Hi all New to the forum but not to riding. I currently have a Honda VTX 1300C but am considering adding an additional ride to the stable. When I first started looking, my wife said dont sell the VTX - keep it! I said "What, I can keep it?" She responded with "Yes!" Even my girls said - dont sell the VTX! My girls and I take occasional but nothing too far, just cruising. I have been looking at the 2006 - 08 VFR's but recently rode a 2014 VFR and WOW - I liked it. Now the decision time... I use my bikes to commute on and my ride time is ~45min plus I take the occasional trips to the mountains and coast. I have been looking at FJR's, ST1300 and 1200RT Would like to hear your input, thanks. Sean
If commuting is your main mode of riding, I wouldn't bother with the big bigger sport tourers. The ones you listed are all excellent bikes, but they are too heavy for regular commuting. The VFR800 however will fit that bill perfectly. You can ride it a couple of hours to where you want to start tearing up the roads, then cruise back home without hurting like hell the next day. Me personally, I am not a fan of the 6th gen (02-09) characteristics. I prefer the 5th gen (98-01). The 6th gen is sexy as hell though. And since I don't care for the 6th gen, the new '14 doesn't do anything for me either. Hopefully someone with more experience on that bike will chime in. But it has the exact same motor and frame as the 6th gen.
:welcome: to the nuts house :wave: If you got $$$$ go for the 2014 if not stay with the 6th gen :thumb: Perfect bike for commute, I used mine every day.
I got my low mile 5th gen for commuting. Added bags and top box, Sargent seat and helibars and have a great time riding to work and back. I just don't want one of those huge bikes though I looked at them very seriously. I would go VFR or triumph sprint ST. But I found the 98 VFR with 3500 miles dirt cheap and grabbed it. Never looked back! Great fun strong running bike.
Thanks ... Talked to shop on this one < http://www.texasbestusedmotorcycles.com/2006-Honda-VFR800-Mansfield-Texas-76063/5296401 > even got them down to 5k with free shipping to NC but something told me to wait. My local Honda has offered me 4.5k for my VTX and that's $500 less than what I paid for it 2yrs and 18,000 miles ago I am getting closer Cheers Sean
As someone who has a 5 Gen and 6 Gen, for the commuting and touring needs, I use the 6 Gen and I love it! For play and pure fun I use the 5 Gen. Not that neither could do the others task, I just chose to setup them up that way. With the VTEC motor, on the 6 Gen I can cruise under 6k RPM and let the bike putt along and when I hit the twisty roads, I take it above 6400 RPM and let the fun begin. I found it to be a great dual personality bike, plus there seem to be just slightly more after market accessories available for the 6 Gen but not like you can't find stuff for the 5 Gen, just seems that the 6 is still kind of a current generation.
Welcome aboard. Can't help you with your choice exept to agree with OOTV in that the 5th gens are now 15yrs old (I know they are reliable and will go forever). A late vtec model with all the kinks sorted out would probably be your best bet. BTW, congrats on choosing a great wife!
After 23 years of marriage...it's cheaper to keep her! As much as I would like to have multiple rides I am considering selling my VTX. I test rode the 2014 VFR today and it was nice and the dealer is motivated to sell a DLX at a dealer incentive pricing. Hmmmmmm! Thanks again for the input Sean
I would go for the 2014! But then again I'm a little biased ;-) I can vouch for both the 6th gen and the 8th gen. They are both great bikes. As much as I loved my 2007, I have no regrets trading it for a 2014. I just have so much fun in the canyons on the 8th gen.
Well I just recvd a phone call that my new VFR is ready!!! I will pick it up at lunch time and will post some pics then. Thanks Sean
Exciting times ahead! Congrats! I think the 8th Gen looks fantastic. I love what they did with the front end.
Well, I must say, this was a very good day and the weather was perfect. I wish I had done this sooner. Here she is, all I am waiting are the hard matching bags
