This is my first post in VFR World. I don't yet have a VFR but am very much interested in getting one for an all-rounder that I can depend on. I'd like to be able take off for a 300-400 mile day and not worry about reliability. I also want to be able to go for a spin in the twisties and one day to have my wife join me on a weekend trip. The VFR appears to be ideal for all of those purposes. BTW, my wife won't ride with me right now because she says, "Our kids need at least one parent alive." I call her "Sunshine." But I can't argue with her logic. Once the kids are out of the house, then she says she will ride with me. I haven't ever owned a modern bike. You might have seen in my signature that I am a vintage bike guy, but lately I've wanted to try something with more modern, suspension, brakes, and performance. And as I said previously, I want to be able to take off for a long ride without worrying about reliability. Since I don't yet have a VFR I will probably be lurking more than posting as I learn all I can about this bike. I'll try to post a pic of one of my bikes but if I fail on the first try I won't be trying again tonight as I have things to do.
:welcome: to the nuts house bugsee :wave: Well you have come to the right place :thumb: Let us know what you have in my, which gen and budget so we can guided you to the right direction.
Thx, Scubalong. Let me answer your questions. I've started out looking at the 5th gen VFR, which as I understand it is the 1998-2001 pre-VTECH 800I. That seems to be within my price range of under $3,500. Occasionally, I see a 2003 VFR800 in that range as well. As I have been looking at CL I've also begun to consider a 4th gen--750 without FI. I wonder if it will be nearly as good. Sport-touring is the idea and the 5th gen seemed ideal. Ultimately, I want to do some 2-up riding. Issues I see frequently in the CL ads is cracked fairing, sometimes around the turn signal, and most often scuffed up fairings. I've always had naked bikes so this seems like an added expense in the event of a drop over. Also, I wonder about availability of fairings, etc. When an ad lists cracked fairing is that something to avoid like the plague? Are there cosmetic fixes for that if it isn't around a mounting bolt or headlight/turn signal? I suppose I can find those answers in the forum some where when I search. But that is a concern I have as I look for a new-to-me bike. I never really liked bikes with plastic before but the VFR has grown on me. I am also comparing it to a Triumph Sprint.
Welcome to the forum bugs! As I'm sure you'll quickly learn from this site, the earlier generation VFR's have had electrical issues that need to be straightened out. Once that's dialed in, you'll find these guys and gals on here with super high mileage and great ride reports proving the reliability of these machines. Comfort-wise, the VFR is really nice when compared to other, more sport-oriented rides but you'll definitely be in a more aggressive position than the naked classics you're used to. Depending on your body type, you might find that changing out the seat, adding risers like Helibars or changing out the rear sets might add to your comfort. Then again, there are plenty of people for whom the stock configuration works out fine. I find my 6th gen to be more of a SPORT-tourer as opposed to a sport-TOURER. Having seen Derstuka's 5th gen, I'd say it's the same there. No doubt, you can definitely do two up on these but our wives have given less than stellar reviews on the comfort of the pillion. There are some good seat threads on here along with just about anything else you want to know about the VFR. I've owned a number of bikes before this, including a ZX6R which was incredibly fast and light and amazing in the twisties but had a horrible low end and comfort was something that just couldn't find its way into a sentence describing the ride. I love the torque and feel of the VFR in the low and mid ramge. And, even though it's not all day comfortable - at least not without some serious modifications - it's worlds above a true sports bike. I, too, love the classic looks of the old naked bikes. I always admired them, and still do, but never owned one. I opted for the new CB1100 which maintains that classic styling but comes with all the modern perks and reliability. So, now I have both the VFR800 and CB1100. The CB is more comfortable, keeps me upright, also has a great low and mid range but can't compete with the VFR when it comes to power, acceleration and handling in the corners. Good luck to you. I hope you find what you're looking for. I think if you factor into your budget enough for a few modifications, you'll be really happy with either a 5th or 6th gen. There's a lot to be said for the earlier generation VFR's too!
