VFR vs. SV, Triple, Others?

The SV series is a great bike for those on a budget or someone getting back into riding. They are the spiritual successor to the japanese UJM with the benefit of being a modern day Lego bike. You can go full on track bike or naked adventurer. Truly one of the greats. However, they are basic and they have their own glaring faults. Electrical system and suspension being the top of the list. It's like riding a pogo stick with a stator that could go out at any time with no warning. And while they are fun, neither the 650 or 1000 are what I would call grin inducing.

The triple is a wonderful engine with tons of character and reputation. I don't have any personal experience with them, but they do have a loyal following.

The 5th gen VFR is a bike that has been out of production for 15 years and even now magazine reviewers are comparing modern bikes to it. The amount of character in that engine is enough to share with 2 more bikes! Plenty of tractable power perfect for highway, mountain, sweepers and even commuting. There really is nothing the 5th gen cannot do. It isn't a master of any of it, but it will happily do all of it. Yes it is heavier than the SV, but you won't get blown all over the highway when a truck passes you. The sound of the V4 with even the cheapest aftermarket can is enough to bring a smile to anyones face. Of course the suspension and the R/R are the weak points, but the fix for the R/R is relatively easy and well documented. The suspension is not as bad as the SV, but it does need upgraded to fully appreciate the bike.

There really is no way to describe the 5th gen adequately in words, you really need to test ride one. Best of luck to you!

 

Ya know a 2000 Super hawk wouldn't be a bad way to go. Funny how this model get misplaced. They're not a vfr but a tad lighter, great engine, a bit more sporty , easily can do a weeks worth of being in the saddle. I'd say hell ya go check em out. But man, still be hard to beat a VFR, it's the engine and how it all comes together. Just saying, but note, there are a few here that own both.

 

This is the only reason I dont own a Super Hawk.

 

That's a great reason, and more of the same in an updated package. I've always said Honda should have installed the RC51 engine in place with a SSSA

 

Sniper has a Duke in his living room?

 

Walk out basement. They come in in the winter. 599, Interceptor, Super Duke. The 929 is way up front by the fire place. They were all bought used, in good condition. The Interceptor definately needed some help, tho. I rejetted the 599. It also got an Ohlins and SS brake lines. Nice little old scool bike. The 929 is just about too nice to ride. It belongs in a museum.

 

You take that whole, "If you're cold, they're cold" thing serious man.

 

Its not so much the temperature, but the humidity. Why would one prefer his investment be in a garage, on in a pole barn, where cold, then warm causes condensation? Electrical connections start to corrode, causing all sorts of problems. Exhaust pipes, chains, foot peg return springs, begin to rust. Besides, i think they're all works of art. I like to look at them.

 

What year 929? I've almost pulled the trigger more than once, on one of those 2000 white ones

 

"looking for something for less than 3 or 4 hours, fun on back country roads, and capable of eliciting an ear-to-ear grin"

That doesn't sound like a VFR to me. That sounds like a naked (Tuono or Speed Triple or etc.) or a supersport (take your pick).

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The 929 is an 01, red and black. Bought it from the original owner, who was about 55. It was in north east Ohio. It had less than 3000 miles on it when i got it. Bought it in April 16. $4500. It still has the bar code sticker on the back fender.

The original tires wre dry and hard. I changed them out. Put an Elka rear shock on it because i couldnt find an Ohlins. Ill keep the original shock. It has a new Shorai. I forgot how nice the stock exhaust sounds.

I am not exaggerating when i say it looks like it never left the showroom. I am not worthy..... This one is mostly for looking at.

The Interceptor is a more comfortable motorcycle. Its nice, but has its cosmetic flaws. Its to be ridden.