Thinking of buying a VFR

Hey guys I'm the current owner of a wrecked 2002 Aprilia Futura. Last week some lady cut me off and pulled into my lane causing me to crash. I'm doing ok but my bike is all scratched up on the right side. It will need quite a bit of $ to get back to normal again and I'm thinking that it's going to be totaled because of the cost. I'll be bringing it to a shop on Saturday to have an estimate done.

Anyways if the bike does get totaled out I'll be looking for a new bike and I've basically narrowed my choice down to the VFR and Sprint ST 1050. I really like the way the VFR looks the only thing that concerns me is the cost of maintenance and going down in power from the Futura. Also most used ones I've come across (I'll be buying used, $6500 and less) don't have hard bags which would be nice. I don't use the bags on my Futura often but I do go on a few 2000+ mile trips a year so they are nice to have for those.

Basically I just want some opinions from some owners on how the bike performs and how maintenance is. I've done all the maintenance on my previous bikes including valve checks and would like to do it on my next bike. I'm a college student so saving money on maintenance is ideal.

 

Sorry to hear of your mishap, Futura is an awesome bike. Make a fighter out of it.
Don't worry about luggage, you probably won't use it very often, but nice to have.
I bought mine in March, fantastic bike, wish I bought it 3 years ago when I replaced my ZRX (bought Z1k instead) and am now making up for lost time!

Maintenance? It's a Honda! Don't bother with Triumph, unless of course you want to spend $$ on maintenance.

 

Wow, don't let that Futura go. Very rare, and very cool.

 

Love my VFR. In the middle of a 2000+ mile trip myself on it. Flawless bike. Excellent all day tourer with the sportiness to tame the Dragon! As for luggage, I bought an aftermarker top case bracket and case from Twisted Throttle for 300 shipped.

 

Buy a VFR. It's the kind of bike that really has no equal. Yes, there are plenty of bikes that offer something the VFR does not. Yes, there are plenty of bikes that will be faster, more comfortable, lighter, etc... There is no bike offers the complete package of a VFR.

5th Gens are the best, but quite obviously, I'm biased.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: usa2:

 

Like most Honda's, VFR's are very dependable machines and should last a very long time if you keep up with the maintenance. It is a very versatile bike that can do it all from carving the twisties to long distance slabbing. If you want a super fast lightweight bike then don't get the VFR. If you want a solid built, fun, and very capable machine that won't make you feel like you need a trip to the chiropractor after an all day ride then definately get a Viffer. I agree that if you buy one go for the 5th Gen with the gear driven cams.

Regards,
Rollin

 

The Futura is an amazing machine... HATE to hear about the loss...
i've had them both. I now own the VFR and i'm very happy.

that being said, the Aprilia will wheelie with abandon, where the VFR has to work a bit harder... however, i'm sure this group can give you a list of the top 3 things that will fix that. (i prefer all wheels on the ground now. i'm old)

the Aprilia has that "I've got a damn sexy Itialian Supermodel for a girlfriend" look, the VFR does not.

The Aprilia has nearly non existent dealership service except for large cities, so that one depends on where you live, and add to that that parts are very spendy and very hard to get in my experience.... they simply don't make the beast anymore... which is truly sad.

The VFR is rock solid, will do everything you ask of it, track, tour, commute, kill the dragon, and you feel like a million bucks when you get out of the saddle at the end of the day (not unlike the Aprilia)
If you two up ALOT, the Aprilia may have an edge, barely...

Honda hard bags (factory) can be had for about $600 if you look, i'll try to find the link, i'm sure someone here has it (someplace in Canada i think)

Maint. is not a big deal at all on the G5, I have the G6 and the only thing i haven't personally done is the full on VTEC valve job at about 20k miles. i'm capable, but don't have that much time.

The one downside (sort of): they so rarely break down (the good thing), that if you must service with the dealer, their wrenches rarely have any experience working on them, except for Honda Service School (the bad thing)... This is of course my experience in my city, so if it's really complicated, the dealer may or may not have a freakin clue what they are doing.

Going from the Futura to the VFR will not leave you disappointed save for the brute horsepower you will give up. everthing else is amazing and somethings are better on the VFR.

I recommend you find a way to ride one...

