Author Topic: New VFR800F VS VFR1200 (Read 1435 times)

Orson · « **on:** May 13, 2014, 10:40:24 PM »

Any thoughts or perspectives on the new VFR800F vs the VFR1200?

I see the new VFR800 comes with heated grips. As a Guzzi owner, I find 100 horsepower to be plenty for sport touring duties.

I appreciate any views on why you might choose one over the other.

spinalator · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2014, 12:40:08 AM »

Begone you troll, I vanquish you from these parts! Poof!

Orson · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2014, 12:56:56 AM »

No, seriously

I'm fixing to retire to the US hopefully before the end of the year and am in the market for a US based sport tourer

Jim · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2014, 01:11:58 AM »

Between the two...
Range?
Weight?
Bag options / availability / cost?

The main point I'd want more HP (or a better power to weight ratio) - the ability to dispatch a quick pass - then back to cruise.

Orson · « **Reply #4 on:** May 14, 2014, 01:20:45 AM »

My Guzzi has +/- 85 horsepower and I've never had a problem making quick passes.

Now torque, I like

I don't think range is an issue for me cuz after about 150 miles, I'm looking for an excuse to pull over and stretch.

st2sam · « **Reply #5 on:** May 14, 2014, 06:10:22 AM »

I vote for the 800.

It's cheaper, is better equipped (deluxe model), better MPG and range per tank.

The only disadvantage IMO is chain drive, but the single sided swing arm helps and is a big plus.

You ride solo, IMO plenty of power with the 800.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2014, 06:25:30 AM »

Norge?

Orson · « **Reply #7 on:** May 14, 2014, 07:00:14 AM »

Quote from: st2sam on May 14, 2014, 06:10:22 AM

The only disadvantage IMO is chain drive, but the single sided swing arm helps and is a big plus.

Thanks! I'd forgotten that the 1200 wuz a shaftie. You can't sport tour without a shaft drive.

That might be enuff to seal the deal.

CLAY · « **Reply #8 on:** May 14, 2014, 07:18:00 AM »

If the 1200 had better range it would be so tempting to look for a used one...

Dan K · « **Reply #9 on:** May 14, 2014, 08:24:08 AM »

Quote from: CLAY on May 14, 2014, 07:18:00 AM

If the 1200 had better range it would be so tempting to look for a used one...

When have you ever really needed more than 185 miles out of your bandit?

marc11 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 14, 2014, 08:24:19 AM »

Quote from: CLAY on May 14, 2014, 07:18:00 AM

If the 1200 had better range it would be so tempting to look for a used one...

Are there used ones? I kid I kid....

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

spinalator · « **Reply #11 on:** May 14, 2014, 09:05:43 AM »

I bought a leftover new 2010 last summer for about 8K below the original MSRP (Cdn), the dealer had put OEM heated grips on too, so there are some deals out there if you keep looking.

Pluses: shaftie, torque, hard bags, refinement, fit and finish.
Neg: had to add the center stand, honda mapped the first two gears lower than they needed, tank could be bigger, fuel gauge is calibrated weird.

Aftermarket has huggers, fender extenders, seats, windshields, throttlemeisters, exhaust, bags, helibars, lower pegs, super bike bar kits, tank grippers. Don Guhl has successfully cracked the Honda ECU to remap the fueling, top end, when the thermostat kicks in, and all the other things the ECM does in these modern bikes. Bazazz and PC V are available to people unwilling to play with their computers.

When I was looking, the 800 was a rumor but not real yet, I would like to ride both back to back to see how they compare. I will say the more I ride the 1200, the more I like it. YMMV!

M.Brane · « **Reply #12 on:** May 14, 2014, 09:33:40 AM »

If I had to choose between those two it would be the "new" 800 since it has a proper chain final drive. Having a shaft failure on a trip would suck too much to chance it.

motormike · « **Reply #13 on:** May 14, 2014, 09:42:22 AM »

I wasn't sure if this was a troll poll or not. I'd have to ride both before I could honestly answer. Saddle bags would be a factor if you intend to tour.

