Differences in model years in 5th Gen?

[winaje]

Hi all. I am looking at a couple of different bikes in the 5th Gen model run. I basically need to know if there are any differences throughout the model run? Was anything updated/changed/improved etc?

I'm not sure if I should get a '01 model in a colour I don't want, or a '99 model in the colour I do want, assuming similar price and distance travelled.

Any advice appreciated.

[reg71]

I'm not sure if the models over there were different than here, but here's what I remember here. The 98 had FI, condom mirrors, and larger diameter pipes (I think), and no special ignition thingy. Y2k got the nicer mirrors and the new ignition thing started in either 99 or 00. I'm not sure which... As far as which I'd go for, I'd get the color you like as all the 5g bikes are pretty darn comparable and changing the paint would prob be the most expensive of making them the same. Unless you are talking about a huge mileage difference or something like that, I'd get the bike that moved my soul the most.

[RVFR]

^ pretty much what Reg said. So whats the color choice you have in mind? I like the yellow, but man that special edition you guys have is mighty sweet, Hmm gets me thinking anyone want to trade?

[emon07]

Ditto what Reg said. The 2000 & 2001 have the better ignition system and fuel injection systems. The condomless mirrors on the 2000 & 2001 look better to me also.

[Rogue]

Originally Posted by RVFR

^ pretty much what Reg said. So whats the color choice you have in mind? I like the yellow, but man that special edition you guys have is mighty sweet, Hmm gets me thinking anyone want to trade?

Do you mean the Silver/Red crash repair..? Revolting. VFR values are slightly on the upswing again here in the UK, but you can't give those ones away..


Reg/rec was improved on the later bikes too..

Rod

[JoeAsheville]

Originally Posted by emon07

Ditto what Reg said. The 2000 & 2001 have the better ignition system and fuel injection systems. The condomless mirrors on the 2000 & 2001 look better to me also.

I knew about the fuel injection and condomless mirrors on the 00+ bikes...but what was the change for the ignition system? That's a new one on me :)

[winaje]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll buy a 2001 model even though I can't get it in Yellow. I'd rather get the updated componentry. I can change the colour at a later date if I want to, but it'll be impossible to add the updates to a yellow bike.

[RVFR]

Originally Posted by Rogue

Do you mean the Silver/Red crash repair..? Revolting. VFR values are slightly on the upswing again here in the UK, but you can't give those ones away..


Reg/rec was improved on the later bikes too..

Rod

Huh? you don't care for this model



something in me has me going, Hmm now thats interesting in a good way, old school flair in new trickery form

[Vee-Ef-Ar]

Originally Posted by JoeAsheville

I knew about the fuel injection and condomless mirrors on the 00+ bikes...but what was the change for the ignition system? That's a new one on me :)

You mean the HISS ignition system {key and barrel}

BTW: I luuurrrrvvveeee the Anniversary model

If it was my choice, I'd be opting for the 98,99 in the colour i want.

[winaje]

Originally Posted by Vee-Ef-Ar

You mean the HISS ignition system {key and barrel}

BTW: I luuurrrrvvveeee the Anniversary model

If it was my choice, I'd be opting for the 98,99 in the colour i want.

Does anyone know if the fuel injection system is worth the update, if it's worth buying a bike that is the same in everything apart from the upgraded FI system? The HISS does not really matter too much to me; I understand that it is basically an anti-theft system, is this right?

[skidvicious]

Hi mate,

I've got a viffer that was built in late 2000 and complianced in 2001. It has no HISS - the bike manual states that the Oz model missed out so I'd doubt that you've got it on the bike if its a fifth gen from down here.

The other difference between the 99 and 00 is that the 99 shouldn't have a catalytic converter - which of course means one less mod to squeeze a bit more oomph out of her!

Honestly, if the 99 is clean, in good nick with any service history and a similiar distance on the clock - I would chase down the 99. I think a few guys here have done a mirror swap for the Y2K but I think second hand mirrors are like rocking horse sh#@! Go get that colour you want!

Cheers,

[winaje]

Ummm, pardon my ignorance, but what is meant by condom mirrors? Any photos of the differences?

[R.W.]

Here is a picture of a 99 and 2000 mirror, Condom mirrors is everybody's nickname on pre 2000 mirrors because of the soft rubber and the way they slip on...

[winaje]

Ok, cool. Thanks for the pic, I reckon I'll keep an eye out for some '00 or '01 mirrors, they look a lot nicer than the rubbers...

[Vee-Ef-Ar]

Originally Posted by skidvicious

Hi mate,
I've got a viffer that was built in late 2000 and complianced in 2001. It has no HISS - the bike manual states that the Oz model missed out so I'd doubt that you've got it on the bike if its a fifth gen from down here.

If this is the case, you couldn't rule out that some 5th Gens may have had the HISS put on post-factory. Just saw a red 01 for sale at Northside Suzuki with HISS barrel.

Not a bad mod, but you would also need fuel tank lid and helmet lock to have a one key carry.

[Rogue]

Originally Posted by Vee-Ef-Ar

If this is the case, you couldn't rule out that some 5th Gens may have had the HISS put on post-factory. Just saw a red 01 for sale at Northside Suzuki with HISS barrel.

Not a bad mod, but you would also need fuel tank lid and helmet lock to have a one key carry.

To be honest, I couldn't see many people opting to do this, here in the UK the fact that HISS is fitted doesn't make any difference to the insurance company as regards discount for security, and the cost of getting replacement keys cut and coded would put me off it anyway.
Also, I do not know if it's a straight plug in swap or there is more to it in the loom/ecu. All 2000 model year bikes (FiY) model onwards have HISS fitted in the UK.

Rod

[Nailer45]

Originally Posted by RVFR

Huh? you don't care for this model



something in me has me going, Hmm now thats interesting in a good way, old school flair in new trickery form

Thing looks like they couldnt make up mind on which color they wanted...silver no red no silver no red, screw it its a VFR they will buy it..