Surely someone here can hook you up. I'm in chattanooga, so if you are close by, swing by and take her for a spin...

just my humble opinion... and you know what they say about opinions...

stay well...

 

Hi people!

I'm also considering to buy a VFR (5th or 6th gen.)

Do you have any recommendations/tips regarding buying an used VFR?
Because of the high taxes, most of the VFR's around here are brought from abroad so usually the service history is quite unknown.

What kind of mileage do you consider to be okay (I have no previous experience what is an acceptable amount)? Of course I would want to ride it instead of taking it to service almost right away. Are there any special things where I should pay attention when taking a test ride etc?

Thanks for your help!

 

Funny... Wyoming VFR For Sale!!!

So... I don't wanna have to do this but I have to let my 2002 VFR go. I'm in the military and have to much on my table. I love this bike and it rides awesome. 17,000 miles and is in PERFECT shape except for a Tiny paint chip on the underside of the right fairing and I have to replace the fork seals. Other then that, it's in Great shape. I've had a GSXR 600 and a Hayabusa, and they don't even come close to the all around Greatness of this bike. If your interested email me at johnnytri007@yahoo.com.

John

 

On more than one occasion, I've heard of VFR's breaking the 100,000 mile mark. When's the last time you heard of a sport bike doing that. I've heard of a GoldWing going over 1,000,000. Most sport bikes are done after about 15,000 miles.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I am sure I sound like a broken record to the forum people who know me, but...

There are three areas that are a major PITA with regard to maintenance; changing brake fluid on the linked braking system, checking valve clearances on the VTEC valves, and Honda uses "single use" fasteners in bizarre places like the front brake calipers. Not that any of these are frequent tasks or impossible; just a lot of work compared to a "normal" bike.

But I do have to say that it is an excellent motorcycle. It does many things very well.

 

i love my vfr i've dremelled the cans and when i'm riding with the ipod on the highway i find that when i get to town i almost always turn it off to listen to the exhaust purring away, also i find it hard to ride sedately because i love the feeling when the vtec kicks in and usually by the time i get into top gear it sort of kind of is over the speed limit....... lol
maintenance is ok but i'm finding that my tyres are nearly on the treadwear buttons only after 9000kms? another aus$600 for front/back, whereas i got the bike with 800kms on the clock and those tyres lasted almost 19000kms? other than that i have a decent mechanic nearby who is a whiz with bike and services have been at a reasonable cost ($250 minor $600 major) i might be a bit biassed as this is my first big bike but i like it and always have a smile on my face when i get home

 

We were looking for 6th GEN used but the 2007's just popped up for $7299 - if you're college student - this option comes w/ a warranty

 

brian_m, i just picked up my new 08 tonight. i love it. very easy to ride. of course it is really too early to tell how it performs since i only rode it about 12 miles.

the only downside i can tell in my short ride is that my right leg gets really hot. after searching a bit, it seems to be a well known thing. i guess i can't wear my riding jeans anymore. gotta go back to my textile pants. hopefully that will be enough.

 

Whilst i have heard of a few VFR's going past 100K they were easy highway miles for the most part, you don't normally hear about sportbikes going that high because A) they usually get wrecked or stolen before they get there, b) they are ridden hard or abused normally either on the track, canyons or street, or c) not many do heavy commuting or touring on sportbikes. I think most modern Japanese bikes are totally capable of going the distance if its not totally abused and maintenance is up to date. I would wonder if the VFR will make it to 100K if i rode it like i do with my 750. :tongue:

 

In regards to mileage, I just bought a 2000 VFR with 19K miles on it and it runs smooth with no problems. It actually looks brand new.

If concerned about maintenance, I am sure dealers can offer extended warranties. I know you a pay a premium by going to a dealer, but sometimes peace of mind is worth it. Mine, through the dealer, came with a 3 year extended warranty for not much money at all.

I'm planning on going to at least 40k-60k with it and possibly more.

Since I have only owned Honda motorcycles, I am not sure about the reliability of other bikes, but the Honda bikes seem to usually go forever.

Again...just 2 more cents. :smile:

 

Pff don't buy one,, you'll hate yourself..:tongue:

LOL or wait for the 1200cc version