Honda Interceptor / VFR: Discussion of the Honda Interceptor and Honda VFR Motorcycles.
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Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up?
03-22-2006, 12:02 AM
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#1 |
Join Date: 11-22-2004 Location: Parkersburg, WV
Bike(s): 2006 Suzuki SV1000s Age: 31 Posts: 193
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 4
| Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Gimme your opinions folks. I know I've been lookin and asking alot bout different bikes lately, but I keep coming back to a VFR. Might just be the good old Honda reliability factor, but there is just something bout the Viffer that keeps drawing me back. Having some issues deciding on which one to choose though. I like the looks of them all, but have heard that the 98-01 are better than the newer ones. Looking at a 2000 with around 8k on it now. Got a possible purchase time frame of 3 months. Just in time for riding season  Just lookin to see what everyone else thinks. Thanks guys & gals!  |
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03-22-2006, 12:06 AM
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#2 |
Join Date: 05-09-2003 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bike(s): '92 VFR750F, SV650 track tool. 954 no more! Posts: 4,806
Rep Power: 24
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? I'd have to go with the '92..  |
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03-22-2006, 12:44 AM
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#3 | | Blow me.
Join Date: 05-23-2004 Location: Omnipresent
Bike(s): 998RR4 Age: 26 Posts: 11,500
Rep Power: 32
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? 98-01>02+
Jump on that 2000. I had a red one... awesome motorcycle. |
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03-22-2006, 1:10 AM
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#4 |
Join Date: 11-22-2004 Location: Parkersburg, WV
Bike(s): 2006 Suzuki SV1000s Age: 31 Posts: 193
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 4
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? I know this might seem as a dumb question, but how much is mileage a factor on the VFR's? I'm aware that proper maintenance prolongs bike life, but is there an actual number that when looking at them I should be thinking that maybe that is too many miles? Or is the V4 a workhorse and will run forever? |
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03-22-2006, 1:13 AM
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#5 | | Blow me.
Join Date: 05-23-2004 Location: Omnipresent
Bike(s): 998RR4 Age: 26 Posts: 11,500
Rep Power: 32
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Maintained properly I have seen one with 78000miles, one with 90000, and they still ran like new.
It uses what's basically a de-tuned racebike motor; extremely overbuilt and virtually bombproof.
You will wreck or sell it before you wear it out.
Last edited by phobiaphobe : 03-22-2006 at 1:24 AM.
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03-22-2006, 1:20 AM
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#6 |
Join Date: 11-22-2004 Location: Parkersburg, WV
Bike(s): 2006 Suzuki SV1000s Age: 31 Posts: 193
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 4
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Thanks phobe!  I have found a 2000 with 11k in NH. Had to request a quote though since didn't list a price  Now I'll have those a-holes calling me while I'm asleep ( on midnights  ) It's also a bit of a haul from WV to NH but for the right price and a great bike, I'll make the trip! |
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03-22-2006, 1:23 AM
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#7 | | Blow me.
Join Date: 05-23-2004 Location: Omnipresent
Bike(s): 998RR4 Age: 26 Posts: 11,500
Rep Power: 32
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? How much do they want? THere are plenty of Nor'Easters on the site that I'm sure would be happy to go take a look for you. |
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03-22-2006, 1:31 AM
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#8 |
Join Date: 11-22-2004 Location: Parkersburg, WV
Bike(s): 2006 Suzuki SV1000s Age: 31 Posts: 193
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 4
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? I dunno  Gotta request a quote from them. Didn't give a price. Also it's in Rochester MA. Not quite as far but still a bit aways. it's at Motorcycle's on Manchester in Foxboro, MA. |
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03-22-2006, 5:34 AM
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#9 | | long-time addict
Join Date: 06-28-2004 Location: UK
Bike(s): VFR800, BSA Lightning Posts: 2,070
Rep Power: 11
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? The opinion on VTEC VFR's is evenly divided, though the latest '06 seems to have eased the pain of those converting from pre-VTECs. Certainly, most VFR riders seem as happy with the earlier bike as the later, and since the durability still is very good, why not save the money and go for the earlier models?
