Need some buying advise

Hello Everyone!!

I'm new to this forum...I currently am riding a Kawi Ninja 500R, and have been lusting over the Interceptor. I've been riding for 5 months now, and have put on 6,800 miles on my bike. I'm now in the market for an Interceptor...just racking my brain on what year, new/used, color, ABS or no ABS...etc. I'm in this forum to meet other VFR owners and to gain insite on what my next bike is going to be.

I'm currently debating on purchasing one of the following:
- a brand new red '07 VFR w/o ABS, or
- a '05 Silver VFR w/ ABS ($2K savings from an '07), or
- a '06 black VFR w/o ABS (approx $1K savings from an '07).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Since they're pretty much all essentially the same bike I'd probably go with the '05 and the $2k in savings. What kind of mileage are we talking about? Mint conidition? Any extras included (hard bags, etc)?

 

I'll have to agree, I would choose the '05 w/ abs, but then again its a personnal choice for colors. You could always use the money you save for your wish list.

 

I'm trying to compare apples to apples...so lets say the '05 and '06 are all stock...no extras. As for milage...let's say normal...I'm not too worried about the miles as I'd factor that in with the price. As for scratches, dents, etc...I'm looking for a clean bike, no dents...very minor scratches if any. I've read that for the '06 model there were some improvements to the engine, performance, etc. For the people who've ridden both or have knowledge of this...do you really notice the difference?

Thanks.

 

Kenji, you ride a '05 w/ ABS...how do you like it? Have you ridden any other VFR's?

Also, as for color...yes, cosmetic is important...but my MAIN concern is would people be able to see me. Does having a silver or black bike put me in a class where it'll be harder to see me? I currently ride a dark red bike.

Thanks.

 

If you were blindfolded, I bet you wouldn't be able to tell them apart. Color choices and the vtec coming on @ 6800 rpm vs 7000 on the '05 are the only differences.

 

By new, if cash is no problem, its nice to be able to break a new one in. Plus you might be able to screw the dealership for helmet, gloves etc. I would have expected the second hand ones to be a fair bit cheaper than that.

Is 10 or 20 percent extra worth the investment for a brand newie? I think it is.

Then again, theyre only new for a day.

Vtec on the 2006 model up have changed from 6800 to 6600 rpm when the vtec cicks in, and it then stays in 4 valves until it goes down to 6100.

You might want to check if the 2006 one is actually a 2006 model.

blue or red is my personal taste. black is worse for showing dirt

the new models clear indicator lenses look nice too

You must feel like a kid at a candy store - cant decide

 

Hopsterman, you own a 2006 VFR that is dark RED? I thought Honda only released black or white for 2006. I thought the dark RED is only on the 2007 model.

 

Aussie got the new colours first. - but the tri colour one hasnt arrived yet.

hey why dont ya get one of them?

 

The Tri-color didn't appeal to me at first...but it's growing on me. I just don't think it's worth the extra $1K.

 

Get A "06 pearl white. It's faster and very visible. people are always commenting on it when I'm out ridin. But that just me and I am slightly biased.
Danimal

 

I vote for the Silver 05 cause thats what I did. Moved from the same old bike you had as well. I liked the red but red gets more attentions from the boys in blue. Nothing says I like to go fast more than a red bike. Also I say go with the ABS, in my view unless you are a lot better rider than most of us are its cheap insurance but hey its a bike and you got to go with what like.

 

Grinder, how was your transition from the Ninja 500R to the '05 VFR? Smooth? Anything I should be aware of? Was the Ninja 500R your first bike? How many miles did you put on it prior to upgrading to your '05 VFR?

 

hi there,

i bought a 2006 registered 05 model silver with abs/cbs,

for me it was the correct choice as the red ones i liked were only a few months newer than mine and cost about £1500 more.

take the 2k saving and buy some cool accesories, new lid etc, the bikes are all fantastic no matter which you choose it will be the correct one.

:>lank

note: the retro rothmans colour is sooooo cool

 

VSP888, the transition was easy. I found the viffer easier to ride and more comfortable than the 500. The viffer has more power obviously so take it easy till you get the feel of things. Also the viffer is heavier so you need to be a bit more carefull with slow speed manouvering. You don't want it to tip on you. Everything about he viffer is better than the 500 and you get used to the weight very quickly. The viffer just grows on you with time.

 

If an ABS model is what you are looking for than get it. I would buy one of the remaining NEW '06 models that are still available at dealerships, I beleive honda may have a price reduction on the remaining '06 models, there just isn't enough savings on the used market untill they are much older to justify buying a used one. May aswell break in your own VFR. (go with the white)

 

I bought an '05 w/ ABS recently and saved $5500 (C$) over list and also received the hardbags for the price. I think you should be able to get them down much lower than just $2k off an '07 w/o ABS.

 

Just my 2 cents worth, but if you have only been riding for 5 months, i would stay with the 500 for a at least a year. I have been riding my GS500 for two years for a couple of reasons; First its a great learing bike, Second; its a lot cheaper to repair when you drop it, or lay it down and a great bike to learn how to corner. In the twistys i can keep up with the much bigger bikes that i ride with. They kick my butt in the strights, but its fun to see the look on their face when they see me right behind them in the corners. Again, just my two cents worth...

 

Buy a 98-01 model vfr and you will save more money and be happier as the 5th gen dont have the Vtec or wiring that melts...wiring problem is bad ground that causes electrical coupling behind front upper faing to get hot and melt and 1 instance of catching fire...Found the info at VFRclub.,VFRdiscussion.com. The 5th gen 98-01 models weak spot is the R/R.. You can still find 5th gen models with less than 10,000 miles on them .Plus the Vtec model is heavier by almost 50lbs....

 

Theres a lot of misinformation floating about the 6th gen.

50 lbs is bollocks. Without ABS theyre nearly the same weight stock. With the 6th Gen - allow to take off the stock exhaust (which looks ugly(personal view) and is heavy) and put aftermarket on, you will save at least 5 to 10 kgs

The old model puts out slightly more torque and power AT THE HIGH REVs.
At lower revs, 4000 to 6000 rpm where most people ride most of the time, the newer 6th Gens do well better than the 5th gen. Nobody is going to cover 60000 or even 100000 kms on a bike by riding at 12000 rpm most of the time.. In my view (sport tourer) its one big improvement.

If your a racer - then its not an improvement. However if you are a racer - buy a CBR.

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Honda/1999/VFR 800/
http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Honda_VFR_800_ABS_2006.aspx

I will agree, there is not a huge step between the 5th and 6th gen bikes, simply because I believe the 5th gen, even today, is a very very good bike.

Its like anything - if dolleros arent too much of an issue. - You'd have to buy new, because the new ones are better than old ones, even if not by a huge margin, theyre still better.

If you are bit strapped for cash the 5th gen, and if your lucky enough to find a good one - go for it.