I got the VFR bug bad

Ok, for starters I had been looking/reading about bikes for about six months. I passed my MSF course back in 10/08. Initially I was looking for a Ninja 250 then was convinced that a Ninja 500 would better suit my needs because I commute 100mi (round trip) to work, 95% freeway speeds. I spoke with a guy about 2 hrs from where I'm at who has a '07 500 for sale at ~3500. Which isn't bad. Bike has about 2k miles, all stock, never dropped. Schedule to meet once the weather cooperate. Maybe it's fate, but the weather is not cooperating. Today, I see a 93 VFR for sale with 45kmi for 2k. I hate the looks of the 500 but like the 93 VFR. My plans was to get a 500 ride for a year to hone in my skill then move up to a 5th/6th gen VFR the following year. I know the consensus states that one should start small then move up. This is a first bike for me but am an avid mountain biker, I know not the same but has two wheels :redface:. I'm not looking for approval here but maybe just a better understanding. As I understand you can kill yourself on a 600SS because of the abrupt power from a slip of the wrist. This is probably my biggest concern. How does a 15 yr old bike compared to today's 600SS abrupt power hand jerk reaction?

 

I think the 93 would be fine. Since your going to be commuting at freeway speeds, a little more power would be more comfortable; a 500 might be stressing that commute. Also, it all depends on how agressive you are as a rider. Any bike can be dangerous. My first bike was an 05 SV650 with plenty of torque (due to it's v-twin) and the power was never a problem. After about 6 months I bought my 5th gen VFR.

Financially, the 500 seems a little steep. Furthermore, since it's going to be your first bike it's possible that you'll dump it, so an older, presumably less pristine bike would be less of a worry. If you go for the 93, make sure it is mechanically ok.

 

Uh, where did you say see that 93?

 

15 year old bike verses the 2009 models no comparision except they both have two wheels..the ex500 is a good begginer bike, on the highway is fine, you just need to be aware of the cars trucks etc.. compared to the viffer it feels like a smaller machine all around.remember its a inline twin smooth power but not much of it, but will still due about 125mph. compared to a new 600 its like where is the rest of the engine? the 600s are not abrupt like you think they are smooth; the cbr gsx triumph are better street bikes the others need a little clutch slipping due to a tall first gear..i dont see how you could go wrong with a vfr its a great all around machine but you will get the power maniacs that h8 it and if it cant due a 9 second quarter its a piece of junk..the vfr is a bike that you will not have to trade up for something else and if you due over time you will want it back..good luck..

 

Here is my take. The older VFR's are fun and very good looking. The single sided swingarm and the gear driven cams are enough give me a woody. There aren't a whole lot of them floating around in good condition. Mileage seems about right for a 3rd Gen and if all maintenance was done you should be able to get plenty more mileage out of her. The downside is that parts are going to more expensive and difficult to find since the bike is a semi-classic. What kinda shape is the 93 in? For only $2000 I would expect that she needed some work. Mint condition 3rd Gens should bring in no more than $3500

Regards,
Rollin

 

boise, ID. I can provide pics if your interested. The condition wasn't what I expected. It's okay. For an 8 hour drive, it wasn't worth it to me.

 

On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say a 6. I'd consider it if it wasn't 8 hours away given its condition. For that kind of distance I'm expecting an 8 or better. I may reconsider it if I don't find anything in the next 4-5 months.

Can you explain what the "single sided swingarm" is?

 

a 6th gen was my first bike.
I wouldn't suggest it.

Not because it's too much bike or that it is to abrubt.
But, because it is expensive when dropped.

You will drop a bike, at some point. Better if it's bike that your not worried about some scratches on. As most "drops" are at very low speed.

the older vfr would be perfect. It would also be better on the highway and you would thus enjoy it more.

 

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

Yes, you can hurt yourself with a 5hp mini-bike. You could start on a 2.3L Triumph mega bike and not have any problems...it all depends on you and a bit of luck. I, like you, rode mtn and road bikes for over 40 years before starting on the motocycle at age 47. While it is very possible you might drop a bike, it isn't written in the stars. Whatever you start with, be VERY careful, wear all the gear, and watch out for the other guy. Then when you are more experienced, be EVEN MORE CAREFUL because a little bit of confidence can be VERY dangerous!

 

A single side swing arm...it's just that the rear wheel is ounted on an arm with one side.
http://www.ramitalia.net/RC51/goodies/rc51goodies_fichiers/sssarmrc51.jpg

Makes maintness easier on the rear. but not a hge effect on the bike.
But looks cool.

