like with most bikes.
I doubt you'll like the agility of either of the VFR'S if your wanting/expecting someting like a Supersport. The VFR in those gens was designed as more of a roadbike, they built the CBR's and RC 51's for the racetrack. If you want something that'll handle and is light you'd be better off modding a Superbike or Supersport, it'll cost you a ton of $$ to get a VFR into the same performance range. Honestly I still find it strange that everyone wants BMW1000RR motor with 600 chassis with VFR comfort and full luggage, it'll never exist. Personally the 800 motor for the street has as much power as I could ever use and the bike itself is more than capable of touring or Sport riding, its upto the ability of the one holding the clip-ons to use it...JMO.
Goodluck
I like the 6th Gen, for what I do it's some twisties on the weekend and I ride to the point that I have zero chicken strips, so it's a spirited ride. I have the hard luggage which is nice for the wifey so she can put clothes and the dreaded pocket book. AKA the 10 pound bag of what the heck is in there!
Or I can ride to Tahoe which is 5 hrs of highway. The Bike is versatile. It'll do the twisties its good for longer rides and I can put 2 12 packs of beer in those bags! Its not a true sportbike but a hell of an all-arounder!
Just my .2
Jim C
[image: View Post]AussieinUSA, on 22 June 2011 - 09:41 AM, said:
I doubt you'll like the agility of either of the VFR'S if your wanting/expecting someting like a Supersport. The VFR in those gens was designed as more of a roadbike, they built the CBR's and RC 51's for the racetrack. If you want something that'll handle and is light you'd be better off modding a Superbike or Supersport, it'll cost you a ton of $ to get a VFR into the same performance range. Honestly I still find it strange that everyone wants BMW1000RR motor with 600 chassis with VFR comfort and full luggage, it'll never exist. Personally the 800 motor for the street has as much power as I could ever use and the bike itself is more than capable of touring or Sport riding, its upto the ability of the one holding the clip-ons to use it...JMO.
Goodluck
Your asking a bunch of VFR crazies which bike is best. Well you will get 100 opinions. You are concerned about handling, and I agree with some of the posters, the VFR will not handle as well as your 675. You wont like the stock suspension, but most of the crowd here are major tinkerers, myself included, do a suspension upgrade. Many have gone with RC51 forks or other. Plenty here do brake upgrades too.
I can tell you that the viffer after suspension upgrades is a fine handler. There are plenty of knee draggers in this crowd. Plenty will do track days with the viffer. The plus is that you can go all day and the bikes eros wont wear you out. Quite a few like to do multidays of twisty rides in the mountains. That is the area that the VFR stands out. The super sport bike will beat you up over time like that, the VFR will have you ready for more.
I have a 5th gen, and I went that way because it’s a bit lighter over the 6th, and I like the engine. If you are going the supe way, engine wise it really doesn’t matter.
My advice is get a ride on one. The VFR soul will grab you. You like unique bikes, and the VFR is in that category. (How many do you ever see?)
Thanks for all of the responses. Just to clarify, I don't expect a VFR (or pretty much anything short of another 600-class sportbike) to handle as well as the 675. I'm mainly concerned with how flickable the VFR is--how quickly it responds to steering inputs. In my experience, engine displacement and steering geometry are the two biggest factors that affect flickability. (Weight probably has some effect, but not nearly as much as displacement and geometry.) Being 800cc, I wouldn't think that the VFR would flick like a 600, but I'd expect it to feel more nimble than a liter-class machine. That is, if the steering geometry isn't so conservative as to compromise turn-in. I'm looking for something that might not be as nimble as my middleweights but more nimble than my 1125R, while being comfortable enough to spend several hours on. (My F2 is actually a comfortable and great-handling bike, but only puts down 92rwhp. It is probably actually quicker than a stock VFR800 due to less weight and shorter gearing, but that's why I'm going to supercharge a VFR if I end up buying one. I figure that ought to make it as fast as, or maybe even faster than, my 1125R.)
I guess what I'm really looking for is handling impressions of a VFR800 from people who've ridden other sportbikes. I'd love to go test ride a VFR, but I'm in southern Illinois and the closest I'm likely to find a VFR is St. Louis--a good four-hour round-trip. That doesn't sound like much, but with a wife and two-year-old, my spare time is at a premium. That, and I don't exactly have spousal approval to buy another bike at the moment, so I think I'd get a bit of an ass-chewing if I wanted to spend an afternoon going to test ride a bike. :)
[image: View Post]Rice, on 22 June 2011 - 09:17 AM, said:
VFR will not be as flickable as even a 100cc supersport. It is designed to provide decent comfort on longer trips, while being fun enough in the tight stuff. All that w/o being the most comfortable or the most flickable. I find it to be a very good compromise.
