The best generation/year in your opinion...

[APD221]

Being new to the forums and an overall newbie to motorcycle riding in general, I wanted some opinions on the best interceptor to buy. I know most people go by generation but I would like the opinion on both generation and year and some details on why you feel this way if it's not to much trouble. Thank you in advance.

[U53FUL 1Di0t]

Out of default and bias, I must say that the fifth generation is the best of the VFRs. Many people deem it as the last of the true VFRs, and being the epitome of technological developments for the series (the 6th gen is essentially the same, save for the VTEC, which I havent really experienced) it is a fairly safe choice for best as well. However, the fourth generation seems to be a lot more tuneable, a lot more aftermarket parts are available for it, and it seems more of a sport bike than the sport tourer the 5th gen is labeled as, so without riding it, I must say it is a close second.

[KC-10 FE]

5th Gen Y2K. I choose 2000 since it's the only year it came in yellow (my favorite color). The 2000 & 2001 VFR's have widely been regarded by many motorcycle publications as the best sporting motorcycle ever built.

KC-10 FE out...

[U53FUL 1Di0t]

KC-10FE mine is yellow too, but its a 1999 : )

[APD221]

Excellent opinions guys... thnx for the speedy replies. Anyone have experience with a Vtec model? Also, if someone could divulge some wisdom on what makes these better than say a pure sport bike such as a Gsxr or CBR?

[U53FUL 1Di0t]

The VFR is a great "all around" bike. It is capable of agressive street and track riding, but you can also use it comfortably as a commuter because of its more upright ergonomics, it has a larger fuel tank than sport bikes so the range is significantly extended, and the newer models especially have such touring ammeneties available such as heli bars to make the position even more upright, and rear cases for storage space. The new CBR600RR is also a very capable commuter bike, as it has much less agressive ergonomics compared to the 2006 model, and it is and feels much lighter, making it easier to ride even harder than before. However, even with its improved seating position, the RR will still wear out your body much quicker than the VFR would if you use it primarily for street riding. I have not ridden a GSXR so i cannot say anything about it, but it is legendary in sport performance, and I read that the 600/750 is similar to the new CBR seating position wise. In my opinion, the VFR is just a much easier bike to live with, but once again each bike is superior to the other in one category or another. But the VFR is just capable of everything all around with minimal compromise.

[chomper]

I think everyone else has already said it, vfr is just the best all round bike for most riders. Not a wheelie machine but a great bike for a long all day ride never been on a track with a vfr but im sure it would challenge most riders whent from a zx10 to gen6 not the power house like the ninja but a more comfortable forgiving bike for most riding. I never felt i could ever use the power zx had to offer. as for the vtec at first it seems quite abrubt after getting used to it and some practise with different throttle positons it not that much of an issue but the first experince is different than any bike i have riden
as for the best generation the reason i bought a vfr is the reputation and looks of a 4th and 5th gen. that v4 is still so dfferent than all those inlines you see on every street corner with the right exhaust it just has a sound all to its own

[tpierce]

I suppose it would depend on what you mean by "best." I prefer the 3rd gen because it has the best looks (in my opinion of course) lowest initial purchase price at the moment within the single-sided swingarm gens, and the y2K mirrors fit on it!

The only reason I would not choose the y2K as best is those damnable side-mounted radiators. Easy to damage, and there are TWO of those expensive things.

So really, it's very subjective. If someone were to GIVE me one, and pay for any maintenance or repairs, I'd take the y2K.

[tpierce]

Oh yeah, and the 5th gen doesn't have quick-release fairing screws.

[chesthing]

In my opinion the 6th gen handles the best, looks the best and it's the only one that offers form-fitting color matching hardbags. From what I've read the vtec issue is solved with a power commander and the right map. My vote would be the 6th, with the 5th an obvious second - read any mag review of the 1998 VFR. It had many improvements over the 4th, by far the most important of which is fuel injection.

[Nailer45]

the 5th gen 1998-2001 has the gear driven cams and fuel injection and is more sport oriented if you like the twisties.. 6th gen has the "VTEC" garbage and honda went elcheapo and swapped the gear driven cams to chain driven and if you check out www.vfrdiscussion.com the 6th gen has its own Thread for problems (pretty big ) where all the electrical issues of the 6th gen are discussed and trying to be resolved..

I am not just talking R/R issues.. aftermarket exhaust for a 5th gen is between $230-400 and for the 6th gen uderseat exhaust the cost is between $400-1000..
The 6th gen valve adjustment at a dealer runs $300-800, the 5th gen valve adjustment runs between $200-400 ..
If you want a touring based model get the 6th gen and buy a pcIII to try and smooth out the VTEC engagement since Honda cant get it right..

I have ridden a 6th gen for about 25 miles of twisties/hwy and to me it just dont run like the 5th gen, ..6th gen seemed sluggish ,jerky throttle response, .

Well you actually have 6 gens to pick from so there is a big selection, choose what will meet your needs..

