5th/6th Gen... which would you buy ...

Went from a Gen 6 I had and loved to a Gen 5 in 2005 which I love more so much so I haven't had any urges to trade to any other motorcycle or even bother when invited to swap with mates newer faster bikes on road trips, the Gen 5 completes me.

 

There are a few reasons why used 6th Gens are so cheap nowadays. 5th Gens were only produced for 4 years (98-01) while 6th Gens were produced for 8 years (02-09) and during this time the bike remained virtually unchanged other than a few minor changes (turn signal lens colors, VTEC engagement point, upgraded wiring harness, and factory paint colors) There is simply a much higher supply of 6th Gens out there which makes them harder to sell resulting in lower prices. Also keep in mind that there were a bunch of leftover 07's in the warehouse that Honda was trying to get rid of by dropping the prices to low to mid $7000 range. Rollin

 

I have a 6th Gen that is as rideable as any 5th Gen. More so, actually. I will stack my bike up against any earlier version for smoothness and power delivery all the way through the gears. Through VTEC transition and on to redline. Well, not to redline, actually, because power drops off well before redline.

IMO, a 6th Gen requires a Power Commander and a custom map, though. If a guy isn't prepared for that, I advise passing on the VTEC model. Actually, for reasons outlined below if a guy isn't interested in spending some $$$ on upgrades I wouldn't advise buying ANY VFR, period. Other modern stock STs built in this century are "better" in some significant respects.

Anyway, a PC and custom map will make the 6th Gen a smooooooth ride. Anyone want to ride mine? I think it would educate you if you are interested . A Power Commander and a custom map addresses all VTEC transition issues. Check out my map on my photo page. It is there to see - smooth all the way to 100+ HP. No power drop before VTEC transition. As in "None".

100 HP, BTW, is pathetic for max power. Most other modern STs will put ANY VFR to shame in the power department - and in the suspension department, too. Frankly,all these VFRs in stock configuration are not state-of-the-art in ANY department. For example, I rode my brother's Ducati ST2 and was favorably impressed with the power delivery and stock suspension as compared with my bike in its stock configuration. Peak HP on the Duc was not as great, but the Ducati's torque is King. The VFR has anaemic torque - crap, really - compared to the Ducati's. Torque is much more important than peak HP in my opinion for sport touring.


Truth be told, though, the glaring weakness of ALL VFRs is the suspension, not the engine. The stock suspension on all these VFRs is pathetic! If a buyer is serious about the sporting ride, he will need to spend some serious $$$ on the forks and shock - unless he weighs 140 pounds with gear, in which case the weaknesses of the non-adjustable undersprung fork and totally crappy Showa shock will not be so apparent as it is for guys who weigh more - like me.

So, let's not overestimate the apex excellence of ANY of these VFRs. They are competent for Sport Touring, but in stock configuration NONE of them stacks up very well against other modern STs of the 21st Century. Each requires some thoughtful upgrades - in suspension mainly - to compete with modern sport-tourers. I do not lump the 7th Gen in this assessment because I have never ridden one of those. But a 6th Gen with a few dollars thrown with intelligence into modifications will outperform any other VFR and many other STs. No kidding. Really.

Why do I ride a VFR? I like the smoothness of the power delivery (modded) and the sporting suspension (modded). If I hadn''t spent the time and effort and $$$ to improve my bike over its stock configuration I wouldn't bother riding one. I would rather own an ST4 or a 1200 Multistrada or a Triumph ST or even a BMW 1200GS . YMMV.

 

To hell with being torn between a 5th or 6th gen, Alaskan will talk you right over to an Italian girl, reverse pschycology??????? Alaskan, I'll ride yours, come on down!!!!!!!!!

 

OK! I swear you won't be disappointed.

My main point is that the 21st Century has left all the stock VFRs well behind - although I have never ridden a 7th G so i dunno about that. On balance, ranking a stock 5th G against a stock 6th G is a bit like discussing the relative merits of two relatively plain girls. One might be prettier than the other, but, Gee, who really cares?

But my other point is that the stock VFR - including my 6th G - can be upgraded with intelligence and a few bucks to make it a very cool ride. Smooth and very rideable for touring and for sport.

 

It's kinda like asking which is better... brunettes or blondes.

 

... and my initial response would be, "At what?" :biggrin:

 

Dude, obviously REDHEADS

 

I say fifth cause I am a crotchety old bastard and I like the gear driven cams and I hate computers (VTEC) ....but hell they are both VFR's you can't go wrong

 

I've tried to stay out of this...but anyone who knows about specific gravity knows it was only a matter of time..!


6th Gen. VTEC is teh awes0me (personal opinion) and truth be told you can get more bike for the cash due to there being more 6th out there than 5th. Later 6th preferred (newer bike for the same cash - you may even find a new one out there!)

 

I've given this some more thought and tried to put myself in the position of having to replace my 5th Gen, which I'm very attached to. I believe I would go for a low mileage 6th Gen with ABS. In fact, if I'd had the money, I'd have grabbed one of the 2007 RWBs with ABS that they were practically giving away.

 

Absolutely!

 

Of course!!!

 

Rode an 07 RWB(vtec didnt impress) before I bought my 5th gen w/24k for $2500. bucks, thats a lot of bike for little cash. Love it.

Now I have the first year of gear drive and the last year. Couldn't be happier for now........ 7th gen might be in my future though.

 

+1 on that.

 

Personally,

The styling of the 6th gen does it for me. I tested both a 6th gen and a 5th gen and I like the engine a little better on the 5th gen (smoother) but I just liked the more angular looks of the 6th. I'll be putting a PCIII on my bike soon so that should smooth out the power issues anyway.

Anyway, buying a motorcycle shouldn't be about logical reasoning, it should be more about the gut feeling of 'I want that one'...

 

I had a '03 Gen 6 until I bought my Gen 5 in '05 have to say while the Gen 6 handled a little better and was a little more economical being a little lazy I usually ride the twisities from 5.5k to 9.5k on balls of my feet with minimal gear changes so much prefer the Gen 5s linear mid range torque and smoother fueling standard. The GDC's also sound cool when commuting in built up low speed limit areas on my way to work.

 

I have a 5th a 6th Gen VFRs and love them both. If I had to choose I would choose the 5th Gen. I like more things about the 5th gen and would do the R/R mods and suspension mods. The 5th gen is more versitile to me for street/touring and track riding - IMHO I do like the 6th gen just not as much as the 5th Gen.