Early vs late gen. 6 vfr, is the latest model best?

I'm new to the forum, but not to the vfr. I had a vfr 800 '98 for nine years before I had to sell it (and the camping trailer) to partly finance our new house... Now I'm thinking of bying a gen. 6 vfr. In 2006 they changed the engine to make a smoother transition between low and high rev and also made some cosmetic changes? My question is: Would You buy a model before 2006 (f.ex 2004) with the same km and finish as a 2007, or the 2007 model? Handling and ride comfort is the same? Any experience with ABS? I apologize for my english, I'm a Norwegian sportsteacher...

 

Welcome to the fun house. love these questions, though some here may throw stones at you, so be ready to duck. But ya know, that's going to be a personal liking right if it where me, I'd look at the new VFR, I know I did look long and hard at em, probably have one if it were not for the timing of the 5th gen I have that fell into my lap. But if it's a money thing, which I understand. More than likely folks here are going to say 07 or newer. or, like me get a 5th gen

 

Thanks for your reply! I drove my '98 vfr for 50000 km with no problems at all, a very good bike. A 2004 and 2007 model vfr with the same km can in Norway be sold for about the same price. I have been reading here at vfrworld that some riders like the change in power in the older version and some like the more linear power curve for the newer version. Is the difference really that large?

 

They also remedied some of the electrical problems on the '07, so definitely go with that.

 

06 and up to 09 are the same bike, the 06 with abs is the best.

 

2006 and newer would be my choice :wink:

 

I bought a 2002 a few years back and contacted the local dealer aboot the front harness recall. I was told it had roughly 2 dozen service recalls/bulletins issued, some completed but most had just expired. I inquired aboot my 2007, while I had him on the phone, and none had been issued. Kinda speaks for itself.

 

I've got no beef with the earlier 6th gens ... I'm on my second 2002 ... the first one decided to teach a semi-truck who's boss.

 

I wouldn't get a 2002-2005-they all have problems that the upgraded 2006 mostly got fixed.

 

I'll be upfront and honest - I'm biased. Given the chance to do it over again I would have never sold my 5th gen to "upgrade" to the 6th gen. Ostensibly the reason I wanted to upgrade was for more modern amenities and greater aftermarket support as well as ABS. At least that is how I sold it to the wife. And honestly the ABS is now something that I really don't want to be without. I still love the looks of the 6th gen more than the 5th, but I just never clicked my '07. I had to replace the battery, stator, and R/R and that bike didn't have but 16K miles on it. At least my 5th gen only needed the R/R replaced. And everything is easier to work on with the 5th gen because there is more room under the seat. Nothing electrical is crammed up in the front of the bike.

However, if you are deadset on getting a 6th gen, I don't think it really matters what year you get. The alleged improvements to the charging system will still need to be fixed by you if the previous owner did not do it already. The VTEC engagement may be a little more abrupt in the 02-05 models, but at least that would give the bike some character which I thought my 07 was seriously lacking.

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather ride a 6th gen VFR over any other bike in it's class by other manufacturers. It is a VFR after all.

 

This is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for, thanks!

 

I also think ABS is a good thing, panic braking may get less catastrofic

 

I was very satisfied with my 5.gen '98 model but I never got used to the high frequent sound from the cam gear train. I also like the design of the 6.gen more than the 5.gen..

 

My 2007 has had its fair share of electrical issues, so I really wouldn't worry about what year it is. I would worry more about its condition, if maintenance was kept up with and if the bike lived in a garage or outside.

 

I also think maintenance /service documentation is very important. A 10 year bike with good maintenance is a better choice than a 5 year old bike with no maintenance. I once helped a friend who let her bike stand outside in the snow the whole winter, it wouldn't start in april...

 

How funny you should say that. That was one thing I kept complaining about my 5th gen too. However, it is one thing that I missed most on the 6th gen and my current 7th gen. I also liked the exhaust note the best on the 5th gen best. Many people have said if you can have a 5th gen motor in a 6th gen chassis you would have the best VFR of all. I would be one to agree with that!

<edited to correct chassis generation!>

 

Thank You all for helpful information about wich bike I should buy. I think I will look for a 2006 to 2008 model with as few km as possible and in as good condition as possible. In about one month the snow has hopefully melted and I can intensivate my search for my new vfr

 

Careful. Snow melt drives prices up.

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mines the best vfr 800 abs

 

LOL .... if you say so.