[chesthing]

Originally Posted by Nailer45

the 5th gen 1998-2001 has the gear driven cams and fuel injection and is more sport oriented if you like the twisties.. 6th gen has the "VTEC" garbage and honda went elcheapo and swapped the gear driven cams to chain driven and if you check out www.vfrdiscussion.com the 6th gen has its own Thread for problems (pretty big ) where all the electrical issues of the 6th gen are discussed and trying to be resolved..

I am not just talking R/R issues.. aftermarket exhaust for a 5th gen is between $230-400 and for the 6th gen uderseat exhaust the cost is between $400-1000..
The 6th gen valve adjustment at a dealer runs $300-800, the 5th gen valve adjustment runs between $200-400 ..
If you want a touring based model get the 6th gen and buy a pcIII to try and smooth out the VTEC engagement since Honda cant get it right..

I have ridden a 6th gen for about 25 miles of twisties/hwy and to me it just dont run like the 5th gen, ..6th gen seemed sluggish ,jerky throttle response, .

Well you actually have 6 gens to pick from so there is a big selection, choose what will meet your needs..

I bought a 5th because of the low price compared to buying a used 6th. (I'm too cheap to pay $10k or more-if I wasnt I'd look real hard at the Sprint) When considering bang for buck I'd have to give the prize to the 5th all the way.
Take the hardbag equation out of it and I'd choose the 5th as best - most don't care about good looking hardbags, I do.

[RVFR]

OOO eeee,,, Hot topic, I'm sure theres as many opinions as there are VFR riders, okay here's my two cents worth. All VFRs are great, that said the 3rd and 4th are the more sporty of the lot. 4th gen even a tad more due to a lot of small changes, you'd have to ride em back to back to tell thou. 5th gen when it first was talked about was IMO going to be a hot one, sorta is, sorta. Honda started to go another direction, away from the all sport aka 600-1000rrs not that this made it a bad bike. I was hoping for a more sport version. Nope, thou they did start doing some strange things that added weight which IMO is the biggest set back. But hey it works for the demographics they went after. The Engine is a take off of the RC45, Very Nice motor even thou the 4th gen 750 sounds better IMO and yes they do

For me they could have done away with all the tricky stuff LCD gages, link brakes swing arm set up and gave it a more lean and mean look, but hey again, Honda wanted to go another direction. then the 6th gen went that direction even more towards the touring sport rather than sport touring, then IMO they messed with a great engine. again IMO not near as good as it use to be. all thou a long ways from being a lousy bike in fact it's the best in category. just not my cup of tea. For those that are new to the VFR ride in by buying a new 6th. you've missed out on what she was, whats that they say about you don't know what you missed till you had one? but then the only way you'd be able to tell would be to ride other generations. there's one thing thats great but sad at the same time seems 85% of the folks are only into the 6th gen. Not that this is a bad thing. it's just damn man the 3rd and 4th gens are here to stay, so when ya get blown away by an older dude on a older VFR don't be surprised.. get use to it...

[Nailer45]

I have actually had other riders (newbies) ask if i had turbo or charger on the VFR because of the whining noise made by the gear driven cams..LOL .

I almost bought a 4th gen , and I found my 5th gen on ebay up for bids..In october 2005 and made 2 bids and bought it for $3,800.
Look around for the deals and you may be surprised what you find..

[Outlawz24]

Given i have yet to experience a VFR im not to sure really...Im used to my 1st Gen VF..and i must say given the VFs and early VFRS were designed to be a full out race machine to start with they are a fun bike to ride. Not as fast as the CBRs or GSXRs mind you but still a great starting point for a rider returning into the sport or just starting into it.....Personally im considering going with a Suzuki Bandit for my next bike just to get something newer thats the same sort of style as the early VFs with newer sport bike performance. Another reason im considering the Bandit is because its more affordable to someone in my price range compared to something like a 4th gen VFR.

[stewartj239]

I own or have owned a 2nd, 5th and 6th Gen. I love(d) them all. They are all great bikes. One thing I can tell you is that if you're going new ('07), the 6th Gen issues that you hear people complaining about are non-existent. This includes the VTEC, chain driven cams, throttle responsiveness, etc. The 6th Gen is definitely more refined and has the same power as the 5th Gen. For me, it is 6th, 5th, then 2nd. I am a VFR lover for the entire history of the line. Other than the cam issues on the 1st Gen, they are ALL great bikes and you can't go wrong with any of them. Let your budget be your guide.

[Outlawz24]

The major Cam issues on the 1st gen (lack of supply and pressure) are easily solved with oiler kits thankfully. Which is something my VF will be getting very soon.

[stewartj239]

Originally Posted by Outlawz24

The major Cam issues on the 1st gen (lack of supply and pressure) are easily solved with oiler kits thankfully. Which is something my VF will be getting very soon.

Yes, I put a top end oiling kit on my '86 VF500F which technically, is of the same 1st Gen design of the 750. The key is to determine whether any damage has been done by the time you put the kit on. I did my 500 at 600 miles, so it should be in good shape.

[Outlawz24]

even if there was damage it would at least slow down the occurance of more by the addition of a kit.