New(er) VFR?

Hello list,

I've been unsubscribed for a few months, but am back with a question and plea for assistance.

Recently, I traded in my '97 VFR for an '06 ST1300; the decision to do so was based on two big factors. First, my significant other was VERY excited about riding around the wilds of Wisconsin and found the VFR was a little uncomfortable over long stretches. Secondly, I had taken a trip around Lake Michigan with a friend last year (on the VFR) and remembered the annoyance of bugs on my faceshield. (He, on his '95 ST1100, had no problems).

So, after much consternation and debate, I traded in my pristine VFR and got a new ST1300.

I've had it about 6 weeks and actually like it a great deal. It is a wonderful touring bike, with great handling and the ""Autobahn" inspired speed and power. But, it isn't the joy to ride that the VFR was.

I'm still in the relationship with my significant other and, frankly, she's an incredible woman. The thing which has recently happened is, well, she has come to the realization that all of us have undoubtedly come to - - - it is much more fun to ride as the operator, not the passenger. In other words, she bought a Honda 750 Shadow Aero (shaft drive, water-cooled) and is taking a rider safety course as we speak. So, no more passenger.

Truthfully, as much as I like the ST1300, I miss the VFR. And, as luck would have it, I have a line on a 2003 VFR800 at a great deal. It would involve a bit of travel to go and look at it (and perhaps buy it), but I am quite interested. The person I'm talking with is in my previous predicament - - - he wants an ST and is willing to trade (with the appropriate amount of cash coming my way). I guess his significant other isn't getting her license as of yet.

I have a few questions. First of all, what differences are there between the carb/choke '97 and the FI VTEC 2003? Is there anyone on the list who has experienced both? I'm wondering if the newer VFR is a step-up, step-down or basically exactly the same as the '97 I had.

Secondly, I would look to get the Honda saddlebags, as longer trips are a definite part of my future. Do any of you have experience with these? Are they worthwhile or should I look for other alternatives?

Truthfully, I loved the VFR and would be happy to move back to one if the guy I'm dealing with will consumate the deal. A few bugs here and there won't be enough to deter me.

Thanks, in advance, for the opinions of those who can give me an insight in the newer VFR system. Is the VTEC system a good thing to move to?

Mark


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Hey Mark,........ I recently just made the transition you speak of. I sold my '97 and bought a pristine '03. Like you, i came to the list for advise. I heard all the pros and cons of each, and quite frankly,.... was a bit apprehensive at the time i made my purchase. That being said,......and now owning the '03 I dont regret it. My best friend bought the '97 so its still around me, and actually rode it today when we traded for the ride home.

I really loved my '97 and was worried about the problems others mentioned with the VTEC's. None of which i have experienced, and well....... the dreaded valve adjustment is 12,000 miles away.

My '03 is bone stock, and came with full baggage. Saddles and rear trunk. I love the optional baggage, and it looks fantasitc on or off the bike. The bike to me feels more nimble, the fuel injection is smoother than you can imagine, and the VTEC provides a nice surprise. I also like the linked braking. The only thing i miss is the whine from the cam gearing, and the rumble my Vance & Hines provided. I do plan on changing the latter in the near future.

All in all,........ id do it again. Im very satisfied with the latest generation bike.

Good luck in your deciscion, keep in mind, its still a Honda, and a VFR on top of that. How bad could it be ?

Cheers, TORI
California Central Coast.

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Mark Huth wrote:
> Hello list,
>
> I've been unsubscribed for a few months, but am back with a question
> and plea for assistance.
>
> Recently, I traded in my '97 VFR for an '06 ST1300; the decision to do
> so was based on two big factors. First, my significant other was VERY
> excited about riding around the wilds of Wisconsin and found the VFR
> was a little uncomfortable over long stretches. Secondly, I had taken
> a trip around Lake Michigan with a friend last year (on the VFR) and
> remembered the annoyance of bugs on my faceshield. (He, on his '95
> ST1100, had no problems).
>
> So, after much consternation and debate, I traded in my pristine VFR
> and got a new ST1300.
>
> I've had it about 6 weeks and actually like it a great deal. It is a
> wonderful touring bike, with great handling and the ""Autobahn"
> inspired speed and power. But, it isn't the joy to ride that the VFR was.
>
> I'm still in the relationship with my significant other and, frankly,
> she's an incredible woman. The thing which has recently happened is,
> well, she has come to the realization that all of us have undoubtedly
> come to - - - it is much more fun to ride as the operator, not the
> passenger. In other words, she bought a Honda 750 Shadow Aero (shaft
> drive, water-cooled) and is taking a rider safety course as we speak.
> So, no more passenger.
>
> Truthfully, as much as I like the ST1300, I miss the VFR. And, as
> luck would have it, I have a line on a 2003 VFR800 at a great deal.
> It would involve a bit of travel to go and look at it (and perhaps buy
> it), but I am quite interested. The person I'm talking with is in my
> previous predicament - - - he wants an ST and is willing to trade
> (with the appropriate amount of cash coming my way). I guess his
> significant other isn't getting her license as of yet.
>
> I have a few questions. First of all, what differences are there
> between the carb/choke '97 and the FI VTEC 2003? Is there anyone on
> the list who has experienced both? I'm wondering if the newer VFR is
> a step-up, step-down or basically exactly the same as the '97 I had.
>
> Secondly, I would look to get the Honda saddlebags, as longer trips
> are a definite part of my future. Do any of you have experience with
> these? Are they worthwhile or should I look for other alternatives?
>
> Truthfully, I loved the VFR and would be happy to move back to one if
> the guy I'm dealing with will consumate the deal. A few bugs here and
> there won't be enough to deter me.
>
> Thanks, in advance, for the opinions of those who can give me an
> insight in the newer VFR system. Is the VTEC system a good thing to
> move to?
>
> Mark
I went from an '84 VF700F to an '06 VFR800. You're going to hear (as
you probably very well know) a lot of extreme opinions. The people who
love the VTEC Viffers, LOVE them. The people who hate them, HATE them.
As someone who's ridden one, and recently got back from a 5500 mile trip
to visit my mother, I love mine.

For all the pros and cons, here's what I think is the bottom line: It's
a V4 Honda. And as a bonus, you can get hard locking luggage (You own
an ST. You know how nice this is). The VFR is the only bike I've seen
that doesn't come with baggage stock, that not only doesn't look bad
with it, but looks VERY GOOD with the baggage. This, in my eyes, is a
plus as well, if you plan on touring a lot.

Anyway, I won't try and sell you on the bike anymore than I have. I
think the bike will do that for me.

Best of luck with your decision
Chris
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I have a feeling those with an older VFR would say
it's better, and those who bought a newer one will say
the same thing.. ;o)

My first reaction would be to bemoan the loss of gear
driven cams, IMO the whole point of the VFR. Then I
realize it's probably a bias born from the fact that
the pre-gear cam interceptors had some problems that
were solved with the advent of the gears. I'm sure
these problems were not re-introduced with the v-tec
VFR!!

I think it just comes down to personal preference. I
prefer non-linked brakes, gear-driven cams, a single
front mounted radiator, and relatively simple valve
adjustments. Also I think the v-tech generation is
butt-ugly. That's my opinion, and you're welcome to
it! :o)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

1996 VFR750F

1991 Prelude Si

2006 Flying Ford Anglia

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kurrremkarmerruk wrote:
> Also I think the v-tech generation is
> butt-ugly. That's my opinion, and you're welcome to
> it! :o)
>
I'll say this: while I disagree with you (I LOVE the looks of my VFR,
and the clear lenses of the '06 make it even better to look at, IMO),
the 4th generation VFRs are the closest thing to pure ART that exists.

Chris
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--- Hagios wrote:

> I'll say this: while I disagree with you (I LOVE
> the looks of my VFR,
> and the clear lenses of the '06 make it even better
> to look at, IMO),
> the 4th generation VFRs are the closest thing to
> pure ART that exists.
>

My vote would be for the white 93 first, then 94-97 as
long as you paint those ferarri looking grille things
the same color as the rest of the bike, then the
Y2K...

I'm stipulating that they had the american stalk
signals, huge fenders, etc.. removed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

1996 VFR750F

1991 Prelude Si

2006 Flying Ford Anglia

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