I'd be happy with either but cost would also factor in for me. I'd take a leftover 2012 VFR1200 at a deal over a 2014 VFR800.

The VFR1200 has a DCT option but I'm not interested in that.

2RR2NV · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2014, 09:43:30 AM »

I'd have a hard time going with the 800 since the looks... grrr... but the 1200 is no looker either. I would love to have another 800, but torque is so addicting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

chornbe · « **Reply #15 on:** May 14, 2014, 10:06:36 AM »

The 800.

The 1200 still seems to have a complete crisis of purpose and personality to me.

$.02

Black Hills · « **Reply #16 on:** May 14, 2014, 10:20:13 AM »

FJR

Orson · « **Reply #17 on:** May 14, 2014, 11:01:41 AM »

I've done the inline four thing so, looking to try something different.

spinalator · « **Reply #18 on:** May 14, 2014, 11:09:25 AM »

Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 09:33:40 AM

Having a shaft failure on a trip would suck too much to chance it.

Huh? Shaft drives have been around a long time, or are you speaking with direct experience with the 1200?

M.Brane · « **Reply #19 on:** May 14, 2014, 11:17:03 AM »

Quote from: spinalator on May 14, 2014, 11:09:25 AM

Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 09:33:40 AM
Having a shaft failure on a trip would suck too much to chance it.

Huh? Shaft drives have been around a long time, or are you speaking with direct experience with the 1200?

I just like the idea of being able to see what kind of condition my chain is in instead of wondering what my shaft is like inside that housing, and yes the VFR1200F has had shaft failure issues just like many other shafties.

I really don't mind spraying some chain lube on at the end of the day.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #20 on:** May 14, 2014, 12:24:00 PM »

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/4434277053.html

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Vulcanbill · « **Reply #21 on:** May 14, 2014, 12:26:35 PM »

but if it was my money... that's a lot of accessories you could buy w/ the savings and I'd take the gear driven cams over the steenking vtec version every time.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/4463183407.html

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Black Hills · « **Reply #22 on:** May 14, 2014, 12:53:18 PM »

Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 11:17:03 AM

Quote from: spinalator on May 14, 2014, 11:09:25 AM
Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 09:33:40 AM
Having a shaft failure on a trip would suck too much to chance it.

Huh? Shaft drives have been around a long time, or are you speaking with direct experience with the 1200?

I just like the idea of being able to see what kind of condition my chain is in instead of wondering what my shaft is like inside that housing, and yes the VFR1200F has had shaft failure issues just like many other shafties.

I really don't mind spraying some chain lube on at the end of the day.

yea, too bad I can't get a car with chain drive...

M.Brane · « **Reply #23 on:** May 14, 2014, 01:02:00 PM »

Quote from: Black Hills on May 14, 2014, 12:53:18 PM

Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 11:17:03 AM
Quote from: spinalator on May 14, 2014, 11:09:25 AM
Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 09:33:40 AM
Having a shaft failure on a trip would suck too much to chance it.

Huh? Shaft drives have been around a long time, or are you speaking with direct experience with the 1200?

I just like the idea of being able to see what kind of condition my chain is in instead of wondering what my shaft is like inside that housing, and yes the VFR1200F has had shaft failure issues just like many other shafties.

I really don't mind spraying some chain lube on at the end of the day.

yea, too bad I can't get a car with chain drive...

Why in the hell would you want that? You can actually see (and service) the driveshafts on most cars it's not hidden inside a housing.

Ask anyone who's had a sudden catastrophic shaft failure on a bike how much fun it was, and how cheap/easy it was to fix. I've rarely hear of anyone having a sudden catastrophic failure on a properly maintained chain.