__________________ Change is as good as a rest! |
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03-22-2006, 6:05 AM
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#10 |
Join Date: 02-10-2002 Location: Hoosierland, USA
Bike(s): CBR929 - VFR800 - VFR800 Posts: 11,098
Rep Power: 31
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Thompsonian:
Given those 2 choices, I would choose the 98-01. But ride a VTEC and make up your own mind. It's a good bike for sure, but they are different enough that you will have to decide which you like better...wish I had a more definitive answer but there is none...it's a very subjective choice...
Don't rule out a nice 94-97 if you found a good bargain...
Whatever you choose, get one purchased in time for "COTU 7" right across the bridge from your backyard. A typical event will pull in 50-60 VFR riders from all points. With your local road knowledge, you would be a great candidate to lead a group...
In the meantime, take a look at this thread: http://www.fireblades.org/forums/int...et-2006-a.html
A few of us FireBlade heretics will be there as well...might be a good chance to meet and greet... 
__________________
Sith Apprentice
CBR929 - VFR800 - VFR800 "There is a grey blur, and a green blur. I try to stay on the grey one..." - Joey Dunlop |
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03-22-2006, 6:29 AM
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#11 |
Join Date: 11-22-2004 Location: Parkersburg, WV
Bike(s): 2006 Suzuki SV1000s Age: 31 Posts: 193
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 4
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Thanks Bake. I've sorta ridden a VTEC model, but not out any roads worth mentioning. Actually, it was just around the block. The owner was a bit nervous at that. I think it's just because he's an alcoholic and has nervous issues anyway.
I haven't really looked into the 94-97 models. What are the main differences thru the Gens? Or is there a thread somewhere here that explains it. Thanks again guys!
BTW, made a post in the COTU thread. Have someone drop me a line the closer the date comes. I will be in Italy the week of May 6-13, but will be home after that. Gotta love a late wedding gift!!  |
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03-22-2006, 9:00 AM
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#12 | | Blow me.
Join Date: 05-23-2004 Location: Omnipresent
Bike(s): 998RR4 Age: 26 Posts: 11,500
Rep Power: 32
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Biggest difference between the 94-97 and the 98 is fuel injection. THe carbed '97 is a little down on power, (750 VS 781ccs) but arguably a little more sporty because it doesn't have the Linked Brakes like the 800.
Here's a pic of my dad's '97 next to my '00: http://www.fireblades.org/gallery/sh...p?i=4029&c=741
And another of my '00 with his '01: http://www.fireblades.org/gallery/sh...p?i=4028&c=741 |
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03-22-2006, 10:27 AM
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#13 |
Join Date: 11-22-2004 Location: Parkersburg, WV
Bike(s): 2006 Suzuki SV1000s Age: 31 Posts: 193
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 4
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Well I have found a 2000 w/ 7500 miles for $5500. It's in the perfect yellow color, although the wife HATES yellow.  Bad thing...in New York. And I gotta convice the wifey  |
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03-22-2006, 10:30 AM
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#14 | | Blow me.
Join Date: 05-23-2004 Location: Omnipresent
Bike(s): 998RR4 Age: 26 Posts: 11,500
Rep Power: 32
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Love the yellow ones. If I ever get another one I'm gonna look for yellow. http://www.fireblades.org/gallery/fi...7_original.jpg |
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05-04-2006, 5:06 PM
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#15 |
Join Date: 09-08-2003 Posts: 7
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 0
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? 98-01 is better.