 

i bought a '92 vfr750 last year as a starter bike after 16 years of absence. it had 25k miles and looked like a 6 on a scale from 1-10 for $1700. it is a very good bike on the freeway and canyons. good luck in finding the right one.

 

Gen 3

The misses got her '93 in May of last year for $2000 and it did need some work. More to set it up for her than anything. She started on a 82 K305 3 years prior and had a 06 Shadow VLX600 for a season and a half before she had a back surgery that made the forward controls of a cruizer un-do able. With one season on this viffer she is doing awesome. I have owned V-hondas in the past, the TRUE 1st GEN motor in the 82 Magna. Maitenance nightmare. I was frearfull of getting the 92 but glad we did. For her size and newly more sportlike riding style she can really run that bike. On my FZ1000 Yam I was used to backing way off to let her keep up, now she is passing me when I let my rpm's drop too low comming out of the curves. Great bike.

 

"Mint condition 3rd Gens should bring in no more than $3500"

You'd have to wait ten minutes for me to stop laughing if someone offered that for my bike. :rofl:

 

Be patient, go with traditional advice

I'll stick up for what instructors say, and I followed. Also, I'm a big fan of old cycles.
Get the '93. The sport-oriented 500 will be harder to sit on for 50 miles. Older and cheaper is the best way to enter the sport. Much less anxiety. You can worry about re-sale, but nobody sells it for what they bought it for, so get over it now. I've been up and down with displacement. I'm happier with controlled power in the 500 to 800 cc range. People used to tour with 300's and 400's so most people who say 'buy big' are just showing their insecurities. You are an MSF grad, not Mike Hailwood.
If things work out, you will probably own 6 or 7 cycles during your riding life. Start cheap and work your way up.ope2:

I'll also say this about parts and maintenance. There is no problem with finding HONDA parts all the way back to the 70's. BUT, if the only thing you know how to do to your cycle is drop it off at the dealership, then the more modern the machine, the cheaper the parts and labor will be. Kawi is pretty good on support and parts (through dealerships), but Honda aftermarket and "e-bay" availability blows all other brands away. ope2:

Sorry if I'm preaching, and do whatever feels good. The sport is more right-brain than left-brain

 

I started out on my 96 4th gen - no problems at all.
Just remember that it will only go as fast as you let it

 

How much do you think this silver 92 is worth? It has some mods and I can't gauge how much they cost. He said it was a 6 out of 10 stars for aesthetic condition.

1992 Honda VFR 750 - Dodge Viper Silver

 

Your'e looking at about $1500 worth of mods if you paid retail, maybe more depending on the suspension upgrades. Wish I had the suspension off of that bike.

 

IMO its a good price

It's worth what you have budgeted.
A pic is just a start. You've got to go see it.
My tip is from Chili Palmer- Say as little as possible-if anthing at all.
Just keep asking him to explain his mods and the history of the cycle. I've found that the psychology of people is that they will hang themselves if you can just get them to talk long enough. Ask him to show you how to take off the lower fairing, ask him if he has any old pictures of the cycle, ask him what kind of fuel he buys,.... just keep him talking. If you like all his answers then make your offer. DON'T BE AFRAID TO WALK AWAY. He needs to sell, you are the patient tiger. :vader:
Stay in touch with him and give him a call in a week if the posting is still there.
Also, don't be afraid to judge his character. If his garage or his demeanor give you a bad vibe- it could be your intuition sending you a subconscious signal.
One more trick that has worked for me 50/50. Have the money you want to pay, say 2200, in cash and in an envelope. When you pull it out at the end as a last resort, and the seller sees all those franklins, they can agree a lot faster! DON'T TALK MONEY UNTIL THE VERY END! Then you have a relationship, and you may have gained an advantage.
Last year I bought a '96, one owner, with 8k miles for 3000. Very happy with my purchase. (It's the most modern cycle I've ever owned) This one is a long-term purchase for me.
Good luck!!!!! (and read the Art of War, Philosophy Major!)

 

How many miles do you have on your bike? What condition would you rate it? I bought my 93 about a month ago and paid $2600. It came with new tires, Yoshi pipe, and an extra windscreen. The bike was about a 8 out of 10 cosmetically and very good mechanical shape. The previous owner (2nd owner) had the bike for 7 years before selling it to me with 41,000 miles on it. I absolutely love that bike.

Regards,
Rollin