HELP!! Plz advice on my very first VFR!

Hi every one, newbie here in this VFR community. :biggrin:

Looking at getting my very first Honda VFR and wanted to know if there is a "better" year model than another. how about features?. I have a '97 (30k miles), a '98 (19K miles), a '99(29K miles) and a 2000 model (12k miles). All these are equally equiped.

Can anyone tell me wich is "better" year than which- if there is such thing??

In doing the research I find that the '98 had more power (HPs) and therefore a higher top end speed (bikez.com) Is this sound right to you guys?? Also, what was the first year of the variable valve (VTEC?) engine? are they all fuel injection?? what about ABS, do all have them??

I'm replacing a 2002 BMW K1200RS for my daily bike but also have a 2004 K1200GT as my 'weekend' bike. both of these do have ABS so I'll like to have it in my VFR if possible.

Thanks everyone!

 

OMG, what a question LOL I mean there's no real bad one in the bunch. I take it by saying "have" means your looking at those you listed. probably in what you're comparing in form of the BMW you'll be happiest with an 05 or newer with ABS v-tec came in 02, IMO I like the 4th gen 94-97 more sportie of the bunch, even thou the 5th gen 98-01 has the better motor, there I said it

 

1998+ are fuel injected. I'd buy the '00 cause it has the fewest miles, and I could be wrong but I've read the rectifier probs were fixed this year.

 

I have a 6 gen (02-present) '07 RWB and LOVE IT. You'll hear some people complain about the V-TEC and the linked brakes, but I love mine. I don't think any of them are "bad" however if you want to ride it daily, I'd avoid the 1st gens. They are getting a little old and do have some cam issues which is VERY expensive to repair. I have an 83 1st gen, but don't ride it daily. ABS is an option even on the newest models. The 6 gens have the "Linked Brakes", but abs is still an option. As long as the bike has been properly serviced, I wouldn't worry about mileage, the VFR will run forever if well cared for.

 

just a thought

I too came from the BMW tradition. If you have ridden long enough you will notice that there is no perfect motorcycle.

The biggest difference between your K-bike and a VFR is weight and a much shorter wheel base. MY '91 K-RS had a wheelbase of 61.5" my present '05 VFR has a wheelbase of 57". The Honda will be much more responsive to turn in and the 150 pound weight difference will be much easier to handle once you adjust to the quicker response.

It took me a season to adjust my cornering lines. Oh yeah, and the bike is smoother too! Go V-4.

 

Mine is a 2000 800 fi, it has linked ABS, feul injection and is pre-VTEC. Very smooth and has all the power I need. It is what I have and what I would recommend.

 

The VFR didnt offer ABS until 2002 - please explain how you added it...

 

I may be misinformed. I was told it had it, but now that I look, I can't find it. THAT's IT, I'm takin it back! not really.:yield:

 

I think theres "pro's -N- Con's" for all of them. If it was up to me, I would pick the newest bike with the least amount of miles that I could afford. Good luck on your choice.
I did hear someone say that Black was the fastest color :bolt:

 

go for the '97 ......
the last of the carbureted VFRs ......and never worry about fuel injection problems and the added complexity and weight.( Maybe i just prefer using a screwdriver to a computer.)
the mileage is no issue on a VFR.
(It may not be wise to decide which bike based upon highest top speed.)
You should also know about the diversity of opinions here regarding VTEC, Fuel injection issues, linked brakes.
Some improvements did not improve.
However, coming off a BMW, i know that you are going for the newest one........enjoy it!

 

Depends on what you want.

The '97 is the lightest and most compact. No ABS. No linked brakes. No fuel injection.

The '98-'99 are often considered the best of the fifth generation. Fuel injected. Linked brakes. No ABS.

The '00 got an 'automatic' choke and catalytic converter. Some owners had problems with the choke, and others try to swap out their headers for older, non-cat systems. No ABS.

VTEC showed up in '02, modified in '06. ABS optional. Linked brakes changed slightly. OEM suspension improved.

The '97 is the sportiest but oldest/least sophisticated model. The '98-'01 had the loudest gear drive design. '02 and newer is probably closer to what you are used to coming from the BMW world.