Newbie, first time bike questions

Well let me introduce myself. I want a VFR 800. Thank you.

But really I'm looking at 2 bikes (for my first bike) A 1998 VFR800 and a 2003 VFR 800
Both seem great but what can you tell me about the difference (other than the VTEC) Is the VTEC really worth it. (remember it's my first bike)
I want to use it for commutting to work. Both have luggage bags. A plus for that.

Can anyone give me pros or cons on either one.
I've been reading many threads and I am overwelmed, excited and ready to buy one now!

My 60yr old neighbor used to have an beautiful RC30 but got hit and nearly killed. (totaled the bike (yep I said 60yr old) And he loved that bike. He also said that the VFRs are very similar and knows either one is a great choice.

Thanks and hope to get one sooooon!!!

 

Not sure that the VFR is the best first bike to start with. Have you taken a motorcycle safety course? What is your experience with riding bikes in the past? I personally think you might benefit from a small lighter bike until you feel comfortable moving up to a larger heavier bike like the VFR. Just my two cents. If you do decide on the VFR just make sure to take things slowly and take time to get used to the handling. Once you are comfortable with the VFR it is a great all around versatile bike. They are very dependable and you'll find them great for everyday riding, extended touring, or tearing up the twisties.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Comparing bikes to cars the VFR isn't a Ferrari or a Lambourghini but it probably would be close to a Corvette. Was a Corvette your first car?

I would strongly recommend two things:
First, take a MSF BRC class. Don't even think about getting a bike until you have done that. You may just learn things that will save your life.

Second, step away from the VFR for a year. Get a smaller bike and learn to ride first. Odds are about 100:1 that you are going to dump your first bike. Learn on something that won't cost an arm and a leg to fix. It might also save you the real arm and leg.

 

Thanks for your input. I have ridden before but not a whole lot. My cars I drive are a supercharged VW and an '86 911 Porsche. I'm 41 and very cautious. I took the course and did learn a lot, and know that driving a bike is very different than driving a car. I'm planning on learning on the bike I want. Which means I will not go on the street into traffic for a while until I get real comfortable and used to it.
I had plans to buy a Kawasaki vulcan 900 cruiser but every one I talk to say in florida with all the tourists I should get a more nimble bike. That's why I liked the sport touring style and the "a great all around versatile bike"
I guess I should have left out first time bike in the subject so that more people that add the this thread will actually reply to the real questions I have regarding the basic differences of the 5th and 6th gen bikes. And really are they that different. Will I be happy with either one. THe price difference on both used bikes are about $2000

By the way what bike would you recommend as a first. Keeping in mind my ultimate goal.

Thx and happy riding.

 

You sound like you will be alright with the VFR to me based on what you've said. If you take things slow and not try to push the bike too quickly you will adapt to its feel in no time. The biggest thing about the VTEC engine is that it is similar to hitting a powerband on a two stroke dirt bike. On my '07 the VTEC kicks in close to 7000 rpm. There is a noticeable change in the way the bike sounds as well as the increase in power that comes on quickly. I found the change to be a bit annoying but easy to adjust to. Adding a power commander and changing the mapping with new pipes seems to smooth the transitionion. Asking members for advice on which generation VFR is better is just asking for a neverending debate. I personally think you'll be happy with either since the VFR has consistently been receiving praise by its owners for many many years. The only thing that is for sure is that the '07 RWB Anniversary editions are the fastest :wink:

Regards,
Rollin

 

You're right, I know there have been differences in opinion just over the VTEC alone .
One thing I'm concerned with is that the older '98 bike may be ready for some major work. I don't want to buy one and find out that in a few months I should spend more money. THe "02 model to me is again more refined by Honda and also newer (no need for major work as soon) (but also 2grand more right off the bat.) What major expences do these bike require and at what mileage. Is a valve job costly? I have no idea what goes worng inside these engines. I've seen recalls about the 6th gen for a wireing harness and something else, I've seen R/R about the gen 5 but have no idea what you guys are talking about when they say R/R.

many thanks again.

 

r/r=rectifier /regulator. Basically the one major flaw in these bikes, but easily repairable IMo. Upside to a 98? Low initial cost.

