I had an 03 VFR and sold it in 2007 which i now regret. I am thinking about getting a new/used bike now after 10yrs and am deciding which bike to get. I was looking at either a used gold wing, another vfr or possibly an ST1300. I stopped into a local store to look at the gold wings and i brought up the fact that i had a VFR before, which i really enjoyed ,and he showed me a 2014 VFR Dlx for 7999. It has 6931 miles on it and has two side saddle bags and heli-bars. I came here to do some research as i have been a member since my first VFR but hadn't been active since i sold it. I have seen a couple of threads on here where there are leftover 2014 and 2015 brand new VFR800s for $6900 and deluxes for 8300 . I have a few questions. Is there a difference between the 14 vs 15 models? Would it be a better deal to buy one from a dealer brand new or get the one here local 15mins from me in ohio with the saddle bags and 7k miles on it? Or should i stick with my original plan of getting a gold wing for more comfortable riding on longer trips? Any help will be greatly appreciated? Also what about the VFR1200?
My first vfr didnt have storage on it and that is definitely something i would want this go around which led me to looking into the Gold wing and ST1300 route. Any opinions on these choices from those of you who have experience with any or all would be appreciated. Thanks
Edited June 6 by Noles
added heli bars
'14 and '15 models are the exact same as far as I know. The factory saddle bags are roughly $1K, so that makes the price of the used one more palatable assuming you would have added them to a new one. I've got no experience with the other bikes on your list, sorry.
2 hours ago, GatorGreg
'14 and '15 models are the exact same as far as I know. The factory saddle bags are roughly $1K, so that makes the price of the used one more palatable assuming you would have added them to a new one. I've got no experience with the other bikes on your list, sorry.
Thanks I appreciate your opinion.
I paid $8500 new for my 14 deluxe and cost me $900 and change for bags. So this comes down to what is a 1yr new warranty worth to you ? Plus it has about $250 in sliders on it. Seems like a good price to me . I came from a CTX1300 pig that would not lean near enough for twisties and when I drug pegs and parts and low sided I was not upset at all
when it was totaled so I could buy a sport touring bike vs the cruiser touring . At 54 I'm still too young for a touring only bike. I'm very happy with VFR, I know it don't have that lazy boy riding position and won't be near as comfy on long runs but I can live with that to have the SPORT part of the bike when I get there.
54 minutes ago, rckrzy1
I paid $8500 new for my 14 deluxe and cost me $900 and change for bags. So this comes down to what is a 1yr new warranty worth to you ? Plus it has about $250 in sliders on it. Seems like a good price to me . I came from a CTX1300 pig that would not lean near enough for twisties and when I drug pegs and parts and low sided I was not upset at all
when it was totaled so I could buy a sport touring bike vs the cruiser touring . At 54 I'm still too young for a touring only bike. I'm very happy with VFR, I know it don't have that lazy boy riding position and won't be near as comfy on long runs but I can live with that to have the SPORT part of the bike when I get there.
Thanks have you had any warrantee issues?
I purchased my New 2014 VFR base model for $8006 out the door to include the 1 yr manufactures warranty and another 4 yr unlimited mileage full warranty. I see you are in OH. If you look at Cedar Creek motors in WI you may be able to get a much better deal.
29 minutes ago, Tews19
I purchased my New 2014 VFR base model for $8006 out the door to include the 1 yr manufactures warranty and another 4 yr unlimited mileage full warranty. I see you are in OH. If you look at Cedar Creek motors in WI you may be able to get a much better deal.
I saw them in a link but i don't think they have any left with the ABS. Do you think it is worth saving the money going with the base model?
2 hours ago, Noles
I saw them in a link but i don't think they have any left with the ABS. Do you think it is worth saving the money going with the base model?
The problem is you can't add ABS/TC after the fact. Center stand yes. I'm starting to like the self cancelling signals as well, still have to get used to the fact they will stop on their own. And it comes with better suspension which to me alone is worth it. I love being able to adjust the rear pre load with no tools, so when I load up for a trip I add a few clicks to handle the added weight of baggage or a passenger.
My last bike I bought a standard and kicked myself later for not getting the deluxe.
2 hours ago, Noles
I saw them in a link but i don't think they have any left with the ABS. Do you think it is worth saving the money going with the base model?
That's a very difficult question that has been debated many times on the forum. Usually it comes down to how much value (if any) you place on ABS. There are some folks who think if you need ABS you are a pansy. Other folks say you would have to be a neanderthal to buy a bike in 2017 that is not equipped with ABS. And then you have the majority of folks like myself that fall somewhere in between on that spectrum although I do lean more in the "spend the extra money on ABS" direction. It's not that simple of course because the deluxe also has a few other goodies - center stand being my favorite but it can be added separately.
