Suggestions on the best year VFR to purchase

bikerboy1974 · 12-06-2006, 2:20 PM

I'm looking to purchase a VFR by next spring to take the role of my "trip" riding machine. The CBR600RR is a fun bike, but not a good touring model. I am just wondering the pros and cons of the different model years, so I may make a valid choice. Thank you in advance!

CBRVFR · 12-06-2006, 2:44 PM

They're all very good bikes, so you have to weigh the parts availability against the asking price. My '92 will keep up with any of the other models, but plastic for it is quite expensive. The '94-'97 is slightly lighter and most powerful, and should be relatively inexpensive to purchase.

The '98-02 will cost more to buy initially, but parts are readily available, and it's a great machine.

I am biased, not to say bitter, about the '03-'07 model, it is, to my eye, the least attractive of all the VFRs, and the gadgety VTEC, which replaced the trademark gear-driven cams effectively killed the brand. The guys reponsible should be made to commit ritual public suicide.

OK, I guess I am bitter.

bikerboy1974 · 12-06-2006, 2:54 PM

The gear driven cams are the reason my buddies have been telling me to go with the older models. They said it was 04 and on but I would take your word over theirs by a long shot. I thank you for the information, I want to hear from those that ride them to find the best fit. I was figuring on something 98 to 02, now it will be finding the right price for the best bike possible. I also like the fact that you can get hard luggage for them. I plan on taking a few longer trips this summer, but I'm not nearly ready for a Wing or anything of that nature.

benvfr · 12-06-2006, 3:00 PM

i cannot say enough good things about my '99. Everytime I go to a dealer and look at other models, they jump at the chance of trying to get a trade in. The ride the power the handling all great. was concerned at first about the linked brake system. ITS GREAT. Not a big difference, nothing that changes the way you need to ride, it works with you. all i have added are a slip on pipe and a power commander. IMHO, the power commander is not that necessary, but i came across a free one........oh, and my '86 will still keep me close enough to the pack........

Baketech · 12-06-2006, 3:03 PM

VFR's are for slow, fat old men that drink too much and smell of wee...

benvfr · 12-06-2006, 3:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

VFR's are for slow, fat old men that drink too much and smell of wee...

if indicated 160mph is slow [im no squid, was just trying to get home] then i am damn slow........

the vfr is a heavier bike than the 600RR [i use that for track only] but since you asked for touring, the VFR is a ton of fun........

bikerboy1974 · 12-06-2006, 3:07 PM

I'm going to a shop this weekend to look at a couple, a '99 and an '00. I always swore that I'd ride the "agressive" sportbikes until I died, but now I want the best of both worlds. Plus I think it's more fun to have options in the garage. I've read a few articles since I started this thread today, and I believe the VFR is the best choice for me. Still has the sportbike appeal but is a bit more comfy than a race-ready style of bike. And I'll still have the 600RR when I feel like really carving out some twisties for a bit.

CBRVFR · 12-06-2006, 3:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

VFR's are for slow, fat old men that drink too much and smell of wee...

So if they own two...

I don't want to think about it.. I'd rather drink too much .

Baketech · 12-06-2006, 3:15 PM

I can't imagine what fun you could possibly have on a ponderously heavy, underpowered grocery getter...but to each his own...

CBRVFR · 12-06-2006, 3:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benvfr

but since you asked for touring, the VFR is a ton of fun........

Well, it's only a little over a 1/4 ton, but we get your meaning..

CBRVFR · 12-06-2006, 3:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

I can't imagine what fun you could possibly have on a ponderously heavy, underpowered grocery getter...but to each his own...

Well, as you've shown, there's groceries and then there's groceries..

http://www.fireblades.org/gallery/sh...p?i=7151&c=543

bikerboy1974 · 12-06-2006, 3:19 PM

The weight is not a real issue for me, it will probably give a better ride in the wind then, as far as I could figure. I am looking more for comfort on this one as I will be keeping the 600rr also. I'm going to start a little red garage! Transplanted my sons from Suzuki DR's to Honda CR's, bought the 600rr, and now I'll go VFR. I will never veer away from Red again!