 

My advice is that no matter what generation you choose try to find a bike that has been babied by its owner. There are plenty of people who buy nice brand new bikes that end up just sitting in their garages seeing less than 3000 road miles per year. I got my '07 with 3000 miles on it for super cheap because my buddy is the GM of a dealership and he gave to me at their trade in cost. Even though I feel like i got a great deal ($7000 out the door) I still get a little sick to my stomach when I see other smoking hot deals on older VFR's with super low mileage with lots of modifications already (luggage, risers, alarm, exhaust, power commander, etc.) The VFR has been around for a long time and there are plenty out there with 70,000+ miles on them. Even if you buy an older bike that is in relatively good condition and you take care of it she can easily last 10 more years. Honestly, no matter when generation you choose, you will have made the right decision after riding for a few weeks.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Lots of guys complain about squishy suspension, but it may take you a while to get to the point where that's a big deal for you. I'm just starting to think about that issue with mine. But sheer bang for the buck and comfort, I'm pretty happy with this bike, although I see more bikes in my garage in the not too distant future. I can't truly speak for the newer ones, my buddy has an 05 and he really likes it. I'm sure you know from your car experience that anything you get is gonna make you spend money, once the bug bites you're done, just lay back and enjoy it.

 

One more thing that may or may not affect your decision is the insurance. Have you gotten insurance rates for each of your prospective year models? I am sure the 5th Gen will be quite a bit cheaper. My insurance on my '07 is about $600 per year through Progressive with one accident on my record in the last 3 years.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Only because you are asking, I'll say that I wouldn't buy a VFR as a first bike. They are relatively heavy. The throttle is kind of touchy on the EFI bikes and they make 100+ horsepower. Lost of expensive plastic to replace when you fall over in the parking lot. Personally, my first bike would be something that I didn't necessarily want for the long term. Like a GS500 or a SV650. I wouldn't particularly care if it was dinged up, because that would lower the purchase price. I would learn how to ride on it and then I would sell it for as much as I paid for it. Then I would buy a bike I REALLY want.

As for the difference of opinion over the VTEC issue, I don't have anything to say except that I really like my VTEC bike - but I am sure I would also like a 5th Gen.

 

What does it cover. I've only heard horror stories from my neighbor. He was hit by a driver that had no insurance. He's got the ambulance and hospital bugging him to pay. His insurance didn't give him what the bike is really worth to collectors only by some other magic insurance book. They really suck. He has kept the bike hoping to rebiuld her but the company wanted him to pay 600bucks just to keep it. That's bull$^!t. Don't get me started on insurance. In florida it's not a law to have it. It seems that any accident on a bike will render it as totalled it seems. So why carry any at all. (other than the medical coverage) Don't get me wrong I'll probably carry it anyways. I pay $250 a year for my 911!!! It's fully insured for $15,000. No matter what they write me a check for that amout. It's awesome with classic car insurance. I guess I'm just feeling the pain for my neighbor. That bike was like his family. Insurance companies are legal robbers.

(sorry I tend to get rolling) I have progressive for my other cars and seem to be happy.
I'll have to check what theyhave to offer. I'm sure the better coverage the higher the premium.

Thx

 

The weight of the VFR is a BIG con if you are primarily using it to commute to work. Lighter bikes are easier to move in and out of traffic at slower speeds. Plus, the smaller bikes generally get better gas mileage.

I would recommend you look at something like a suzuki gs500, sv650 or GSX650F; or a Kawi 650R or Versys. Used on a first bike is always a good way to go.

 

I will take your recommendations and look at other options for sure. I guess I liked the name sport touring. It seems like the best of both worlds sport and crusing. Thanks for your honest opinions. (back to craigslist)

 

I spent probably 6 months researching the differences between the 5th and 6th generations of the VFR before I made my decision. There is a ton of information out there, and most of what I read was the personal opinion of individual owners.

For the most part the bikes are very similar. You already know about the VTEC valvetrain on the 6th gen. I chose the gear driven cam system of the 5th gen for 3 reasons. I love the sound that the gears make, I prefer the more linear powerband, and I didn't want to ever think about replacing cam chain tensioners that may or may not go bad. Many people put many miles on their 6th gens with no CCT problems, but a handful have had problems with them.

Valve checks/adjustments - when actually required - cost more on a 6th gen unless you can do it yourself. The procedure on the VTEC engine is more complicated.

I understand that the suspension on the 6th gen is more refined than on the 5th gen. I really have no complaints about mine other than the fact that I really should buy heavier front springs because I'm a bigger guy.

ABS is available on the 6th gen, but not the 5th gen. The ABS model comes with a remote adjuster for the rear shock - which is nice to have.

I do slightly prefer the looks of the 6th gen, the undertail exhaust, and the dash. Aftermarket exhaust for the 5th gen is getting a little harder to find, but systems for the 6th gen are a little more pricey since there are two mufflers. The stock muffler on the 5th gen does a nice job of blocking the view of the rear wheel.

Anyway, I was extremely torn for months on this and finally decided on a 5th gen primarily because of the characteristics of the gear driven cam engine. Every time I ride it, the sound alone makes it for me.

