5th/6th Gen... which would you buy ...

Hi, I'm new to the forum and...

... I've decided to buy a VFR... but which one... I've heard from some to make sure it's newer than 2002 but I'm somewhat more tempted to by a 5th Gen ... If you were making the choice and money is an issue (don't want to spend over 4k if possible) which would you buy.

Lower maintenance is also a high consideration.

 

Wow! I do believe you have just started a HUGE debate that may go on for 30 or 40 posts....

First of all, great choice in bikes. The VFR is timeless.

The 5th gen DOES have gear driven cams...which every VFR has had since the beginning...
also the 5th gen does NOT have VTech, which some like, some do not

I personally own an 2nd and 6th gen. I have been on a yellow 5th gen and I thought it was my 6th gen without vtech, basically...

But to be honest, I only bought the 6th gen for her looks. Good luck and here's to many, many many more comments on this thread!

:cheersaf:

 

Does 7th Gen have gear driven cams, looking at the factory service manual, it would appear no?

 

I'll be watching this one. I, too, am looking at VFR's kinda in the same boat. Looking at 4th gen also, always liked the looks of those.

 

Well, if money was no issue, I'd say both!! I currently own a 6th gen and would buy another. I would also like to pick up a 5th gen because they are basically the same machine with small differences (like gear vs chain cams). I really think the 5th gen's are pretty sexy too. With cost in mind I don't think one is going to be more maintenance happy vs the other, but an older bike is bound to need more maintenance/repairs simply because of age and parts will become more scarce more quickly than a newer model. Also, you can pick up new and allmost new 6th gens now for dirt cheap (considering their original MSRP that is). I do belive this is another oil/tire thread in the making and should stir much debate with heated opinions on all sides. Either bike will be a fantastic choice and I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase. Good luck and good on you for having both your choices being a VFR!

 

agreed. Listen to this sober guy!

 

Grinning ear to ear - this is going to be a good one! IMHO - you can't go wrong with either one. Having started out with a 4th gen, I now have both a 5th and 6th. I only went to the 6th for 2 reasons: ABS and factory hard bags, neither available for the 5th gen. If you can find Beetle Bags for the 5th, you will be the luckiest guy on this site. :smile: The 5th has a bit more room under the seat - the 6th practically none. If you don't care about ABS and run soft bags or none at all, I'll take the 5th. Such a sweet sound. Styling is a personal preference. You get 2 colors with the 5th, but a whole bunch with the 6th. Now that Honda's gone away from the cam's gear drive, you're seeing 6th gen threads on clacking CCT's. Mostly an annoyance and an easy fix, but irritating (what the hell were you thinking Honda?) The 98/99's have no cat - the Y2K's and 01's do if that matters to you. Especially if you get the 5th, be sure to upgrade the wiring with the VFRness and get the Y2K mirrors for the 98/99's so you don't have to fiddle with the mirror condom thingy's. They're a PITA and don't look as good as the Y2K's mirrors. If you get the 6th pre-'06, be sure the wiring recall was done or have it done and even at that upgrade with the VFRness. There's a post on a companion site from a guy that bought a '98 recently with 2,500 miles on it (and unfortunately wrecked it) and there was one here in the NW on Craigslist in the spring that had 3,500 miles, so there are ultra low mileage 5th's around if you're patient. Tell us what and how you decide.

 

I have a 99 VFR800 (and a CBR1100xx, Hayabusa and JUST sold my 91 VFR750). I picked up the '99 VFR because everything I read said it was the best of all the VFRs, as Cogswell said, gear driven cams, no Cat & no pesky VTECH. You can't go wrong with a 5th gen. Take it from someone who bought one in pieces and flood damaged and still got her running smoothly, it's a tribute to a fantastic design.

 

If maintenance is an issue, 5th gen is probably a better choice. The VTEC engines are a lot more work to check valve clearances on.

 

There's been a few discussions on this already:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/general-vfr-discussions/29053-5th-6th-generation.html

http://vfrworld.com/forums/general-vfr-discussions/24930-6th-gen-vs-5th-gen-question.html


Here's a google linky if you want to search more: site:vfrworld.com 5th vs 6th - Google Search

 

I am very happy with the 5th gen I purchased, smooth riding and great looks and sound!

 

I'm on my second 6th Gen, but either is great to be honest. The only thing I would say is if you can get a later 6th Gen I feel there are two advantages:

1) The electrical gremlins were resolved by '06+
2) The VTEC kick in is at 7K rather than 6.4k.

Personally I prefer the VTEC over the non-VTEC...just because of that rush that I get out of a corner.

 

Rev, ya got it backwards. Pre 06' VTEC engages @ 7k, then they lowered it to 6.4k.

 

Given your requirements just get the best deal you can find on either one. Note, though, that the 16,000 mile service on the 6th Generation is relatively expensive.

 

The 5th Gens were the last "real" VFRs made (hee hee hee!). If I were you, I'd get the best of the 5th Gens, the '98 model. However, if you prefer erratic acceleration, a bunch of pollution equipment crap, or want ABS, a 6th Gen is for you (hee hee hee hee!).
opcorn:

 

I know a guy on another forum that made a 4th gen Frankenstein. Used a cbr 600 front and sides with a 6th gen rear with exhaust. Looks great.

The vfr1200 has gear and chains. Chains drive the intake valves, while gears that are part of both the intake and exhaust cams drive the exhaust cams.

 

so... I pretty much decided to pick up a 5th Gen but I'm frustrated... I can get a 2000 for around 4k ... or ... I can get a 2004 for the same or lower price... what gives???

 

Yep, pretty much as expected, really comes down to which one you want more. Just buy the one you like the color of better and stop with the frustration, it'll go away quick as soon as you hop on and twist that grip!!

 

Them 2000 yeller'ns seem to get a pretty price due to their rarity--the only year Honda made yellow. Plus, the 5th gens have the gear driven cams, and non-vtec (which people either love or hate). Get the '00--you'll love it.

I was able to find an extremely clean, nicely equipped '01. Best bike I've ever owned...(thanks Britt!)

 

Supply and demand... the 5th gens are generally more desirable and can get a better price even though they are older than the 6th gens.