Generation Difference Question

Well it has been a long time since I posted on this forum but now I am back in the hunt for my first VFR. I have been reading on here again but I thought I would ask outright what some of the basic differences are between the generations. Are the older generations much different in weight than the newer VFR's with larger engines? Is there a big horse power difference? When did ABS become available? Any recommendations for a first time VFR buyer?

It has been several years since I have ridden so it will take me a bit to get back on top of my game. I guess I am not looking to ride at break neck speeds on a regular basis, just mainly have fun and get good fuel mileage. The older VFR's are pretty reasonably priced so I will probably go that way for now but thought I would throw it out there for discussion.

 

I would have to say a general rule of thumb for buying a used bike, and the VFR is really no different, would be to buy the newest model you can afford given your price range. You may find that for the VFR, anything older than say the 4th gen (94-97) and you may have a lot more difficulty finding parts for the bike should anything happen. Fairing parts are more and more rare for the earlier generations and if you need to acquire spare fairing pieces even the 4th gen stuff is harder to find.

As far as horsepower goes, I can't really speak for the 1st and 2nd generations but having owned an 85 VF1000F (1st gen I think) and a 91, 97 and the current 2000 VFR I don't think there is a significant difference in power. The 1st gen VF1000F certainly had a fair bit of grunt but it had a 200 cc size difference over the others but it also lacked the handling abilities of the newer bikes as well.

My personal preference might be to stick with the 5th gen bikes and newer as they are still relatively affordable and you can still get a fair number of parts with relative ease. The 6th gen (starting in 2002) was the first model that offered ABS brakes and the 5th gen (98-2001) was the first model that offered the linked brakes. I can't say about the actual weight of the bikes but the 97 I had previously and my current 2000 VFR seem to be very similar in overall weight though I think the 97 might have FELT slightly more nimble. Of course I was also younger at that point so maybe it was a seat of the pants kind of thing.

Good luck with your search and no matter what year VFR you get, I think it could be said that you will be happy with the bike. Welcome back and don't forget to keep us updated on your search.

 

:welcome: back +1 on zoooom zooooom comment

 

Welcome & just my thoughts: 5th gen's engine has gear driven cams & 6th gen's have chain driven cams & VTEC...

 

Ditto Zoom-zoom

 

VTEC must be fuel injection? The gear driven cam must be the gear whine that is thought to be desirable by many, right? So new, I am not sure where to start!

 

VTEC disables 2 of the 4 valves per cylinder at lower RPMs and then enables them once RPMs reach a certain point.
The transition from 2 to 4 valves is supposedly better on newer 6th gen models than older ones.
The idea is to improve response at low revs but it adds complexity to the motor to enable/disable the valves.

The 5th gen has fuel injection. The '98 ('99?) model has a lever on the left hand grip for cold starting and later models do it automatically based on coolant temperature. The red 5th gens are '98-'99 and the Yellow ones are '00-'01. Any other color on a US 5th gen has been painted or the fairing was imported.

Where in Nebraska are you from?

 

Thanks for the reply. There is a lot to learn about these bikes, that's for sure. I live in northeast Nebraska near Norfolk.

 

CycleTrader.com lists one used VFR800 within 400 miles of Western Nebraska.
It's at SUN Enterprises in the Denver area. I saw this bike and it looked like it was in good condition.
They had a red white and blue one when I was there but it had a reserved tag on it so it must have sold.

2004 Honda Interceptor (vfr800fi), Denver CO - 110401632 - Cycletrader.com


*edit*
Here's one in Oklahoma.
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2008-Honda-Interceptor-VFR800-110685503

 

There are two listed in Nebraska on North Platte Craigslist.

 

This might help
Honda V-Four Motorcycles - road and race
and
Motorcycle Specs

 

The early 6 th gens had a factory recall for a wiring harness issue (2002-2004 I think) so you can check with a dealer to find out if it was performed by giving them the serial number on your bike. I don't think there was a time limit on the recall so I think you can get the recall done regardless of age if not already completed.

 

My recommendation is to look for a clean 4th gen for between $2200-$2800 with less than 40k miles. It's much simpler and easier to work on than later models, a very complete package, and SO smooth !!

FUel injection, who needs it ??

 

The Wikipedia entry for the VFR750F isn't a bad start for an overview. I'll try and write a summary of highlights here:

1st gen - older 16" front / 18" rear wheels, anti-dive forks
2nd gen - 17" wheels, regular fork internals
3rd gen - single sided swingarm, beefier 41mm cartridge forks, 'modern' tyres
4th gen - styling change and slight weight loss
5th gen - brand new design, fuel injection, linked brakes, engine as stressed member and derived from RC45 castings
6th gen - VTEC intake system, chain driven cam timing, factory pannier system, 43mm forks, ABS option

Finding a 1st / 2nd / 3rd gen in good condition is virtually impossible in AU, and low mileage 4th gens are getting rare. 5th gens are probably the value buy in our market right now.

I'd pick a 5th gen - although I'm biased as I ride one! For the same money I'd also recommend a look at the ZX9R, CBR600F4 (better suspension), and Triumph Sprint (gruntier engine).

 

Anyone have experience with the 1984 Interceptor 500? Found one ULTRA cheap. Just needs carb work and maybe a tire.

 

Where in Oz are you, azi? I'm in Melbourne.

Even the 5th gen is starting to get a bit harder to find in Oz now. However, I think it's the pick of the bunch: first one with EFI, easier to reach the ground than a 6th gen (I have short legs, so it's a consideration for me), no VTEC to kick in half way around a corner and put you off your line.

 

danny_tb I'm in Melbourne as well - SE / bayside area. Yes I agree 5th gens are starting to thin out as well but every now and then a nice one will pop up either at a dealer or from a private seller for $5k or less. I got mine from a dealer with 31000km, stock exhaust, new tyres and owners manual for $5k. Probably still $500-750 more than private sale equivalent but no stuffing around with rego transfer fees. Now and then I see 1 owner 5th gens pop up on auction and trader sites for $4k and they get snapped up quickly.

There is currently a 4th gen at a Melbourne dealer with 21000km and they are asking ridiculous money for it. Every other 1st-4th gen I've seen for sale are pretty much worn out chassis-wise.

The only other thing I'd mention to the original post author is that the suspension in all of these older VFRs would be stuffed by now. It wasn't that great when new either. Definitely factor in a suspension rebuild for your budget!