Trading 2008 KLR650 for 97 VFR good idea?

I have found a very nice 97 VFR with 16k miles and all factory service up to date. Not a scratch on her. Looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Not farkled in any way. Would this be a good trade? My KLR has 10,650 miles and has scratched up lower fairings from the PO.

Not many people wanting to trade a VFR for a KLR!:crazy: This fellow is looking for a change. I have never owned a VFR but have drooled after them for a long time. Been riding street bikes for 26 years.

Chris

 

Hands down, a no brainier, for a VERY FINE RIDE.

 

I would do it in a heart beat...........97 is that a 5th gen......? That a beautiful bike
I will trade you my Duc for your KLR

 

The guy was asking $3500 for the VFR and I was asking $3600 for my KLR. The VFR was taken to the dealer for every scheduled maintenance based on miles or time. It really is sharp. It's prettier than my KLR, that's for sure. When I looked through the classifieds, $3500 seems a little above average but the bike is definitely above average in condition.

chris

 

What are you waiting for go get it before it gone. Where are you at Chris?

 

I'm in what is normally sunny and warm southeast GA, near Jekyll Island. Not too warm right now though!
chris

 

Man that is a good deal, both bikes are great. The 08 KLR was redesigned to be better at touring and I believe they even increased the tank size to something like 6 gal. My club members ride KLRs and they are really fun bikes and easy to maintain. The 97 VFR is a 750cc carb 4th gen bike and to me is the last gen of the VFR that was race oriented (just my opinion - I have a 5th Gen 2k Yellow VFR). Personally I would sell the 08 KLR for the price you listed and that may be enough to find a 5th gen 800cc VFR with fuel injection (again just my opinion). I know of three dealers who have 98 and 99 5th gen VFRs on sale for $3k - $3.5k with 12k - 19k miles. Just call me greedy, but either way you cannot go wrong!!!!

 

Keep us posted of your find.......................Good luck.

 

Well Doh, you better have that VFR in the garage by now. Right?

BTW $3500 is very fair for a clean 4th gen.

 

i paid 3200 for my 97 with at the 58,000 miles on her all maintance records up to date also i would trade the klr ina heart beat the 97 vfr is a great ride i put 27000 on mine last year

 

Good luck Chris. Take it for a ride. You should test ride a 5th gen as well.

I've owned both: the 4th gen is smoother, lower riding feel, has carbs you want to keep clean and a great looking profile.

The 5th is a little roomier (if you're tall), punchier engine, fuel inj., LBS (which I don't mind) and more aftermarket parts options.

Either one you'll want to get an exhaust to hear the wonderful music.


I wonder what responses the same question would get on a KLR forum:biggrin:

 

Keep them both!

I have a 2003 KLR and a 2003 VFR800. They are dramatically different bikes. The VFR makes the KLR seem like a stone age relic, but the KLR does what it is meant to do without any fuss. On a typical day I have to think for aminute which bike to take out!

Enjoy the VFR,

John

 

I agree with John (above). Go for the VFR! I started on a 2006 KLR and after a Kawasaki Z750S went to the VFR (2007). For me it was the perfect move but of course the two bikes are soooo different. It should be pretty clear if you are a street rider or not.
But there is nothing like riding in the dirt too...

 

Thanks for everyone's advice. We couldn't meet this weekend because the owner is out of town on business. We're going to meet up next weekend and trade. I'll attach pics as soon as I get her home.
Chris

 

Awesome deal. Enjoy it.

 

Anyone here near 6'4" riding a Gen4 VFR? On rides over an hour, how does it feel to you? Do you get cramped? I'm 6'4" and 250# and I'm worried about the suspension and comfort for the times I might get to ride over an hour.
Chris

 

An Hour is Not an issue.............You will be fine. Make sure chain, Tires pressure are good. Check the oil level as well.

 

Yes - you will be fine. I'm 6'2" and about the same wt. I rode my 4th gen 6+ hours/day a few times. It wasn't a big deal.

 

I'm a hair under six feet, and I weight between 185-195. Comfort is not a problem for me.

 

I upgraded from a BMW F650GS to a '97 VFR (15,800 miles for $3000). My BMW and the KLR are in the same class. The VFR handles like $hit in the dirt, but on the highway, the VFR will make your draw drop! It really is that stunning of a difference. I still long for another dual purpose motorcycle, but I'll never replace the VFR....I'll just add another bike to the stable. I am 5'7" and my girlfriend and I can ride the VFR all day will only my boys being sore from her squishing me when I stop. These are great bikes Chris. It has left me wanting not.