So I was wondering... I know this is the kind of questions where a lot of people are likely to have strong opinions, but I was wondering if there was a general consensus over a "best of breed" for the VFR
Oh geez.... Well lads, the can has been opened.... Gen 2 (with mods) is the lightest and has the best power-to-weight ratio, so if speed is the objective ...
Actually, that brings up a good point... I would say that speed is not a major concern, as all of the VFRs should be "fast enough". I would say the criteria I care about most are "everyday performance" and reliability (least maintenance issues).
Clown question bro I'm partial to the 5.5gen standard production models; the 2000 VFR would be my favorite.
yes. anything 1st generation had reliability issues. After gen 1, the VFR is known for some electrical problems on the charging system that are easily remedied. From there it's just a personal preference issue.
Well....hmmm... ok here goes a premeditated theory and Honda rant: the Gen 2 VFR was the $hit when it won all those races "back in the day". (seriously look it up) I have a theory that after gen 2 Honda began to design the bike for all those blokes who loved the gen 2. As all those guys got older, so did the VFR design. By "older", I mean the bike got a little bigger, the foot pegs got a little lower, the bars got a little higher...etc. (gear driven cams, anybody? center stands, anybody?) Lookie that in gen 6 they offered factory hard bags! Gen 7 is shaft drive! They are building the product to meet the needs of those guys who were young and excited about the Gen 2 and can't get enough of that V4!! Did I just call some people old? woops... **ducks and runs out**
That's been precisely my theory for years. For the most part, the VFR crowd is locked in a single generation. I'm the only guy my age (31) that I've ever met who rides 'em. All my other acquaintances tend to ride smaller sport bikes like gsxr600s, sv650s etc.
There are facts and there are opinions. The FACTS that everyone knows but only the chosen discuss is that the 5th Gen was and still is the best model ever. The OPINIONS are that Gens 2 through 4 and then 6 are the best. The FACTS are that no one has ever said the 7th Gen is the best ever. Admittedly, the FACTS are that super charged VFRs are pure awesomeness. These are the facts. They cannot be disputed.
Go forth lad, sit on, look at, and (if possible) ride as many different VFR's as you can. The one that lights you up is the one you buy. I've ridden five of the 'gens', and wouldn't want to make the choice. I bought my Gen 2 without ever having ridden it (or seen it in person), based purely on conversations with the owner and a list of the enhancements that had been made. I am thrilled with the machine every time I throw a leg over her. I love the way she looks, the way she feels, the way she sounds, and - most importantly - the way she makes me feel when we roll. As long as you choose based on your gut, you won't be disappointed.