Black Hills · « **Reply #24 on:** May 14, 2014, 01:08:23 PM »

Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 01:02:00 PM

Quote from: Black Hills on May 14, 2014, 12:53:18 PM
Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 11:17:03 AM
Quote from: spinalator on May 14, 2014, 11:09:25 AM
Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 09:33:40 AM
Having a shaft failure on a trip would suck too much to chance it.

Huh? Shaft drives have been around a long time, or are you speaking with direct experience with the 1200?

I just like the idea of being able to see what kind of condition my chain is in instead of wondering what my shaft is like inside that housing, and yes the VFR1200F has had shaft failure issues just like many other shafties.

I really don't mind spraying some chain lube on at the end of the day.

yea, too bad I can't get a car with chain drive...

Why in the hell would you want that? You can actually see (and service) the driveshafts on most cars it's not hidden inside a housing.

Ask anyone who's had a sudden catastrophic shaft failure on a bike how much fun it was, and how cheap/easy it was to fix. I've rarely hear of anyone having a sudden catastrophic failure on a properly maintained chain.

oh, you would be surprised, I've seen several broken cases from a chain failure. Why would a shaft be any more prone to failure than say the transmission/crank/valve train? not picking on you specifically, just wonder the thought process behind some of these things? I prefer a chain (gearing options) but why do people have this fear of technology on bikes, yet would accept nothing less in a car?

chornbe · « **Reply #25 on:** May 14, 2014, 01:14:23 PM »

Guys.... Guys.... Not the point of this thread.

Cookie · « **Reply #26 on:** May 14, 2014, 01:19:56 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on May 14, 2014, 01:14:23 PM

Guys.... Guys.... Not the point of this thread.

You new here?

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

Black Hills · « **Reply #27 on:** May 14, 2014, 01:39:33 PM »

Quote from: Cookie on May 14, 2014, 01:19:56 PM

Quote from: chornbe on May 14, 2014, 01:14:23 PM
Guys.... Guys.... Not the point of this thread.
You new here?

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

Cookie · « **Reply #28 on:** May 14, 2014, 01:49:45 PM »

Quote from: Black Hills on May 14, 2014, 01:39:33 PM

Quote from: Cookie on May 14, 2014, 01:19:56 PM
Quote from: chornbe on May 14, 2014, 01:14:23 PM
Guys.... Guys.... Not the point of this thread.
You new here?

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

Cheers!

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

motormike · « **Reply #29 on:** May 14, 2014, 02:01:09 PM »

^ Stripes, is that you?

Meemuh · « **Reply #30 on:** May 14, 2014, 02:02:55 PM »

Quote from: Cookie on May 14, 2014, 01:49:45 PM

Quote from: Black Hills on May 14, 2014, 01:39:33 PM
Quote from: Cookie on May 14, 2014, 01:19:56 PM
Quote from: chornbe on May 14, 2014, 01:14:23 PM
Guys.... Guys.... Not the point of this thread.
You new here?

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

Cheers!

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

You're an ass...
I mean that in only the nicest way.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cookie · « **Reply #31 on:** May 14, 2014, 02:13:04 PM »

Hardly Stripes and thank you.

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

Cookie · « **Reply #32 on:** May 14, 2014, 02:14:37 PM »

I like the sound of the 800 as far as the content of this thread goes. I say it whenever a debate comes up over which bike to ride. I'm a whore. I'll ride anything.

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

M.Brane · « **Reply #33 on:** May 14, 2014, 03:02:31 PM »

Quote from: Black Hills on May 14, 2014, 01:08:23 PM

Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 01:02:00 PM
Quote from: Black Hills on May 14, 2014, 12:53:18 PM
Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 11:17:03 AM
Quote from: spinalator on May 14, 2014, 11:09:25 AM
Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 09:33:40 AM
Having a shaft failure on a trip would suck too much to chance it.

Huh? Shaft drives have been around a long time, or are you speaking with direct experience with the 1200?

I just like the idea of being able to see what kind of condition my chain is in instead of wondering what my shaft is like inside that housing, and yes the VFR1200F has had shaft failure issues just like many other shafties.