HondaGalToo · 12-06-2006, 3:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

They're all very good bikes, so you have to weigh the parts availability against the asking price. My '92 will keep up with any of the other models, but plastic for it is quite expensive. The '94-'97 is slightly lighter and most powerful, and should be relatively inexpensive to purchase.

The '98-02 will cost more to buy initially, but parts are readily available, and it's a great machine.

I am biased, not to say bitter, about the '03-'07 model, it is, to my eye, the least attractive of all the VFRs, and the gadgety VTEC, which replaced the trademark gear-driven cams effectively killed the brand. The guys reponsible should be made to commit ritual public suicide.

OK, I guess I am bitter.

Agreed and agreed! Is the '03 model the first year with the VTech? We've got a '99 in the garage that's been stored for a few years (gasp, blasphemy!!!) It will be getting used next year as we plan more long trips!

HondaGalToo · 12-06-2006, 3:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikerboy1974

I'm going to a shop this weekend to look at a couple, a '99 and an '00. I always swore that I'd ride the "agressive" sportbikes until I died, but now I want the best of both worlds. Plus I think it's more fun to have options in the garage. I've read a few articles since I started this thread today, and I believe the VFR is the best choice for me. Still has the sportbike appeal but is a bit more comfy than a race-ready style of bike. And I'll still have the 600RR when I feel like really carving out some twisties for a bit.

can't have too many bikes in the garage, I say!! I've been using my 929 for weekend long touring rides, but I do get a bit sore and uncomfortable after a few hours. Next year, the '99 VFR in the garage will be resurrected!!! Woohoo! I only rode it a bit, but it's very comfy!

CBRVFR · 12-06-2006, 3:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Agreed and agreed! Is the '03 model the first year with the VTech? We've got a '99 in the garage that's been stored for a few years (gasp, blasphemy!!!) It will be getting used next year as we plan more long trips!

Yes, and trhe first year VTech is reportedly the hardest to live with, since you actually get a very un-vfr-like nonlinear rush at about 7000 rpms. Usually as you're just beginning to accelerate out of a turn.

bikerboy1974 · 12-06-2006, 3:25 PM

How is the ride for the passenger? I would like to take a couple trips with my wife, but she won't go for much on the 600rr because her legs get real sore and her feet go numb.

HondaGalToo · 12-06-2006, 3:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Well, as you've shown, there's groceries and then there's groceries..

http://www.fireblades.org/gallery/sh...p?i=7151&c=543

The Givi bags HondaGal has on hers will each hold a 12 pack, plus chips.

Baketech · 12-06-2006, 3:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Yes, and trhe first year VTech is reportedly the hardest to live with, since you actually get a very un-vfr-like nonlinear rush at about 7000 rpms. Usually as you're just beginning to accelerate out of a turn.

Luckily any acceleration from one of those pigs is a welcome event....

CBRVFR · 12-06-2006, 3:27 PM

Ask Baketech ( see link to pic above) My wife doesn't have to go for rides on my bikes, and I don't have to go to any girl movies.
It's kept us together for 34 years.

HondaGalToo · 12-06-2006, 3:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikerboy1974

How is the ride for the passenger? I would like to take a couple trips with my wife, but she won't go for much on the 600rr because her legs get real sore and her feet go numb.

I haven't ridden as a passenger on it much, but Corbin, and I think now Sargent, make seats for it. The Corbin's has a backrest for the passenger seat. Sargent may now also. If Sargent has the backrest, I'd recommend it over the Corbin.

bikerboy1974 · 12-06-2006, 3:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

Luckily any acceleration from one of those pigs is a welcome event....

Baketech, I'm taking it you're not a big fan of the VFR? Does it help that I have a 600RR sitting in the garage now that will stay with it? I do know that there is always a critic for both sides, so it's all good!

evl_twn · 12-06-2006, 3:28 PM

The 5th gen VFR is the way to go (my opinion anyway). 1998-2001. That was the last of the gear driven cams, and before they got funky styling and "vtec". If the 6th gen still had the gear driven cams and no Vtec, I'd probably buy one of the new 07 tricolor ones. But they supposedly just killed the VFR, so I still think the 5th gen was the best of the lot of the newer VFR's.

Of course, the BEST VFR honda ever made was the original 1986 VFR750