What to do...what to do...2012 Ninja 1000 or newer VFR800...??

I think I'm going to move on to a newer machine. My 98 although still a great machine, is getting long in the tooth and I don't have the time, expertise or money to get it to the condition I want it to be in. So I've been eyeing up a 2012 Ninja 1000 ABS...I noticed that an 08 VFR800 is almost the same price.

I've also been looking at 04 VFR's...I think my hesitance underscores my fondness for my 98.

As always, I value all input...

 

Have you check the insurance for the Ninja 1000.
I would go for the 08 VFR for reliable and low cost insurance. Just my 2 cents

 

Yeah, not sure your age, but N1K insurance is insane. I can fully insure a VFR1200 for about $900 a year. On a new N1K insurance companies wanted anywhere from 6k-12k a YEAR. Kawasaki insisted on using ZX in the VIN# and most insurance companies don't understand that the bike isn't a ZX-10, and just a faired Z1000.

 

I've got a 98 VFR also, and simply love it.

My best mate was in the market for a new bike in 2012. He test rode several bikes including a new VFR and a new Ninja 1000. He chose the Ninja because of the more upright riding position and he didn't like the power delivery of the VTEC.

He has ridden my bike several times, and in his opinion it has a better note and power delivery compared to the new VFR. His comment was that he now understands why the 5th Gen has almost a cult like following.

Last month we swapped bikes on a recent ride. I found the Ninja very much upright in riding position, and the curves of the tank very nice to tuck your legs in. Very responsive in terms of throttle response (first downshift I blipped the throttle as I always do on the VFR, wasn't exactly elegant). The Ninja is very smooth and nice to ride. But when I hopped back on my VFR, it was like that well worn comfortable lounge chair - I felt instantly at home, comfortable and felt like the bike is right for me.

The Ninja is a very smooth and quick bike, but does lack that lumpy V4 sound.

After riding both bikes, my analysis was as follows;
- the 98 VFR is like a mid-eighties or nineties small block V8. Plenty of character and soul and powerful enough with a nice note to boot.
- the Ninja is like a 2012 turbo charged 6 cylinder. Smooth, quiet and deceptively quick

All depends on what you want, but definitely ride both bikes as they are chalk and cheese.

EDIT: And yes for me, the Ninja was a lot more expensive to insure.

 

Well put...I will definitely ride before I buy. As far as insurance, I spoke to my broker last Friday and they call it a restricted bike and won't insure it. Yet on Saturday I got an online quote from a company for nearly $200CDN less than my 98. I pay $1118/ye and the online quote was $965. I was hoping that it wasn't a thousand dollar discrepancy. There is plenty of snow on the ground so time is all I have to "scheme."

I am a half century old.

 

Buy the Ninja 1000 and keep the VFR. You will love the Ninja. As for insurance, get a quote. Different states or providences may price the insurance differently. In Massachusetts, the insurance seems to be based on the replacement cost of the motorcycle not the model.

 

You mean...Buy the Ninja 1000, keep the VFR and get a divorce. The 98 must be liquidated so says the Minister of Finance. =)

 

If you owned two motorcycles you probably wouldn't have time for a Minister of Finance
John

 

No doubt!!

Turns out...I'm getting hosed by my insurance company. $1118/yr for my 98. I called the company I did the online quote with and they'll insure the 2012 Ninja 1000 for $848 and if I keep my 98 they'll insure it for $604!!!

That takes the insurance consideration out of the equation. Unreal.

 

Yah you are getting hosed as all Canadians are when it comes to insurance.

My 07 is $450/yr full coverage with TD Primmum. Of course some grey hair and a clean record help too.

 

You likely have a few more grey hair :wink: and have been licensed longer than me because those last figures I quoted were TD Canada Trust/Primmum.

 

The Ninja is a good looking bike, first time I saw one in the wild I had to do a double take. The color in the link is the best withoot a doobt.
http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&b...ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:0,i:109&tx=110&ty=71

 

weird the insurance for my 500 is $131.00 a year and when I asked about a 99 VFR I was quoted $168.00 a year for basic insurance with Fire and Theft. But I agree with most here take the ninja out for a test drive and if you can get it for a 48hr test do it.

 

Damn snow...it hangs around far too long up here in northern Ontario. I can see myself buying a machine before it melts...have to resist the temptation of a "good deal."

 

I found a 2002 VFR800A in mint condition 27,000km's, asphalt black, factory luggage, top case, new Pirelli Angel ST's, throttlemeister, powerlet and fully serviced and certified for $6500CDN...is that a deal, about right or off by a few bucks?

 

I know you Canadian's always seem to pay a little more.

27,00 kms isn't much at all.

Did the "fully serviced" include a valve adjustment? That's usually about $600+. And while lots of guys seem to not do it a 27kms/16000 miles, its good to know.

Might seem a tad high overall, but that could be our USA pricing that we're used to.

Bottom line: Its your money. If you like the bike, don't let anyone tell you how to spend it.

 

I will sell you a 2007 for $7000 if that gives you any idea.

I wouldn't pay more than $4k for a 2002.

Check these out,
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcd/4242098498.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/mcd/4271713331.html
http://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/4239897024.html
http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/4251125827.html
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/4236907125.html

Check this 08!
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/4254115483.html

2002 for 3K
http://annapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/4242671472.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/4273941875.html
http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/mcy/4264924412.html
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/mcy/4212504311.html

The point being that there are plenty on the market just south of the border and you will save thousands! It costs $200 to import a bike plus gas to go get it.

 

Ah crap....I mean 2004... :uncomfortableness:

 

I'm still another 8-9 hours north of you Jethro....time being money it would "cost" me a few $'s to get down there. I know I should widen my net some but it seems like such a logistics nightmare to get anything done from up here.

 

Whats new? Everyone gets hosed by insurance... I'm still getting hosed by insurance now. They're killing me right now too..