Talk to me about VFR750's

[sgtcalle]

Hello all.

I'm strongly contemplating selling my ZZR6 and picking up a VFR750, probably a 94/95 is what i could pick up with my budget (£1000-1200 at a push). They are often described as the ultimate all rounder. Are they really that good?

My main question for anyone who's ridden one is how do they handle? My main qualm with the ZZR is that it handles a bit like a barge, it really has to be manhandled (To be fair to it, its done nearly 60k miles and is probably about knackered).

I want a bike that is reliable, comfortable for occasional touring, and able to be hustled along when I want to. Does the VFR fit the bill? Is there anywhere else i should be looking? I really like the look of the VFR's, maybe I'm being led by my heart more than my head.

Any input much appreciated.
____________________
CBR600F '02
Manchester

[hmmmnz]

the vfr750s are getting a bit long in the tooth now, but if you could find one with around 20-30k miles on it then it'd be worth having,
handling is ok, nothing to write home about, but good and solid.
the 800s are ok but only up to the vtec models, which are shit,
they took away the thing that made the bikes so good (gear driven cams) and then added something that made it even more shit,
vtec on a bike is kind of pointless,

under 30k miles pre vtec, then buy it,
____________________
the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[johnnyarctic]

I've had a '95 for the last year and a bit and am happy with it. took it on the euro trip this summer and was comfortable the whole way, did 1200 miles in 5 days no bother. also have the wing rack which is good for luggage.

the V4 sounds great and they still look relatively modern. mine has 53k on the clock now and the only problems I've had are the usual: electrical in the form the the R/R and stator, both of which I've had to replace in the last year.

I haven't ridden much else so can't comment on the handling, other than say "it seems fine to me!". i think there is a mod some people do to drop the front end a bit to sharpen the turn in, can't remember exactly, you can find it on VFRD or other forums I'm sure.

Definitely fits the bill for your criteria. the main other thing i considered was the zx6r j1, could be worth a look
____________________
Current Ride: VFR750

[Moxey]

Wouldn't say you would have much to lose by going a bit higher mileage, mine had 43k when I got it and put 5k on it no sweat or fuss.

Handling I always found 'meh' even after fitting a decent rear shock and forks to mine it did turn in quicker and held the lines better but wasn't confidence inspiring or rewarding I found

Stock brakes leave something to be desired when two up with luggage but they do still perform to what you would need on the road.

Rectifiers are renown for failing (not that mine did), replacement is an option or upgrading is the way forward.

Rear wheel hub can seize the chain adjuster on due to small holes allowing water in, bit of a design flaw, worth checking rear chain condition for a hint of this problem.

The plus points for them from me.
* Reliability
* Reasonable mpg (mine got 40 when thrashed, 50 when taken easy)
* Centre stand, allows for easy maintenance (+ the single sided swing arm makes it a doddle to tension the chain....assuming the hub hasn't seized).
* Can be made to hustle (a lad in my club had a 97 model & he had much more confidence to push his proving that if you can get over the barge feeling they can go some).
* 145mph with no effort (I miss triple figures like that....on private roads of course).
* All day riding comfort ( I did 250 miles to Wales in pissing down rain and felt I could have gone further).
* Relatively easy to work on, stripped mine down for a full check over & overhaul last winter with no fuss (IMO).

They are probably the best bike around for doing everything on but a bit Jack of all trades, master of eff all I found. Though I only really parted with mine due to getting knocked off it I am having a lot more fun on the CBR I replaced it with, a bike which by all counts isn't as good but is actually enjoyable to own & ride for me, something I had to convince myself the VFR did when I knew it didn't.

*Cough* *cough* If your interested in a 'project' VFR mines still in the garage in need of a radiator, indicators & foot pegs to go back on the road
____________________
Current: 02 FZS 1000 & 91 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Some Bike Pics...
'I was too busy paying attention to pay attention'

[stinkwheel]

They are a true allrounder. Remember at that age the springs and brakes will be getting tired so budget for a brake overhaul.

I've re-sprung mine and upgraded the brakes and it's made a world of difference.

It will feel heavy compared to a ZZR6 but heavy in a nailed to the road way rather than a ponderous way. It seems like the more weight you pile on them, the more stable and easy to lay over they become.

I found fitting a 60 section front tyre livened up the handling a lot. Check someone hasn't fitted an over-size rear tyre, it does not help.

If it doesn't already have a stainless exhaust, check for rust on the collector box. The exhaust is complex, expensive and a bit of a ball-ache to change out.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[sgtcalle]

Thanks all. Pretty much as i expected. From your feedback, I'm a little concerned about the handling, if it feels heavier than my ZZR then I'd have to be strong to manhandle it around!

Maybe I should consider something slightly more sport orientated, but still with comfort and reliability. I hear CBRFs are bombproof? Anywhere else i should be looking? I had been considering a fazer 600 too.

Moxey, would perhaps be interested, PM me some info? Thanks
____________________
CBR600F '02
Manchester