One interesting tidbit that you may or may not be aware of, and this only applies in the USA of course since we're the only country that has the "base versus deluxe conundrum", is that the MSRP for the deluxe model was originally only $1K higher than the base model. At some point in the last year Honda cut the MSRP on ALL the Interceptors and in the process the gap between base and deluxe increased to $2K. Given all the other goodies besides ABS that come with the deluxe it was a much easier decision to shell out the extra $1K to get the deluxe back when it was only a $1K difference. Now that it's a $2K MSRP difference, it makes it a much more difficult decision IMO. Of course, all the bikes in the USA are 2 to 3 year old '14/'15 leftovers at this point, so MSRP is not really much of a factor anymore.
With that said, ABS saved my @$$ just a week ago in a rain storm from what I'm guessing would have been roughly a $10,000 accident plus whatever injuries may have been inflicted on the folks in a small car I almost hit. Although I was driving my SUV at the time it made me very happy to know I also have ABS on my VFR. If I were you I'd just take the deluxe at your local dealer for a test ride and if you really like it - go for it and don't look back! :wink:
5 hours ago, rckrzy1
The problem is you can't add ABS/TC after the fact. Center stand yes. I'm starting to like the self cancelling signals as well, still have to get used to the fact they will stop on their own. And it comes with better suspension which to me alone is worth it. I love being able to adjust the rear pre load with no tools, so when I load up for a trip I add a few clicks to handle the added weight of baggage or a passenger.
My last bike I bought a standard and kicked myself later for not getting the deluxe.
Thanks for bringing this up. i didnt even know about the suspension adjustment. A salesman downplayed the ABS on the phone today. Has that been a good feature in your experience?
4 hours ago, GatorGreg
That's a very difficult question that has been debated many times on the forum. Usually it comes down to how much value (if any) you place on ABS. There are some folks who think if you need ABS you are a pansy. Other folks say you would have to be a neanderthal to buy a bike in 2017 that is not equipped with ABS. And then you have the majority of folks like myself that fall somewhere in between on that spectrum although I do lean more in the "spend the extra money on ABS" direction. It's not that simple of course because the deluxe also has a few other goodies - center stand being my favorite but it can be added separately.
One interesting tidbit that you may or may not be aware of, and this only applies in the USA of course since we're the only country that has the "base versus deluxe conundrum", is that the MSRP for the deluxe model was originally only $1K higher than the base model. At some point in the last year Honda cut the MSRP on ALL the Interceptors and in the process the gap between base and deluxe increased to $2K. Given all the other goodies besides ABS that come with the deluxe it was a much easier decision to shell out the extra $1K to get the deluxe back when it was only a $1K difference. Now that it's a $2K MSRP difference, it makes it a much more difficult decision IMO. Of course, all the bikes in the USA are 2 to 3 year old '14/'15 leftovers at this point, so MSRP is not really much of a factor anymore.
With that said, ABS saved my @$$ just a week ago in a rain storm from what I'm guessing would have been roughly a $10,000 accident plus whatever injuries may have been inflicted on the folks in a small car I almost hit. Although I was driving my SUV at the time it made me very happy to know I also have ABS on my VFR. If I were you I'd just take the deluxe at your local dealer for a test ride and if you really like it - go for it and don't look back! :wink:
Wow thank you so much for the time you put into your response. You bring up some great points to consider.
From my research ABS is a personal choice. Me, coming from all 1970s Honda's ABS wasn't needed.Dont get me wrong, I would have purchased the deluxe but all the dealers are sold out of them. I've also talked to my friends who have been riding longer then I've been alive and most have the same thought in regard to ABS. "WHEN learning how to ride they teach you to dump the bike if a collision is inevitable. You can't dump it with ABS as easily if no ABS. The wheel wont lock up which has its positives amd negatives." I tried talking them into throwing in the center stand but they wouldn't since I got it for 7600 out the door. Until I added the warranty. I have done just under 500 miles my first week and I can say the suspension is rougher then my '99 VFR. Although my suspension on the '99 had every bell and whistle imaginable. If you are considering a VFR still, there is a dealership in Oak Creek, WI with them in stock but only base models. Lastly from the readings on the forum traction control isn't anything special. And some people have issues with it, more of an annoyance.
26 minutes ago, Noles
A salesman downplayed the ABS on the phone today. Has that been a good feature in your experience?
Do as you wish but salesmen get paid to move the product. If he doesn't have an ABS model to move, he's gonna downplay the importance of ABS.
