Anyone got a VFR?

[professore]

Hi,

I don't have another bike but kind of fancy a VFR 750 3rd or 4th generation. Am quite happy with my Revere at the moment but am back into riding since last June after a few years on the dark side and have built up my skills and confidence now. It wouldn't be for another 6-12 months at least as am short of cash and saving for it .... with the ECB and the IMF breathing down our necks no credit to be had in Ireland now but on the other hand some great bike deals to be had ....

I use it for a 12 mile commute to work (6 + 6) every day and also for occasional longer trips.

It seems like a natural progression to me. Only downsides I see are no shaft drive. Anyone got any thoughts or advice?

[peewit]

hi there, hows things? the vfr 750 is a really good bike as in being practical and reliable and a good example can still be bought for a reasonable price. the only downside that i can remeber with them is that the engine is a really tight fit in the frame not leaving any room what so ever to get at things. plugs and oil filter are ok to do on them but anything else that involves stripping tends to be an engine out job. however as i said before these really are a good bike even today. have you thought about a zzr 600/1100 these bikes are also great. i have the 600 and its done 40,000 trouble free miles. they are reliable, good on fuel and are comfy on long trips away and also have plenty of smiley face power for a weekend blast. these bikes are very well priced on ebay. you would get a pretty tidy one for around a 1000 pound. worth a thought perhaps?

regards peewit

[professore]

Thanks peewit,

Some good advise there. Thanks

Prof

[realnutter]

I had a VFR750FL..the first model with the single sided rear arm... bought it for 500quid, and spent another 1000quid getting it back on the road... the bulk of which was a new exhaust! Only Micron do after market full systems, and only in Stainless! It needed new tyres, brake pistons all round (10 off i think!) plus pads, chain and sprox, tyres, battery...and some fairing repair work...

Sounds like a lot of money, but it was only 8yrs old at the time, with under 30k on the clock.

Once rebuilt it was simply awesome! The only bike I've had which was a better fast tourer was a Yam GTS1000.

I sold it coz I couldn't cope with the riding position for long...got my money back too.

It went to a friend who has thrashed it mercilessly since and done 50k miles without touching the engine apart from oil changes....

Great bits of kit...expensive on parts!

[professore]

Yes, I am definitely going to get myself one sooner or later.

Prof.

[matgrant]

Hi,

I've got a 1996 VFR750 (FT model), got it in 2002, it's been a really good bike, fast enough to keep up with sports bikes, good for touring and commuting. I stopped using it for commuting after I got up to 9 points, got a Kawasaki GT750, then an NTV650, after that caught fire and burnt itself to a crisp, I go the NTV600, which I still have.
I'd really recommend the VFR70 though.

Cheers, Mat.

[rj2para (Bisto)]

I am currently in the process of buying a 1997 VFR 750. She is in good condition apart from some rec regulator issues, which seem model specific, based on what I have read so far.

[gills]

Nov 12, 2013 8:13:19 GMT 1 rj2para (Bisto) said:

I am currently in the process of buying a 1997 VFR 750. She is in good condition apart from some rec regulator issues, which seem model specific, based on what I have read so far.

I still think the RC36 is one of the best looking bikes there is. Hope you enjoy it

[ploddit]

Nice bikes but as stated exhausts are rare and expensive if it's a later model with the CBS brake lines will also be horribly expensive, again servicing will be long I expect a carb balance to be needed quite often and a pain. All Hondas and many others have the reg/rectifier issues, service should include cleaning the electrical connections

Verdict nice bike but keep a close eye on running costs.

[rj2para (Bisto)]

Thanks for the feed back and tips. I will start collecting soon and no doubt extend the web site to include a VFR section.

My Revere is still running fine, but I fancy a change and some more power and the VFR ticks all the boxes. If all goes to plan I suspect my Revere will be up for sale in the new year.

[pikey]

The VFR gear driven cam motors are peachy, long lived and virtually bullet proof if looked after. I remember seeing Rocket Ron win a superbike race in the wet on a bog standard road registered one, even running road tyres! Often looked at them myself, a friend has a VERY NICE VFR based lowrider which is fast as ferk.

[professore]

Well, I bought a 97 VFR 750 soon after, 50K miles on the clock, stainless exhaust system, refurbished shock, and a Scottoiler. Has gone without a hitch. Servicing is not any more awkward than the Revere, similar access issues with the front 2 cylinders. Even checked the valve clearances - all in spec, they are shims, but even replacing them is not hard apparently since the gear driven cams just pop off, no messing with timing chains.

Only downside is taking off plastic to get at anything and putting it back on again - adds an hour to any servicing jobs.

Still miss the Revere though, a great bike if you're not doing a lot of motorway miles.

[rj2para (Bisto)]

Very nice. I like the taller screen, I currently have the standard screen. Time will tell after a few big trips this summer.

[rj2para (Bisto)]

The VFR is going back on the road. New clutch and front pads and the MOT beckons :-)

Looking forward to getting back on a motorbike. It has been a while.

[rj2para (Bisto)]

Now back on two wheels and loving it. Too long!