Dilemma... Which Model To Buy...

I'm now in reflection to change my 00 vfr for a new bike. I've got 3 choice in my mind but can't place my mind.

The first one is the new vfr, so damn nice looking, I've rode it with Honda trial but it was only 30 minutes and keeping limits following the guide. Like the engine, the v-tech is really funny and it's low Wright seems really agile in high speed curves.
However, the driving position is sportier than I expected, after half an hour, I found my legs hurting because the foot peg are too high.
I can have one for 15500$ with the 2 side case.

The other choice is the 7gen vfr..
What an engine! I've got a big smile all the ride I've done with it (without a guide)... But it's easy to pas speed limit..too easy! Haha
Driving position was perfect, love the driving shaft too and the feeling when engine power is washing the beast.
The one I ride was having the dct, not a bad thing, could live with that without trouble.
My 2 biggest concern with that vfr is his weight.. I'm the kind of guy pushing it a lot in curves, so agility is in my priority. Don't know how hard it can be to push in curves..
The other concern is about my driving license... Haha
Used, I can have one for about 9000$ with 3 cases, dct or not. Also the registration price is 1100$, twice as the 800 and the ninja

The other bike I'm looking for is the ninja 1000. Haven't ride one yet but for what I can say, I found the seat hard for the butt in the demo room. Can't talk about the driving position not the engine..
Should be able to test one in the next few weeks.
For the price, it's around 13500$ with both side cases too.


What I'm looking for is a sport bike which I can do a lot of tourism but with the sport being is first strength.
I don't need the best performance, it's more about agility to take curves and giving me fun.
I also want manufacturers side case (this is what limit my choice)


If Yamaha could do a bike like the vfr with his 900cc from the fj/fz 09...
I've tested the fj-09 because I think it was a good alternative but... I'm too small for that kind of bike...
However I found the engine was cool to drive

I'd like to have your opinion on those bike and if you have other option, share then!

Some of us, present company included, feel strongly the 5th Gen is the best Gen! A few suspension tweaks may suit your needs on the twisties.

Having said that, Should Ducati make me the offer, I might consider an even trade for the new Multistrada... Aprilia, KTM and BMW also have very nice steeds to consider... Did I mention I'm in Austria, Germany and Italy this month on vacation? Lol

I've owned the Gen 5 (98-01), Gen 6 (02-12), and now the Gen 8 (14+), and my favourite is definitely the current model, followed by the Gen-5. If you really liked that bike, you'll love the new iteration. In terms of ride comfort, there's lots of things you can adjust to your preference, seat height being key. Naturally there's also a period of adjustment, but nothing insurmountable.

Marantz, I know the 5gen is the best one for many. But mine is having 112 000 km right now... And Still in pretty good shape but I want something better and with hard luggage without having the horrible look of givi racking.

Nzcam, that's good to know you prefer the 8gen ;)

What swayed me. 

I was looking for a new bike and had the exact same dilemma with choices between the  old viffer (Vtec) ,the new vfr800 Kawasaki SX1000, MT09 tracer, vfr1200 and st1300.

VFr1200 was ruled out as it think it looks like a transformer, crap range and doesnt have a centre stand. As well as the hambone exhaust.

MT09,  something wasn't right about it for me I don't know what  as have had triples before.

old viffer Wanted a new bike and they were selling at £200 cheaper than new model. Not enough of an incentive.

So that left  the St13, Sx1000 and new viffer.

St1300  love it to bits had one years ago,  Bit outdated technologically compared to the others and is in need of a revamp as long as they keep its looks.

Was too expensive.

Down to the last two.

The SX.    Started ticking boxes but didn't tick enough even although it was cheaper than the VFR.   Was riding a ZX9 at the time and love that engine.

Sadly there were some boxes it didn't tick.  No centrestand, no heated grips, no factory top box and one not recommended to be used when using panniers.   The fair lady thought it was too aggressive looking too.   Didnt find the seat that comfy.

So the VFR won the race. Its not the fastest but it looks the sleekest.   Its very comfy have managed 500mile trips no problems even comfier than the pan in some respects.

I also bought an ex demo model which came with panniers  and had 1400 miles on the clock  saved about £2400 over list price. 

Got that in March this year and it has just turned over 6k last weekend.

Also remember on the new vfr you can change the seat height.  I don't think there is a problem with the peg height.

I'm 6'3"  with a 34" in-seam and with the seat on the high position it's not really cramped

I love my 5th Gen, but I'm thinking about adding to the stable...Yamaha FJ-09 is in the running...over the Ninja or other bikes...next is the Aprilia Tuono...new one coming out...other than that I can't think of any bikes I like more than the VFR...so if I do change it will  be lighter and slightly more power (much more in case of the Aprilia)...

Matt

An Aprilia V4 touring bike  :ohmy: that would be soo cool (overpricey but.... maybe a hole in my budget would open for that... ) 

When I tried the new vfr, i haven't pay attention at which position the seat was. It is sure that with a little period of adjustment done, my body would adjust to the bike. I'm returning to another test ride this week-end to test it again, I may even be able to ride the 800 and the 1200 back a back which would help in the decision... 

You could mount adjustable pegs. This being a sporty bike, there is a lot of ground clearance, more than you should ever need on public roads. So it should be no problem to replace them.
I tested the 1200F twice and it was just too unwieldy for me.

Find the foot peg height a strange one indeed, If not a poor excuse

Vfr 2014 foot peg height  356mm  seat 810mm

Vfr 2000                          351mm           805mm

Vfr Vtec                          349mm            805mm

So technically there is no difference between arse and feet once on the go on either the Fi or the new bike

Find the foot peg height a strange one indeed, If not a poor excuse

Vfr 2014 foot peg height  356mm  seat 810mm

Vfr 2000                          351mm           805mm

Vfr Vtec                          349mm            805mm

So technically there is no difference between arse and feet once on the go on either the Fi or the new bike

Haha well it was maybe  just the feeling of changing bike or my body who was not in shape during he test ...  :unsure:

Will try the bike again in two days, I'll pay attention to the seat height first but mostly on how fun I do have driving it, just hope the leader will go a bit faster in twisties than last time! (twisties aka one high way ramp during the test ride I supposed.... ) 

I'm not to much attired by the Ninja 1000 too, it's a traditionnal inline-4 and I don't find it look as nice as both VFR (yes I love the look of the 1200 :P ) 

The 1200 weight was not a problem when I test it but as it was the first time I try a big beast as that, I did not wanted to push it too much in twisties.. 

I got the Knight Design lowered pegs and Moto-Pumps bar risers which solved the riding position for me. (6' and 70 years old).