Re. the suspension, you would have to spend some cash to make it work for your weight and your riding style - Just like with most bikes.
P.S.
I like your choice of bikes. Very nice.
Thanks for the compliment. I'm really happy with everything I've got now--I can't think of anything else in each bike's respective price range and level of capability that I'd rather have.
Do you really think a literbike would be more flickable than a VFR? I used to have an '03 GSX-R1000, an SV1000S and an '03 Z1000, and none of them were very flickable. My 1125R is a good bit more flickable than any of them despite the larger engine, mostly because of the aggressive steering geometry compared to those other bikes. (It could really use a steering damper.) I'd hate to think that a VFR would be even less nimble than any of those other literbikes I've owned--that would definitely take it out of the running.
I don't mind swapping out the VFR's shock, and I'm okay with modding the fork as well. Speaking of which, if I recall correctly, the earlier VFR800s had a 41mm fork. The CBR F2 and F3 had a 41mm fork. I was able to take the uppers and innards from an F3 fork and bolt them to my F2's fork lowers, thereby converting the F2 damper rod fork to a cartridge fork with adjustable rebound damping. So I wonder if I could do a similar mod on a VFR.
Yes, I definitely think that a liter sport bike is more flickable and quicker handling than the VFR (800...I haven't ridden the 1200 yet). I rode my '07 at Road ATL one day and a CBR954 the next. The 954 handled way easier through the corners - even though it was not my bike and I was not used to it at all. The VFR can get the job done, but it takes a lot more effort. However, if I ever tried to take the 954 on a 400+ mile day (not uncommon on the VFR) in the mountains of western North Carolina, I don't know if my back, wrists and knees could handle it.
I really don't see why someone with a whole stable full of bikes would be looking for an all-around bike like the VFR.
I like the viffer because it's my only bike and it has to fill a lot of roles, and rack up a lot of miles without worrying about maintenance.
I would imagine that buying a 5th Gen VFR, upgrading the suspension and adding a SC would tread heavily on your 1125 & 675 riding time, as in you wouldn't ride those anymore.
What is most surprising is the wife w/2yo allowing so many bikes and even the possibility of another?? Do her the favor of selling off those inferior machines once you have the supreme VFR!!
what did you expect from a VFR forum?
[image: View Post]TheFleshRocket, on 22 June 2011 - 01:33 PM, said:
Do you really think a literbike would be more flickable than a VFR? I used to have an '03 GSX-R1000, an SV1000S and an '03 Z1000, and none of them were very flickable.
I don't mind swapping out the VFR's shock, and I'm okay with modding the fork as well. Speaking of which, if I recall correctly, the earlier VFR800s had a 41mm fork. The CBR F2 and F3 had a 41mm fork. I was able to take the uppers and innards from an F3 fork and bolt them to my F2's fork lowers, thereby converting the F2 damper rod fork to a cartridge fork with adjustable rebound damping. So I wonder if I could do a similar mod on a VFR.
Only the newest Liter bike handle decent IMO, the last GSXR1k I road (05) was a PIG IMO and other than teh motor I was very happy to get back on my 02 VFR! :fing02:
No 5th or 6th gen VFR would ever be consider quick steering, but slight tweeking and decent tires like Pilot Powers make a Huge difference. With suspension redone to my weight (200lbs) and teh rear raised/ forks dropped my 02 handle pretty good. I live in teh twisties and have over 84k miles of twisties on it.
You need to test ride both a 5th & 6th gen VFR and know that if they still have the stock round profile OEM type tires on them they will feel slow turn-in wise.
Excellent overall bike though, check one out.
I'm sure if you post up for some member to swap rides on an hour ride would be happy to try your 675 out! :biggrin:
Yes you should buy either one of them if you are looking for a great street bike. One you can sport ride all day in comfort. Power wise it is a 750 derived motor and I find the power is all about quality and not about outright quick reving race winning neck snapping stand it on the rear wheel for 3 blocks kind of volume. I love sport riding on a sport bike but am spoiled by the VFR comfort to where the ride home is always a real bummer on the CBR. I would also consider the Triumph Sprint ST as a contender if power is more important than handling. The one thing I learned from riding my newly purchased CBR954 is that you have to rev the VFR out to keep up with the more powerful bikes. Sounds like duh! but honestly the motors midrange can make you complacent to the point where you don't exploit all the over rev past the torque curve. So I'd say yes either the 5th gen in excellent shape or a 6th gen would be a great addittion to what you currently ride.
