Advice needed own 1998 vfr thinking getting 1200

Discussion in '7th Generation 2010-Present' started by ottablue, Jul 30, 2018.

  1. ottablue

    ottablue New Member

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    Hello everyone!!! Have been lurking around on the thread but now need your advice. I have owned used vfr 1998 for 6 years and put 35k miles riding it now at about 65k. Love the bike did few mods still going strong. But thinking it is aging and really like that drive shaft on new bike :) . Read 2010 had bunch of issues and recalls have seen bunch for sale used which is worrisome .....any recommendations what year would be better off within 7th generation and what is fair price for the bike with 20k would be? Any concerns besides recalls I should be aware of or weaknesses after owning one? Thank you in advance.

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
     
  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    I have only taken a 7th Gen for a short test ride so my views are simple. Its fast - stupidly fast, indeed pretty close to a missile on wheels.

    It will be a lot different than your 98.

    There were issues with some early 201o models (swarf in oil galleries) and a few slipped through the recall with occasionally disastrous consequences.

    The 1200s received an discrete update by Honda in 2012 to sort a lot of niggles hence 2012 onward models are really the ones to buy..

    https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/first-rides-tests/2012/may/may1712-honda-vfr1200-old-vs-new-/

    With used models now appearing in numbers they offer a whole lot of bike for the money. Buy a good 2012+ model and you will be smiling.
     
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  3. marriedman

    marriedman New Member

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    I came from a 5th gen, then a brief stint on a 6th gen to my current 2010 7th gen. In every measurable way, the 7th gen is a superior bike. The only things I have done with my 7th gen is the ECU flash and a DAM exhaust with servo elimination. Other that that, they don't need much tweaking. I want the aftermarket cruise control and a custom suspension, but I am in no rush.

    As far as I know, there has only been one recall on the 7th gen - the final drive. The swarf in the oil I believe was limited to a batch in the the European market. The reason for the poor sales performance probably stems from the polarizing looks of the bike. Also because they charged a huge MSRP but didn't have half of the goodies that the competitors had even though this was supposed to be a flagship bike and technology showcase. If it had cruise, electronic adjustable suspension and greater range, I bet it would have done much better.

    As much as I love this bike, and I do seriously love it, I sometimes wish I still had my 5th gen. That motor and exhaust note was just so damned awesome.
     
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  4. Hopsterman

    Hopsterman New Member

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    Hi,

    Ive gone from a 2006 Gen6 to a 2014 Gen 7, here are my thoughts.

    For one up riding in the twisties, I "think" can ride the 800 faster. Its more nimble and seems a lot lighter.
    Probably a touch more comfy, less stretch to the bars etc.
    It would seem to stop quicker, although that might be me having more weight on the wrists.
    The 1200 takes a bit more muscle to ride, and you need to be less timid to get the most out of it.
    probably a touch more wind protection head height with stock screen.

    Having said that, on the 1200, I love the shaft drive, low maintenance and clean rear wheel.
    It has some serious power and goes.
    It feels much like the 800 handling wise, compared to other bikes.
    It has the VFR feel about it. Stable in the wind.
    Handles well when you are brave.
    You don't know the missus is on the back.
    If I was going to only do 1 up riding, or lots of twisties, Id go gen6 or 8
    For touring or 2 up, the 1200 is the beast.

    If you do go 1200, change the stock tyres out. And invest in bar risers.
    I got some weird rear end movement that was unsettling.
    When I put a set of PR4 GTs on, what a difference, much more confidence.

    Don't listen to the bad reviews, the 1200 is a fantastic bike, up there with the 800 and way better than a lot of others out there.
     
  5. ottablue

    ottablue New Member

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    Thank you all for your feedback. Much appreciated!! I do like the bike and I think it is an excellent machine and your responses just confirmed my assumptions.

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
     
  6. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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    There's an owners review after 4,500 miles in MCN this week

    Pretty well what's been said above
     
  7. Megadan

    Megadan New Member

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    For what it is worth, I wouldn't turn my nose up at a 2010 or 2011 either. Yes, the 2012+ have a TINY bit more fuel capacity (very tiny and honestly not going to make a difference), and they do have slightly better fuel mapping as well as a very rudimentary traction control (think, kill-joy). I have a 2010 I bought with 9k miles on it in February, now sitting at 12,600 miles. I don't coddle and baby it, just maintain it to a level equal to how I ride it. All recalls were performed by the original owner. I would buy another 2010 in a heart beat if a good deal came up.

    A good price for a 1200 would depend a bit on the year and miles, but it's not hard to find a nice lower mile 2010 for $6000-7000. For a 2012+, usually they are up for around $8000 ish. It really depends on the area and how motivated the seller is. Mine was $7k out the door with a set of panniers, two windshiels, and the stock and Corbin seats included.

    I think the only fair thing to say about the 2010-11 model year is that a Guhl flash tune, in my opinion, is almost necessary. It helps a little with the 2012+ bikes too, but the difference is more pronounced on the early models. Plus it allows you to remove the gear restrictions as a side bonus.

    As far as the handling. Having the suspension properly setup to your weight and riding style/preference will also make all the difference. Before I sent my forks and rear shock off to Daugherty the bike handled nicely, but it was inadequate for proper sport riding -uneasy would be a good term. With Jamie Daugherty's tuning, my bike feels way more planted, much much more agile, and immensely more responsive. Even in a straight line it just feels more solid and stable, even at triple digit speeds. It manages to do all of this without the ride quality suffering on rougher roads, which is where the real praise has to be given. It's every bit as comfortable as it was before.

    Those two upgrades transformed my 2010 from a good bike into an amazing one. Worth every single penny. I can't sing their praises enough.
     
  8. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    FYI, in the US there was no 2011 model, just 10, 12, and 13. (in red, blue, and black respectively)

    I only paid $6300 for my 2013 a few months ago from a California dealer. Only had 9500 miles on it, and included saddlebags, centerstand, heated grips, DAM exhaust, and Corbin seat.
     
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