Im doug and i have spent my 1st five years of riding on a 92 Suzuki GS500E that i rebuilt 3 years ago. This is a great bike and a fun bike to ride through the twisties and what not. After reading on the posts of bikes you want back, i can really see my foot in my neither regions down the road for selling it, but... I just graduated and started a new job and am wanting to move away from Suzuki due to poor representation at the dealers. I have heard lots of great things about the VFRs. I like to take long rides and want something more worthy of long trips than the gs500. There doesnt seem to be a lot of choices in/around St. Louis when it comes to VFRs. I will travel if i find that right bike. I like the stylings of the 4th and 5th generation bikes. I have never ridden a bike with ABS and am unsure about how it affects the ride. Also, the linked breaking system on the 5th gen doesnt seem to be too appealing. Basically, i would like to thank you guys for having so much info out there. I am curious as to any "thing" i should look out for or move towards with these bikes. any certain years that i should focus on, especially concerning the breaking and suspension and reliability. Thanks again and i am really gettin stoked to get on one of these bikes and see how we fit. Doug
I'd recommend riding more than reading to try to determine what you like since most of us have different preferences, body sizes, etc... If you can go try to ride bikes, then you'll be able to judge yourself. Look for used bikes you can test ride, since you have your license. Don't give up on the 6th generation until you ride and compare ;-) btw... whaddya think of the Fantastic Four movie ?
I finally was able to find two brand new viffers in a nearby town. i think next week i will go ride one, but brand new is too much $$ for me. It should be a good introduction though. Fantastic Four was a great movie. I thought they did a great job with the Silver Surfer. And man, its about time, ive heard for years that they were doing a movie with him and they finally did. hopefully they will follow the story line and keep him in the next few movies. my biggest concern on buying a bike is all this braking system issues and maybe even to an extent the variable timing on the newer models. I have heard (read) both good and bad things about both of these. but maybe i wont know until i try em out. thanks for the input, i really appreciate it. surf on (on the roads that is)
Welcome to the group. Nozzel has the idea, if you listen to us you'll see that none of us here think that there is a "bad" VFR. The best thing you can do is find a few models to try out and then make your own choice. We've got all sorts here: 1st thru 6th gen, ABS, NON-ABS, linked, modded, weekend riders... the list goes on, and on... Just make an educated choice and enjoy what you decide on. Have Fun...
There is linked brakes on the 5th gen ? Oh thats right i forgot I own a 5th gen and I dont even really notice it until I am in a Emergency braking situation. The VFR is a great all around machine with enough power to keep a smile on your face and if you just want to cruise it has comfort..Try it you will like it.
