I did a search and could not find the answer to this question so please excuse a newbie’s ignorance. I know that both years need the R/R updated but for some reason I have been under the impression that there were some problems with the 98 model year that were solved in 99. Is there any difference between the 98 and 99 model years that would make one more desirable than the other? Thanks
I researched this when I bought my new '99. I had the opportunity to buy a leftover '98 and I don't recall there being any real differences between the two model years. I know that the '00 and '01 had some slight changes, but still, I don't think that there was anything significant. Maybe some 5th Gen owners can better speak to this than I can.
I have a '98 and no issues - If your in the market look for the best low mile bike you can find - '98 or '99 really doesnt matter. MD
now MD, you know the 98 is better. that's why we ride it. Just kidding guys. I have ridden both and both were modded so I can't really say if there is a difference when in stock trim. Later in the 5th gen, didn't the exhaust headers get narrower or some change related to pollution, though?
Thanks for the responses. Other than R/R related electrical problems; has anyone here had any electrical or fuel injection problems with their 98 VFRs? The reason I ask; there is a very nice original owner 98 for sale in my area with low miles. Up until now I had not considered the 98 because it is a first year model.
Ok - Hell yeah, the '98 is best! :wink: Mine is actually a nuetered California model. I hear if I installed the '99 cams - it would then be a 48 state equivalent. I doubt I'll spend the bucks, for the moment the thing runs fine. -Now at valve adjust time, when I have to pull the cams out ...... hhmmmmm......... - For '00 and '01 the headers got Cats. So really the ones to covet are the '98s or '99s. MD :rapture:
My '98 only has 12,000 miles on it.:redface: I replaced the R/R but other than that it runs strong. I would grab that '98 your looking at in a heartbeat. If you dont there are still great examples with under 10K miles. (I consider low miles under 10) Check out my gallery for an example of a perfect '98. MD
Besides the '98 VFR model being designated " Fi-W "and the '99 " Fi-X " and some colour option changes don't think there is any specification difference's between them although there could be small production line improvement's that occur naturally with any manufacturer. See below .pdf Links for the VFR800 Fi '98 then '99 press packs: http://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/press/1998/1998_VFR800.pdf http://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/press/1999/1999_VFR800.PDF
