2002 to 2008?

Gang,

I have a 2002 now and am looking at a 2008 that has fewer kms and comes with ABS. Downside: I have OEM sattlebags and the 08 doesn't (different colour bikes, too).

Is it worth the $ to go from a 2002 to a 2008? I'm talking roughly ~2k-2500$ in the difference, after taxes are paid...

Thanks!

 

Personally I'd rather stick with the bike I'm familiar with, especially if I'd be missing equipment on the new bike. Don't know how big the difference is in kms is though, or whether you really prefer the color of the new bike, or have any issues with your 02 model.

 

I've owned the bike for 2 years and I know that the previous owners did not take care of the bike (dirty, chipped paint on rims from where they must have changed the tires themselves); The 08 has about 10k less kms and has ABS - the ABS is really what I'm after; and the 10k less doesn't hurt... I could keep the bags on my bike (black vs grey) and use them...

 

You could definitely keep the bags.

I think ABS was about a $1,000 USD option when new. So that means about $4500 in Canadian used.

Its your money. Don't let anyone tell you how to spend it. If you like the newer bike, I say go for it.

 

I'm with Pliskin, it's your money spend it how you see fit. If ABS is important and the bike looks like a good deal, I don't see why you shouldn't buy it. One thing to note though, the 2006+ have a different VTECH RPM engagement than the 2002-2005 models, not that it's that major but it was one reason the PO of my '09 traded it in, he didn't like the new lower RPM engagement point (6400RPM on 06-09 vs. 6800RPM on 02-05). Otherwise they are pretty much the same bike, although I don't remember if the later models had any recalls, I think after 2006 Honda got things sussed, might be something to look into before you pull the trigger.

 

They are identical bikes so bags can move over (just repaint them). Besides the wiring being slightly better, post 06 bikes have only ecu firmware differences. So no difference between a pre 06 bike with the wiring fixed.

My 07 came with abs. Only used it once and I dont know if it helped any. I didnt crash so never gave it a second thought.

Im with the guys above, its your money. Im just trying to provide some info.

 

I bought the bike. It's newer, one owner, service records available and comes with a trunk that has a backrest (great for my kids)... going up six years with a known history for under 2k was worth it to me Thanks for the input! Will post pix once I have it (next week).

Cheers!

 

I think you did well.
If you're happy with the model, why change to something different.
I have a 2001 with 74,000K's, and when it gets over 100,000K's, I'll happily look to swap it for a lower K model for $2000.
I have a lot of extras, but can easily swap them over to the new one.

 

Congrats. Enjoy it. And post up pictures.

 

I'd be interested to hear your opinions about the differences between model years once you've had a chance to ride it.

 

Absolutely! I'm picking it up either tomorrow or Monday (of course the impatient part of me wants to go tomorrow ).. give me a few days - say a week or so, to get a feel for the new one and then I'll be able to give a more detailed overview.

 

Alright - FINALLY had a chance to take my 2008 for a ride. How to describe the ride... in a single word: tight. The 2008 feels tighter - I seemed to be able to maneuver it easier in the twists and turns. The vtec transition is much smoother - it still revs up and you have the sound, but it's not a jolt like it is on the 2002.

Overall, the differences are minor - the specs are the same but I am a big fan of the Battlax BT023s after today's ride (though it's a toss-up between that and the Pirelli Angel ST (on the 2002). Not sure what the weather is for tomorrow, but I might take'em both out for another ride My project for tomorrow is to put Heli's on.. yeah babey!

Was it worth the upgrade? For a 2k difference it was absolutely worth it! I now have a bike that I intend to keep - period. It won't be leaving my stable anytime soon

 

After buying the viffers I come to realize I have no desire for a all out sportbikes when the viffer can do 99% of the things just as good but with more comfort and utility. Now I been on a hunt for another clean 00-01 5th gen but they are getting harder to find at a reasonable price.

 

I look at bikes a lot as well and agree... I don't want a sport bike and I don't want a touring, the VFR is the perfect combo - it gives me the looks of a sport bike with (most of) the comfort of a touring bike. I do have an 02 for sale, but it's a bit far for you to travel :grin: