Should I get a Ninja 1000, 2015 VFR800, or just modernise my 1995 VFR750

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by JIMLARCH, Nov 5, 2017.

  1. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    I've been riding over 40 years. I'm in good physical condition but due to my age I know that I don't have many good riding years left so I'm looking to see what bike to ride while I still can, that is going to satisfy me. To me good riding years involve still being able to get on a sport bike and attack curves with some gusto, the reflexes still being there. Anyone with experience can get on a sedate bike and ride from A to B in a gentle manner, and hopefully I'll still be able to do that in years to come.

    Right now I have a 2005 GSXR1000 and a 1995 VFR750. The vfr is my daily ride, while the 1000 is just for my yearly trips to Deals Gap and North Carolina. I'd ride the 1000 on a regular basis but the insurance quote on it of $1800 a year is just too scandalous for an occasional rider. The insurance on the vfr is very reasonable.

    I really like the vfr, and my only complaint is that the bike needs at least 20 more horsepower. It's not slow, but get off my 1000 and onto the vfr, it's very noticeably lacking. I'm not a horsepower junkie, but anyone who has owned a 1000 enjoys using the power every so often, even if it's only pulling away at high rpm.

    So I have thought hard and decided on three choices. The first a Ninja 1000. The bike puts out about 145 hp so nothing lacking there, but apart from being somewhat ugly (guess it's looks would grow on me) the weight is around the weight of the vfr. Riding position is somewhat similar but more upright. Finish looks good, and I like inline fours. Insurance is nowhere as cheap as the as either a fourth or eighth gen. I'm not sure that longtime ownership will make me like the bike as much as a vfr.

    Second choice is a 2015 VFR800. In Canada they only come as the deluxe model so traction control etc. I like the look and being a vfr I know all it's good points. Only downside is that it doesn't have any more power than my 1995. I know that chances are I would come to like it as much as my 1995, but is it worth spending at least $7000 more than my 1995 is worth to buy one?

    Third choice is keep the 1995 and modernise it. I've had it five years. It's not a light bike, but stick new tires on it, only put half a tank of gas in it, and it handles Deals Gap very well. Certainly no gsxr1000, but still fun. I figure the full Jamie Daugherty on the suspension front and rear will make it even better in the twisties. Combined with the fact that this bike just fits my 6'3" well, the instrument cluster for me is one of the most attractive I've sat behind, the bikes solidness and finish is second to none, it's easy to take the bodywork off quickly, feels like it's carved from granite, and the engine has a nice solid, torquey linear feel, I really like this bike.

    So there you have it! What do you guys think, based on your own experiences, as to what bike you would ride. Or alternatively do you have any other suggestions?
     
  2. thtanner

    thtanner New Member

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    Is it worth spending $7000 on a 2015 VFR over your 1995? YES. You'll be amazed at what "new" feels like again.

    The only debate is power. I personally can never see needing to go faster than a VFR on public streets, so for me no.. I don't need more. You may prefer more just for more power on the onramp or whatever. With a QS the 800 is swift enough for me.

    I took this photo of my 98 and my 14 yesteday. The title is "subtle refinement." That sums it up I think.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    FWIW, Motorcycle USA says the Ninja 1000 is better than the 8th gen, see vids below. Also, did you consider the Suzuki GSX-S1000F? Its engine is based off your '05 Gixxer and Motorcycle USA liked it better than the Ninja 1000 - see last vid below.

    However, if it were me I'd get the 8th gen - it's a gorgeous bike and just reeks quality compared to the other two IMO. I haven't ridden the others but I've sat on them and they seemed lower quality compared to the 8th gen which has an almost Acura feel to it.





     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2017
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  4. Nelix

    Nelix New Member

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    54 here, gf of a few years younger new to pillion. Had a ZX10R Ninja so bought a ZZR600 to take her out on the back. This led me to selling both and getting a 16 VFR. Do I miss the Ninja? Yes, on those rare days the weather is good and I'm on good tarmac, sometimes. Even the VFR is a better bike than I am a rider and on my fav. bits of road I don't reckon I'm much slower.
    The upside is last year, got caught in torrential rain and a 30 mile traffic snarl on the VFR. What would have been a miserable tense ride home on the Ninja was a dawdle on the VFR. Would love to have both, but alas not possible.
     
  5. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    4th choice...

    Sell all, get the 15 VFR & also get Jamie D to 'tweak' the suspension.

    This will keep you going for another 15 years as your back will still be good, & at 80 you can then get a Harley..... lol
     
  6. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    I think the quickshifter might do the trick when it comes to the feeling of acceleration, and is a plus for me with the 800. I've never ridden a bike with a QS but have seen videos and the continuous acceleration seems like an asset.
     
  7. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    I really like the build quality of the vfr. I've demoed the gsx-s1000f and it's a great bike. But after 3 gsxr1000's it's time for something different. On top of that my only complaint about the suzuki's I've owned is their finish is pretty much substandard. The paint chips easily and fades just by polishing. I put some duct tape on an engine cover for a few minutes one time to hold a tool, and when I removed it, it came away with the paint.
     
  8. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    Harley are actually starting to make some models that appeal to me. But I don't think 80 is old enough for me to ever buy one, lol.
     
  9. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Ok, keep the 15 for 25 years then.... You know it will still be working fine...
    & thats the real point of the VFR.

