vfr 800 to rc 51?

For the longest time I have considered getting a rc 51. Unfortunately my finances and wife sort of limit me to just one streetbike for now. So to get one I would have to either trade or sell my mint 98 vfr . Now I really like my vfr and would just love to have both but its just not going to happen at least not until after the kids are out of the house. I'm just wondering has anyone else done that switch to an rc51?

 

I too had the same thoughts...rode a buddy's with aftermarket exhaust and PC...easily made my loins tingle, also caused partial deafness and wrist/hip joint pain that I contributed more to my 45 years than the 3 hour ride that I took on it.

Stunningly fun and beautiful bike that made me feel like I was a better rider than I actually am - just more that I needed then, and now.

 

Yep.

I sold my old '86 VFR700 outright and traded in my old '97 VFR750 toward the purchase of my '04 RC51. I still own the '03 VFR800 in the pic though.

 

I own a 2000 RC51, bought it brand new. They are great bikes but they're not in the same league with the newer twins. BTW, Stosh I like the look of the red tail on yours.

 

Thanks for the replys. If you had to give up your vfr for the rc though would you? I like taking 3 to 4 hour rides most Sunday mornings and all day rides when I have time and so im worried that I will be in so much pain from my neck and wrists after that long that I will really regret trading to one. Thanks again

 

Picked up a VTR last weekend for a buddy of mine and maintain another for a different friend and love the Honda V-twin but would advise you to be careful hoping onto one as the torque is serious and very deceptive by comparison. They power wheelie withoot the sensation of acceleration. Here is a pic of the one currently sleeping over.

 

Nope.

While the RC51 has bucket loads of personality,great heapin' gobs of torque,is lighter and more powerful,and is a fun little back-road scratcher the truth is that the VFR is a more refined,much smoother,way more comfortable,and better all-around road going machine by comparison.

 

It is what it is, and it's not real comfortable. A racer with lights. While I don't think 3-4 hr rides are out of the question if you're corner carving and moving your arse in the seat, the bikes relatively short range between fill ups allows you to relax just enough to keep having fun. If you wear leathers the seat is tolerable and I'd recommend a set of GP Tech adjustable clip ons. 2 bikes is better than 1 anyday.

 

I would say go for it!

But be weary about those 4 hour rides or all day rides...they might make for long days on the pure sport machine

 

Dont do it! They have a miserable first gear and were suited as track bikes. Colour fit and finish is top rate though. The charcoal/black is one of the most tasteful good looking bikes to come to mind.

 

They are track bikes, not comfortable at all. With only a 3.5 gallon tank, you are looking for a gas station about every 100 miles. It may get better if you get a gel seat, or something, but two up bike it is not. I've tried - borrowed a girl's RC once. It was a 2000. I do know of an SP02 for sale around here, lots of extras.....

 

Yeah maybe I should keep saving my money so that I can get one and still keep my vfr. I have never ridden one before but I knew on a short ride there would be no doubt I would want one. But its the 2 to 3 hour and all day rides that I don't think I would be happy with. I have always loved honda racebikes the rc 30 being on top of the list but the rc 51 is the only one within reach. I was talking with someone who had a 2000 rc51 and went to see his first. His was fairly clean but I don't think it was asclean as mine and he wanted my 98 vfr and 1200 to trade. I thought it was way to much not to mention I wasn't quite ready to see my vfr go away.

 

Mine is modded to the max, but it's for sale FYI.

 

What Stosh said. When I have the garage space and money I'd like to have a RC, it's a gorgeous bike, fun to ride and sounds great. But it will never replace the do-it-all personality of my VFR.