5th gen vs. 6th gen....an opinion

Well, after having owned two 5th gen's (both 2000's) and now a 6th gen (2007 R/W/B), and having put several thousand miles on my Y2K's and a couple thousand miles on my '07, I feel qualified to offer an opinion. The 5th gen is a more visceral machine. The gear driven cams and quicker steering are more involving than the 6th gen. When you are idling at a stoplight, the bike rocks back and forth a bit with the rhythm of the cams gears and crankshaft. The 6th gen does not do that as much, but it is more refined. It is buttery smooth, yet still retains the V4 character. The V-Tec has a Ducati-like honk when all 4 valves kick in (7K RPM pre-'06, 6400 RPM '06 through, apparently, '09). I wasn't sure I liked it at first, but it has grown on me. Bottom line, the old engine is better, but, not by much.

The new chassis and suspension outshine the old, except for the increased weight. Like the magazines have all said though, that weight disappears once underway (above about 15 mph or so). The bike is a bit more stable, at the expense of turn in, but not by much (I think I can cure this with the same Michelin Pilot Roads I put on my Y2K vs. the Dunlop 204 manufactures in the '60's.......what the h3ll Honda????). The suspension is better. It's more compliant and smooth, yet firm and sporting at the same time. I like it better. Bottom line, the new chassis is better, but not by much (a little bigger advantage than the loss in the engine department).

I bought my '07 while I still owned my Y2K. So, I took them out back to back on the same twisty, flowing, and occasionally tight roads. I had more experience on the Y2K, so it was like an old friend. The '07 was like a new buddy. Both were fun and rewarding and I had a great time on each. I'm glad I bought the '07, so I sold the 2000. Had it not been for the stunning Red/White/Blue anniversary paint scheme on the '07 that caught my eye and took me back to my college days when I really wanted to buy that VF500F, I would have been perfectly happy keeping my 2000. I like them both. They are just different. Kind of like brothers. Very similar, but each has it's own strengths (and very few weaknesses for it's intended mission) and character and each is a magnificent bike to ride for a 43 year old Daddy with bad shoulders like me. Bottom line, if you have the 5th gen, be happy...it's an awesome bike. If you own the 6th gen, be happy...it's an awesome bike. How's that for commitment? I like them both for similar reasons. They are just a little bit different. Ride safe and go enjoy that bike.

Mark
Never Give Up!

 

op2:

9 out of 10 VFR riders agree, the VFR of any generation is a superior machine.

Who is going to stir the turd here with their generation preference? Not me! But you really should try a gen 4.:smile:

 

thanks for that honest review. out of curiosity how much lighter is the 5th gen?

 

Wow, all that without bashing. Nice job.

The 5th gen is reported to weigh 550 stock.

 

Thanks for the write-up. More of these are needed when people have real world experience on two or three different gen machines....and not just a spin around the block.

 

that seems high even for wet weight. not really sure what a 6 gen is. Honda says 470 Can model and 472 US model non ABS add 11 lbs for ABS.i wonder what it really weighs

 

I had both myself..the 05 was a piece of crap because of the weight and slower vtech...mind you, the 00 is a piece of crap because of the lousy handling and whining engine! If you have one of either....burn it and get a burgman!!




ok..i couldnt resist....to be honest, i give them a tie after many many miles ..my 00 is a bit quicker, feels lighter , better on fuel and has much sweeter engine sensations than my 05 , but its getting old....on the other hand my 05 was much cooler looking, handled better, could be had with abs, and was NEW!
new is hard to beat anytime..
I want both again...

 

The difference in weight is noticeable pushing it around the garage. However, once underway, it goes away. The '07 feels more planted and turns a bit slower, but I wonder how much of the slower turn in will be cured by a different tire profile. When I got rid of the D220's on the Y2K for Michelin Pilot Roads, I lost none of the stability, but gained some lightness in steering. I imagine the same will occur when I replace the stock D205's with Pirelli Diablo Strada's in a week or so. I raised the fork 2mm on both bikes (effectively lowering the front). I like them both with the 6th gen being more luxurious (a term I came to after riding my Dad's BMW K1200LT). It is more refined and gentlemanly. The 5th gen is a little rougher, but not in a bad way by any means. It is more visceral, more involving. I'm happy with my new bike, but I wasn't unhappy with the old at all. Like I said, their like brothers. Ride safe.

Mark
Never Give Up!

 

It seems to me that the '07 is around 530 lbs dry. I don't remember where that came from, just something that is stuck in my memory. Probably when I was comparing the VFR to a Triumph Sprint before buying one or the other.

Nice writeup, interceptorrider. Thanks!

 

Good write up. Thanks for sharing.

 

I enjoyed reading your review of the two bikes. You managed to keep the family together (generation differances) and provide an informative article. Thanks...

btay67

 

Like Vlad said, now try a 4th.

Carbs change the beast. Maybe a few ponies down from the 5th, but a carbed bike does something for me that a fuelie bike can't.:unsure:

 

Sport Rider's website lists the wet weights for a '98 as 499 and '02 as 534 (non-ABS I believe). I know my Y2K (& an '01) were a bit heavier due to the catalytic converter and all the associated emissions stuff. It goes on to list much, much higher weights for an '05 (585#) and '07 (587#), but I think those are with ABS and saddle bags in a comparison test or two. Motorcyclist's website list and '02 with a wet weight of 557 #'s. I don't know how they come up with such diverse numbers. The '07 feels heavier in the garage and less compact in the saddle even though the ergo numbers are almost identical. The bike feels longer and larger because it is, but mostly that's a visual impression from the saddle as far as performance is concerned there is only the differences I stated above as far as I can tell. Once underway, it's not a factor. At 5'7" and 150 lbs. I'm more aware of this bikes weight when I put my foot down at a stop light (especially if there is any gravel or dust on the road). I kep the '07 and I'm glad I did. I would have been just as happy had I never rode or bought a 6th gen and only knew my 5th gen. The extended warranty on my '07 didn't hurt though. Ride safe.

Mark

 

Great Write up. I'm shocked Viffer didn't add........"5th Gens are faster":biggrin:

 

Ben, that goes without saying...but we weren't bashing or stirring the pot in this thread.
:drool:

 

Great write up. As all ready noted sounds like maybe a 3 part comparison should be in the works? I agree all across the board too, with how the VFR has grown into an Acura. which really isn't a bad thing Again great write up. Is there a means of giving props to a member here? and Mmm 4ths are even faster and more Knarly.

 

Great post. I've tried both too (but UK models). Bought another 4th gen though.

All great bikes and streets ahead of anyhting else in the useability stakes, but a Viffer has to have gear driven cam whine, and I LOVE the 4th styling.

 

See, now here's a smart man :wink: