Need purchase advice - 91 or 96??

Guys, I'm new to the site, but need advice badly and QUICK!!

I've got an aging pearl white 86 VFR that I'm redoing (myself) - it's going to take a few months or more. I'm looking at a newer VFR to have a summer rider.

Here's what I've worked out:

1991 with 25K on it for $2300. Good condition, but I'd paint it after while to make it mint again. Vance and Hines, otherwise stock. Would have to put down the cash TONIGHT to get that price.

1996 with 22K on it for $2800. Two brothers exhaust and jetted. I have to wait for an EBay auction to end to get this one, and it's not done for a week yet. IF it doesn't meet $3K reserve (or $3200 buy it now doesn't take it), I can have it at that price.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO? I love the look of the 91, but I've been told the 96 is the better bike. On the 96, the plastics are in a little better condition. Mechanically, the 96 will need a front tire by end of the season, that's all I see. 91 needs nothing today.

HELP!!! I think both bikes are a real good price considering it's spring. I'm leaning toward the 91 this morning (last night it was the 96). What would you get and WHY? THANKS GUYS!

 

The 96.
4gen bikes just looks better.

 

The '96.

Fewer miles, TBR and jetted? Great price, too.

 

I say '91 all the way. I fell in love with the Gen 3, years ago and have never gone back.

If you paint the '91 to the '93 color scheme (Pearl Crystal White)
It will be faster...adds like 50hp !!!!!

...Or maybe I'm just bias.

 

Non-Functional NACA duct on the 4G adds 52 hp.

Forget the Pearl White... :wink:

 

The '96 is better all-around and easier to work on, better availability of used parts.

 

Got the 96

Well, the 96 was getting away. Fast. The guy had people calling from other states trying to set up dates to see it this weekend, so I ponied up $3K for it. Still a good price in my opinion. Everything is done, even carbs recently cleaned (with receipts), so I'm good to go. It is so much cleaner than the 91 (and more original with lower miles) I could easily justify that extra $700 for it.

Thanks for the input, although I have to admit I suspect the bias runs EXTREMELY HEAVY in this forum for whatever color and year you own. :biggrin:

 

It was 3-1 for the 96!
Congratulations!

 

I thought I should add some balance to this topic...go with the 4th gen. Why you ask? Don't ask questions, just go and get it.