What to buy?

So after seeing all my friends have VFR's of varying years, I have finally decided that I should start looking. I love my KLR, but she just plain sucks at highway speeds and doesn't have enough power to get out of her own way when loaded down. I have done some reading on the VFR and was trying to get a general concensus on what the better model years were.

I would love ABS brakes but not required, fuel injection is a definite plus, reliability and self repairability are all big sticking factors. I have seen the debate on both sides for gears vs chain, but have no idea what the end result was. Based on what I have been reading, I have been looking for something in the range of a 2000-2001, adult ridden with hard bags on it.

Input? Positives, negatives, intermitent handgrenades that I need to avoid?

 

As a former KLR owner/rider, I feel your pain. Great bike for what it was designed for but not a pleasure to ride on the highways.
I love my 6th generation except for the throttle surge. From what I understand, this is common with fuel injected bikes, however, the ST1300 I ride at work isn't nearly as touchy as the VFR.

 

Throttle surge? Is this a lot like the KLR factory surge, around 3500-4000 RPM and moderate throttle it bucks once or twice til it rolls through that range? Also, read about people not liking the V-tech engine as it might drastically change power during cornering, possibly causing a small rear tire skip-skid.

 

One issue with the 00-01 models is that they have R/R problems. If you buy one, I recommend buying and installing the VFRNess from Wire My Bike And just to be on the safe side also buy a new R/R. The true problem with the R/R isn't the device itself but the wiring that leads to the R/R. Honda makes them too weak and the VFRNess solves that problem.

The big difference between the 98-01 and 02-08 is the sportiness. The 98-01 models are more suited for faster riding because of the seamless power, lower seating position, and suspension setup. The newer ones are more for touring because they have a wider seat and it's up higher plus the suspension is more set up for relaxed touring riding.

As for self-repairability, I'd have to say the 98-01 models are better than the newer ones because it's easier to do and doesn't require as much intensive maintenance. The advantage of the gear driven cams is that they barely need any adjustment compared to chain driven cams. On my 5th gen to replace the headlight bulb all I have to do is pull out the bulb and put the new one in. But on the 6th gen you have to take the front fairings off to do that. What a hassle.

One disadvantage I could somewhat see with the 5th gen compared to the 6th gen is that it doesn't have OEM hardbags. But that isn't a really big deal since you can get aftermarket bags.

FWIW when I was looking for a new bike I was torn between the 02 and 99 model. What ultimately made me choose mine was sitting on the bike felt like I was "in" the bike not on it and the fact the engine has strong seamless power won me over.

Now, as a little friendly :mod: warning, ha ha, coming from a KLR the VFR will feel very smooth and you'll probably not tell how fast you're really going. It's easy to go 20 over the speed limit without even realizing it, it's that smooth and refined.

 

I must correct Joey on one thing. The 5th Gen seat is much better than the 6th Gen. I have ridden both Gen's with stock, Sargent & Corbin seats. In every instance, the 5th Gen was more comfortable. Pretty much everything else he said is spot on.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I may have used the wrong terminology. What I refer to as throttle surge may be better described as a touchy or sensitive throttle when coming off idle. I find it very irritating when rolling completely off the throttle in a corner and then trying to smoothly add throttle input during the exit.

 

All FI'd VFR have a touchy low speed throttle. Mine has done that since day one & I simply learned to deal with it. I've been riding my bike for so long that I really have to tell myself to notice it.

From what I understand, the only way to fix that is to sync the throttle bodies & then install a Power Commander.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I love my 6th gen. I love the ABS brakes, the V-tech motor, the look and sound of the underseat exhaust, the factory hard luggage, the 4 super bright headlights. While I do miss the sound of the gear driven cams of my white 93 I'm much happier with my 02. The kick in the pants I get when the V-tech hits puts a smile on my face every time.