Excellent info, mentallyguitarded. Thanks. Yeah, I figure some helibars or other risers would be in the plans, though I'd try it without first--probably a sargent seat and some rear sets. I need to go test ride a VFR to see if it's what I am looking for. I'll be looking around the forum to gather info.
older riders? Are there any gents on here who are over 50 yrs. old? I am 51 and 250+ lbs. How do you older guys find the ergos of the VFR and how long can you ride it? I've heard it described as "all day comfort" but a previous poster says it isn't quite that comfortable. At this point I don't really want to "settle" for a Bandit, but that may be a better fit. I don't know. It's just that when I started searching for info on the best sport-tourers the VFR was at the top of most reviewer's lists.
I am 60 and just finishing my first season with the 98 VFR. I found it on CL with 3500 miles and paid 3 thousand. No cracks no issues at all with new tires and fresh fluids all around. I have had zero issued with it and have almost doubled the miles. I put a seargent seat, used heli bars, a used Givi wingrack with 35 litre topcase and 21 litre side cases. I split commuting duty between it and my old BMW r100RS. The BMW fairing is far warmer during the winter months! Seating position is roughly the same between the bikes but the BMW bars are very thin. Meaning it's like riding with your hands in a bucket. Heli bars are wider. I have had 2 herniated disks in my neck and I have no problem with the seating position. The helibars are really not much higher or farther back then stock but there are two generations of heli bars and the newer may be different or mine may be the newer I don't know. Forget rearsets. I see no point in that. With the seargent seat my girl is comfy in the back. She prefers the VFR to the BMW surprisingly. I do have a back rest on the top case though and I had one on the BMW as well but have removed it. The center stand is great though poorly designed. But still a wonderfull thing for chain maintenance. More later if you need, must run to work!\ Jim Additional from work! I looked at some bandit 1200's before I got the VFR. I even was going to buy one but the guy couldnt find the title. I love the motor on those things. But I love the VFR. It is my most modern bike as well. The other bike I was looking at was the triumph Sprint ST. I like the older ones with the rounded fairing. But still I'm very happy with my VFR. Hell it's just broken in!
Excellent review. This is the kind of info I find helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience, the mods you have, and the opinion of your pillion rider. I believe my wife would feel much more secure with the top mount case with a back rest. Sounds like you got a good deal on a low mileage VFR. The 5th gen for 3 grand or less is really the kind of deal I will be looking for when I am ready to pull the trigger. And BTW, I don't consider you to be an "older rider." :wink:
Well I am over 50 and feel every minute of it. My one worry for you would be the rear suspension. Being a big fellow you may need to wind on some extra preload. I am not a demanding rider so much, and I think my suspension is a dream compared to what I am used to. Many people say the VFR suspension is a weak point but mine is so well behaved I am very happy. I might also say I have no idea if it has been upgraded in the last 16 years! I doubt it but I don't know. I am 185 and ride it just as I got it. I add my 150 lbs of pillion and some stuffed bags and she starts to show some signs of needing more preload but I dont push with 2 up and havent bothered changing anything. Maybe my miles are so low the stock shock is not yet clapped out. Not sure but it works great for me. My bike also came with a new set of Dunlop Q3's. These tires are so sticky it's crazy. They would not be my choice on paper because they probably won't last long but my god she handles well with them. The fifth Gen also has the linked brakes that so many complain about. Mine work fine and I have no wish to de link them. They do add complexity but it hasnt been a problem for me. I dont think the VFR is a cutting edge sport bike but mine will go fast as hell and handle like a sunofabitch if I ask it to. And I guess I do ask pretty often. I have spent about 5 hours in the saddle at a time which is a lot for me as I am mostly a commuter. But after 5 hours there were no complaints from my ass or my girls ass. That much time on the BMW and my girl complains a lot. Good luck to you. PS. The big bandits are pretty damn cool bikes as well but if I were to look at something else at this point it would be the Sprint ST. Very nice with integrated luggage possible. They are also close to your price point but seem to fetch a bit more mile per mile. The 5th gen VFR has no factory luggage options. Shown is my bike on Block Island this past month. I need bigger side bags for any serious cruise but these work well for commuting. I do love the bike.
Excellent once again, Jim. Thanks for the pic. Your bike looks ideal. I can always upgrade the suspension (or lose weight... nah, definitely upgrade the suspension).
