Hello from Michigan, new to VFRWorld and looking for a VFR

Hi all, new guy here. Been lurking for a while now and decided to join up. I'm a long time motorcycle rider and currently own several bikes, with my daily rider being a new generation Triumph Bonneville. I have been on the quest of hunting down a 4th gen VFR for a bit now, and while not new to bikes, I'm kinda new to sport bikes as I've never owned one. I've ridden a few, enough to know I don't care for the character of an inline four, or the super bike ergonomics. I'm looking for something with sport-oriented performance, yet a bike that I can also put some miles down on without feeling the fatigue commonly associated with a full on sport bike. Hey! Sport/Touring bike! I think the VFR would suit me best to fill that category. I've done quite a bit of reading on these models, and so far the only weak point seems to be the regulator/rectifier which seems to be an easy fix. Any other issues I should be aware of? Other than the usual used bike inspection checklist, anything in particular to look for when inspecting a prospective VFR to purchase? Any advice is appreciated!

 

:welcome: to the madness
You are in the right place for sure

 

You can still find a nice and clean Gen 4 but as it get older which mean hard to find parts. Just my 2cents

 

Welcome to the VFRW. Are you looking for something in the MI area or are you willing to get it shipped?

 

Welcome to the funhouse and good luck with your search. The regulator/rectifier seems to be the weakest link and as far as touring goes you may wnat to consider having the rear shock upgraded as they tend to be a bit lightly sprung. If you are dead set on the 4th gen they are certainly a great machine but harder to find parts for, especially fairing plastic. No one ever intends to drop a bike but for some reason it happens. The newer you go, the better the parts availability will be and the 5th and 6th gens seem to be reasonably priced as well. The 5th gens (98-2001) were the last to use the gear driven cams and personally I think the gear whine adds to the sound of the V4 engine. (personal preference mind you)

 

Welcome to this deranged nest of fully rubber lined rooms. Once you have found your ride, post up pix. We like pix here. Pretty pix with purdy girls on them.

 

I'd prefer something in the MI tri-state area, but I'm not opposed to driving to one either. I also would be willing to ship, if the bike was in great shape and the price was right. Preferably I would like to see the bike in person not only to look it over closely but also so I could test ride it, as I have yet to ride a VFR. Ya know a little sample taste before I buy the whole cow! I have a pretty good idea I'll love it though...

As for the newer models I understand parts will be easier to find, but they just don't ring my chimes in the aesthetics department like the 4th gens do. I own a couple vintage bikes as well so I am accustomed to the occasional parts hunting and have some resources so it's not really a concern here. I just want to find a clean lower mileage example, not a fixer upper. Already have too many projects!
And yes I am very partial to gear-driven cams as well- I have them on my Sportster so I know how reliable that design is, plus the zero maintenance factor is awesome. As is the gear whine!

 

If you haven't already searched using this site, look at searchtempest.com. Searches across all craigslist.

 

Thanks for the heads up!

 

No problem. Good luck with the search. Searching for the perfect bike is half the fun