Who's ridden both...4th gen and 5th gen?

I’ve been thinking about changing from a 4th to a 5th gen. Am I waisting my time? I haven’t ridden a 5th gen. So I go by research. I pasted an article below I found which seems to sum up what I’ve heard.

I’m a little cramped on the 4th gen at 6’2”, especially in the set to peg height. Is a 5th gen any better?

Several 5th gens have popped up on CL and got me thinking.

Is it worth all the effort and money – are they really that different or are the differences somewhat subtle.

I do know my 4th gen is smooth, has no issues and I’ve been through it head to tail

Should I fagettaboutit and save for a 2010 VFR1000!

Any advise from people who have ridden both would be appreciated.

Thanks


Quote

I own both a 97VFR and a 98 VFR. I ride both, and love both, but they are different machines.

Talking stock now, the 97 seems lower, wider and softer feel, and I believe handles better in the twisties, IMO.. But the 98 has the 180 rear tire, where the 97 had only a 170. So theres a little more bite on the back of the newer one.

Suspension is changed/ different on the 98. Has a taller/stiffer feel and a harder seat. The 97 is lower/ softer with a softer seat. Also 97 has adjustable preload on rear shock, , with nutdriver.. 98 does not. have to move the spring nut, and it's more difficult.. Forks are similar..

So depening on your build and riding style. ???

I have taken road trips on both of them, and aside from the harder seat usually opt for the 800 on longer trips.., Little more upright riding postion mostly and rubber footpegs.. Little things that make a difference to a 2000 mile in a week trip.. I just ride all day till it hurts.


I thought getting the 98 I would just sell the 97, but it's soo smooth and nice, I just couldn't part with it....

Both have been a dream to maintain, keeping chain adjusted of course.. but it easy to do even on the side of the road.. I'm just now coming to 16k miles and due for valve adjustments on both, but aside from a water pump leak once on the 98, haven't had many problems.. Only other issue is the operating temps.. Side mounted radiators on the 98 seem to run more on the hotter side in slow traffic, or hot weather.. it's just not as efficient as the 97.. takes longer to cool down when you get moving again.. I don't really like any bike to run always on the hot side, so I added a manual switch to turn on the fan when I want. but the fan fights the ram air so you’re better to have it off at speed. I'ts never overheated, but I think its a slight flaw in the design.. but never seemed to cause a real problem.. I jsut keep an eye on it. Both bike will cook till the fan comes on in traffic, but that what the fan is for... temps are the same for the fan switches, but the 98 as digital gauge.


If you not over 5'10'' tall I think you'll be plenty happy with a 94-97 they are smooth and fun. but if your 6' tall you may fit better on a 98-01. The FI on the 98 gives a littler jerky ride especially shifting with passenger, on hard acceleration, trying not to knock helmets, but does have a little more snap to it when you roll into it.. I think it's a little faster... Both sound sweet with a slip on pipe.. 97 may have to be rejetted.. 98 FI should handle a pipe with no tuning changes.

Hope this helps your decision... If you buy a higher mileage bike, (either) listen for valve clicking noises at idle.. aside from usual cam shaft noises. Hold clutch in to hear the engine better at idle. If noticeable, you will need a valve adjustment, check maintenance records if possible.. Oil changes regular are important, but the engines are strong and reliable. I know bikes with 50K plus still slugging it out..



UNQUOTE

 

I've owned both. 5th Gen preferred.

...except for styling. I do like the 4th gen look, but as far as riding it and maintaining it, 5th gen is my preference. "Looks" is way down my priority list

 

I've put over 150,000 miles on 4th ('96) and 5th ('00)gens and prefer the 5th gen.

Both are great bikes and when properly tuned and maintained, are very similar in performance.

I think the 5th gen looks better, and I like the FI, as opposed to carbs.

