Spot the difference..

[Gazdaman]

Here's a question posed by my parents today.

My mum's looking for a new bike to replace the XJ900s that was far too big/heavy for her.

They walked into a bike shop, and sat on an NC35 RVF 400.

My dad then showed me an article, which I noticed was an NC30, obviously VFR.

Mainly, what's the difference? Both are v4 engines correct? single sided swing arms, quite physically small bikes, RVF seems dearer but they come equally old.

The second thing, can anyone recommend her a new bike? She didn't like the RVF, and at the moment she's after a blue SV650 with a fairing. It has to have quite a low seat height though, nothing toooo sporty, but nothing too mundane.

Thanks guys.

Gaz

[mr.z]

Deuvalle? mundane it is, but also bloody good, seriously underrated, and still shaft drive... like a mini pan, smaller than the XJ and ridden well will still keep up with faster bikes on the twistyer bits.

An older VFR 750/800 would be good (depending on how much they are planning on throwing about)
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[Scotsman37]

Here's what the differences are between them;

https://www.motorcyclelane.com/deferences.html

[natv4]

^^^^^^^
VFR 750/800s tend to be a little tall on seat height.
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[kasandrich]

As long as she likes the riding position of the SV, I'd say its probably a good choice, but it is quite a sporty position for what it is.

But its a low seat heat, manageable weight and broad power spread from a solid reliable engine.
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Richard

CBR1000FM

[Gazdaman]

Funny the VFR800 and Deuville should be mentioned.

She looked at the deuville before she bought the XJ, and hated it, her previous bikes included 2 ducatis so these are quite out of character.

And my dad owns a VFR800 which she took out for a ride yesterday and absolutely loves. She sold the XJ for just over £2k, so a VFR800 of my dad's calibre cost £3.4k so could be a bit out of range.

Gaz

[natv4]

Many people say the 750 is the better VFR. I don't know as I have only driven the 800. But I presume (and have been told) they are very similar. The 750 should be within price range. Don't worry too much about high mileage, I have seen a couple with over 100k still running fine according to the owners.

I'm not trying to suggest its the best bike for everyone, but I love my 800 and would not swap for anything at the moment (had it 3 years, used everyday).
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Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
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West Europe...2004, East Europe...2005, Russia/France...2006, Morocco...2007

[Flip]

I wouldn't say the SV has a low seat height. But then again I'm only 5'8".

[Bendy]

1990s CBR600.

Physically a little bit smaller than the VFR800/750. Seat height isn't too bad, about 5 foot 5 is probably the limit without modification.

Goes when you want it to go, pootles when you want it to pootle and reasonable comfy.

A nice mid '90s model should be easily picked up for £2k or under.

[iCraig]

Many people seem to over look the ZZR600 in these cases, they are very comfortable and fast (though I have nothing to compare it to interms other "sports" 600's) With a low seat height and decent riding position.

And you could probably pick a late one say 1998-2001 for around £2-2.5k quite easily.

[mr.z]

[Gazdaman]

Bandit's seat height is too high.

I'll try and get her on a CBR Bendy style.

I'm worried she'll get something nice and we'll do a whole family track day, my XJ600, her whatever, and my dads VFR800 and they'll both absolutely thrash me.

I hear the c90 is good...

She doesn't like the looks of a hornet or I'd suggest that, she doesn't like the newer look SV650s either, with the square frames and the more angular fairing, although I think they're much nicer.

Hrmph.

Gaz

[Annabella]

Has she looked at older GSXR750s?

They seemed fairly small, still waaaay too tall for me, but if she can manage the CBR then they she'll be more than ok on one I think.

Just another option to consider, but I reckon the CBRs are much better all round bikes though.
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[Bendy]

[map]

Maybe a bit far from you but DRS https://www.drshull.co.uk/ say they'll do a lowering kit for any bike (see the about bit on their site).

Maybe give them a call and see what they say?

HTH
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[Mr.Everready]

My 5'2" mate has a Thundercat which has only had a bit of padding taken out of the seat which he done himself.
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the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[Gazdaman]

Personally I'd like to see her have something vaguely sensible.

I think even a CBR might be a bit racey which would see her never ride it. The XJ900 sat in the garage for about 9 months of the year.

An SV650, should be a nice, sedate-ish bike that's usable every day.

I don't see the VFR being a good idea either, that little bit too big, that little bit too sporty. + it's my dad's, but he doesn't like it. (Prefers his BMW R80/7 )

I like the new non-french-curves SV650, looks much nicer.

Maybe she should have a red XJ600, and I should have a 50th anniversary VFR800

Gaz

[sickpup]

[A J]

The sv650s is a good bike and the new one has a lower seat height. great bike if your not worried about top speed as it will top out at 140 but has great acceleration.Its also not very big and is light and very flickable.

[WishayKillie]

What about a Triumph Speed Triple or Speed Four. Both are great bikes with the Triple having a gret reputation as a great allrounder that can mix it with the sports bikes. With the four being very underated, it has fantastic handling with it being the same frame as the old TT600 and the new Daytona600/650. Worth considering. Only dowside is the coulours that are availible are a bit bright.
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[G]

Note that the SV acceleration doesn't come near a modern 600 sports bike, if you are talking the top end of legal speeds.

However I doubt she is looking for this.

For low seat height, have a look at the Cagiva Raptor.
Uses an SV engine in a different chassis; or a TL engine for the bigger one.

Relatively upright riding position.

[Gazdaman]

I can't see the speed triple being in her price range.

I went for a bit of a blat with her today on the VFR800, I think she has short-person-syndrome and is unwilling to ever admit a bike is too big for her.

This is definately too big, she's on tiptoes with both feet down, not an optimal position especially since the bike is so heavy.

Thanks for the suggestions, and please keep them coming.

Her previous bikes include:

Ducati Monster 600
Ducati Pantah
Yamaha XJ900s - spot the bike not chosen by her...

Gaz

[Visitor Q]

[Bendy]

[Gazdaman]

I havn't found a bike yet that I can't get both feet flat down on.

I can't imagine being in your position bendy, you're a braver person than me. And if I lay my bike down it's £425s worth, yours is closer to having another zero on the end.

Maybe I'm trying to impose to much of my riding habits onto her, but I can't see her being entirely happy on a bike that she can't happily support at the lights.

Gaz