thinking about getting a VFR

[Alexey]

Sometime next year (maybe this fall), I'd like to get myself something that will do the following:

1. not be a constant project (like my EX's)
2. not weigh more than an Abrams M1 tank (like the BMW GS's)
3. not cost $200,000 (like the Ducs)
4. be good at long distance highway rides, as well as capable and enjoyable in the more fun roads
5. have a decent supply of parts
6. be good two-up and with luggage

The more I think about it, the more a pre-VTEC VFR seems to fit the bill. I looked around eBay to see what kind of prices they command nowadays and it seems they can be had for not a whole lot, though there weren't very many listed. Thoughts, experiences, alternative opinions?

 

[Razorback]

Being a Triumph guy, I would say that a Sprint RS would fit the bill nicely.

 

[CHUM]

i like my '98 VFR alot......got it last year with 7500 miles, Ohlin rear shock, Givi screen, corbin seat, helibars, micron exhaust and PC, never been droppped...along with a mess of other stuff for $4500......great bike...already put on about 7 thousand miles on her......

can't go wrong IMO......but, they're not really *sporty* looking.....even though they handle the twisties pretty good

 

[scotinexcile]

Why "pre-vtec"? Nothing wrong with the 02 forward. I have been riding mine for a couple of years with no significatn problems. Except the wiring recall that was done by honda for free
lots of good 03 and 04's for sale even the 07's can be had for a reallly good price if you know where to look
http://www.vfrdiscussion.comCan give you ALL the info you ever wanted on VFR's

Good luck

 

[yelow748]

Ducati in the http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240607&highlight=Ducati

Almost like mine

 

[mR.w0ng]

I don't think many people regret getting a VFR.

I rode a '97 around for the past 3 months...great ride.

It's a Honda, so give it gas and an oil change once in a while and you're good to go. The things just don't die. (Of course I take care of mine).

Whatever you choose, enjoy the

 

[AkatomboRR]

if you want a duc
someones selling a yellow ST2 in the moto forum
personally i got my eyes set on the 07 anniversary color edition VFR

 

[scotinexcile]

if you want a duc
someones selling a yellow ST2 in the moto forum
personally i got my eyes set on the 07 anniversary color edition VFR

Big Valley Honda in Reno have a 07 RWB x-rental in stock right now 4,777 miles on it and pretty clean. Not sure what they will let it go for

You could register it in Nevada and have me put the rest of the miles on it to get to 7XXX for before you register it in CA

 

[Eisernkreuz]

R1100S
R1200ST
R1200RT
K1200GT

You can thank me later

Then again, if you're going budget with a VFR, why not look at an FJR, FZ1, ZX12, etc?

 

[fezzick]

An excellent choice!

The 98-01 is the best VFR for a number of reasons.

1. The delightful "whine" from the gears that drive the overhead cams.
2. They don't have VTEC. This unwanted and unnecessary piece of automotive whizzbangery completely ruins the linear power curve for which the VFR is known and loved the world over. If you want a bike that is "doughy" under 7200 and then suddenly becomes a beast over that, then, OK.
3. Servicing costs. The VTEC model is hideously more expensive to service due to the VTEC and other added crap.
4. Appearance. The VFR cognoscenti call the 02---> model the "Origami". Styling IS an acquired taste, of course, but the angular look of the 02---> hasn't endeared it to the VFR faithful.

Overall the VFR is the perfect bike. It is not without coincidence that the 750 model won Cycle Guide's "Bike of the Year" competition 3 years in a row when the model was current.

Go for it.

****cough - of course I'm not biased or anything - *****

 

[Cold]

I've owned 3 and currently ride a 2001. I think they are terrific, reliable, fun bikes that can handle multiple roles with ease. I often ride mine to work, ride it aggressively in the twists, rides well 2-up, and can be loaded down and taken on a tour.

 

[nweaver]

If you are getting the 800fi (98-01), get a 98-99 over a 2000, unless you MUST have yellow.

The 2000 added a catalytic converter and runs 10 degrees hotter. Since the side mounted radiators are somewhat marginal on cooling at low speeds (25 mph), this can make a difference.

 

[Brown81]

R1100S
R1200ST
R1200RT
K1200GT

The last two are over 20 grand, the second one is the ugliest bike ever made, and overpriced as well.

Ok, ok the first one is pretty neat.:|

 

[Charmed]

One of my first street rides was a VFR...good bike. However, I wouldn't exactly say their not a heavy bike. I've seen guys get brutally thrown to the ground and then kicked by their VFRs. Its not light, but very smooth, comfortable and reliable.

 

[scotinexcile]

An excellent choice!

The 98-01 is the best VFR for a number of reasons.

1. The delightful "whine" from the gears that drive the overhead cams.
2. They don't have VTEC. This unwanted and unnecessary piece of automotive whizzbangery completely ruins the linear power curve for which the VFR is known and loved the world over. If you want a bike that is "doughy" under 7200 and then suddenly becomes a beast over that, then, OK.
3. Servicing costs. The VTEC model is hideously more expensive to service due to the VTEC and other added crap.
4. Appearance. The VFR cognoscenti call the 02---> model the "Origami". Styling IS an acquired taste, of course, but the angular look of the 02---> hasn't endeared it to the VFR faithful.

Overall the VFR is the perfect bike. It is not without coincidence that the 750 model won Cycle Guide's "Bike of the Year" competition 3 years in a row when the model was current.

Go for it.

****cough - of course I'm not biased or anything - *****

Blah, Blah, Blah 02 - 07 rules OK

 

[Karbon]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_VFR800

 

[AkatomboRR]

Big Valley Honda in Reno have a 07 RWB x-rental in stock right now 4,777 miles on it and pretty clean. Not sure what they will let it go for

You could register it in Nevada and have me put the rest of the miles on it to get to 7XXX for before you register it in CA

i dun kno you... i'm not gonna give you my bike to ride...

 

[PorradaVFR]

An excellent choice!

The 98-01 is the best VFR for a number of reasons.

4. Appearance. The VFR cognoscenti call the 02---> model the "Origami". Styling IS an acquired taste, of course, but the angular look of the 02---> hasn't endeared it to the VFR faithful.

Overall the VFR is the perfect bike. It is not without coincidence that the 750 model won Cycle Guide's "Bike of the Year" competition 3 years in a row when the model was current.

Go for it.

****cough - of course I'm not biased or anything - *****

Let's see - I had TWO of the 2001 model (loved them) and currently have a 2004.

The 2004 is a better bike. Not even close. More comfortable, better looking (IMO, natch ) and better performing. I agree the geared cams were sweet but wind 'er up to 4-valve RPMs and the music is plenty nice too.

Not crazy about the VTEC servicing, but that's a small sacrifice for a bike that is all-day comfortable with plenty of performance.

 

[Alexey]

Thanks for all the responses, everybody. I am more or less familiar with the model history, but I wanted to hear something a bit more from the VFR loving/hating horses' mouths. The reason I said "pre-VTEC" is because I don't like outsourcing standard service and upkeep on my bikes and I'd rather not deal with that particular system. The only other thing that gives me pause about the whole VFR thing are the side-mounted radiators. I always felt it was a particularly vulnerable place to put them.

 

[hophead]

I would say a red 01, but there is even a 97 on craigslist with only 8000 miles---if you don't mind the carburetors. I wonder though if Honda is coming out with an early release 09 this fall with a whole new 1000cc VFR? It's not like we would know beforehand whether or not they would do it.