ABS is the reason I bought this bike.
If I wanted a simple machine I'd have bought an old H-D pan head.
I have always bought my bikes new but a couple years old. (Crate sales) Does the milage (with no service records) concern anyone when they go to purchase a bike? The salesman on the one i posted didn't have any with the bike.
Also does the base model not have a suspension adjustment?
Noles, 6/5/2017 at 10:45 PM
I have always bought my bikes new but a couple years old. (Crate sales) Does the milage (with no service records) concern anyone when they go to purchase a bike? The salesman on the one i posted didn't have any with the bike.
Also does the base model not have a suspension adjustment?
Get the VIN and see if a Honda dealer's service department can give you any info. I bought a used Ninja 300 a few years ago and the service department at the dealer was able to give me basic info like when the initial service was performed and the fact that a recall had been performed which gave me a bit of assurance that the previous owner took decent care of the bike. Maybe a Honda dealer can give you the same sort of reassuring info?
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The base model's front suspension is not adjustable.
The base model's rear suspension is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.
The deluxe model's front suspension is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.
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The deluxe model's rear suspension is adjustable for spring preload (with an easily accessible knob) and rebound damping.
Edit: Turns out you CAN adjust the rebound damping on the base model's rear suspension - sorry for my confusion :tongue:
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14 minutes ago, Noles
Thanks Gator.
You're welcome. A Gator helping a 'Nole - imagine that - maybe there is still hope for world peace? Actually, I'm only helping you cuz one of my older brothers went to FSU - so I root for them as long as they're not playing the Gators :tongue:
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11 minutes ago, GatorGreg
You're welcome. A Gator helping a 'Nole - imagine that - maybe there is still hope for world peace? Actually, I'm only helping you cuz one of my older brothers went to FSU - so I root for them as long as they're not playing the Gators :tongue:
[image: 57d892d42e57909132016235916.jpg]
Lol I appreciate it. I have close friends that are Gators too.
GatorGreg, 6/5/2017 at 10:03 PM
Get the VIN and see if a Honda dealer's service department can give you any info. I bought a used Ninja 300 a few years ago and the service department at the dealer was able to give me basic info like when the initial service was performed and the fact that a recall had been performed which gave me a bit of assurance that the previous owner took decent care of the bike. Maybe a Honda dealer can give you the same sort of reassuring info?
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The base model's front suspension is not adjustable.
The base model's rear suspension is adjustable only for spring preload, but requires a tool.
The deluxe model's front suspension is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.
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The deluxe model's rear suspension is adjustable for spring preload (with an easily accessible knob) and rebound damping.
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What would one need to have the same front end on a deluxe coming from a base model?
If you want better forks, I'd send them to DMR instead of swapping for 2-way adjustable stock units.
It would not be cost effective to try and upgrade the Base model suspension so you have the same capabilities of the DLX model
http://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/a/hon/5501be7b87a865115450cf5e/front-fork
http://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/a/hon/53a85960f870020ba8ccf6b4/front-fork
Your other option would be to take them to a suspension guy and get them set up for you.
Noles, 6/5/2017 at 8:47 PM
Thanks for bringing this up. i didnt even know about the suspension adjustment. A salesman downplayed the ABS on the phone today. Has that been a good feature in your experience?
SO far I have only engaged the rear ABS, not the front. And it comes into play while downshifting for me alot, I will feel the rear brake pedal pulse and hence have not skidded the rear tire yet, pretty cool. The front will be the most needed but so far I have not rode in the rain or on slick roads.
Being my first bike with ABS I still operate the front brake like I don't have ABS , very hard to grab alot of front brake as my mind tells me that can be bad, had a tank slapper years ago because of an emergency stop. But will be hitting some un paved roads in CO next month and may have a chance to use it.
To me better suspension is worth atleast $1K , the ABS/TC another $1K , self cancelling signals maybe $100 , center stand installed $200, heated grips installed $400 , so to me the value of the deluxe is $2700 so it was worth it.
GatorGreg, 6/5/2017 at 10:03 PM
Get the VIN and see if a Honda dealer's service department can give you any info. I bought a used Ninja 300 a few years ago and the service department at the dealer was able to give me basic info like when the initial service was performed and the fact that a recall had been performed which gave me a bit of assurance that the previous owner took decent care of the bike. Maybe a Honda dealer can give you the same sort of reassuring info?
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The base model's front suspension is not adjustable.
The base model's rear suspension is adjustable only for spring preload, but requires a tool.
The deluxe model's front suspension is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.
