Please help newbie decide between vfr750 and vfr800

Hi all, please excuse the probably already tired subject matter of the post!

I have been riding an sv650 for a year until it got nicked, bastards, now I'm looking for a new bike and have settled on a vfr.

There is an 800 near me low miles and nice extras for £1850 but 5 previous owners which is giving me some reservations.

Alternatively there is a nice 95 750 a train ride away with a complementary service ore pickup for the same moolah.

I will be using the bike primarily for rippi around London but want to be able to take it further a field on the weekend, say down to Cornwall for example. (300 miles +/-)

I have heard the 750 is slightly sportier and am keen to improve my twistie shredding skills so may be leaning this way as I have heard the 800 is a bit of a pig and quite heavy but as I am a compete novice I don't want to go on this alone,

Would really appreciate some advice from the seasoned riders!

Thanks in advance,

Sam

 

Welcome to the nuts house. I would get the 800 since it is newer easy to find replacement parts and the 800 got a few more pony.......Just my 2 cents

 

:welcome: I would definately go have a look at the 800 before writing her off because she's been previously loved too much. VFR's are kinda piggies in general, they've not been the lightest bikes through the years. They are more of a gentlemens sport bike with one helluva sexy ass V4 powerplant. I'm sure you'd have a hard time going wrong with either girl, but getting eyes and butt on bike should help you make a better decision as to what is best for you.

Well, that was greatly unhelpful wasn't it...................:doh:

 

Welcome!

Yes the 800 can be kind of a pig...but its still got a lot to love. I would ask that you consider that the same $$$ is being asked for bikes that are nearly 10 years apart (not sure what year the 800 is). Just as a casual observer I would at least give the new one a shot because it's newer and the same $$. Also consider the differences in appearance and the whole Vtech conundrum. (it doesn't bother me a bit personally)

Good luck and ride safe!

 

I have an older VFR (93) and a newer VFR (07) and even though there isn't a huge difference in weight the older bike definitely feels more sporty and easier to flick into the corners. With that being said I would still take the newer bike because it is fuel injected and has linked brakes and parts are much easier to find. The only downsides on the newer bike for me are the VTEC engine which I find annoying and the higher maintenance costs especially valve checks. I'm sure you would be happy with either one.


Rollin

 

Thanks a lot for all the quick replies! Very helpful..

The 800 is a 98 plate and has fsh but I think is due it's 24000 mile service, any ideas how much this might cost me as don't want any nasty surprises!

The flickability is definitely a factor that might swing things towards the 750 but I take the point about the oe parts.

Just to throw a spanner in the works I just had a call from a cbr600f owner who has now muddied the water.. Any thoughts on these given I will mostly be city commuting / weekend riding, and only doing long distance a few times a year?

Argh! If only my local dealer had all three!

 

CBR or I4 in general have little personality.One can get bored rather quickly.I had SV650 before and bought 98 VFR800.VFR is happiest going fast and preferably long distances.
750 has carburetors 98VFR FI. FI are lot easier to maintain (generally zero) With Power commander you can custom map to suit your needs usually after exhaust change etc.
I read that Honda FI on early VFR800 are some of the best.
On weight once moving it disappears.On plus side that extra weight stables the bike on higher speeds.

 

Appreciate all the feedback, still on the fence, just love the 750 styling!

Going to see the 800 tomorrow, I'll let you know if she swings me!

 

1998 is pre VTEC and much less maintenance happy/expensive and much less pain in the arse to do valve checks on since you don't have to disassemble everything just to check em.