    It not only does everything well, it is also as reliable as the tide.
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2017
  10. Glenngt750

    Glenngt750 New Member

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    With 5 bikes, I realize that one bike cannot do everything. Three would be the minimum for me. Highway/Touring, Sportbike, Dual Purpose/Off-Road. May even add a fourth for Gravel Road/Highway Explorer. I love the older models of bikes because they are built A LOT better, have low value, as well as cheap insurance. $1800.00 a year? Wow! I paid $1800.00 for my 1987 Honda VFR700F2. Insurance is about $250.00/year! Look for a used 2003(?) Kawasaki ZX9R, the last year of production. They are very quick, handle well, comfy and probably cheap insurance.
    For me, if I had a 1995 VFR750, it would NEVER be sold. You'll be sorry! That is the pinnacle of Honda build quality, technology, ride quality, etc.. Buy a good shock, update the forks, if they are lacking in some way, for you. These newer VFR's are not as good, to me, due to the lack of Gear Driven Cams and the inclusion of VTEC. All of the electrical issues bother me as well. That being said, they are still a cut above most other bikes in their category.
    You need to be honest with yourself, about what you truly want. If looks are important, or top end horsepower, so be it. You are the one paying the bills!
    I have not heard many positive comments since I bought a 2006 Honda Goldwing, but it sure cruises long distances nice! Dig this; insurance, full coverage, including $1,000,000.00 liability, Collision, Comp. $250.00 deductible, is $475.00/year! My 2004 Honda VTR1000SP2 was $800.00/year with just liability. Guess which one gets more km's put on every year? For me, that is value! Makes me happy riding it. Also, extends the riding season, due to the heated seat/grips, hot air vents on my feet and knees, broad fairing shielding me from cold air and weather. Also, I don't speed as much, or feel the need to speed because I just want to get there. The comfort allows me to be comfortable enough to go slow. Good luck with your search.
     
  11. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    I had a '95 4th gen and I admit, it was special... still miss it. - Jim a DMR suspension tweek from Jamie would run around $600ish. Jeez man do it. Ride it next season and then figure out waht to do....
     
  12. OCLandspeeder

    OCLandspeeder New Member

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    If I were you, been riding 40 years, already have a GSXR1000.....get something different. Life's too short.

    But if you want GSXR-like bike (power and feel), get the Ninja 1000. Just please don't get the green one (I just can't stand that Kawi color).

    Or, get a Yamaha FZ-01 (power, beautiful sound, full modernity, light weight, long term quality).

    Or a BMW S1000r (power, adjustable suspension on the fly, light weight).

    But if you just want a modern VFR, then there is only one alternative and that's an 8th Gen VFR800. Nothing more. Nothing less.
     
  13. TexArmageddon

    TexArmageddon New Member

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    Oh lookie A chance to start the same argument all over again LMFAOOOO....

    Ride them all and see what you like. Personally, if Luggage isn't an issue and you can deal with the lack of detail... Hit the GSX-S1000F.

    Between the Ninja and VFR.... VFR is hands down the sexiest of the three, but it has it's shortcomings...

    Let me make it guys I'm trying to actually make it out alive this thread.


    NVM, after reading all the post I see you axed off the GSX-s1000F



    To be honest, it's either get the Ninja, European brand, or hit an ADV style bike... Personally..I'd just save the cash and use that for Ohlins and carbon fiber wheels.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2017
  14. J800VFR

    J800VFR New Member

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    The other alternative is a VFR800 from 2000/2001 (pre Vtec), but preferably with the auto choke update, sold worldwide as the FiY model.

    Although not available with ABS, which came later on Vtec's, it is bulletproof and as smooth & powerful as any VFR.

    A well looked after one with reasonable mileage (less than 25k) would only cost around £2000 (UK), and many were upgraded by previous owners, such as mine which had an Ohlins monoshock, reworked front forks, Scott oiler, new reg/rectifier etc.

    Then you can spend any spare cash on other worthwhile upgrades such as a Dynojet Power Commander III USB &-Sergeant seat, decent tyres etc.

    Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
     
  15. thtanner

    thtanner New Member

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    Why would you want the 00-01? Auto-choke is just a wax unit that eventually gets gummed up and needs cleaned. They have cat converters and o2 sensors, which are not really a bonus.

    A catless 98-99 is by far the better of the 5th gens.

    I have a 98. I still think the 2014 is better, but I still will never sell the 98.
     
  16. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    & also no ABS...
     
  17. thtanner

    thtanner New Member

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    No ABS on US models 98-01. =/

    Unsure about Canada. ABS could have been an option, but my plastics from a Canadian 2000 say CBS not ABS.
     
  18. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    I like all the bikes mentioned but there is only one that fits the bill for me A Tuono. Has everything you want and a lot more including a very nice V4. All the electronics you would ever want, very adjustable suspension, fantastic brakes and did I mention the engine?!! Put on a bigger windscreen and bags and you can tour, then take it to the track and keep up with the 1k bikes.
     
  19. OCLandspeeder

    OCLandspeeder New Member

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    Tuono is beautiful bike. It's an Italian soul stirring machine.

    But I can't imagine putting up with it over the long run. Aprilia and reliability don't exactly go hand in hand. Parts availability? You mean I have to rely on the dealership for service? God help me! LOL! KTM is another brand I won't trust.
     
  20. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    What is the reliability issue you speak of? Parts are easily available. The seat is good for a few hundred miles or you could change it out.
     
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