[fabio]

I've always been looking around at other bikes ever since I got my Bandit. I love the Bandit, I really do but it wouldn't feel right if I didn't keep an eye out at other bikes too and to be honest I would love to have a fairing around me to protect against some of the weather. To this end I have a list of bikes that, if the time came, I would have to look out for...

- VFR 750 or 800
- GSX 600/750f (supposedly a Bandit with fairing?)
- ZZR 600
- CBR 600f (has to be the f version for comfort)
- Thundercat
- and the wildcard in all of this is the Deauville, a bike I have a lot of respect for.

Basically I'd like a bike that can really do it all. That can bring me up and down from my house to UCC (4 miles each way through town), can take out for a blast at the weekend and that I can tour on. Just about what I asked for when I was enquiring about stepping up from the Innova! All of these bikes do that apparently and all have fairing.

However the search has moved up a little bit because I saw a VFR 750 for a reasonable price (1250) today. It's a 1996 model and has been garaged for 3 years. I have no idea about mileage or anything but it was serviced recently but I have no pics. If I could sell the Bandit for around 1200 (essentially what I paid for it) then I could have this VFR. If it's in good nick and insurance is ok. And I would need to restrict it unfortunately.

So, should I go and have a look or for my use of the bike am I better off sticking to a bike I know and am getting to know even better by the day?

The specific questions are:

- Is it fuel efficient? The Bandit has a 19 litre tank, 4.5 litres of that which is reserve and I normally get 120 or so miles before hitting reserve when using the bike for commuting. That's about 37 mpg. It improves a lot when on longer spins but can the VFR match the Bandit's fuel consumption? Or better it?

- Can I work on it at home? I have gotten to know the Bandit pretty well and am confident working with it at home but I can I do the same with the VFR?

- Is there any hidden expenses with the VFR?

Thanks for reading through this and feel free to tell me things I do not want to hear for those are often the most important!

[milliondollarmac]

I have never had either one of these models myself but

I've known quite a few Suzuki owners over the years and the vast majority of them tell me that although they are a great bike they are not the most fuel efficient engine. i'd be very surpised if the VFR doesn't at least match the 37 mpg u get on the bandit.

The general consenus among VFR owners seems to be that the 750 engine was probably the best VFR ever produced (Think it was the last model produced without the snatchy fuel injection).

You will eventually get just as comfortable working on the Honda as u are on the Suzuki, ok u will have to become familiar with it over time but I'm sure it took time to understand the workings of the bandit so I wouldn't let it turn me off.

This post has been edited by milliondollarmac: 05 April 2011 - 11:35 PM

[fabio]

milliondollarmac, on 05 April 2011 - 11:34 PM, said:

I have never had either one of these models myself but

I've known quite a few Suzuki owners over the years and the vast majority of them tell me that although they are a great bike they are not the most fuel efficient engine. i'd be very surpised if the VFR doesn't at least match the 37 mpg u get on the bandit.

The general consenus among VFR owners seems to be that the 750 engine was probably the best VFR ever produced (Think it was the last model produced without the snatchy fuel injection).

You will eventually get just as comfortable working on the Honda as u are on the Suzuki, ok u will have to become familiar with it over time but I'm sure it took time to understand the workings of the bandit so I wouldn't let it turn me off.

Yeah that's true I suppose...all in good time etc etc.

[Darkcloud]

zOU on here has long since had a VFR750....mebbe fire him a PM and ask all??


Best of luck with your decision...

[TC]

I had a VFR 750 and Vtec 800 and I loved both of them. I regret to this day having to sell both.
Loved them. Been a few years since I had them.
If you want it then go for it.
Fuel consumption was not an issue at the time but it might be now with peoples circumstances now but
it is a great machine.
Best of luck with your choice.
TC

[Blade RR]

The VFR is no douubt a great bike, in a word bullet proof. This bike could be just one of Honda's best.

I would be slightly biased as i am a honda fan. However, the V4 engine has proven itself and it this one still stands the test of time.

The only things i would point out that i would be aware of, are the brake lines, make sure they havent persished over time. Also the rear shock could be a little tired and may need to be replaced. Its best to get a bike with as much service history as possible. Be sure that the valve clearances have been checked, this is important.

The successor to the vfr750 was the vfr800i in 1998 i think, this is not the v-tech version. The 800i was updated slight than in 2001 or 2000.

One bike i would like to have myself.

edit: spelling

This post has been edited by Blade RR: 06 April 2011 - 08:32 AM

[delooney]

37mpg from a 600? Something not quite right there. VFR should do better than that!

Anyhoo, the whole idea of getting a Honda is that you shouldn't have to work on it! Other than general routine stuff.

