Replace '97 with a '01????

Soooo....this is my 3rd summer with my '97 and now have the opportunity to purchase a '01.  The reasons I am considering are: availability of after-market plastics, throttle bodies, brakes, suspension, rear tire selection.

I do have DMR front forks and rebuilt rear shocks on my '97.

Would like comments....and no I could not have both bikes....just no room.

Thanks 

And fuel injection, and the looks, and honda hiss, and catalytic converter, and digital dashboard, and extra hp, and lovely comunity, and... Go for the 5th gen!

Early models of the 5th gen had an abrupt step onto VTEC that was described as 'unsettling'. In a straight line - not so much a problem. On a wet corner? - well, I wouldn't want it. Later models solved the problem so buy as late as you can IMHO...

17 minutes ago, Ghostrider

Early models of the 5th gen had an abrupt step onto VTEC that was described as 'unsettling'. In a straight line - not so much a problem. On a wet corner? - well, I wouldn't want it. Later models solved the problem so buy as late as you can IMHO...

Um, 5 Gens did not have VTEC...assume you meant early model 6 Gen (2002-2005)

Yup, Ghostrider, you had a highside on that post [image: emoji23.png]
5th gen is from 1998 to 2001, and no vtec present, and not spiky design as the 2002 onwards. (No underseat twin exhaust too)

Ride the 6th gen and you will know what to do

I have read many comments on the VTEC, none of which are very positive.  The '01 does not have VTEC and still has gear driven cams.

So Dutchy.....not sure I follow your comment....are you saying that if I were to ride a 6th Gen I would toss-out my 4th Gen as the 6th Gen is sooo much better?  I was staying away from the 6th Gen due to VTEC, chain driven cams, and the "not so favorable" reviews I have read on the 6th Gens.

59 minutes ago, Lannyl81

Soooo....this is my 3rd summer with my '97 and now have the opportunity to purchase a '01.  The reasons I am considering are: availability of after-market plastics, throttle bodies, brakes, suspension, rear tire selection.

I do have DMR front forks and rebuilt rear shocks on my '97.

Would like comments....and no I could not have both bikes....just no room.

Thanks 

IMO, the 5 Gen would make a great replacement. I bought my 01 because I wanted the last generation of the GDC motor and because I wanted a VFR playbike that if something should happen to, I could get it back on the road more easily that say the 3 and 4 Gens. Parts, especially body panels seem to be more available, OEM in particular (albeit a little beat up sometimes). Looks are subjective but I have no problem with the looks of the 3 or 4 Gen VFRs, I would actually love to have a White 3 Gen in my stable but room, riding time and the wife, seem to say differently.

Just now, Lannyl81

I have read many comments on the VTEC, none of which are very positive.  The '01 does not have VTEC and still has gear driven cams.

So Dutchy.....not sure I follow your comment....are you saying that if I were to ride a 6th Gen I would toss-out my 4th Gen as the 6th Gen is sooo much better?  I was staying away from the 6th Gen due to VTEC, chain driven cams, and the "not so favorable" reviews I have read on the 6th Gens.

Oops, a few more comments... Too much negative press is given to the 6 Gen, I actually bought my 6 Gen before the 5 Gen and actually considered getting a second one for my play bike, but ultimately went with the 5 Gen for the reasons mentioned above and figured it would be cooler to have to the two different versions.

Yes, it has chain driven cams but like any vehicle, proper maintenance and care makes this negligible IMO. The VTEC is widely misunderstood as well. Most people think that you'll be in a corner and all of sudden the the VTEC will kick in and toss you off the bike!

Once you realize when and where VTEC engages you quickly learn where to keep your RPMS. If I am touring, I'm usually under the engagement point and never have a worry. If I am being more sporty, I'm usually above the engagement point and riding with VTEC engaged. I wouldn't discount the 6 Gen if you can find a good deal on one but since you are coming from a 4 Gen, the 5 Gen might be closer to what you're familiar with.

