VFR750

[dern]

I'm finding my blade to be uncomfortable in the winter gear I'm now wearing and relatively expensive to run so I'm looking for a fully faired winter bike to commute on. What are vfr750s like in comparison to a blade (mine is a 2000 929)? What I'm looking for is something with good weather protection, decent economy, more able to take commuter grade tyres and not feel like a porsche on nangkung ditchfinders if you know what I mean and a more upright comfortable position... does this sound like a vfr to anyone who's had one?

Cheers,

Mark

Edited by dern on Wednesday 4th October 16:02

[Fire99]

Quite a groovy allrounder...
Is definitely more upright than the blade and softer overall. Doesn't have the same punch as the blade but has a good and very smooth spread of power and torque.
Dare i say, cross country over a mix of roads you probably wouldn't be too far behind the blade..
I've only ridden one a couple of times so dont have the experience on how they are to live with.
I have heard that servicing costs are more expensive due to the V4 layout, but it does have Gear-driven cams so the engine is very tough..

Suspension and brakes do go off (like most bikes with modest spec parts) but on the plus side they tend to attract more mature sensible riders which tends to mean they get looked after..

Not a desparately exciting bike but very capable in my eyes..

Hope that helps.

Nick

[sporelife]

Have commuted to London (44 mile round trip) for the last 3 years on a 92 VFR, and can vouch for comfort and faired protection.

I average about 40mpg (teach me for harrassing scooters) so not too bad. Valve clearances can be an expensive affair, but it depends on how handy you are with a spanner.

If you're looking at older models (750 gear driven cams) you get the reputation of a bulletproof powerplant with enough oomph to get out of (or into) a situation quick enough, without having to wiggle your left foot too much (V4 torque).

Just ask whether the voltage regulator/rectifier has been changed.

Check service history, and the mileage, as it may be due for 'the big one' (circa 43k I think)

As said, not the most jaw dropping example on 2 wheels, but a well respected ride nonetheless.

[WBC]

Have been away the last two years to Germany with a group of friends, one of whom rides a '94 VFR750 and another on a 2001 'Blade. The VFR is an impressive bike in my opinion. I ride a VTR Firestorm myself and at no point on the trip did the VFR hold me up or the chap on the 'Blade (admittably I am far less experienced that the guy on the VFR). It seems to handle well and certainly cruises comfortably on the autobahn. In terms of straight line acceleration it is slightly slower than my Firestorm but really there is not that much in it. On the twisties there is nothing in it.

Would really fancy one myself as in my book it is one of the best all round bikes at an affordable price. Admittably its looks are not its strong point but, personally I think it is a good looking no-nonsense bike.

[dern]

Thanks all, I'll keep an eye out for one and give one a go.

I have a couple of other possibilities in mind and if I can get another gpz1100 I think I will but they seem few and far between and the vfr seems like a good second bet.

Regards,

Mark

[_Dave_]

www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/

Great VFR forum, I've had a couple and they were/are great bikes, look for a late 750 or a pre vtech 800 without the linked brakes, I will probably buy another one day, need to get my horsepower fix for a while longer yet