Other V4 bike?

Nice! Here's mine. 2016. Named him Cujo. In the twisties, best bike I've ever had by far.
 

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Redneck said:
I have a ST 1300 and somewhat looking for a VFR, but which one?
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The 5th gen 800 (pictured) was manufactured between 98 and 01, with few changes (later bikes have cats and oxy sensors in the pipes). These were the last of the gear driven cam models, and somewhat prized as a result. These also introduced linked brakes to the VFR line, but no ABS.

The 6th gen from 02 used the same basic chassis and engine but switched out the gear drives for cam chains, added underseat pipes and bigger diameter forks, and uses the VTEC set up which runs as a 2 valve head below 7600rpm or 4 valves above that. There was a mid-life update in 07 to some electrical parts and to smooth the VTEC transition. ABS was an option. VTEC seems to be a love it or hate it thing, reminded me of a two stroke hitting the powerband.

The 8th gen 800 from 2014 kept the same architecture as the 6th, further refined the VTEC and had better suspension and brake parts (ABS and no linked brakes).

There's little performance or comfort difference between these, the 8ths are much better on fuel, and parts are harder to come by for the 5ths due to age and the short model run. The 5th and 6th gens both suffer from a few electrical issues (corroding earth connectors, failing reg/rects etc) and I've heard of a few premature cam tensioner failures on the 6th gens.
 
TerryS said:
The 5th gen 800 (pictured) was manufactured between 98 and 01, with few changes (later bikes have cats and oxy sensors in the pipes). These were the last of the gear driven cam models, and somewhat prized as a result. These also introduced linked brakes to the VFR line, but no ABS.

The 6th gen from 02 used the same basic chassis and engine but switched out the gear drives for cam chains, added underseat pipes and bigger diameter forks, and uses the VTEC set up which runs as a 2 valve head below 7600rpm or 4 valves above that. There was a mid-life update in 07 to some electrical parts and to smooth the VTEC transition. ABS was an option. VTEC seems to be a love it or hate it thing, reminded me of a two stroke hitting the powerband.

The 8th gen 800 from 2014 kept the same architecture as the 6th, further refined the VTEC and had better suspension and brake parts (ABS and no linked brakes).

There's little performance or comfort difference between these, the 8ths are much better on fuel, and parts are harder to come by for the 5ths due to age and the short model run. The 5th and 6th gens both suffer from a few electrical issues (corroding earth connectors, failing reg/rects etc) and I've heard of a few premature cam tensioner failures on the 6th gens.
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I may wait and buy a 8th gen. Deluxe , I can get a brand new 15 for around 7k or a lightly used 14 for about $5500. The price seems to be falling I may wait awhile. I found a well sorted 5th but it has over 55000 miles and they want $3000. The bike has many upgrades and appears to be well cared for.
 
ST Pili said:
Nice! Here's mine. 2016. Named him Cujo. In the twisties, best bike I've ever had by far.
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Mines 2016 factory also (but she’s named April). That’s the Puig sport screen you’ve got—does it make a big difference for highway?
 
Redneck said:
I may wait and buy a 8th gen. Deluxe , I can get a brand new 15 for around 7k or a lightly used 14 for about $5500. The price seems to be falling I may wait awhile. I found a well sorted 5th but it has over 55000 miles and they want $3000. The bike has many upgrades and appears to be well cared for.
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It does seem that VFR bike prices are converging.... I have seen 8th gen base at $6500 or less. And at the other end 5th gens are running $2500 - $3500 depending on condition. There's one for sale in VFRWorld with 17K miles for $3500, probly could grab for $3K. >>> Just a goofy note is that VFR guys are just as crazy than this ST crowd. The VFR forums are pure geekness. (Guess I resemble that remark!)

It really depends on what you want. I am the 5th gen addict, it has the best engine. But typically guys will extreem farkle them.. Suspension/Delink Brakes/Seats etc. (I'm guilty!) I hear on the VFR forums that the 8th gen is just a better bike all around, but I havent ridden one. - I was even thinking of getting an 8th and installing a 5th gen engine swap.

One thing I do know is that while other bikes do come and go, - I will never be without a VFR in the garage, I'm at 17 years and counting.
 
mello dude said:
It does seem that VFR bike prices are converging.... I have seen 8th gen base at $6500 or less. And at the other end 5th gens are running $2500 - $3500 depending on condition. There's one for sale in VFRWorld with 17K miles for $3500, probly could grab for $3K. >>> Just a goofy note is that VFR guys are just as crazy than this ST crowd. The VFR forums are pure geekness. (Guess I resemble that remark!)

It really depends on what you want. I am the 5th gen addict, it has the best engine. But typically guys will extreem farkle them.. Suspension/Delink Brakes/Seats etc. (I'm guilty!) I hear on the VFR forums that the 8th gen is just a better bike all around, but I havent ridden one. - I was even thinking of getting an 8th and installing a 5th gen engine swap.

One thing I do know is that while other bikes do come and go, - I will never be without a VFR in the garage, I'm at 17 years and counting.
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I'm also guilty of the farkle thing on my 800, with a CBR600F4i front end and modified CBR929 rear shock from DMr, and support any contention that the 5th gen is best!

My local dealer offered test rides on the 8th when it came out, and TBH I couldn't really feel any benefit from 15 years evolution compared to my modified 5th. About all was that changing gears felt tighter/smoother but I got the same once I replaced the clutch fibre discs. If you stay on top of the wearing items on a bike (bearings, driveline and suspension) they don't really feel worn out at all. I sold my 5G with 105000km and it still sounded tight and sweet.
 
I found a pretty nice 2000 model nearby for 3k but it has about 57,000 miles on it. The guy who owns it seems pretty OCD and has done about everything you can think of to it.
 
Redneck said:
I found a pretty nice 2000 model nearby for 3k but it has about 57,000 miles on it. The guy who owns it seems pretty OCD and has done about everything you can think of to it.
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Curiousity has the better of me... Did you just sign up at VFRWorld and looking at the bikes for sale? (Redneck1 ?) --- There's VFRDiscussion too... :cool:
 
TerryS said:
I'm also guilty of the farkle thing on my 800, with a CBR600F4i front end and modified CBR929 rear shock from DMr, and support any contention that the 5th gen is best!
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Mine has a VTR front end, traxxion valving, RC51 brakes, delink of course, Penske shock, and too much of a long list I have forgotten. - Agree, I am still at - 5th gen is best!
 
mello dude said:
Curiousity has the better of me... Did you just sign up at VFRWorld and looking at the bikes for sale? (Redneck1 ?) --- There's VFRDiscussion too... :cool:
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Yes , checking to see if any are nearby, I signed up awhile back and just got permission to post there.
 
Me_cmc said:
I just got a v4-powered Aprilia Tuono (in addition to my ST1300)—I’m just curious if others have done the same—or maybe an RSV or Honda VFR?
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had an 85 V 65 sabre, pretty fair bike, 89 v max lightly modified, had to 2nd gear in it ouch, 91 vmax stripped, lowered, built? i didn't do it but what a hot rod. big v4s are fun. all big bikes are fun, my small bikes 500 triple cow, rd400 were fun also.
 
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