'98-'99 vs '00-'01 VFR's

What do you guys think - are the differences between the early and late VFR800 FI's that significant, or not really?

Is the clutch feel that difference? Does anyone really complain about the early 800FI clutches?

How about the fuel injection programming? Much better or not really?

Definitely appreciate any comments.

Thanks!

 

:welcome: to the world

In 2000 Honda added cats and o2 sensors. The performance guys prefer the 98-99 headers because of this. The fuel injection was upgraded in 2000 and the enrichener (choke lever) was no longer needed. The "condom" mirrors were ditched after '99. Other than that they are basically the same bike and you can't go wrong with any of them. No these bikes don't have clutch issues, the main gremlin is the regulator/rectifier. There are several members here that I know and I'm sure lots more that I don't know with over 100k miles !!!!!

 

Thanks! I'm trying to decide on a 5th gen VFR, looking at one or two, and not sure which one to go with.

So with an 00-01 VFR, will you get a Check Engine light if an O2 sensor fails? Any issues with the cats at all? Is the extra emissions equipment a reason to stay away from an 00-01, perhaps?

Any way to tell what the current condition of the rectifier is?

I thought I read that the 00-01's had a slightly easier (less stiff) clutch actuation...?

 

Can't go wrong with either one. Y2k pretty much sumned it up, the only thing that I might add is I think the 98-99 exhaust is painted steel and00-01 is stainless steel (not polished and will have a black patina now )
Plan on spending $200-400 on electrical someday. (mine is still original)
Don't worry about emissions systems, or clutch, not an issue.
In my opinion any 5th gen is the best bang for the buck and you get gear driven cams.
Good luck and post pictures when you find the right one.
When shopping look for the best condition bike you can find. Don't get hung up on lowest milage or a few hundred dollars in price, long after the purchase condition is what you'll remember. If there are aftermarket things you must have find a bike with them already, it won't change the price of the bike much

 

I agree that condition is more important.
Recorded history also counts for much.

 

The enrichment circuit is still there on the 2000. Honda switched over to that wax unit instead of the manual "choke" linkage. Both serve the same purpose. Since the wax units are quite prone to failure, I actually prefer having the manual control.

 

In this case one can't go to wrong with either, I'd be more concerned with general condition and history, a bike is a bike from that. I'm one here that believes in the 5th, but less is more so I went with the 98. But I was coming from a 4th gen.

 

Thanks for all of the responses, guys! Looks like a '98-'99 is a good choice, too. Cheers!