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 22 June 2011 - 02:05 PM, said:
Only the newest Liter bike handle decent IMO, the last GSXR1k I road (05) was a PIG IMO and other than teh motor I was very happy to get back on my 02 VFR! :fing02:
No 5th or 6th gen VFR would ever be consider quick steering, but slight tweeking and decent tires like Pilot Powers make a Huge difference. With suspension redone to my weight (200lbs) and teh rear raised/ forks dropped my 02 handle pretty good. I live in teh twisties and have over 84k miles of twisties on it.
You need to test ride both a 5th & 6th gen VFR and know that if they still have the stock round profile OEM type tires on them they will feel slow turn-in wise.
Excellent overall bike though, check one out.
I'm sure if you post up for some member to swap rides on an hour ride would be happy to try your 675 out! :biggrin:
BR
I haven't ridden any recent liter bikes--all of the ones I've owned were '03s--and it would make sense that a newer liter bike would be a noticeable improvement over one of the older models in flickability. My '03 GSX-R1000 had a monster motor, great brakes and was rock stable while cornering, but it took a pretty hefty push on the inside clip-on to change direction, and that's something I don't want again. That GSX-R was a surprisingly comfortable distance bike--I've slabbed a couple of 450-mile days on it as well as one 900-mile day and I didn't feel half bad afterward--so if a VFR800 was less flickable than that Gixxer, I'd probably do well to just buy another one of them! (Which I don't want to do.) There is a guy in a group I've started riding with who has current-model CBR1000RR and has offered to let me try it out in exchange for some seat time on my 1125R. I figure that ought to give me some perspective on how modern liter bikes handle--he says it is surprisingly nimble.
I'm a huge fan of the Pilot Powers. I have the 2CTs on my 675 and 1125R, and the regular Powers on my F2. My 1125R came with Diablo Corsa IIIs stock and no matter how much I tinkered with the suspension, the bike just didn't want to turn cooperatively. Fortunately, the rear Corsa was toast after 2400 miles and I threw on a set of 2CTs. With no other changes, the bike became a far more willing partner. I would definitely put the 2CTs on a VFR (or any other sporting bike I'd purchase).
Are there any forum members in the southern Illinois area? I kinda doubt it (not too many sportbike people around here, and I don't think I've ever seen a VFR), but I'd be happy to trade bikes if there was.
[image: View Post]amhopf, on 22 June 2011 - 02:05 PM, said:
I really don't see why someone with a whole stable full of bikes would be looking for an all-around bike like the VFR.
I like the viffer because it's my only bike and it has to fill a lot of roles, and rack up a lot of miles without worrying about maintenance.
I would imagine that buying a 5th Gen VFR, upgrading the suspension and adding a SC would tread heavily on your 1125 & 675 riding time, as in you wouldn't ride those anymore.
What is most surprising is the wife w/2yo allowing so many bikes and even the possibility of another?? Do her the favor of selling off those inferior machines once you have the supreme VFR!!
what did you expect from a VFR forum?
Ehhh, each bike I have has a different character. Some days I appreciate the torquey motor of the Buell. Other days, I want the super-nimble 675. And other days, my old friend the CBR is more my taste. A VFR would hopefully fill the void of being about as comfortable as the CBR (which is surprisingly comfortable) but noticeably more powerful (after being supercharged), albeit not as sporty as the 1125 or 675.
Each bike has its own type of riding that it's suited for. On the super tight, sometimes bumpy and very twisty local backroads, the nimbleness of the F2 or the 675 are paramount. For faster, more-open stuff, the 1125R (or a supercharged VFR, presumably) would do well.
It is kind of surprising that my wife is as tolerant of my bike habit, but I pretty much give her free rein to buy whatever she wants (within reason), so it's only fair that she return the favor. Also, all of my bikes have been cheap--the 675 cost me $5100, the CBR I've had for literally 16 years, the Buell cost $5300 (brand new, no less--this was in the fire sale after Harley pulled the plug on Buell), and the DRZ cost me $2000. I've got about as much money tied up in bikes as I would in a halfway decent used family sedan. I've been talking about wanting a Ducati 848 for a while to soften my wife up to the idea, and if she's willing to consider a $10K used Ducati, surely I can get away with a $3500-$4000 VFR and a $5000 supercharger upgrade. :)
[image: View Post]slowhare, on 22 June 2011 - 02:03 PM, said:
Yes, I definitely think that a liter sport bike is more flickable and quicker handling than the VFR (800...I haven't ridden the 1200 yet). I rode my '07 at Road ATL one day and a CBR954 the next. The 954 handled way easier through the corners - even though it was not my bike and I was not used to it at all. The VFR can get the job done, but it takes a lot more effort. However, if I ever tried to take the 954 on a 400+ mile day (not uncommon on the VFR) in the mountains of western North Carolina, I don't know if my back, wrists and knees could handle it.