As far as I know, VFRs are well built, durable, comfy machines. Check the exhaust carefully, the silencer and downpipes are made of good stuff, but the collector under the gearbox is made of InstaRust. It ought to have been replaced after 15 years! As regards hidden expense, like any older machine, check the usual stuff, tyres, chain & sprockets, brake pads, fluids, battery, wheel bearings, cracked fairing panels, cos if you had to replace all those, it wouldn't be much of a bargain.

Sometimes, a seller's premises is a good indicator of how they've minded a bike, a nice clean garage with tidy tools and clean floor is good, overgrown swamp with upturned, burnt-out cars and starving greyhounds probably not great. Caveat emptor.

I'm not sure if a fairing like that of a VFR will keep a whole lot of the weather off, compared to a Bandit, you'll still get wet.

If you want a big fairing and good fuel consumption, try a TDM 900. Rarely drops below 55mpg. Super comfy and can get a move on.

[CBR 46]

For a 15 year old bike I'd definitely be checking brake lines, bearings, tyres and rubber bits that can perish over time. It depends on how the bike was prepared for storage. One thing you must check is the exhaust as they are notorious for rotting and horrendously expensive.

Lots of info on VFR's available at bikersoracle.com/vfr

I have an 800FI and can get up to 260 miles from a tank when out photorallying, using 20 of the 21 litres, so that's 13 miles per litre compared to your 8.

I find it comfortable for about 12 hours riding a day...old age gets me in the legs. The longest day I've done is 560 miles and 16 hours and although tired, I wasn't absolutely crippled. Mind you, I was keeping to the speed limits and not killing myself.

The standard screen directs wind blast at your chest and if you're progressing quickly as they say, for a sustained period of a few hours I find that the shoulders get tired.

It's not as nimble as a sports bike and there's a recommended modification to make it drop into corners more easily. It's on the VFR site under "do this now".

You need the manual, or at least the instructions on how to bleed the brakes, because they have to be done in a particular sequence because they're linked. Allow half a day for changing the plugs and make sure you get the original plug spanner for doing the rear cylinders. Normal servicing is no problem at all, the only thing I get the experts to do for me is valve clearances which are recommended to be checked every 16,000 miles. I pay around €200 for this.

Chain tension is a factor in smoothness, if it's not right you'll get a lot of buzzing through the footpegs.

Being a v-four it has a different firing sequence to an in-line four and is not as smooth and the power delivery is different.

The lower fork legs go manky on them all, don't worry about it.

The plastic screws get stuck in the middle part between the two fairing halves.

New plastics are seriously expensive.

For me the VFR does what it says on the tin. I use it for commuting (between 3 and 35 miles each way daily, I work in different places), spinning around, doing photorally points (some with big mileages). I carry a pillion occasionally and a big top box usually and don't have any complaints about it at all.

My advice would be to check it out and ride it to see if you like it. Have a look at and ride a few others too for comparison. I looked at a good few before I found mine, there's a lot of crap out there so be careful. If you don't like anything about it walk away. Bring a mate to stop you walking in to something with your eyes closed. Good luck whatever you do.

[Kang]

Couldn't tell u the others but used to own a CBR600F before myself, the tank size was totally wrong I guess the one I had, a good few liters missing. if u are not carry any others on your bike no need to get a 600f, yes the leather seat is longer bigger softer, but I didnt feel how comfort it was. a trip from Dublin to waterford with 2 quick stops - I couldnt even find my a55 when I got there. the 00 one I had 5 years ago top speed was also slow. 190 was the max and its not restricted. after 140-150 then just No Acceleration at all. overall I was not very happy with the bike. also Had a VFR400RR before, cause its a small bike so couldnt tell u anything about the speed, but its quite easy8 to handle. so maybe vfr800 would be the same?

[plato]

I have an 02 VTEC and a 1986 750 VFR,........... GO FOR IT they are a super bike,
Actually like the 86 a bit better.

[fatbast]

if you find a good vfr go for it probably the best built bike by honda and therefore the world! rc36 model going to be collectable soon imo....

[andy gaw]

1989 minter in CB for €900...was going to buy it myself last month but the old doll convinced me I didn't need another bike....my arm is nearly better now.

[fabio]

I was in there having a new front tyre fitted the other day Brocky. Tis gone, bought and all.

[rowsi]

CB motors, are they good guys and reasonable value for tyres???

VFR, one of the best bikes ever, my favorite being the 750 FV or the very first 800, but after that, I don't think so...

[fabio]

Always found Johnie and the lads in CB to be dead sound.

[fabio]

So I saw a lovely VFR on Donedeal the other night for good money but really, would restricting it just kill it off? The Bandit is restricted but they take to them well don't they? Not so sure if a VFR 750 would...opinions?