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The deluxe model's rear suspension is adjustable for spring preload (with an easily accessible knob) and rebound damping.
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Incorrect on the standard rear shock adjustability. The damping is adjustable and both require tools. A screwdriver for the damping and the spanner wrench for the spring.
The Deluxe vs. Standard argument is an absolute "go nowhere" topic because everyone believes that what they bought is the best model to get and everyone is correct. This reminds me of the Ford vs. Chevy crap. Why not just respect the way people decide how to spend THEIR money and move on......
GatorGreg, 6/5/2017 at 11:03 PM
Get the VIN and see if a Honda dealer's service department can give you any info. I bought a used Ninja 300 a few years ago and the service d
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The base model's front suspension is not adjustable.
The base model's rear suspension is adjustable only for spring preload, but requires a tool.
The deluxe model's front suspension is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.
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The deluxe model's rear suspension is adjustable for spring preload (with an easily accessible knob) and rebound damping.
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The base model has adjustable damping on the rear.
38 minutes ago, Bent
Incorrect on the standard rear shock adjustability. The damping is adjustable and both require tools. A screwdriver for the damping and the spanner wrench for the spring.
The Deluxe vs. Standard argument is an absolute "go nowhere" topic because everyone believes that what they bought is the best model to get and everyone is correct. This reminds me of the Ford vs. Chevy crap. Why not just respect the way people decide how to spend THEIR money and move on......
Thanks for the correction - I just edited my previous post to reflect this.
Also, there is no need to get "bent" out of shape over this subject. Your post implies that I am being disrespectful to someone with regard to how they decide to spend their money. I don't really see any evidence of that. In fact, I am showing respect to the OP by attempting to answer his question. Are you suggesting that we ignore his question? The folks on this forum are very respectful and civil - this is not the other forum where the slightest disagreement leads to a protracted flame war :tongue:
I appreciate the opinions on base vs. deluxe as i am weighing the pros and cons of each one as well as the cost difference. I went to look at the used deluxe today and the salesman said he was riding with a friend who has a harley with ABS and almost rear ended a car due to a bump in the road as he went to brake. Has anyone who has ABS had any negative experiences with them?
30 minutes ago, Noles
I appreciate the opinions on base vs. deluxe as i am weighing the pros and cons of each one as well as the cost difference. I went to look at the used deluxe today and the salesman said he was riding with a friend who has a harley with ABS and almost rear ended a car due to a bump in the road as he went to brake. Has anyone who has ABS had any negative experiences with them?
I don't usually look to H-D riders for advice about handling. For too long, too many of them have been the sources of stories about how they had to "lay 'er down" to avoid colliding with something, or how using the front brake will send you flying over the handlebars. Never mind all the stuff about how helmets are dangerous...
The ABS can't easily be shut off so the only liability is if you spend a lot of time on fire roads. But I've managed just fine so far. Bumps haven't caused any problems but a couple of potholes have caused the ABS to fire, but not in a problematic way.
1 minute ago, Rectaltronics
I don't usually look to H-D riders for advice about handling. For too long, too many of them have been the sources of stories about how they had to "lay 'er down" to avoid colliding with something, or how using the front brake will send you flying over the handlebars. Never mind all the stuff about how helmets are dangerous...
The ABS can't easily be shut off so the only liability is if you spend a lot of time on fire roads. But I've managed just fine so far. Bumps haven't caused any problems but a couple of potholes have caused the ABS to fire, but not in a problematic way.
He did say honda probably has a better ABS system and even though he has 3 harleys he said he would only start on a cross country trip on a honda. the problem with his friend was that the bump much like your pot hole happened as a guy stood on his breaks at the same time and because the ABS had engaged it didnt let him break so he had to swerve to miss hitting the car that had stopped in front of him.
1 minute ago, Noles
He did say honda probably has a better ABS system and even though he has 3 harleys he said he would only start on a cross country trip on a honda. the problem with his friend was that the bump much like your pot hole happened as a guy stood on his breaks at the same time and because the ABS had engaged it didnt let him break so he had to swerve to miss hitting the car that had stopped in front of him.
So here's the thing...
If the ABS engages it's because a wheel left the pavement.
Even my car does this if I hit the brakes on shite roadway.
If a wheel has left the pavement it sure as hell ain't gonna be good for braking.
When the wheels both normalize, ABS should shut off. If it doesn't then that's something that needs to be addressed with the manufacturer. I definitely can't speak for what H-D does with its ABS.
I confess that I'm bloody impressed with someone who can't stop in time for something in front of him due to a brake malfunction, but can still manage to swerve and avoid. Or maybe "almost" wasn't as close as it sounded to me initially. I guess I'm guilty of nitpicking...