Lighter
Shorter wheel base
no VTEC, 1hp is not worth it
Gear-drive = precise timing for the life of the motor
My 98 has gone on a diet:
no center stand
Remus ti exhaust
no radiator covers
LBS tossed (13 lines)
2000 mirrors
2000 929 RR for the entire front (racetec springs)
SS braided lines including clutch
heated hand grips
tail GIVI
I can tour all day and there is no bike in this class that can compare. |
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05-07-2006, 11:30 AM
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#16 |
Join Date: 10-09-2002 Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Bike(s): 2001 VFR - Red Posts: 8
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 0
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? In fall of 01 I had a 00' Katana 750 and was anxiously awaiting the 02' VFR. After reading the reviews (not very favourable for the most part) I decided to get the 02' 954 (absolutely loved it!!!). Unfortunately in 04' insurance rates (and personal finances at the time) forced the sale of the 954 :o(
To my point now ;o) I did ALOT of research on the 5th gen and 6th gen VFR's and concluded that 5th gen was the better of the 2 bikes. Weight, power delivery, reliability, etc. I would have to say that the only + that I found with the 6th gen was a slight edge in the handling department. I managed a manufacturer rider day with my local dealer to get a feel for the 6th gen as I had already ridden a 5th gen previously. Of course styling also plays a factor in the decision making process. I prefer the looks of the 5th gen.
Just my .02 cents worth.
Cheers |
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05-07-2006, 12:10 PM
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#17 | | Blow me.
Join Date: 05-23-2004 Location: Omnipresent
Bike(s): 998RR4 Age: 26 Posts: 11,500
Rep Power: 32
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? What colour is yours Mars? My dad had a blue '01 with the anthracite wheels.... it was hawt. |
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05-07-2006, 9:58 PM
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#18 |
Join Date: 10-09-2002 Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Bike(s): 2001 VFR - Red Posts: 8
Rep:  (10) Rep Power: 0
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Quote: |
Originally Posted by phobiaphobe What colour is yours Mars? My dad had a blue '01 with the anthracite wheels.... it was hawt. | RED - is there any other colour  |
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05-07-2006, 11:21 PM
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#19 | | Blow me.
Join Date: 05-23-2004 Location: Omnipresent
Bike(s): 998RR4 Age: 26 Posts: 11,500
Rep Power: 32
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Saw a white '06 today... Not bad looking but I still wouldn't buy one. |
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05-08-2006, 12:09 PM
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#20 |
Join Date: 11-08-2001 Location: Houston, TX
Bike(s): '06 CBR1000RR, '06 CRF450X, '06 CRF100 Posts: 5,998
Rep Power: 20
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? Quote: |
Originally Posted by LexVFR800 98-01 is better.
My 98 has gone on a diet:
no center stand
Remus ti exhaust
no radiator covers
LBS tossed (13 lines)
2000 mirrors
2000 929 RR for the entire front (racetec springs)
SS braided lines including clutch
heated hand grips
tail GIVI | Got pics? I'd like to see upi close what that 929 front end looks like. Sounds cool!
I still miss my '94 VFR (my first street bike), and would love to have another one, in the 98-01 flavor, minus the linked brakes. |
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05-08-2006, 12:23 PM
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#21 |
Join Date: 04-30-2006 Location: San Diego
Bike(s): Mint 2001 929RR Posts: 79
Rep:  (21) Rep Power: 3
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? 98-01 is better.
Lighter
Shorter wheel base
no VTEC, 1hp is not worth it
Gear-drive = precise timing for the life of the motor
My 98 has gone on a diet:
no center stand
Remus ti exhaust
no radiator covers
LBS tossed (13 lines)
2000 mirrors
2000 929 RR for the entire front (racetec springs)
SS braided lines including clutch
heated hand grips
tail GIVI
I can tour all day and there is no bike in this class that can compare.
LISTEN TO THIS GUY!!!
Just sold my VTEC, loved the look, styling, comfort.....hated hated hated hated the VTEC and the sloppy, touchy, wrist breaking throttle. Feels like a supersport with a big girl on back..(no offense to big girls, they need rides too, I just cant do it though)
Not to mention the crappy VTEC! The surge sucks, its like a supersports powerband times 3.
Besides the 5th gen is much more nimble. One word for the bike from what I have learned...BULLETPROOF! |
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05-08-2006, 1:23 PM
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#22 |
Join Date: 05-09-2003 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bike(s): '92 VFR750F, SV650 track tool. 954 no more! Posts: 4,806
Rep Power: 24
| Re: Better VFR: 98-01 or 02-up? SoCalBlade -
I wish you'd post that on VfrDiscussion - It would twirl the propellers on their beanies for sure..  |
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