Third Gen vs Fourth Gen???

So the time is coming that I'm about to graduate college and find a "real job". Depending on what I end up doing with the 500, I realize that I need an everyday bike. The 500 cannot handle that duty....

Before I even think about getting anything else (yes I have been thinking about other brands), I want to explore the options within the family. If money were no option I would probably go with the 5th gen. I like the idea of having fuel injection and not having to deal with carbs. But I also know that I've heard the carb fans here say that Fi adds a ton of stuff that can go wrong. Plus I'd like to stay under $2500 so I don't have to get a bank loan.

So that leaves me with the 3rd and 4th gen. I'm not gonna lie I don't know a ton about the 4th gens though. I am leaning the 4th gen way because I am seeing them for about the same price as the 3rds. Is there any major differences between the two gens mechanically? I think I have seen carb differences online. Is one carb type easier to work on than the other? The other reason im leaning towards the 4th gen, is that its just newer. Some of the 3rd gens are now 20 years old. I know these engines are well built, but I want something that is going to be turn key.

I'd really like to hear everybody's input. I know there are alot of multiple generation owners, so I'd like to hear the differences from first hand experience.

I did also see this article, but no 3rd/4th >>> 1998 Honda VFR800FI Interceptor - Motorcycle.com

Thanks all!!!

 

4th gens are know to be the best handling of the vfr's and were modeled after the NR750 (oval piston wonder bike), aftermarket parts i find are more readily available for the 4th gens as well that said most parts are interchangeable, but all that said i would not trade my gen 3 for a 4 any day. with the cbr 929 shock in the rear ( and a 3/32 lift added by the extension link needed for install) and the 4th gen front end it handles noticeably better. IMHO the 3rd gen is the best looking not to mention it had the the sexy 8 spoke rear.

 

white 3rd gen plus high mount = sexiest 90s bike ever made!!!

http://www.sabmag.org/jamesstoehr.com/93vfr.jpg

 

I too lust after the '93 in pearl white.

 

I think Tink's bike is a good deal.

 

If you are impartial to how each generation model looks I would definitely get a 4th Gen since parts are much easier to find.

Rollin

 

4th gen bike is a landmark in gradual, steady evolutionary magnificence, and that's what i'd recommend !!


Later gens ?? Fuel injection is over-rated, and needs a Power Commander to get it close to working right.

 

I agree with Squirrel... you want that evolutionary trend and get a sixth gen. You'll have parts, fuel injection, and accessories. Granted they are all good. I'll jump on the pearl white bandwagon... as long as someone else cleans the white rims.

-noz

 

Love me some NR750.....

What about the gen 4 front end was better that you did a swap???

Tink, you know how much I want your bike. The thing is I will have no time to do a fly and ride. So it would have to be shipped... Which I dont have a problem with. Just more $$$ tho.

Dead and Candyred.... *cough*... FindAnyCycle: HONDA VFR750F INTERCEPTOR - Jacksonville

 

Having ridden and owned 3rd, 4th, and 5th-gen VFRs, I'd say go with the 4th, since the 5th will be out of your range. I think it's the best-looking of all of them, with the exception of the tail on the 5th, it handles great, sounds great, and it's easy to work on. Parts for the 3rd-gen are very hard to find, and from my experience, it runs hotter than the 4th or 5th-gen as well. Also, the 4th-gen has the best stock seat of any bike I've yet ridden; I tried Corbin and Sargent seats on it, and they just didn't compare.

 

No, I dont quite have a preference on looks. I might lean toward the 4th gen for the gills on the side and how it looks with the hard passenger seat cover.

You make it sound so... amazing! Lol. Wikipedia did say it was regarded as the epitome of the vfr line.

Sixth gens are a tad out of my price range. Maybe if it was about this time next year. There was a 6th in my town last summer, clean as shit, for $4000, but I didnt have the money. And sixth gens dont have gear driven cams.... but the gen 5s do... :whistle:

 

If you can swing it get a 5th gen. My 98 has 23k and i've only done normal maint. And a chain and sprocket. If not go with the 4th. I've seen 5th gens online for under 3k just last summer. Good hunting.

 

and RIP James (that's a pic of his bike). I rode with him several times down in AZ.

Yeah, that's one sexy machine.

 

Might not be the best time of year for a bike bargain but last fall I bought my 2000 for $2200 though it had scraped up plastics. I just missed a sweet 2000 for $2500 by a day.

 

Yeah I know... I wanted to buy in december or january but an unexpected school bill shot that down and put me in financial lock ever since. Im just getting to a point where I will be fine, plus im wating to hear back on a good job from Nationwide. So we will see. I don't have a problem going with the gen 3 or 4. Plus it will save me money on purchase price and insurance.

Just gotta pay off a few bills and maybe sell a handgun or two and I should be ready soon.