91 VFR 750 vs 98 VFR800

Hi,

I'm looking at two VFRs to upgrade from my CBR250R.

One is a 91 750 that is at 65k miles, just had its 64k maintenance done over the winter and an aftermarket regulator/rectifier, completely redone electrical system. New front/rear shocks, full fluid flush, etc.. Bike is $2450.

Other option is a $3500 VFR800 at 38k miles, similar wiring/rectifier upgrade plus some nice touring extras like a rack, hard cases, windscreen, etc, all of this I would be putting onto the 750.

I was wondering if there were any opinions to a better option here - bikes are getting snapped up in my area at the start of this season so I was looking to lock in a good bike before they're all gone!

 

Condition, condition, condition. Both these bikes will go well over 150,000 miles. I would get the one with 35,000 miles though. I got two gen 3 bikes and am still in love :loco: cheers

 

Hard cases can be pricey, although a deal can always be found. So if you went with the 750, you could be spending $500+ on hard bags.

But it all boils down to personal preference and what style you like.

I normally don't comment on price, but the $3,500 seems a bit high for the '98. But its your money and if you like it, buy it and don't regret it. Its springtime, and like you said, bikes are getting scooped up quick.

 

I was thinking that if I put a touring windscreen, rack and hardbags on the 91 I'd end up spending $500-$750, maybe more. While I know there are deals out there I'd have to do quite a bit of searching.

I'm looking for a more general comparison - I feel like most I've read says 94-97 750 followed by the 98+ 800 before they went VTECH. I haven't seen any comparisons of the 90-93 vs the 98 era 800 really.

Overall it looks like both bikes are very well maintained and up to date on their maintenance - I'm more wondering what people feel between these two models in general, since both are in solid condition.

 

Here are links for reference. I have both of their ears and can take a look:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/4997853688.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/4986999743.html

 

Well, I never owned a 94-97, so I got nothing to compare it too.

As for the 5th gen - 98-01 - many people felt these were best years. Maybe I'm reading your post wrong, but VTEC didn't come around until 2002.

Your getting FI with the 5th Gen, vs. Carb for 4th Gen.
You get linked brakes with the 5th Gen. A poor mans ABS, if you will. Some don't like linked/ABS brakes, though.

If your asking what each of us would do, my vote goes to the '98.

 

Just saw your links. They are both nice and look clean. While I still like the 98 better, I never like when anyone selling something has to list all the "stuff" they did to it with prices. In my opinion, a lot of this is what's called...maintenance! That's right, you have to change your oil, chain, tires, fluids, etc. etc.in order to keep the bike running. So to say they are upgrades is a bit of a stretch to me.

Note he has the Lust lowering kit on it. If you're a short guy, great. If you've average height, you'll probably need/want to swap back to stock.

 

I am glad you posted this as I am looking for a newer for all my riding and save my gen 2 for "special rides". I have looked at a 94/95 , but am truly between a 98 or 2002. I hope to follow this and see some thought for us new VFR owners who have not had the luxuries of riding or owning many to inform us of what they had to offer...
Was ride better on certain? Power same or different? Handling? You get the point....
Good luck to ya!
And by the way I will have a 91 just to have one!!!!

 

One bike is in Seattle proper. The other bike is in Stanwood. An hour drive or ride. All the ads in the world don't mean squat until the bikes are checked oot.

What some folks gotta do is read the ads and try to differentiate "upgrades" from needed work.

 

yeh that 91 bike had a replacement shock, if you read carefully, the doode replaced it with another bagged oot unit from another gen3 bike, which really traslates into a worn oot shock. There is an "ass" for every seat, they say. Beside condition, condition, condition, location, location, location comes into the formula. If it don't run, be prepared to insult the seller with a low offer, just be sure to have your trailor hooked up to your car. Cheers

An 02 bike your getting alot more current/modern motorcycle which could translate into less time working on it and more time riding. Just food for thought

 

Ya know what man...you answered all for me. "A lot more current/modern motorcycle." 2002 it is for me...good luck Hark!!!!!

 

Thanks for the help, everyone!

I just today happened to find this one: http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/mcy/4990366500.html

In the "sweet spot" model range I was looking for, same price as the cheaper bike, but lower miles and with *some* of the amenities I wanted.

I think this will be my new bike for the season. Happy riding!

 

Sounds goood! Better jump on it fast. Cheers

 

Nice. Hope to a pic of you with it soon. Seems like a nice bike and a great buy!

 

98 looks very nice. Just owner with high AR index.

 

Why not look for a 06 vfr it is the best year only the 7th gen is maybe better, my 9 year old bike has 8200 miles on it-look for low miles around $5000. what a deal for a bike that can do over a 100,000 miles.

 

Not a fan of the look of the 6th ot 7th gen. The main reason I've been looking at gens 3, 4, and 5 is the reliability of an old Honda means I can get quite a lot of bike for a small amount of money, provided it has been well cared for.

Unfortunate news is that I missed the sale on the $2500 4th gen so I'm stuck looking again.

There are a few up in BC that I could ferry back to the States, but importing a bike sounds like a pain.

I guess it's time to keep my eyes open and keeping looking for a deal sub 4k.

 

If you don't mind a little road trip look at craigslist in further areas. You'll find one