98-99 vs 200-01

I just recently sold my '87 VFR700 and am in the market for a late 90s early 00s VFR800. I've read just a little bit about the changes made starting in the 2000 model (emissions, theft protection, etc).

With the emissions equipment installed on the later models, are there any known issues to contend with defects I should look out for? I realize that performance probably went down a bit with the emissions equipment added, but that doesn't concern me too much as long as it's not a huge issue.

As far as models go, am I pretty safe to open my search to any 98-01 bike for that generation of VFR?

Thanks.

 

I have a 2000, but have the cat-less headers from a 99. Pulled the O2 sensors, and ran the Radio Shack $1.89 resistors, but don't recall that part number offhand. If cats bother you, that's something you could look in to.

 

Regarding the power decrease....that's just what I had read somewhere else about the post-99 bikes. Must have been misinformation.

 

You will be fine with any of the 5th gens (98-01). In '00 they added a cat, o2 sensors, upgraded the regulator/rectifier, and did away with the fuel enrichener lever.

 

If your going to leave it stock, I'd say the 5.5(00~01) is better. If you plan on adding a Power Commander 5 with autotune, I'd go for a 5 gen(98~99) The 98~99 have a little less to go wrong(not that the 5.5 ever fail) because of the lack of coolant in the TB, lack of Cats and lack of o2 sensors.

 

If you go 98/99, get a set of 00/01 mirrors for it - much cleaner looking.

 

i agree the 00-01 mirrors are nice on the 1998 i have. the 98-00 are very nice bikes. only thing that might sway your decision is the aesthetics of the under tail exhaust. i like the vfr for the single side swing arm and te under tail shows that off well.

mdange

 

The '98-'99 CA versions also, different cams, ECU. They're down about 5hp from the 49-state models.