57 minutes ago, vegaquark

Yup, Ghostrider, you had a highside on that post [image: emoji23.png]
5th gen is from 1998 to 2001, and no vtec present, and not spiky design as the 2002 onwards. (No underseat twin exhaust too)

Bollocks... :blush:

5th gens are fine - just de-link the brakes...

funny..   I've just done this very thing..  replaced the '94 with an '00..  I steered clear of the 6th gen because of the chains, unnecessary VTEC, etc..  so far my impressions are good.   I'm adjusting to the FI and linked brakes quick enough, and I think the chassis seems just a little bit better that the 4th.   really got tired of the fragile plastics and the lack of any reasonably priced replacements on the old bike.   all-in-all, it was a favorable upgrade, despite the charm and attachment I had for my '94

All things being I'd hang onto the 4th gen you have.   then i'll add the 5th gen actually came in two versions just to mix things up. The hot one to have is the 98-99,  00-01 got cats smaller header prirmarys, wax unit for cold starting, and a few other things, even though they look the same, and are pretty close, if you're a fussy bugger you may want to look for a 98-00 version, IF. 

4 hours ago, Ghostrider

Bollocks... :blush:

5th gens are fine - just de-link the brakes...

Call your bollocks and raise you one of the same.

Fifth gen are fabulous and so are the (linked) brakes, unless perhaps you track/race it. As a matter of fact, fifth gens are tied for sixth place of all bikes for braking from 60mph to 0mph: 108-point-something feet. At least as of last year. Check Motorcycle Consumer Reports (the best bike mag - imho) when they publish historical specifications, usually once or twice a year.  :cool:

RVFR: very good info, I did not know this.  I have passed on '98-'99 VFRs as I thought the '01 would be the better of the 5th Gens.  There was a '00 for sale....."WAS" that is.  I have always avoided "first year" for vehicles...but there is an '98 for sale near me.  Just concerned about the "first year" of FI not quite being right.

This '01 has the three Givi cases with it which really makes it appealing to me. low miles as well.

I do not track...not even close, I go out for 1-3 hours rides, usually back roads that are not in the best of condition, so speed is usually maxed at 45mph.

Keep the comments and info coming.....

I had a 3rd gen, now have a 6th, and my brother has a 5th (99?). I do miss my GDC's, although the chassis and suspension are no doubt better on the 6th. I love having hard bags on the 6th, which makes touring so much easier. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. I got 88k miles on the 6th, and never an issue. I will say, I'm still a little jealous of the GDC'S on my brother's. The VTEC and the linked brakes have never been a concern for me.

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10 hours ago, mk2davis

I had a 3rd gen, now have a 6th, and my brother has a 5th (99?). I do miss my GDC's, although the chassis and suspension are no doubt better on the 6th. I love having hard bags on the 6th, which makes touring so much easier. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. I got 88k miles on the 6th, and never an issue. I will say, I'm still a little jealous of the GDC'S on my brother's. The VTEC and the linked brakes have never been a concern for me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
 

Ok, guess I am just going to have to ask.....GDC's???

Is ABS not playing a factor in your decision? If you're going to be going up to EFI and linked brakes, might as well get the ABS. Proven accident reduction rates, no reason not to go for ABS if you are already shopping for a newer one IMO

GDC : Gear Driven Cams

I should have mentioned this earlier, but the abs is why I decided to get the the 6th gen. Whatever you decide, I can't recommend a VFRness from Tightwad enough along with an onboard voltmeter.

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koekum, 5/24/2017 at 5:59 AM

GDC : Gear Driven Cams

Duh!!!!.......how did I not get that...oh bother.

Anyways seller of the '01 is not replying to my call/text...do not know what is going-on.

I started-out looking at 6th Gens, but stayed away due to VTEC without ever riding one.  I actually like the under tail dual exhaust; makes for a more balanced look to me.  ABS would be a benefit of course.  Perhaps I can find a 6th Gen and give it a try.