I really don't mind spraying some chain lube on at the end of the day.

yea, too bad I can't get a car with chain drive...

Why in the hell would you want that? You can actually see (and service) the driveshafts on most cars it's not hidden inside a housing.

Ask anyone who's had a sudden catastrophic shaft failure on a bike how much fun it was, and how cheap/easy it was to fix. I've rarely hear of anyone having a sudden catastrophic failure on a properly maintained chain.

oh, you would be surprised, I've seen several broken cases from a chain failure. Why would a shaft be any more prone to failure than say the transmission/crank/valve train? not picking on you specifically, just wonder the thought process behind some of these things? I prefer a chain (gearing options) but why do people have this fear of technology on bikes, yet would accept nothing less in a car?

How many of those broken cases were from a poorly maintained chain or one that was run far beyond it's useful service life? Have you ever seen the remains of a bike shaft after it fails? For that matter have you ever seen a bike shaft? They are tiny little suckers with non-serviceable joints.

Comparing automotive driveshafts to bikes is pretty much apples to oranges. Fear of technology has nothing to do with it. I simply prefer to be able to tell the condition of my final drive at a glance, and replace it in 30min for $300 when it's due.

tyrroneous · « **Reply #34 on:** May 14, 2014, 03:26:47 PM »

Shafty/Chain drive ~~argument~~ discussion aside, I'd go with the new 800 based on the fact that it has less weight. The engine and main frame are basically unchanged from current gen VFR's. Having put nearly 50k miles on a 6th gen VFR, I know that its comfy enough and handles well enough to be a pleasure to ride whether the road is super twisty or super-slab. I'm also pretty sure hard bags and top cases are factory options for the new VFR 800. So no concern there.

spinalator · « **Reply #35 on:** May 14, 2014, 04:27:59 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on May 14, 2014, 12:26:35 PM

but if it was my money... that's a lot of accessories you could buy w/ the savings and I'd take the gear driven cams over the steenking vtec version every time.

The 1200 does not have the Gears, but it is not a VTEC, if I am reading things right. The new 800 is a friendlier and kinder VTEC, according to sources close to the internet.

M.Brane · « **Reply #36 on:** May 14, 2014, 04:43:50 PM »

Quote from: spinalator on May 14, 2014, 04:27:59 PM

Quote from: Vulcanbill on May 14, 2014, 12:26:35 PM
but if it was my money... that's a lot of accessories you could buy w/ the savings and I'd take the gear driven cams over the steenking vtec version every time.

The 1200 does not have the Gears, but it is not a VTEC, if I am reading things right. The new 800 is a friendlier and kinder VTEC, according to sources close to the internet.

Correct. The 1200 is basically 4 CRF cylinders joined at the case. The only similarity to the 800 is the V4 config. and even that is different since the 1200 has the 2 front cylinders on the outer crank journals, and the 2 rears on the inners.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #37 on:** May 14, 2014, 04:45:48 PM »

The shaft on the C14 is easily seen by removing like one bolt. It also takes much less time to remove than a chain is the need arises.

Hell, I took mine out just to see what was involved. Looks plenty serviceable to me.

No need to fear non-BMW shaft driven bikes.

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Oh....get the 800.

M.Brane · « **Reply #38 on:** May 14, 2014, 04:49:17 PM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on May 14, 2014, 04:45:48 PM

The shaft on the C14 is easily seen by removing like one bolt. It also takes much less time to remove than a chain is the need arises.

Hell, I took mine out just to see what was involved. Looks plenty serviceable to me.

No need to fear non-BMW shaft driven bikes.

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Oh....get the 800.

That thing has more rust on it than my last chain & sprockets with nearly 40K on 'em. That is a much nicer looking shaft than a BMW though.

motormike · « **Reply #39 on:** May 14, 2014, 04:53:51 PM »

The beauty of motorcycles is there are a crap-load of different bikes so you can choose what motorcycle blows your skirt up.