Could this be due at all to different tires? Or due to the 954RR being modified to make it a more track-oriented bike?
I've never ridden a 954RR, but considering that it was based on the 900RR which was Honda's "liter-bike power in a 600-sized chassis", it wouldn't surprise me that the 954RR was especially flickable for a liter bike.
[image: View Post]TheFleshRocket, on 22 June 2011 - 04:42 PM, said:
There is a guy in a group I've started riding with who has current-model CBR1000RR and has offered to let me try it out in exchange for some seat time on my 1125R. I figure that ought to give me some perspective on how modern liter bikes handle--he says it is surprisingly nimble.
Do it and you'll want one, 08+ 1000rr's are remarkable machines, fast, light and extremely nimble, you can't compare to a VFR on any level as they do 2 different jobs, ones for ripping up pavement, the others for wearing it out.
[image: View Post]TheFleshRocket, on 22 June 2011 - 04:42 PM, said:
My '03 GSX-R1000 had a monster motor, great brakes and was rock stable while cornering, but it took a pretty hefty push on the inside clip-on to change direction, and that's something I don't want again. That GSX-R was a surprisingly comfortable distance bike--I've slabbed a couple of 450-mile days on it as well as one 900-mile day and I didn't feel half bad afterward--so if a VFR800 was less flickable than that Gixxer, I'd probably do well to just buy another one of them!
My VFR was much More flicable than the 05 GSXR 1k! :fing02:
All of my riding is in the twisties. Ive only had my 02 for 2 months and I am suprised everytime I ride it,considering the VFR took over street duties over the 08 CBR1k. My previous bikes were all supersport type bikes, still the VFR impresses the heck out of me.
Of course its not as nimble or agile, but very capable of keeping up with the best of them. The only issues are mentioned above with the suspension. Also, when pushed and the youll start dragging hard parts.
[image: View Post]AussieinUSA, on 22 June 2011 - 05:07 PM, said:
[image: View Post]TheFleshRocket, on 22 June 2011 - 04:42 PM, said:
There is a guy in a group I've started riding with who has current-model CBR1000RR and has offered to let me try it out in exchange for some seat time on my 1125R. I figure that ought to give me some perspective on how modern liter bikes handle--he says it is surprisingly nimble.
Do it and you'll want one, 08+ 1000rr's are remarkable machines, fast, light and extremely nimble, you can't compare to a VFR on any level as they do 2 different jobs, ones for ripping up pavement, the others for wearing it out.
I'm sure it's a great bike, but I will probably never buy a Japanese I4 again--they're just too "me too". If I had the budget and desire for a current liter-class bike, I'd either be looking at the BMW S1000RR or the Aprilia RSV4R. (And getting that one past the wife would probably require selling just about all of my current two-wheeled toys.)
[image: View Post]Canyoncarver31, on 22 June 2011 - 08:28 PM, said:
All of my riding is in the twisties. Ive only had my 02 for 2 months and I am suprised everytime I ride it,considering the VFR took over street duties over the 08 CBR1k. My previous bikes were all supersport type bikes, still the VFR impresses the heck out of me.
Of course its not as nimble or agile, but very capable of keeping up with the best of them. The only issues are mentioned above with the suspension. Also, when pushed and the youll start dragging hard parts.
Good stuff to hear. Except for the "dragging hard parts" thing--I assume you're talking about more than just the peg feelers touching down?
I ride hard enough to completely get rid of the chicken strips on my bikes' rear tires, and I also get off of the saddle to weight the inside peg. So far, I have never actually touched down so much as a peg feeler, though.
It's a 500+ pound bike. It does not, nor never will, handle like a 400+ pound bike will.
You can raise the rear, drop the front, and run sportier tires with a more agressive carcass profile, and that will help, along with redoing the suspension.
Adding an aftermarket exhaust will shed a few pounds cheaply, but after that, weight loss on a Vfr gets expense as there are no parts available to go that direction, you're writing your own story there.