Agree with Rectal on that, it does sound as if there as an amount of elaboration in the story.
The op is precisely unsure about how to spend his money and has canvassed other people's opinions.
No one is bullying anyone into anything nor disrespecting anyone on this thread as far as I read it.
To the op... I've always bought second hand. I wouldn't be concerned about 7000 miles on a VFR. Not the miles, only whether it has had some unusual freak mechanical history or crash.
The deluxe option sounds good to me. All those extras will probably cost more if bought separately, unless again going second hand but that requires time and possibly dealing with some imperfections. I've always preferred this path myself as I just watch and wait for the perfect deal but admit package deals can be attractive.
Obviously you can't fit ABS to a basic model. I believe ABS has proven its worth these days, unless you learnt and seriously prefer old school.
Sorry but the gold wing and other model you mention I have no experience with except to say they are completely different bikes in terms of concept. Bigger, heavier, comfort oriented models for grand touring objectives.
Will you be riding with a fussy pillion? That may tip your scales one way or the other.
A warranty is always helpful but at 7000 miles and if no dark history, the bike has really just been run in.
GatorGreg, 6/7/2017 at 10:23 AM
Thanks for the correction - I just edited my previous post to reflect this.
Also, there is no need to get "bent" out of shape over this subject. Your post implies that I am being disrespectful to someone with regard to how they decide to spend their money. I don't really see any evidence of that. In fact, I am showing respect to the OP by attempting to answer his question. Are you suggesting that we ignore his question? The folks on this forum are very respectful and civil - this is not the other forum where the slightest disagreement leads to a protracted flame war :tongue:
GG, sorry for the way you took my second paragraph. It actually wasn't directed at you personally but I can see how you would take it that way. There is so much of "the deluxe is the only way to go" and the "standard is the only way to go" that I just get tired of hearing it. People buy what they want to buy and that should be good enough.....unless someone wants to pay for my bike..... :goofy:
Harley riders dont even use front brakes. I won't even discuss riding skills with them.
23 hours ago, Bent
GG, sorry for the way you took my second paragraph. It actually wasn't directed at you personally but I can see how you would take it that way. There is so much of "the deluxe is the only way to go" and the "standard is the only way to go" that I just get tired of hearing it. People buy what they want to buy and that should be good enough.....unless someone wants to pay for my bike..... :goofy:
Thanks Bent - I've seen many of those threads so I certainly understand your point.
So I've had a number of bikes with and without ABS over the last few years, and bikes with Factory adjustable suspension. The ABS question is whether you feel the perceived value of it outweighs the added weight and additional plumbing involved in the system. I can't recall any time over the years I've had ABS that I've activated it in a braking situation. Maybe I've just been lucky, or I ride too conservatively, but this time around I chose to not go the extra $1000 for it, and just bought a 15 standard. Also I feel that most manufacturer's adjustable suspension is for the most part way overrated. The amount of adjustability is usually so limited as to make it a moot point. I chose to save the money for future upgrades that would be more effective.
I'm jumping in a bit late here...kinda like you, Noles, the last VFR I owned was a 2000 (sold it in 2004 and still regret it), and had a VF500 before that. As someone mentioned earlier in the thread, I just took the jump on a new 2014 base model they had in Cedarburg, WI. They're still keeping these quite a bit less expensive than the deluxe, and though missing some bells and whistles, I'm extremely happy with the purchase. Maybe it's the old schooler in me, or just the simple fact that the last bike I owned was a 98' CBR600 with absolutely zero luxury except hella get up and go, but base or deluxe, the 2014 is a ridiculously nice bike. I agree with everyone here that those deluxe upgrades are nice, but here in WI where motorcycling is pretty much a fair weather sport, I'm not going to fret about not having the heated grips or the ABS. Again, if you have the cash and can find the deluxe, it's 100% a nice grab and go for it. But, as someone who has been out of the motorcycle world for about 10 years, *just* the base is a beautiful bike and much much nicer than anything I've previously owned.
Scoops what part of WI? When did you pick it up and color? I got mine 3 wks ago. There were 2 white and a red left. Red had a sold sticker but I wanted the white. I have same sentiment as you. Great bike!
Tews19, I'm from up in Green Bay and just got it - picked up one of white ones. Absolutely love the bike!
Very cool. You most likely got the showroom one. Mind me asking what cost you walking out the door ?
![[image: 57d892d42e57909132016235916.jpg]](https://thelicenseplatesite.com/1images/57d892d42e57909132016235916.jpg){kind=link}