M.Brane · « **Reply #40 on:** May 14, 2014, 06:03:56 PM »

Quote from: motormike on May 14, 2014, 04:53:51 PM

The beauty of motorcycles is there are a crap-load of different bikes so you can choose what motorcycle blows your skirt up.

Everyone except the ones that want the sub 500lb 1000+ cc shaft-driven ABS Ohlins-suspended touring bike for under $10K.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #41 on:** May 14, 2014, 06:12:45 PM »

Quote from: M.Brane on May 14, 2014, 06:03:56 PM

Quote from: motormike on May 14, 2014, 04:53:51 PM
The beauty of motorcycles is there are a crap-load of different bikes so you can choose what motorcycle blows your skirt up.

Everyone except the ones that want the sub 500lb 1000+ cc shaft-driven ABS Ohlins-suspended touring bike for under $10K.

Ooooh! Throw in V4 and I'm in!

On second thought; I can do without the ABS and shaft drive................................and the touren.

Orson · « **Reply #42 on:** May 14, 2014, 09:24:49 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on May 14, 2014, 01:14:23 PM

Guys.... Guys.... Not the point of this thread.

Akshully, shaft vs chain is one of the main points for me.

Fuel range is not an issue for me as I mentioned, after about 150 miles I'm looking for an excuse to stretch my legs.

Price is not an issue for me. From comments on this thread, it seems that there are leftover VFR 1200s available.

I wonder if there are any notable differences in engine characteristics. I enjoy riding the pace by riding a wave of torque.

Orson · « **Reply #43 on:** May 14, 2014, 09:30:51 PM »

Quote from: spinalator on May 14, 2014, 12:40:08 AM

Begone you troll, I vanquish you from these parts! Poof!

Just for the record, way back when the Interceptor wuz first introduced, I almost bought one but, chose a 1984 FJ 1100 instead.

I never regretted the purchase as the FJ was a fantastic sport touring mount.

Now that I'm on the downhill side of my riding career, I have a feeling that I need to own at least one Honda before kicking the bucket.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #44 on:** May 14, 2014, 09:44:35 PM »

Quote from: Orson on May 14, 2014, 09:30:51 PM

.... I have a feeling that I need to own at least one Honda before kicking the bucket.

That is so lame.

Orson · « **Reply #45 on:** May 14, 2014, 10:02:43 PM »

Owning a Honda or kicking the bucket?

coho · « **Reply #46 on:** May 14, 2014, 11:46:46 PM »

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squeezer · « **Reply #47 on:** May 15, 2014, 12:22:35 AM »

Ha! Someone put that Harley's motor in sideways.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #48 on:** May 15, 2014, 05:57:06 AM »

Quote from: Orson on May 14, 2014, 09:30:51 PM

Quote from: spinalator on May 14, 2014, 12:40:08 AM
Begone you troll, I vanquish you from these parts! Poof!

Just for the record, way back when the Interceptor wuz first introduced, I almost bought one but, chose a 1984 FJ 1100 instead.

I never regretted the purchase as the FJ was a fantastic sport touring mount.

Now that I'm on the downhill side of my riding career, I have a feeling that I need to own at least one Honda before kicking the bucket.

Perhaps you should just get another FJ.

I know of an extremely nice, high mileage, highly farkled 91 that will be needing a re-home soon.

Orson · « **Reply #49 on:** May 15, 2014, 06:40:13 AM »

Nah, I've done the inline four thing, owned a parallel twin and a V twin.

I haven't owned an inline triple or a V four.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #50 on:** May 15, 2014, 10:36:18 AM »

Quote from: Orson on May 15, 2014, 06:40:13 AM

Nah, I've done the inline four thing, owned a parallel twin and a V twin.

I haven't owned an inline triple or a V four.

When you do the triple thing, get a Kawasaki H2. That way you can also do the street two-stroke thing too. Be forewarned however, they only get 20mpg.