The supercharger is great, and will make litrebikes watch their mirrors closely, but it won't make the bike corner any better.
I love the Vfr, having owned 3 in a row, and never any other make at all. But I don't think I would ever describe it as flickable.
A superbike bar conversion, with the bars generally being wider than clipons, would probably also help a Vfr turn into corners, more leverage and all that jazz.
Anyway, hop a ride on one, but before you judge, make sure the tires are pumped up, or it WILL handle like a wheelbarrow full of wet cement!
Whoa, holy crap! Is this the thread everybody wants to reply to or WHAT!
I have an '05 CBR1000 track bike and an '02 VFR800 for the road. I'm not sure if I agree with the one-size-fits-all discussion about "flickability". Personally I find that the CBR has a slightly less neutral turn in than the VFR, and I say it's due to the way the inline four engine acts like a bigger gyro. Yes the CBR holds a tighter line but I don't think it's fair to say that the VFR is heavy steering, because it absolutely is not.
I find my VFR to have a turn in very similar to the old CBR929. But if you're going to test ride a 2nd-hand VFR you really need to make sure it has a new front tyre on it at 36psi, otherwise it will feel terrible (just like any bike). Certainly my VFR is way quicker handling than my brother's 2006 ZX-12R. That thing is *heavy*!
You need to test one somehow and see how it handles.
You'll probably have to imagine the power difference with the charger.
I'd trade rides with you so you could test mine, but it's a lot farther than St Louis. :beer:
[image: View Post]kaldek, on 23 June 2011 - 06:10 PM, said:
Whoa, holy crap! Is this the thread everybody wants to reply to or WHAT!
I have an '05 CBR1000 track bike and an '02 VFR800 for the road. I'm not sure if I agree with the one-size-fits-all discussion about "flickability". Personally I find that the CBR has a slightly less neutral turn in than the VFR, and I say it's due to the way the inline four engine acts like a bigger gyro. Yes the CBR holds a tighter line but I don't think it's fair to say that the VFR is heavy steering, because it absolutely is not.
I find my VFR to have a turn in very similar to the old CBR929. But if you're going to test ride a 2nd-hand VFR you really need to make sure it has a new front tyre on it at 36psi, otherwise it will feel terrible (just like any bike). Certainly my VFR is way quicker handling than my brother's 2006 ZX-12R. That thing is *heavy*!
I was expecting this thing to steer like a Mack truck, to my surprise it was very flickable. I too attributed it to the V configuration vs a straight where the outside pistons exacerbates the gyroscopic effects.
Compared to my CBR, the VFR is very neutral and stable. In many ways it makes the CBR feels too agile and twitchy.
I really feel after riding and pushing both that the real answer comes down to the way you ride.
NOT BASED ON LOOKS
The sixth gen was a big improvement on things that needed to be improved EXCEPT for the engine.
The suspension is better from factory on the 6th gen but the 5th gen can be improved.
HOWEVER I do believe the 5th gen has the upper hand on how it makes power.
I find the the 6th gen falls short when your in tighter sets of curves. The 5th gen pulls strong and I find puls the 6th gen in when your powering from turn to turn. It feels like the 6th gen is begging to be in the V-TEC before it really starts to make power and by then you planning on breaking off the edge of a corner. The 6th gen just makes power a bit late for my taste.
Now there are lots of 6th gens and after market parts are plentiful for the 6th gen. So if you are looking to pick a bike that is easier to find parts for go with the 6th gen. Why not its a great bike? If you are looking to have a bike with a power plant the just feels awesome and sounds better than every other bike out there, and despite the fat weight is a worthy bike.Then go with the fifth.
In my head Honda should have made the changes they did but, they should have only increased the dispacement on the none-V-TEC 5th gen. and left V-Tec engine alone.
I just (sorta) bought a '99. I say sorta because it was on Craigslist about 400 miles away, but near where I've got family. My middle brother went and checked it out today.. gave it a clean bill of health, and took it home. It's yellow, looks to be in excellent aesthetic condition, has a TBR muffler, a Sargent seat and an Ohlins shock. It may have an upgraded fork as well but I haven't verified it, and and I have a sneaking suspicion that it might have a Power Commander as well. It's also got frame sliders, new tires (Dunlop Q2s--not my first choice but a good alternative to the PP 2CTs I love) and a fresh battery. There may be a few other mods (it has the flash-then-solid brake light and a high beam that pulsates during the day) as well but I won't know until I get it here, which may be a couple months. It's got 22K on it, and the best part--it was mine for just $2600!
