Should I give up my search for a 5th gen in favor of a 6th gen at a great price?

I've wanted a 5th gen since last summer when I rode a buddies '98. That sound is just intoxicating. Power delivery was amazing as well. I've been searching for a 5th gen for myself but haven't had much luck in my area. Came across an '04 listed for $4k but I can get it for $3k. Seems like an awesome deal. What do you think?

Cross over to the dark side known as VTEC?

 

Sorry, man... My 2000 is worth more to me than it is to you.... I think you might find that a common theme...

Good luck !

 

No.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

If you really want a 5th gen...don't settle for anything else.

Be patient. Keep your eyes open for a 5th gen. Expand your search area.

 

Craigslist is your friend...


Nice Honda VFR - $4500. Best Offer

1998 Honda VFR 800

800cc VFR Intercepter

2001 Honda VFR 800

98 VFR Interceptor

 

No, you should buy my 2000...

 

Since you've ridden the 5th Gen already, I'd say go ride the 6th Gen and make your mind up from there. Both are very competent bikes. Let the ride decide.

 

Totally agree. You should only judge after riding both bikes IMO.

 

This is only my opinion, but it seems 6th gen is only better if you do more Sport-TOURING than SPORT-touring.

 

Say's who?

 

Id say wait one will come up..

 

And then you'll have others like me say the exact opposite. I have actually owned both, but it comes down to personal preference. He needs to test ride them both, but since this thread is already a month old and Falco hasn't given an update, I assume he didn't pull the trigger on either.

 

Was the introductory preposition in my sentence unclear?

Don't get me wrong, the 6th gen VFR is a great street bike. But it's not as good IMHO as the 5th gen.

Most suspension improvements that the 6th generation VFRs offered can be achieved inexpensively on a 5th gen with RaceTech valves and an improved rear shock absorber. Headlight upgrades to the 5th generation easily bring nighttime visibility up to 6th generation standards. Next, engine "improvements" to the 6th generation added mass, price & maintenance, not performance. Even if you like VTEC's midrange flat spot, the 2002+ engine simply doesn't offer any real performance improvements over the phenomenal 1998-2001 engines. In fact, taller 5th and 6th gears makes the 6th gen quite a bit less peppy -- feels much more like a tourer. Why pay more in both purchase price and maintenance for no better performance???

5th gen: 517 pounds wet, 1/4 mile 11.05 sec @ 122.5 mi/hr
6th gen: 534 pounds wet, 1/4 mile 11.22 sec @ 119.8 mi/hr


There are two advantages that i can see to the 6th generation machine, both making it better for touring:
- about 1mpg fuel economy improvement
- 1/3 gallon bigger fuel tank

any questions?

 

Get one of each

 

Toe Cutter is just busting your chops. Your opinion is your opinion - it's not right or wrong.

As far as the comparison stats you posted, those are really splitting hairs. Due to the taller gearing, I added +2 to the rear sprocket which really made a difference. I wish I had made that simple change on my 5th Gen for a comparison. At the end of the day, I would take either one. Anybody looking to buy really needs to ride both to know which one works for them.

 

Loved my 5th Gen and took a good, day-long scoot on a 6th Gen - enjoyed that too.

After selling my 5th Gen, I was initially looking to replace it with the same or even a well priced 6th Gen (would have happily taken either with the right mileage and price) when, in the midst of my 4 month-long process of finding the right VFR, I came across a 1st Gen and am now happily rocking an '85 VF1000R.

Look at/ride as many as you can! Your gut'll tell you which is best for you.

 

Talk about doing a complete 180! If I had to give up all of my bikes but the R, I'd be perfectly happy. It's a great machine. I'd say you made the right call to pass on the newer bikes as you have to jump on opportunities like yours when you can. It's a keeper.

 

Insight appreciated, Stewart. Even if we bees biased!

I took advantage of a mild November day today (16C) and drove out of the city to a fellow that does car and bike appraisals...the process took him about 35 minutes and tho I don't have the paperwork & photos yet, he indicated the appraisal will likely come in about $ 5500 CDN.

It's a good start so, if the world doesn't end shortly, maybe R values will continue to stay healthy