Having owned all 3 (presently 2), I would say that while I like my 6th gen, I loved my 4th gen and REALLY LOVE my 5th gen.  I got the gen 6 for ABS and factory luggage.  If the 5th gen came with it, it would be the one, only and last bike I would ever own.  On 6th gens,  IMO way too much is made of the VTEC transition.  While I don't think it adds much, if anything to the riding experience,  I've never once had it be an issue when cornering.   My biggest beef with it is the complexity it adds to valve adjustments.  I'll probably just do as others on the forum have done - ride it as close as I can to 100,000 miles and forget adjusting the valves.  I did find the 6th was in need of a Power Commander to smooth things out - the 5th gen never needed it.  Having cleaned the injectors and with the PC, it now rides as smoothly as either of the other 2. 

I had a 2004 that I bought with 34k on it.  Had to replace the cam chain tensioners which fixed the noises in the engine. I liked the look of the under tail pipes and the single sided swing arm (SSSA) as I had Hawk GT's with the SSSA.  Bike was too tall so I lowered it.  I also put Helibars on it.   Then traded it in on a bike I then sold as I was not happy with it.   Now 4 years later,   I have a pristine 89 Hawk GT. I also found a fully titled and CA licensed very fun 1987 VFR400R also with the SSSA which I ride about once a week on some local twisty roads.   So why not get another VFR kept creeping in my mind as I scoured Craig's Lists .  I also say brand new 2014 ones going pretty cheap too. I thought about for weeks. What model I would be most happy with.   I found and bought a 1997 with 7,777 miles on it and hardly any dust (pristine) last Saturday.   Only thing to fix are the old tires.    I wanted GD cams and no FI and no vtec.   The side mounted exhaust is ok.  The seat even seems lower that the 2004 model.

I think as you look around you find many generations for sale.   You compare what you have versus what generation you find appealing.  I think you should always try out what you can and keep searching for the bike that fits you and you alone and get the features you think or know you want.   If it does not work out,  chances are if you bought it used,  you can sell it for not much of a lose (cost of learning) or maybe even a profit.   How do I know this,  I am on my 34th Bike and I turn 69 this year.

Well guess I can forget about getting this '01; seller never replied and Craig's List ad was removed.  It is not that I do not like my 4th Gen....I think I like it better than my last bike a '93 Honda CBR1000F.  I am just worried that someday the plastics are going to break and I will never have the great looking bike again.

 Oh well....guess I will have to just go ride my ole '97!  May be I will put the soft bags on it and go for a weekend trip around Arizona.....oh wait....temps in low 100's....have to head for the mountains....oh darn.....

As the expert on everything, let me give you the low down on this:

4th Gen rock.

6th Gen rule. 

5th Gen suck.

:goofy:

RC36Rider As the expert on everything, let me give you the low down on this:
 
4th Gen rock.
6th Gen rule. 
5th Gen suck.
 
:goofy:

44 minutes ago, vegaquark

You've got to explain yourself or die [image: emoji23.png]

Basically, I'm not crazy about the looks. 

Come at me bad boy !  :tongue:

39 minutes ago, RC36Rider

Basically, I'm not crazy about the looks. 

Come at me bad boy !  :tongue:

A carburettor bank is a thing of beauty. 

GDC's are unnecessary. 

And the 5th Gen still looks like a scared, obese blowfish so, there !  :tongue:

Stick with the 4th gen. seeing as you've done some mods.    Apart from possibly the Fi I don't see any improvement over the 4 the gen.  Heavier bike, 2 rads. and linked brakes.  Really where's the improvement?   As for aftermarket parts I don't see any problem.  Right now in Ontario there are two 4th gens.  for sale for $2400 Canadian.  One with only 15 thousand miles and the other with not much more.  Of all the bikes I've owned my 1995 has to be my favourite.  Given the choice of keeping my Gsxr1000 or my 4th gen. without a doubt I'd keep my 95.

5 hours ago, VFR750

Apart from possibly the Fi I don't see any improvement over the 4 the gen.  Heavier bike, 2 rads. and linked brakes.  Really where's the improvement?

The brakes may be linked but they are actually a major improvement over the 4th Gen, IMO. Also, sharper steering. 

I couldn't care less about the EFI, personally. It keeps the EPA happy and that is its sole virtue as far as I'm concerned. 