Dan K · « **Reply #51 on:** May 15, 2014, 11:30:42 AM »

Quote from: Orson on May 15, 2014, 06:40:13 AM

Nah, I've done the inline four thing, owned a parallel twin and a V twin.

I haven't owned an inline triple or a V four.

If that's what's driving you, go for the Triumph Sprint. Find a used ST 1050 ABS. Sporty touring, same mission as the VFR1200, but lighter, with the inline triple experience you need. Everyone should ride a bike with that engine. That's more important than buying a brand you've never owned before... and much less expensive. Low mileage models at good prices are out there for the taking.

- Dan

Meemuh · « **Reply #52 on:** May 15, 2014, 11:44:11 AM »

Wait...aren't you selling one, or am I misremembering?

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motormike · « **Reply #53 on:** May 15, 2014, 12:51:47 PM »

Yep, Dan's Sprint is in the classifieds.

There are used VFRs in the marketplace too, and some of them have ABS.

Dan K · « **Reply #54 on:** May 15, 2014, 12:56:19 PM »

Quote from: Meemuh on May 15, 2014, 11:44:11 AM

Wait...aren't you selling one, or am I misremembering?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, but it's not a hard sell. Need to get a ride on a VFR - only real reason to sell is to get a suitable replacement, and if VFR not it, not sure if I still want a ZX14...

Meemuh · « **Reply #55 on:** May 15, 2014, 12:59:10 PM »

Quote from: Dan K on May 15, 2014, 12:56:19 PM

Quote from: Meemuh on May 15, 2014, 11:44:11 AM
Wait...aren't you selling one, or am I misremembering?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, but it's not a hard sell. Need to get a ride on a VFR - only real reason to sell is to get a suitable replacement, and if VFR not it, not sure if I still want a ZX14...

I'm sure you won't have any problems selling. Looks like an awesome ride. Love the blue. Good luck on picking a replacement.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

R Doug · « **Reply #56 on:** May 15, 2014, 01:25:47 PM »

Am I the only person to have owned a VFR 800 and not liked it? I'm not tyring to be a troll. But, I am curious if there are VFR owners out there which have owned or taken a long test ride on other ST bikes to compare?

The ergos, wind management, fit 'n finish, and sound were brilliant. The suspension was good. It did well with or without a load of luggage. But, the VFR felt heavy and lacked power. And, God forbid, you get in the twisties and V-tech kicked in and out.

Given the VFR's competition, back in the day, I would have rated the ST3 #1, the Sprint ST #2, and the VFR #3.

I've not ridden a VFR1200. I'd love to. If it had better distance capcity and slightly larger hard cases, I may have owned one by now.

maddjack · « **Reply #57 on:** May 15, 2014, 03:28:28 PM »

I hated Vtec, its power hits were...strange, at times ,and I never warmed to it. i wouldn't say it lacked power, it was more, the power wasn't were you needed it.

Rincewind · « **Reply #58 on:** May 15, 2014, 06:45:37 PM »

The new 800 is the better looking bike, IMHO, and I would enjoy hearing Orson bitch about lubing he chain. That said, I enjoy the Triumph triples overall more than the VFR800 that I tested.

Orson · « **Reply #59 on:** May 15, 2014, 11:18:03 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on May 15, 2014, 01:25:47 PM

Given the VFR's competition, back in the day, I would have rated the ST3 #1, the Sprint ST #2, and the VFR #3.

I sat on an ST3 and the riding position fit me like a glove. However, I don't want to buy a used bike although, I could be tempted by a clean, low-mileage sample

I also test rode a Sprint when it wuz introduced back in the 1990s. It was a very sedate, chaperoned test ride though so, it didn't do much for me.

