Hey All, New Guy Here. Why Did You Choose 3Rd/4Th Over 5Th Gen?

Hey guys, 

My name is Mitch. I posted my introduction over on the 5th gen sub-forum but I am also interested in 3rd and 4th gen bikes. Seeing how I almost pulled the trigger on a pearl white '93(unfortunately it was out of state so I didn't get to see it in person or ride it so I still have no reference), I thought I'd just stir the pot a little and ask what made you choose your 3/4 over a 5th?

I've done a good deal of research so I know most of the technical differences, what I am looking for is the difference in experience, if these is a significant one. How different do the three bikes feel?

Here are some photos of my current bikes for fun. The V Star is for sale, soon to be replaced with a VFR.

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Biggest reason was it was in my price range and I can fix most of the issues that could arise on the side of the road, with fuel injected engines it is a bit harder.

My reason is that it was 1997 and the 800 hadn't been released yet. Oh and the 4th Gen is the sexiest VFR of all time, that too :goofy:

My reason is that it was 1997 and the 800 hadn't been released yet. Oh and the 4th Gen is the sexiest VFR of all time, that too :goofy:

 +1

although 2 weeks after me buying the 4th Gen the VFR800i was announced, I was and still am happy with my purchase.

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Dutchy, I never really got a good look at your bike. I like the exposed clutch and rear hub. I just passed through Amsterdam on my way to Budapest.

Mitch, I'm a huge fan of the 4th Gen. It's got the classic fully-fared sportbike look, comfortable all day, good mileage, etc.
I had the chance to ride a 3rd Gen and a 5th Gen. The 3rd gen seems too skinny and the 5th gen too fat. I guess the 4th Gen is Goldilocks.
I believe they gave the 5th gen 50 more cc's to make up for the yellow color.
The 4G got stuck with the narrower rear wheel. It's getting hard to find 170 tires on the MC shop shelf.

Paul in SoCal

Had 4, 5, and 6th gen in the garage all at once. Decided to downsize so I rode each one back to back up the mountain to the ski area (summer time). The one that made me smile the most stayed.....4th gen :)  that said, the 5th was a better "tourer".

4th gen is MUCH easier to work on than later models, especially valve clearance checks and adjustments.  If anything is wrong with the 4th gen it's this: it's too refined, too smooth, not rorty and rough around the edges like a real motorcycle, an '86 VFR750, for example. :wacko:

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I have had a 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th gen vfr. I now have two 4th gens.
The reason? Carbureted bikes seem to be the smoothest, easiest to work on. The bodywork is the most beautiful of all vfr's in my opinion- just look at those vents and scoops! I also love the analog gauges, the analog temp gauges brings a lot of smiles from friends that haven't seen one before.

One performance oriented mention from the 4th gen is they do not have a catalytic converter, and a minimal collector box.

Although it's nice to have fuel injection sometimes, and imo easier to tune, there's something to be said to keep a carbureted bike running properly on the road in the years where we have traction control, ride by wire throttles, and "wheelie control" lol

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3rd gen all day

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It's not even close.

The 4th is a sportier ride and just feels more special.It's things like the pearl in the clearcoat and the classier gauges and the NACA ducts. The 800 is a bit stodgy and the clocks are a little economy car,especially the textured surround;in short it's just not as nice. It's a phenomenal bike,it just isn't classy like the 750. There really is nothing in it when it comes to power,the 800 is not faster in any practical sense. Also,though easy to disable I thought the linked brakes were an unnecessary way to add cost and a smidge of weight.
Really though,they're all great and you can't go wrong with any of them. If I had to just have one VFR,it would be as mint of an 86 750 as I could find though,as an emotional pick.

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