Said as someone who does not even like the 5th Gen and who is not selling or trading his 4th Gen. Ever.  :wub:

Had ONE 5th gen....HATED every stinkin minute on it.  I'll never buy anything other than a fourth to ride and thirds to rebuild

1 hour ago, mcrwt644

Had ONE 5th gen....HATED every stinkin minute on it.  I'll never buy anything other than a fourth to ride and thirds to rebuild

I wonder why it is touted as one of the best motorcycles ever made... I'd guess a lot more folks get along with it than don't.

Ordered my 4th gen late 1997. 

2 weeks later, the 5th gen was announced; the dealer was adamant that he had not known...

I looked at the pictures and for me it was clear; I  would stick to my initial order.

Is/was the 5th gen a "bad" bike? No! 

Ugly? No!

a true VFR? Yes!

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder.....

Mind you, there is ALWAYS room for improvement.... :goofy:

I think the truth is that there is no such thing as a bad VFR750/800 - every single one of them have their pro's and con's - so it is always going to come down to personal preference. I've always had a hankering for 3rd/4th gens, the 5th gen is generally regarded as a sportier version and the 6th even more so while the RC24's the purer choice. Some like CBS and FI, some like underseat exhausts.... don't hear so many people say they prefer VTEC but that engine has been around longer than GDC's now so it must be doing something right.

If Honda could've done a 1000cc V4 GDC engine, USD forks, underseat exhausts, digi-dash and kept it under 200kg/450lbs we'd still be debating if it was the ultimate model or not...

Hmmm, i'll pick my 5th, swap forks for a rc51, swap subframe and exhaust for a 6th gen , drop a powercommander in and get rid of pair and linked brakes.
If you want it even lighter you can use alu steering custom alu cluster holder alu sprokets and plastic fuel tank
There is always room for improvement. [image: emoji12.png]

1 hour ago, vegaquark

There is always room for improvement. [image: emoji12.png]

You forgot to ditch the frame and that overweight SSSA.  :laugh:

Also, @CandyRedRC46 will no doubt be around soon to explain how superior the Rapid Bike modules are to Power Commander's.  :wink:

I have been summoned

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Y'all don't like the 5th gen styling? It's one of my favorites. If I can ever have ten bikes in my garage (only because my 8th already fulfills the same purpose), it'd be one of them because of the styling. The tail is a little fat, but I like it otherwise.

2 minutes ago, jhenley17

Y'all don't like the 5th gen styling? It's one of my favorites. If I can ever have ten bikes in my garage (only because my 8th already fulfills the same purpose), it'd be one of them because of the styling. The tail is a little fat, but I like it otherwise.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of it I'm afraid. I think the front looks a bit flabby. The jowels of the the front fairing where the line should be nice and taught from headlamp to bellypan kind of.... sags IMHO - not helped by the side-mounted radiators I suppose. Nowhere near as bad as the Yammy Thunderace/cat but still.

And once someone had described to me that the rear panels looked like a scooter, I never quite saw it in the same way again...

7 minutes ago, CandyRedRC46

I have been summoned

Holy smoke, it really works !  :ohmy:

13 minutes ago, jhenley17

Y'all don't like the 5th gen styling? It's one of my favorites.

Words come to mind like: 

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", "To each their own" or "Jesus man, get your eyes examined !".  :laugh:   :tongue:

Haha. I've never actually seen one older than a 6th, so maybe that's part of it, but it seems to be very similar to the 4th to me.

5 minutes ago, jhenley17

[...] it seems to be very similar to the 4th to me.

Blasphemy ! :ohmy:   :pissed:

Behead the infidel ! Flog him to death !  :beatdeadhorse:

Taking donations to make a fair comparison.

1 hour ago, jhenley17

Taking donations to make a fair comparison.

Now you're talking. 

Unfortunately, I seem to have mislaid my wallet. Sorry.  :pinocchio:

3 hours ago, jhenley17

Y'all don't like the 5th gen styling? It's one of my favorites. If I can ever have ten bikes in my garage (only because my 8th already fulfills the same purpose), it'd be one of them because of the styling. The tail is a little fat, but I like it otherwise.

 My last bike before the 5G was an RF900; I thought the VFR looked quite slim!