I would blend the 6th tru the 8th for my Killer VFR

Being new to the VFR and being a former Kawasaki guy. I know about this bike riding on the first model and those models in-between 1983-1998 because Friends had them and I loved them. Of all of the models since the introduction. I would add, minus, the following being a 2014 VRF "F" Owner as far as "Style". I buy a bike for my needs and style and as a rider. Not to mention price. I love the one I have! But, what if we added the old with the new?

1. Love the front façade with the LED head Lights on the 2014-2015! Keep it. After 1999 the huge double head lights looked goofy to me. But, that was the time for those.
2. Killing the radiators on the side was a no brainer to me due to air flow, Width and weight. (that kid got fired or transferred)
3. Even though putting the exhaust under the seat changed the center of gravity with the weight. it was a killer look and being what the bike is, not a real issue. Not being a sporty and should return in my opinion! But, with a single, wider and shallower stainless canister that sits 2-3inches below the seat or a Round exhaust sitting even 1-2 inches more would add to the center of gravity issue as well! You could drop 7lbs and you would gain 1.0 HP and let that amazing single swing arm being a focus with the 12 spoke rims that "Shine"! Like earlier models with a 5-7 spoke arrangement.
4. I would not have a D and F model. Get it down to 480lbs and call it done with forks, grips and stands! Cut the price If they "re-issue" the series drop the price by $3000! To a $10,000 range. The VFR is an exclusive model that is designed to compete with BMW, Augusta etc. With the original price it cannot compete internationally! That is why we are seeing and buying models 2 years out at a discount.

 

[video=youtube;rWHniL8MyMM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWHniL8MyMM[/video]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWHniL8MyMM

 

Seems to be a some what typical evaluation with VFRs after one has had one for a while. A bit lighter , a bit more grunt, 1000cc, then the suspension bits that sits on the shelf for the cbrs, brakes too. styling is a matter of taste, personlly never been a fan of the 6th gen, but yes Honda could have done better, especially when you look at what KTM and Aprilia has done. So close, yet... That being said I'm having a blast on mine.

 

I agree with the OP 100% - I can't believe Honda would make such a beautiful bike as the 8th gen, and then hide that swingarm behind a giant side-can. If I was super wealthy, I would take some cheap 6th gen from somewhere, a new 8th gen, and take them to my custom bikes guy and say "Make it happen". Then I'd have the engine bored a little, do a full system and tune, get her up to 120 HP and have the greatest bike ever made!

 

I'd buy an 8 if they weren't so friggin heavy. And complicated. And slow.

But man, they are beautiful! That's one of the prettiest bikes Honda ever made.

 

After my long ride with everyone yesterday, including mountain and canyon roads, with the right rider, they aren't slow even bone stock...

 

We all know it's the bike, not the rider right? LOL, what really settled me down was when I rode bitch on Jason Pridmores 4th gen, other than a fox shock, two up, we where dragging passenger pegs, passing on the outside, this right here gave me a whole new mindset, it ain't the bike.