Hey, I don't have a VFR... but I want one so bad! I was hoping to check out the site while I try to learn more about these bikes. Thought I'd introduce myself in the meantime.
Well, welcome, and good luck on your research. The VFR's are a really nice bike, very versitile too. The Do All bike, for most people. I've only had my vfr for about 4 months. I enjoy every minute in the seat!
Welcome to the site, I just bought our first VFR 4 days ago, so I have been scouring this site for all kinds of info. My wife had a 2005 Ninja 500 and I had a CBR 600F2 which we sold last year, then just bought this 1997 VFR. It's a great bike, good luck in your quest to get one.
You can't go wrong! I bought my 3rd back in march. I just had to have a 25th edition. Had my 86 700 for 11 years berore that and a 86 500 as well. If you want an opinion on the whole VTEC issue I LOVE mine it has my vote! I have put 6500 miles on it in just 8 Months.
I was curious about the VTEC models, I was thinking about trying to find a '98-'01 (5th or 6th gen?) They seem doable in the price range I'll probably be in because I can probably sell my 500 for around $2K and then add tax return money, who knows. There seem to be a lot of '97's for sale, any reasoning or just a coincidence? I would love to get an '02 so I can get the undertail exhaust and the VTEC, but if it's outta my reach I'm sure I could settle. I'm sure I can't go wrong in any case since they seem to get rave reviews from anyone who talks about them.
I got to tell you I sold everything I thought I could do without on ebay borrowed money from my mom and now have to watch every dime I spend and you know what I have no regrets. If you realy want it make it happen I don't think you will regret it eather.
Those 25th anniv editions are pretty f-in sweet. I would get a first gen, but I really don't like the headlight setup. Talking about it just makes me want one more!
98-01 is 5g. 97 is great year also, just different displacement, body style, slightly sportier ergo, no linked brakes, no fuel injection. You can't go wrong with 4,5, or 6 g if you don't go broke getting it. They are all very good choices. (of course the choice I made is the best :biggrin::biggrin
Aside from a few horsepower, carbs vs FI, no linked brakes (what are these?) and sportier ergos (which one is more sporty, later or more recent models?) Are there any benefits to one over the other? I know it's a vague question but I just want to get the best bang for my buck here. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Also are there any specific problem areas I should look for when I check one out other than the obvious (chain, sprockets, tires, brakes)? Thanks guys.
I might be single minded here but there is no other bike I would rather have than my 25th. As for linked brakes as far as I understand they are kind of like the valve on a car that sends pressure out to both wheels no matter whitch brake you are useing. So if you are one of those front brakers the backs come into play also. I heard of some guys disableing this. As for me I have been riding for over 20 years and they don't bother me any. As for looks judge for your self. This is my 25th with a few custom touches.
About a month ago, I had exactly the same questions you did. I was weighing up 4th or 5th gens. Didnt know which one to get, so I decided to test ride both bikes until I found one that was in the condition that I wanted, rather than ummm and arrrr, about what year to get. I wanted a bike that was clean, looked after, mint condition, and that had certain mods. The first one I came across like that, was a 4th gen, so I made an offer and rode home with it. The bike is awesome. Have not looked back. It's extremely smooth, comfortable, powerful and graceful all at the same time. Would I have taken a 5th gen if I had have found one in the same condition, of course. Would I have taken a 6th gen? Personally...no. I rode a couple and didnt like the feel of the VTEC. However others love the VTEC, so its really just personal preference. You cant go wrong with either. This is my first motorcycle, so I could not be happier. I will keep it for a long time. The 5th gen is more popular, as it has fuel injection, but is not a VTEC. Linked brakes started on the 5th gen. I cant remember which way it goes, however if you pull on the front brake, one of the pistons on the back brake will also activate. Could be the other way around though, however basically, pull on one brake, and the other one works to a certain capacity also, to help even out the braking. In relation for bang for buck, either a 96, 97 or 98 IMO. Funnily enough, in extremely good condition, they all go for about the same $$$$$. So, as many have told me, and not until I owned did I really understand. "Any VFR is a good VFR" My one piece of advice for you, would be to take a voltage meter with you when you check them out, and check voltage on the battery when the bike is running. Read up on R/R's. Huge problem area on VFR's. Besides that, they are bulletproof.
