VFR's are expensive

I was shopping around to day for another bike for myself and my son's first bike... (currently I have an 83 VF750F which I will never part with) We basically looked at everything out there. I went to my local dealer admiring the two 07 VFR 25th Anniversary Interceptors there. One on the floor, one still in the crate. I love the way the bike looks. Price??? 11k out the door.

My son, who I am introducing riding to, was looking at a nice 08 Kaw 650 Ninja. 5800 bucks. Good beginner bike for him, I think.

Sounds like I can get two Ninja's for the price of one VFR.

So what that the VFR is 150 cc's bigger. But for 5k more?

Got me thinking about a 2 for 1 deal.

We went to another dealer across town and saw the mighty ZX-14 for under what I could buy a VFR for.

WTF?? The VFR was more than the Kawasaki Busa killer? Seriously it was!!!

I asked the dealer why the VFR is so expensive and he shrugged his shoulder and said he didnt know. He said he did not order any this season. Hard to sell because of the price.

So here's the million dollar question... with so may other less expensive, quality choices out there, and there isn't anything wrong with Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha... why would you spend so much on a VFR?

I used to want the 25th Anniversary VFR to compliment my '83 VF, but now maybe I will diversify. I will end up with two Ninja 650's or a new ZX-14. OR maybe go in with 8k in cash, flash it to the Honda dealer and point to the VFR. I wonder if they would bite.

Help me understand. And be nice about it.

 

I think the VFR is a heck of a great bike, with exceptional levels of refinement and build quality (maybe the highest of any bike?). But I do agree with you that the MSRP on a new one seems sort of bloated.

I have yet to see a new one on the floor at either Honda dealer that I frequent in my area.

So I bought used from a private seller and am totally satisfied.

That RWB scheme sure is pretty though.....

 

Well you've been a member here for awhile now so you should already know how most people will answer your question. Honestly, if you don't want to pay the money for a new one: DON'T! What makes you think we know why they are so expensive? Hell, go make that "Disappointed in Honda" guy a deal on his bike, then you'll both be happy.

 

I believed the bike was worth it simply because the bike fit me and it was cheeper than any other sport touring bikes i wanted(ducati st4, bmw) Seems touring bikes are very expensive but i can't give you a reason why.
Read around and you will find the vfr is very reliable and has great longevity. compare this with a GSX-r who's life span reaches about 5 years. Also the vfr is very nimble often rivaling the 600's and the liter bikes for cornering and such. Personally i love my bike.

All i can sujest is a test ride, take the vfr out for a ride and see if the diffrence is worthwhile to you.
To me it was, why would i buy a lesser bike but constantly want the one i should have bought.

But for an ocasonal rider who goes on very short trips the 650 may be the way to go. There is a reason why there is more than one type of bike on the road...so ride em and see what you like.

 

The VFR was priced in a different time. Things were way different in 06 when the 07s came out. Now everyone sees everything as expensive. It seems dealers are getting the idea and lowering prices here and there.
Going in to bargain is a good idea...8 may be a little low, 9 might be more acceptable to the dealer. That is what haggling is about.

 

buy a Cherry used one, but anything over 2005 model is still going to be pricey

 

New VFRs certainly aren’t “budget” buys, that’s for sure. I went through that same mental battle a couple years ago and I think it comes down to what you really want. I literally considered almost every similar bike to the VFR and kept holding myself back due to the price difference. Finally, came down to spending $7,000 OTD for a leftover 2005 SV1000S or over $9K for a new VFR. Was it worth the extra $2K out of pocket? It has been for me, no regrets here but deep down I really, really wanted the VFR. I knew I wouldn’t be happy in the long run otherwise. I think you always pay a little extra for the Honda brand name, too.

I’ve ridden that 650R Ninja, by the way, and it’s a great beginner bike. The one I was on was lowered so I can’t comment too much on handling, but the motor sure was friendly and mellow.

 

I kinda look at it another way.. The VFR is the best bang for the buck I've had in years.
I've owned different sports cars, 3 different wakeboard boats, and assorted other stuff..
For 10 grand, the amount of technology and the fun factor are off the scale.
EVERYTIME I ride my bike I know it is worth every penny..

I'm sure alot of people here feel this way, but for even half the price, I still wouldn't consider anything else.. I guess it just depends on if you think this bike fits you.

 

This is not a secret. Check almost any bike from 600cc's and up that is quality and they all seem to fall into the $9,000-12,000 range. There is often no or almost no difference in price between an 800cc and 1200 or 1400cc sport bike. It is because the engine size doesn't make much of a difference when the entire bike is not a "bargain bike." Many 600cc bikes cost very close to bikes twice the size. Sure, there are bargain bikes out there...you are right, many times a bargain bike is just right, especially for a first bike. For those of us that own a VFR, it is the right bike. For those that own a ZX-14 for about the same price, it is the right bike for them. (But always remember that when it comes to insurance, your money spent there will be waaaay different.)
Me? I wear clothes that are 25 years old. My cars last along time and aren't fancy. Many of my hobbies involve similarly old equipment. But, I have a $11,000 2007 VFR. All these old things have something in common with the bike...they are all quality items that cost a bit more but THEY LAST. And all my stuff is just right for me.
Pick what is right for you. No one will bother you. But, when you quote list prices, you are not telling us anything we don't know...

 

I remember looking at the ZX-14 when shopping for a VFR. 10k for ZX-14. I even saw 10k for R1.

I passed the ZX-14 because of the size and R1 because of usability (hard bags). I already have a large bike and was looking for something smaller and more nimble. For me, the following features separated the VFR from other bikes:

1. V4
2. Handling
3. Back brake ABS
4. Interlinked Brakes
5. VTEC
6. Hard bags
7. Gas mileage

 

I got my 08 for under 9400 OTD. 11k is ridiculous. I could have had the 07 special ed for 9100 OTD and I was told this is the cost by an honest dealer looking to rid himself of a leftover. No doc fees or assembly just 9100, so now you know the cost and you know that its 1 year old and the dealer has trouble selling it. Id say thats called being in the drivers seat and I did the work for you. If you really want it, and that price is nice for you, just walk in make the offer leave your number(unless they say yes right away of course). Also you cannot get a better rate right now than hondas 4.99 for 60 months fixed if you have good credit. :wink:

 

Talking about a rare bike, when I took my bike in to have the recall done, they had to order the parts because they HAD NEVER SOLD a VFR. There wasn't even one on the floor. There's not one at the other dealer across town, either. Might be one down in Laurens, but I've never been there. Hey, road trip tomorrow! I've been looking for a new helmet...

 

VFR's are expensive? I had no idea.

 

If you ask the price?VFRs are VFRs.Yo!To the unedjucated,You get what you pay for.My local shop does'nt understand,why should you?

 

$h!t... The money you save on insurance the first year alone, is worth the difference in cost.
CBR 600 - $1675.00
CBR 1000- $2000.00
VFR800 - $225.00
That's in So Cal. anyway... Los Angles area

 

$225 for the VFR? Who do you get insurance through?

I'm paying around $600 a year for full coverage and uninsured coverage. Granted the uninsured is $200 alone.

I have no tickets and no accidents.

 

VFR's are VFR's cause no other bike does so many things as good.

 

Im paying $250 a year for my 4th gen. First year rider, full coverage through Geico.

 

Buy used if the price at the dealer is to much.

I've never owned a brand new bike and probably never will.

BZ