Honda for £4000 ???

Now don't start, I'm not defecting! :P

A mate who was a big influence in getting me biking has decided to get another bike after 2 years without (blame the missus)!
The poor, misguided fool is after a Honda.
He's used to big bikes (ZX9R most recently) so is interested in a Fireblade or VFR and has up to £4k to spend.
Any advice?
Jabba, are you there?

Try posting here

http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/index.php?

Originally Posted by Aurora

Try posting here

http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/index.php?

Cheers Aurora, will do, or I might just point him at it himself.

I've just got a VFR courtesy bike.

Initial impressions are it would make a lovely touring bike/long range commuter. Probably more than capable at performing at the weekend too.

Excellent midrange, but the power really kicks in when the 16 valves open (VTEC) at around 6k.

Weather protection is excellent with its nice large fairing and screen.

It IS a typical Honda. i.e. some may find it boring or too clinical. I quite like it.

Originally Posted by BaggaZee

Jabba, are you there?

Yep

Originally Posted by BaggaZee

Now don't start, I'm not defecting! :P

Aw

Originally Posted by BaggaZee

A mate who was a big influence in getting me biking has decided to get another bike after 2 years without (blame the missus)!
The poor, misguided fool is after a Honda.
He's used to big bikes (ZX9R most recently) so is interested in a Fireblade or VFR and has up to £4k to spend.
Any advice?

For £4k he's looking at old-ish bikes of the two mentioned. He's more likely to pick up a decent 'blade for that money than a VFR.

I'm not really the best person to advise you/your mate, and the choice will be influenced mainly by insurance costs wrt the 'blade and servicing costs with the VFR.

The last VFR750 or first VFR800 (i.e. before the current Vtec one) is widely regarded by officionados as the best of the type.

If I were your mate and it were my money I'd buy the latest 'blade that I could afford of the two bikes mentioned.

As an off the wall suggestion, and assuming it must be a Honda, some dealers are knocking out ex-demo Hornet 900s for around £4k. That's a very low-mileage, fully warrantied, known-history bike with a FI ex-'blade motor for really not a lot of money. Blisteringly quick in the mid-range and cheap to run. Depends upon what he'd use it for, I suppose - not the greatest for high-speed motorway blasts.

Or a year-old Fazer 1000 - top all rounder, but it's not a Honda?

What about a late, used SV1000?

Originally Posted by mysteryjimbo

Initial impressions are it would make a lovely touring bike/long range commuter.

Sounds good, we're planning a trip to Venice in April (the missus' fly there & we ride).

Nice one Jabba, ta.
I've passed that lot on. He's had a VFR before, said it was indestructable, should never have sold it etc. but I reckon he's really after a Blade.
Insurance shouldn't be an issue (been riding forever).

SV1000? I don't think he's a fan of twins, should be able to convince him to test one though.
If he's convinced we could have another member, always a pleasure.

I have been doing quite a bit of research into VFR's recently, as I'm seriously considering getting one as a workhorse. (see here)

For £4k I doubt that he will get a Vtec (2001-present) model, but should get a good Fi unit. Many people say that the pre Vtec models were better, but personally I like the latest one.

He is more likely to get an RRY 'Blade for that sort of money, or a very good Firestorm (although the tank range is crap). Personally for that money, and if it's definately a Honda he wants, the 'Blade would be my choice.

As previously stated, he should be able to pick up an SV1000s for that sort of cash, which is a lot of bike for the money, or even a Falco if he wants something a little different.

Originally Posted by leesimons

Mate of mine has a mint 99 Blade for sale!

That wouldnt be a certain Mr JonToms would it?

Is he getting another bike?