Topic: Honda VFR 750 insight

[Tews19]

I have been looking for some time for a sport tourer. I looked at BMw's but to expensive at the moment. I have recently looked at a few VFR 750. a 91' and a 94'. Both in nice shape. one with really high miles, 50k and the other has low miles, 18k. both around 22-2500. Well maintained.

I guess I am wondering if any of you have any concerns I should have when looking at the bikes again and if they are quality machines.

Thanks in advance

[Stev-o]

They are Hondas, so the quality is there.

I wouldnt call it any kind of tour bike though. You planning on doing long distance?

Sharp bike the R is....

[jaytee-nz]

I owned a 1990 VFR 750 with 100,000 kms (60,000 miles) on it and it still purred. I did a lot of research before I bought it and these engines will easily last 100,000 or more miles without needing any work. The only known weak point is the regulator / rectifer but that's an easy fix.
They were made to replace the VF750 which was a piece of crap, so the big H made sure the VFR was a quality piece of equipment.
They are a great bike and I regret selling mine.

[MoMo]

Kawasaki Concors...Larry

[sniper1]

I have a 2001 VFR800 that I bought used two years ago, it has only 15,000 miles on it (I own three motorcycles). I got it for $3,000. The VFR is a great do-it-all bike. I would recommend the 5th or 6th generation VFR's as there were some improvements made over the 4th gen you are looking at. I had a 2004 VFR 800 (V-Tech) that was great, but I didn't care for the V-tech. The engines are bullet proof and are known to go well over 100k miles. You can get 5th gens ('97-'01) for about the same price (depending on where you live, and if owners are willing to part with them). They are great bikes and you will really enjoy it, no matter which VFR you get.

Also, check out VFRD.com. Great sight with great information about all generations of VFR's.

[Maurice]

I owned a 1990 for a few years. As mentioned the R/R is the weak point, the only one in my case. Swapped in an R7 R/R and never had an issue after that. It never left me stranded even after 2 R/R failures because you can always bump start it and keep revs higher to go home (to a very fried battery).

I did some long-ish distance riding and it was quite comfortable really. All was stock on the bike, except for a Yosh can. I had a backpack and a tank bag. The stock position is great, not too sporty or relaxed, you get to wear the tires with no chicken strips even riding back roads mostly.

Valve adjustment can be a PITA, have to remove half the stuff on the bike, only to find out it's really a valve check. Other maintenance is fine, single sided swingarm makes balancing the rear tire a bit tricky. Gear driven cams are a treat to the ear, and no worries of a worn out chain.

Sold it to get a Hawk GT, two less cylinders and a lot lighter because I don't ride too far/long.

Good luck.

[calj737]

Tews - look for a 1987-1992 BMW K75s. It should fit your budget, and without besmirching the very nice VFR, a much nicer bike. Shaft drive, fuel injected, electronic ignition, liquid cooled triple, it's silky smooth, heaps of torque, and built like a tank. Plenty nimble to ride with any. Bike on twisties, and carry two-up with bags while doing so!

My personal all-time favorite bike. Ever. I put over 240,000 on my 1987 without ever a roadside failure.

[Duke McDukiedook]

I have 2 86's so I am a little biased. The 91 and 94 will still be geared cams so you should be OK there.
The carbs can be a little tricky to get back on if you have to take them off but otherwise they are fairly bulletproof.

[dusterdude]

Should have known the bmw groupie would chime in

[calj737]

Should have known the bmw groupie would chime in

Said the Peanut Gallery 

[Duanob]

I have been looking for some time for a sport tourer. I looked at BMw's but to expensive at the moment. I have recently looked at a few VFR 750. a 91' and a 94'. Both in nice shape. one with really high miles, 50k and the other has low miles, 18k. both around 22-2500. Well maintained.

I guess I am wondering if any of you have any concerns I should have when looking at the bikes again and if they are quality machines.

Thanks in advance

I was at a garage sale last weekend and a guy was selling a 1999 Suzi Bandit 1200 for $1500. 16K miles all original never been laid down. He broke a wrist 6 years ago and parked the bike in the garage. It was a bit big for me but its set up for sport touring. More upright position, lots of lower end torque. I passed on it but I was sure trying to find someone to buy it! It was a great deal. I saw a couple of others on CL not in as good of shape but for twice as much $$$. I should've just flipped it.

[Tews19]

Ah I love Cal. His knowledge is invaluable and I truly respect his opinion.

[Stev-o]

Ah I love Cal. His knowledge is invaluable and I truly respect his opinion.

Do I smell a Bromance?!     And don't forget his wilingness to help just about everyone.

[Tews19]

Lol, no bromance. That's for you Stev-O

[Stev-o]

Lol, no bromance. That's for you Stev-O

Ha!

[calj737]

Now I'm jealous!  Just another toy discarded to the bin... Thanks, Tews 

[dusterdude]

Tews,cal has you snowed

[Tews19]

What does snow mean?

[dusterdude]

Bullsh!ting you,in other words

[grcamna2]

They are Hondas, so the quality is there.

I wouldnt call it any kind of tour bike though. You planning on doing long distance?

Sharp bike the R is....

Hey,that RC30 is only just barely 'streetable' but she would be fun to own if you have the $.

[grcamna2]

I owned a 1990 VFR 750 with 100,000 kms (60,000 miles) on it and it still purred. I did a lot of research before I bought it and these engines will easily last 100,000 or more miles without needing any work. The only known weak point is the regulator / rectifer but that's an easy fix.
They were made to replace the VF750 which was a piece of crap, so the big H made sure the VFR was a quality piece of equipment.
They are a great bike and I regret selling mine.

You can't go wrong w/ a VFR,a great sport tourer that's comfortable on long rides.

[ekpent]

I have been looking for some time for a sport tourer. I looked at BMw's but to expensive at the moment. I have recently looked at a few VFR 750. a 91' and a 94'. Both in nice shape. one with really high miles, 50k and the other has low miles, 18k. both around 22-2500. Well maintained.

I guess I am wondering if any of you have any concerns I should have when looking at the bikes again and if they are quality machines.

Thanks in advance

I was at a garage sale last weekend and a guy was selling a 1999 Suzi Bandit 1200 for $1500. 16K miles all original never been laid down. He broke a wrist 6 years ago and parked the bike in the garage. It was a bit big for me but its set up for sport touring. More upright position, lots of lower end torque. I passed on it but I was sure trying to find someone to buy it! It was a great deal. I saw a couple of others on CL not in as good of shape but for twice as much $$$. I should've just flipped it.

  Mercy-- I would have been all over the Bandit for that price. Thought I had worked out a deal on a green 1999 this spring but it fell through when the guy couldn't let it go. I'll have to check back in.

[Bankerdanny]

I used an '89 FJ1200 as a sport tourer for a couple years. More power than anyone really needs and quite comfortable with a factory frame mounted fairing. You might find it is a bit large for you though. The last couple years of the FJ (1991-1992) are the best option I think since there is a nice accessory windscreen available that gives the fairing a really nice modern look.

I am also a fan of the earlier 750/700 Sabre with the Hondaline faring (the one you often see on CBX's). The downside of the early chain driven cam V4 is a problem with cam oiling that leads to flat spots.

Dollar for dollar I think Momo has it right. The Concours 1000 was sold for many years unchanged and has a really strong owner community, great aftermarket support, and a fantastic reputation for comfort and reliability. Since they sold so many you can get them for a very reasonable price too.