X post from the 6th gen forum (I just want as much input as I can get to help me make a decision :P)
I just put 2 new tires on my 86, and a friend of mine with a RWB 2007 just messaged me again asking me if I still wanted it (he ran it by me September last year... 3k miles on the 07 and he wants literally nothing for it...).
I know I will regret either decision I make.
In a perfect world, I would keep my '86, and buy the 2007. Let my father ride the 86 or just keep it to have it... but I am only a contractor at my job, still living at home, need to pay health insurance, and I don't think I could take a loan out to buy the 800 without getting some money (or my GF murdering me) from my dad for the 86 or selling it (I did put it in the classifieds on this site and other sites to see what I could get for it).
If I end up with the 2007 VFR800, are the real big upgrades a commander, intake(or just filter), slip ons, and sprockets (if i wanted)? will it make more power and get better MPG than my vfr750 (I average 35mpg on my bike, on a calm riding tank)...
I rode the 800 and what a difference. The digital gauges, the radial tires, bigger brakes... it is truely a different machine. I didn't really get to ride it hard because I was nervous of riding his bike. I am not sure if I will just regret ditching my 86 :(
Sorry for the long double post... I have never been so attached to a machine before in my life lol
If it were me, I'd keep the 86 if you can only have 1 (or get both if you can). The 86 has a cool factor you can't match with newer bikes, unless they are limited run examples or such. Performance, yes the 07 is obviously better but the 86 is still capable. Plus, you own the 86. No muss, no fuss. The early vfrs are getting harder to find every year. I'd surmise in another few years you'll seeing its value start climbing.
The 07 has lots of merits of course. Still, considering your situation and your attachment to the 86, I say stay with the 86.
will it make more power and get better MPG than my vfr750 (I average 35mpg on my bike, on a calm riding tank)...
I have never ridden an 86 VFR750 although the engine is similar to my 96, and I owned an 02. Power wise I would think the power to weight ratio will be similar. The reasons to exchange for the 6th gen I would think would mostly have to do with the things you already mentioned. Modern equipment, gauges, suspension, tires, brakes, fuel injection (if carburetor issues are a concern for you), etc... Plus a bike that only has 3000miles could be a bike you will own for a very long time.
Personally I would not factor in fuel mileage unless it was a huge difference. I think people put far too much weight on this. The price difference between vehicles that get 5 or 10mpg less really doesn't add up to that much over a year or even the lifetime of a bike. If it gets worse MPG and that doesn't fit the budget... buy tires that are a little less expensive, or avoid going to the movies for a few months... etc. Just my thoughts :)
I see this thread is just over a month old. What did you decide to do, thor294?.
You shouldn't need a Power Commander on an '07, as the fueling improved with the '06 model year. Not to say it's perfect, but it's better than the '02-'05 bikes. Also no need to replace the stock air filter with an aftermarket model yet. Do it when you can afford to. Same goes for the exhaust and sprockets. Personally, I think it's better to run a bike stock for awhile, then change what is necessary, instead of changing just for the sake of it before you really put any miles on the bike.
In answer to your fuel economy question, I think most 6th gen. owners get 40+ mpg on their bikes. Personally, I get 40-42 mpg normally, and a little less while rocking the throttle in the twisties. :wink: But I also tend to agree with apexandy in post #5 above -- a difference of 5-10% is pretty minor. Depending on your age I would be more worried about the cost of insurance premiums on a much newer bike!
X post from the 6th gen forum (I just want as much input as I can get to help me make a decision :P)
I just put 2 new tires on my 86, and a friend of mine with a RWB 2007 just messaged me again asking me if I still wanted it (he ran it by me September last year... 3k miles on the 07 and he wants literally nothing for it...).
I know I will regret either decision I make.
In a perfect world, I would keep my '86, and buy the 2007. Let my father ride the 86 or just keep it to have it... but I am only a contractor at my job, still living at home, need to pay health insurance, and I don't think I could take a loan out to buy the 800 without getting some money (or my GF murdering me) from my dad for the 86 or selling it (I did put it in the classifieds on this site and other sites to see what I could get for it).
If I end up with the 2007 VFR800, are the real big upgrades a commander, intake(or just filter), slip ons, and sprockets (if i wanted)? will it make more power and get better MPG than my vfr750 (I average 35mpg on my bike, on a calm riding tank)...
I rode the 800 and what a difference. The digital gauges, the radial tires, bigger brakes... it is truely a different machine. I didn't really get to ride it hard because I was nervous of riding his bike. I am not sure if I will just regret ditching my 86 :(
Sorry for the long double post... I have never been so attached to a machine before in my life lol
i actually like the old one better-- i had that exact same rwb 2007-- the vtech i did not like- it has a off idle stumble at times with the fi- and seemed to really hate hot weather-- it was very cool but i was disappionted- i ever plop down money on another expensive new bike i will demand a test ride or no deal-- to me the older vfiffers just have more character-- and definatley stand out in a croud-- as they say if its not broke don't fix it--
![[image: 621943_10151207247698072_671926717_o.jpg]](https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/621943_10151207247698072_671926717_o.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: dNMwLDxl.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/dNMwLDxl.jpg){kind=link}