My brother says it runs and rides well--so far he's just ridden it 60 miles to his place, slabbing it. He has my old '03 GSX-R1000, which he seems to be positively in love with. (I'm not sure why--it was a competent bike, but not great.) He says the VFR seems pretty manueverable, but that he still loves the Gixxer.
I'd go get it ASAP but my wife said I need to sell my dirt bike ('03 DR-Z400E) before I got another bike. I didn't exactly follow that order, but I'm going to at least put it up for sale before I retrieve the VFR. (Also, technically I haven't paid for the VFR yet--my dear brother paid for it with his cash and it would only be right to reimburse him before I ride off with the bike!)
I'll post a pics and details thread (in the 5th gen forum, since I'm sure I won't be welcome in the 6th gen forum any more.. LOL) when I finally get my hands on it. I'm definitely curious to see what it's like!
[image: View Post]TheFleshRocket, on 28 June 2011 - 10:27 PM, said:
I just (sorta) bought a '99.
I'd go get it ASAP but my wife said I need to sell my dirt bike ('03 DR-Z400E) before I got another bike. I didn't exactly follow that order, but I'm going to at least put it up for sale before I retrieve the VFR. (Also, technically I haven't paid for the VFR yet--my dear brother paid for it with his cash and it would only be right to reimburse him before I ride off with the bike!)
Congrats on the the 5th gen, great deal ------ btw -yellow is a 2000 model, --------- what are brothers for? lol - Good luck with the wife......
Hmm, the CL ad definitely says it's a '99. I've asked my brother to check the VIN and the title. If it really is a '99 model, maybe someone changed the bodywork--supposedly the guy that owned it before the current previous owner worked at (or was it "owned"?) a Honda dealership, so perhaps it could have been done at a reasonable price. If that's the case, was it crashed? Or did the guy just "like" the yellow bodywork better? Who knows.
My DR-Z400E is actually titled as a Kawasaki KLX400. The previous owner told me that the guy who owned it before him changed the Kawasaki bodywork for Suzuki bodywork (the KLX was a rebranded DR-Z--the same bike with different bodywork) because he liked the Suzuki plastics better. Of course the frame doesn't have the VIN anywhere on it, so who knows if it's true or not.. (maybe there is a KLX lying in a ditch somewhere that belongs to the title I've got) but the nice thing is that the KLX is a street legal bike, so my DR-Z has a DMV-sanctioned license plate and insurance from Progressive.
Just got a txt reply from my brother--he said that he quickly compared the VIN on the bike and on the title when buying and he said they matched, but he's not home to verify.
I will probably end up trailering the VFR home--I may not be able to make it up to my brother's place until we (my wife, son and I) go to visit family, and I'm sure my wife would prefer that I be in the car with them on the way back rather than on the scoot. My son is just over 2 years old, and he'll need some parental entertainment to keep him calm during the 6 hour car ride.
I've only had an '07 vfr for 6 months, and logged ~3K miles - but I would NOT recommend the vfr for what you're wanting. Heck - I had an '06 Kawi 650R before this bike, and that bike was much more 'flickable' than this one. However, I just finished a 563 mile trip on Memorial Day and it wasn't that bad IMO. I still don't think the vfr is as comfy as my ol' Ninja though. It has advantages, but being 'flickable' is not one of them.
Figured I'd follow up to this thread to say that I've been really enjoying my '99 VFR. The previous owner did a lot of nice, useful upgrades to it. The crappy Dunlop Qualifiers that came on it only steered easily when aired up to max pressure, but the Pilot Power 2CTs have given it light, neutral steering. It's not quite flickable, but it changes direction with ease and confidence.
It sounds to me like you're looking for a lightweight, rocket powered bike, with good suspension that is also comfortable. The VFR is one of those things: comfortable.
I personally don't understand the need for more than 100 horsepower, but if you're looking for it in a VFR, you may be disappointed. Even if you add a Torocharger, it will still be a heavy bike, by sportbike standards.
rocket, it sounds like you have been bitten by the VFR bug. There is no cure.
I went for a used VFR that had been low-sided. I got a 2004 with 4700 miles for almost nothing. That gave me lots of financial headroom to modify it: revalved and resprung fork, Ohlins shock, Power Commander and map, CZ wheels, Leo Vince exhaust, etc.. It is a perfect fit for most of the riding I like. And on the odd day I want something different I ride my brother's 748.
Life is good.
End of thread · 38 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 8 Jun 2012
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