My .02 cents. YMMV

 

I've ridden both. The 5th is smoother, faster & better. If for no other reason, I would recommend the 5th for the fuel injection alone.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

whats this Bryan no :strong:6th gen on the list

 

Pfff wait and see what the 7th gen will be like, I've rode both have a 4th am 6'1" don't have any trouble 400 mile days are a brezz. Carbs are smoother, 4th is more sportie, mm it's a wash power wise. even thou some say it's noticeable, I beg to differ. I'm not seeing it, even thou I have a friend up here that used the same shop dyno and he has 4 more hps than me. that and I don't care for the linked brakes.

 

We need some variety in the pack of 6th gens around here !


Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

i wouldnt say that the 5th gen is more comfy...it's actually smaller....my knee's rubbed on the fairing....the seating position is some what more cramped for us taller guys( im 6'4")and the suspension does not handle bumps mid corner as well as the 4th gen does...the fi is poop unless you use a pc3 with a good map...then still it's not as smooth as the carb's...and the heat.....it will cook your rump in stop and go traffic...the 4th gen gets warm but nowhere near as hot....after owing both for more than 25k miles each...then selling them...i went back with the 4th and wouldnt trade it for a 5th or 6th...its a keeper this time! hope this helps

 

Around Phoenix where heat is a major factor, the 4th gen wins. It runs cooler in traffic. The 4th gen is easier overall to maintain. (on the rare occasions when it is needed) I had no problems at 6-1 and 230 doing all day multi day runs on the 4th gen.
1 radiator, no linked brakes, easy suspension adjustment, smooth carbs, less electrical issues, cooler running. I like the 4th gen.
It's your money, do what YOU want. (But I wouldn't get rid of the 4th for a while, you might want it back.)

 

Here is something I posted on another forum outlining my experiences whe I was looking to change my 4th gen 97 VFR. It was entitled 'Have You Ever Made A Mistake?'

I suppose that this is by way of a confession?

As some of you know, I own a mint 1997 VFR 750FV. I bought it new and since then I have fitted a Dynojet kit, Ohlins suspension and a K&N filter. As a result I have managed to eliminate the 6000rpm dip. It runs well, goes like stink and corners as if on rails.

Then came the divorce and the 50 something syndrome. I thought things like "I need something more comfortable at my age" and "I'm getting too old for this, it's time I slowed down."

I was lucky enough to meet someone new who is also into bikes; so, off I went on a voyage of discovery..............

First, I got a BMW 1200GS, a bike I had always wanted. I had ridden a few and had always enjoyed the ride. However, long-term ownership proved to be difficult. I could not get rid of the screen buffeting even though I had forked out loads of cash on replacement screens. The GS handled well and was very comfy but no faster and handled no better than my 10 year old VFR? So, I got rid and lost £800.

Then came the XRV750 Africa Twin. Very comfortable but was so way down on power that two up, a six speed push bike would pass you going uphill. So, that went and believe it or not, I made £600.

Lastly came the Triumph Tiger 955i. I was seduced by the price and comfort. A great bike; don't get me wrong, powerful and very comfortable. It does not corner as well as my 750, is way more comfy and to be honest, is a far better tourer. However, I am already fed up with it, so that is going too. Early indications are that I will lose about a grand, so an expensive lesson.

Throughout all this, my trusty VFR has sat in the corner of the garage. Not a single moan or complaint, although I swear I saw a tear in it's eye when each arrived, or was that condensation in the headlamp?
So, how many of you have made a mistake? I know that each bike is different, maybe more powerful, more comfortable or handle a bit better, but how many can honestly say that the new bike is a better all round package than the VFR? I can't, can you?

So, lesson learned, no more messing for me. My trusty VFR and I are together for a very long time, well until I'm 60 anyway.

Here are some pics of the bikes for you to take a peek at.

 

Looks like I'm keeping the 4th for a while. The 2 5ths on CL (that were reasonably priced) are gone now anyway.

I appreciate all the info. Thanks.