1997 VFR could be mine need info

I can pick up a 97 or a 03 both bikes are mint the 97 has 7,000 miles and the guy wants 3,500 the 03 is mint not a scratch on it with 1,700 miles is there tons of differents between the two bikes? is the 03 worth forking over the 2g's more? please tell me what would you do!!

Thanks for the help.

78edges...

 

97 with 7,000 miles and he wants $3500? If you don't buy it, I get shotgun dibs to check it out.

Of course I am going to tell you to get the 4th gen, only cause I own one. I have only ever test ridden 6th gens, so I cant really comment that much on them.

I can say that IMO, the 4th gen has a TON more character. Its more like a sports bike, where as I feel the 6th is a true Sport Tourer. A little more relaxed...a little more tame.

Really depends what you are looking for, what you can afford and what condition both of the bikes are in. Even though they are both VFR's and both fantastic bikes they are also two completely different bikes.

With the 6th gen, you are probably getting better brakes, suspension, headlights and a handful of other small upgrades.

With the 4th gen you are getting a gear driven cam wild child, that can hang and be relaxed, but just begs for the throttle to be twisted.

The only other VFR I would ever own is a 3rd or 5th Gen. 10 years of best overall bike means something.

Just ride each one, and buy the one you like more.

 

Flip a coin. You win either way. Seriously. Rid em both. $2k buys a lot of gear and gas......I'd have to go with the 97.

 

Like Powder said, really they are two different bikes. depending on what you are looking for, yep 6th gen a tad more refined in some areas, not so in others, 4th is more sporty in the ride. I'd have to say the brakes are a trade off, yes the 6th may have better brakes depending on what one calls better. But the 4th has a lot of soul. Wow! 7k on a 97 and only $3500 where's it at? To be able to feel the difference you'd need to ride em back to back. neither one is a bad choice, but like Sky says, $2k buys a lot of gear too. My vote goes to the 97 4th gen. LOL Now where is this? I'll race Powder..

 

Use the force..... you can't make a bad choice.....

 

Are there any mods on either bike? I own a 3rd Gen and a 6th Gen and I can honestly say that while the newer bike feels more solid and better built than the older one, the 3rd Gen feels much lighter and more maneuverable making it more fun to ride. I also wish the newer bike had gear driven cams and did not have the VTEC engine. I guess it is a matter of personal preference but I'd rather save the $2000 by buying the older bike and put the money toward some nice riding gear or mods. At 7000 miles she still has plenty of life in her and should last you a very very long time.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Go for the '97.

 

Thanks to all, I'm going to look and test ride the 97 tonight. with a big smile as i
just pushed enter. lol!! I'm stoked...

78 edges..

 

A year ago I found a '97 locally with 3824 ORIGINAL miles on it. Wasn't in perfect condition, but it was what I could afford and it fit me PERFECT. Did the R/R w/electrical upgrades and have had a year of trouble free riding. Parts and after-market stuff are a bit harder to find BUT available if you look. ( I just got a Ventura Headlight Protector from New Zealand). When the economy improves I may get another bike BUT I will never sell my '97.

 

Buy the '97. If the miles reflect the condition, it should be a great bike for decades to come.

 

Let us know how it goes. One other note, depending on previous owners care, take a look in inside tank for rust. yes it happens, thing is with these being 12 years old just because it has only 7k on it, doesn't mean it's been in a cool dry office all its life. then there's the obvious items, brakes, chain, tires, over all appearance, etc. ask about the batteries age if the RR was messed with. all in all if it was rode say every now and then, it's probably ok, sometimes with these if they sit for a long time the fuel gets gunky in the carbs, and things like cables get stuck from the lack of use. In no way am I trying to discourage this purchase, just a worthy mention. You still didn't say where it's at?

 

Go for the '97 and enjoy that intoxicating gear wine ...... without the unnecessary complexity of fuel injection.

(Carbs only get gunked -up by owner neglect and bad maintenance if they are not drained of fuel b4 storage.)

 

sooooo.. are you a 4th gen owner yet?

 

good topic,,,,options,,,,,comfort,,,,both are very good, 97 little sportier.......parts,,,no brainer, 03 wayyy easier, sound and joy of riding, hands down 97.


the rest is a personal thing....looks is in the eye of the beholder.


Personally the 97 would be my choice, but as stated earlier,,,check the tank!!!

 

Another vote for the 97!

 

I'm going to look @ the bike in a couple days,I have had some pic's sent to me, the bike looking awesome. I'm stoked and having troubles sleeping. lol!!

78 Edges..

 

lol, I was like that just over a week ago the night before going to get my bike. good luck man!

 

Recently, I sold my '02 R1 and got a '97 VFR w/ 17K miles for $2,500. I love it and will likely keep it until I retire. This thing is sweet. Owners of the '97 can't stop talking about it. You won't be disappointed.

 

gotta add my vote for the 97.........like having a two wheeled ferrari in your garage...now..if anyone has a mint 93?

 

Old post please delete!!