Perhaps I have been swayed by the mythology of the VFR both here online and in the pages of BIKE magazine

M.Brane · « **Reply #60 on:** May 15, 2014, 11:53:18 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on May 15, 2014, 01:25:47 PM

Am I the only person to have owned a VFR 800 and not liked it? I'm not tyring to be a troll. But, I am curious if there are VFR owners out there which have owned or taken a long test ride on other ST bikes to compare?

The ergos, wind management, fit 'n finish, and sound were brilliant. The suspension was good. It did well with or without a load of luggage. But, the VFR felt heavy and lacked power. And, God forbid, you get in the twisties and V-tech kicked in and out.

Given the VFR's competition, back in the day, I would have rated the ST3 #1, the Sprint ST #2, and the VFR #3.

I've not ridden a VFR1200. I'd love to. If it had better distance capcity and slightly larger hard cases, I may have owned one by now.

You need to try a real GDC VFR not a V-TEC or 1200 pretender. You'll probably still think it's underpowered if you don't downshift, but I bet you'll still have plenty of fun.

chornbe · « **Reply #61 on:** May 16, 2014, 08:10:43 AM »

Meh. Liz owned one of the VFR 800, non vtec. It was okay. Power delivery was fine. Plenty of it. But I never gelled with the bike, I certainly didn't fall in love with it, & I truly do not understand all the rabid fans of the VFR overall. The only one I ever truly enjoyed riding, a 1999, had two thousand dollars worth of suspension work done to it

chornbe · « **Reply #62 on:** May 16, 2014, 08:12:09 AM »

I will say almost every VFR I've had thru my garage has been owned by a laundry list of people. They do change hands a lot. That's probably some kind of indicator.

motormike · « **Reply #63 on:** May 16, 2014, 09:25:07 AM »

Quote from: chornbe on May 16, 2014, 08:12:09 AM

I will say almost every VFR I've had thru my garage has been owned by a laundry list of people. They do change hands a lot. That's probably some kind of indicator.

If you've owned more than one VFR, why did you sell it and buy another?

The VFR weight and power puts smiles on my face. I had a lighter SV650s but I prefer the weight of the VFR as it feels more planted and stable.

M.Brane · « **Reply #64 on:** May 16, 2014, 09:53:33 AM »

Quote from: chornbe on May 16, 2014, 08:10:43 AM

Meh. Liz owned one of the VFR 800, non vtec. It was okay. Power delivery was fine. Plenty of it. But I never gelled with the bike, I certainly didn't fall in love with it, & I truly do not understand all the rabid fans of the VFR overall. The only one I ever truly enjoyed riding, a 1999, had two thousand dollars worth of suspension work done to it

I am the 3rd owner of my 98, and I've put twice as many miles on it as the 2 POs combined. The 94 I just bought has 127K on it. PO only had it a few months, and didn't want to sell it. Somebody must have liked riding it. I know I do.

Yeah my 98 has $2K of suspension on it. Makes it the bike it should have been all along. I'll ride it till I can't ride it anymore.

Yeah I'm a GDC VFR zealot.

chornbe · « **Reply #65 on:** May 16, 2014, 10:11:13 AM »

I did not buy several. Liz owned one. I have worked on many of them. I have ridden many of them that belong to friends. I had one in my garage as a loaner for a couple months. But I've never actually bought one. In fact the loaner was the one that convinced me I didn't want to buy one. All I'm saying is it's just not a bike for everybody. There's a reason they didn't sell in great numbers, and the people who love them, love them. The people don't, don't. There are very few people in the middle ground on the VFR.

2RR2NV · « **Reply #66 on:** May 16, 2014, 04:01:27 PM »

I miss my VFR. I kick myself for selling it. Now that I have the Zex, I know the VFR can't compare in a lot of areas. I still miss it though. It gelled with me quite well. Until i found out what power was (bought the Busa while still owning the VFR) and got spoiled. that was the only issue. I would still like to buy another. Not new, mind you. I never had probs with the VTEC. I realized it didn't do much to help the bike, but whenever it kicked in, I always smiled like a lil kid. Many a time I did it on purpose just to hear it.