HOWEVER, if I ran across a Red White and Blue Anniversary model at a good price, the gorgeous paint scheme might be enough to sway me away from my 5th gen.... :smile:

 

For what it's worth, I too would recommend starting out on something you don't care so much about. My first bike in 1997 was a very beat up '83 CB550 Nighthawk. Great bike to get my riding skills down with, yet I was able to grow into it and didn't get bored with it quickly. I also crashed on it a couple of times, and didn't care. For me, just riding a bike I didn't care about crashing made riding it easier, because I wasn't paranoid about messing up the bike. I could just focus on the riding.

I then had a Harley (would not recommend for obvious reasons) then went to an 03 Suzuki SV650. To me, and many people who have owned these bikes, they are legenedary. About the only complaint I've heard about 'em is the suspension, but for me, I lightened the adjustments as much as they would go and it was fine. This is a very forgiving bike for an inexperienced rider, but can definitely play with the "big boys". I used to ride with an SV riders group and many of these guys took their SVs to the track and did pretty well with them.

My experience with the SV was that it could handle just about anything I gave it, I never felt like I ran out of throttle and in the twisties, it could do anything... if I slid in the gravel it was light enough and easy enough to pull back up, but just putting a foot down and hitting the throttle. When I found myself in an unexpected tight turn or heading over a cliff, the SV was easy to just "throw" into a turn and get out of a bad sitch-ee-ation. I rode in traffic in the Bay Area (CA) every day and it was very flickable through the cars (we can lane share there). It was a great bike all around bike. I even did some long road trips on it and did not find it to be uncomfortable. My only complaints on the long road trips was the fuel capacity (I think it was only a 3.5 or 4 gal tank?) and I would get beat up by the wind, because I had the naked version so no windshield. I would recommend the naked version though, because it is more of an upright seating position than the sport version.

I owned a Yammie FZ6 in between the SV and VFR, but I think transitioning from the SV to the VFR would be relatively easy. Yes, the VFR is heavier and you definitely need to get used to the throttle and clutch engagement points... as you do with any different bike, but once used to it... if you've earned most of your experience on an SV (or similar bike) you will be able transition and love the VFR... and be safe on it.

Good luck in whatever choice you decide to make...

 

A VFR was my first bike. I took my time and made sure (and still do) that I treated the bike with the utmost respect. I had no problem getting comfortable riding. The parts are expensive if you do drop it but if you can't afford to fix a bike you shouldn't own one.

As for a commuter I don't think there's a better bike out there and I know for a fact I wouldn't want a gsx or cbr as a commuting vehicle. I've ridden my buddy's cbr 600 and 50 miles on that thing and I'm spent. Where, I just put 200 miles on my vfr today and I'm not even sore.

You will hear a lot of complaining and dogging of the v-tech engine but mostly from people who have never owned one. The transition of 2 to 4 valves (at about 7000 rpms) is celebrated by a louder exhaust note and according to the dyno 9 more horse power. 6th gen vfr's are scheduled for a valve adjustment at 16000 mile intervals. not really sure how much it cost but I believe it's more expensive than a normal (non v-tech) valve adjustment. And the electrical recall on the 6th gen is at the cost of Honda. It takes a couple of hours and no cost to you.

As for the 5th gen I've only ridden one a couple of times and I loved it. Great bike but don't really know much about it. Between the two I would choose my 04 just because I like the styling better and mine only had 2100 miles on it when I bought it.

I'm 28 and have a 2004 vfr and pay $330.00 a year on full coverage insurance through State Farm. Which I don't think is really all that bad. I couldn't imagine you having to pay more than me for insurance.

I would choose which bike to buy based on it's current owner. Whichever person was most likely to take the best care of their bike that's the one I would buy.

Overall it's like trying to choose between a hot blond or a hot brunet either way your going to have a good time.

 

Me, I am still looking for that perfect bike - and I have been riding since 1969. My 2004 6th Gen is the second Honda V-4 I have owned, and I think it is the best bike yet. Still looking for something better - or more suitable for my situation - though. The way i see it, you are 41 years old and are just beginning your motorcycling journey. Unless you are a rich guy, you might want to try out a variety of used bikes just to see what you like best. I love my VFR, but I undoubtedly would have found it very dull and overly refined about 20 years ago. Go explore!

So many bikes, so little $$$.

 

You, Sir, must have a very good driving record at age 28 to get full coverage that cheap.

 

Yeah I space my speeding tickets out so I always qualify for driving school and erased from record, instead of having to pay the fine and loose points on my license.