Trade the Beemer for a VFR?

[b12bandit]

I know this is the wrong place to ask but....

I'm thinking of trading my 2002 R1150R in against a 1996 Honda VFR750.

BMW - 28K miles. Fair condition - it's a pig to keep clean.(Parts like the fork legs and engine cases are just awful). Recent service and 2 new tyres. Baglux tank cover. Flyscreen. Front mudguard (fender) extender.

Plus points - It's bought and paid for. It's fairly cheap to run. It's fast enough, though, being a 'naked', anything over 80mph is a bit of a chore. It's comfortable - my wife loves the pillion seat. The engine is surprisingly strong. The shaft drive is clean and convenient - though I'm waiting for the rear drive unit to fail and/or leak oil very soon. I don't NEED another bike.

Minus points - It's a pig to keep clean (see above). It's a bit 'dull'. It gets me from A to B but it's not particularly exciting. The engine sounds 'flat' and uninteresting. It has let me down - electrical problems. I've owned it nearly 2 years and covered 16k miles and I just fancy a change.....

VFR750 - I'd have to spend some money (on a bike I don't NEED). It's 6 years older than the BMW but has covered less miles (23k). It's very, very clean and has clearly been cherished all it's life.It's faster than the BMW but... just how fast do we REALLY ride on public roads? It's chain drive, which I can't stand. Yes I know, I can fit a Scottoiler which will make the chain last forever, but it will also coat the back wheel, pillion passenger and any luggage in chain oil. It will cost much more to service/repair than the BMW.

So..what would you do? Stick with what you've got (AND PAID FOR) or go for the VFR?

[owldaddy]

I bought my R for the suspension, not the motor, or the maintenance schedule. Since I can't get a telelever on another brand, I'm keeping the R. This is the most forgiving bike I have owned. This is also the reason I have balked at buying an F800ST. As nice as that bike is, If it doesn't have the suspension, it doesn't get my vote.

[shake1150]

When I read your post, I couldnt believe what I was reading.

I'd agree with the previous poster... the BMW has amazing suspension front and rear, something the Honda can't match...

personally, I've owned many Japanese bikes... 2-strokes, 750cc sport bikes, cruisers... and nothing comes close to the Beemer.

the BMW engine is plenty fast, has lots of grunt, has shaft-drive, and that amazing telelever/paralever suspension.

FWIW, I wouldnt go back to a chain-drive bike again. and if the BMW is a pig to clean, wait until you have to clean the rear wheel of the VFR !!

maybe try riding the both bikes (VFR & R1150R) back to back and see which one just "feels" better? to each his own i guess... personally I love my R... it's a keeper!

[towerworker]

I don't know anything about a VFR but Honda's in general are pretty much bullet proof in terms of reliability. I can't imagine the VFR being any easier to clean or maintain though. Although I can certainly understand the desire for something a tad different from time to time. I agree with previous responses about the handling and suspension, plus typically our braking is hard to beat. Not knowing what types of electrical issues you've had so I can't comment there but any machine is prone to issues at some time. Ride em both and compare. A paid for machine is also a plus. Also the opinion of the lady in your life is important. You need to keep them happy too!

Good luck!

Wayne

[wncbmw]

If you keep the rpms up on the BMW, it has a joyful torque range that allows much less shifting to enjoy the engine and makes it much quicker on the curvy roads. Riding the bike the way it was intended, over 4,000 rpms, it definitely is not dull and uninteresting. The VFR, like many Hondas and Japs bikes, require higher rpms to obtain the higher speeds. Lots more shifting to keep it in the 'happy zone'.

As noted, the suspension of the BMW is better than the VFR, even without any enhancements.

Waiting for FD failure is an exaggerated fear and pointless.

As far as changing bikes because one is easier to clean - well, I won't address that, except to say any consideration about cleaning bikes is just wrong! Any day good enough to clean, is good enough to ride!

Besides, if a clean bike is a concern, switching to a chain drive seems irrational.

And it's paid for!? No question in my mind - keep the BMW!

[johno]

The VFR750 is a very nice bike to ride. But, they are prone to electrical issues as well. Rectifyers fail regularly, and will leave you stranded on the side of the road.
If you complain about cleaning the R1150R, dont buy a VFR

I have to agree with everyone else, the Beemer has great suspension, brakes, would have to be one of the easiest bikes to maintain yourself.

Your choice, but think about it a lot.

[bikermeow]

I am sure that you will get different responses on the VFR forum; keke. My point is that answers from here can be skewed; no offense to the rest of us here.

My own opinion is that you will get a lighter, faster bike with less wrench time. Think whether those factors matter to you.

Good luck, but in any event do not be a stranger here.

Cheers

[Buckster]

Ride one first if you can. The seating and handlebar reach are quite different than the R.

[Dr. Strangelove]

So..what would you do? Stick with what you've got (AND PAID FOR) or go for the VFR?

Is this a trick question?
Unless the VFR comes with a Carmen Elektra Inflatable doll I think I'd stick with the Beemer. And on the off-chance the VFR DOES come with aforementioned doll, I would ask if it had any attitude.

I recognize that chain oil on your wife may have appeal, but, she may not see it that way. And '96 was a LONG time ago.

[CycleRob]

b12bandit,

That's a tough choice. The `96 750 VFR was the last, IMO, best version of the VFR's model years. It's brakes were NOT linked, it was still not overweight (yet) and the bodywork was classy and handsome. That bulletproof motor, with it's radically whirring all straight-cut gear driven camshafts, an exhaust roar sounding better than a NASCAR V-8, is a genuine, "still good at 80,000++ mile" engine, even if ridden hard. I have seen it happen. The OilHead makes no such wonderful sounds and has nowhere near it's durability!!!! The DOHC shim-under-bucket design puts NO side loads on the valve stems like the BMW does, dramatically increasing their service life. Yes, the valve adjustment is much more involved on the VFR, but it comes one third as often. It's engine design is mechanical porno for those that can appreciate it. I actually enjoyed doing the valve adjustments, as you would when working on a Porsche or Maseratti engine. There were reg/rect failures and Honda came out with a much larger finned, improved replacement. The failures accompanied/preceded/followed overheating/melting of the Reg/Rect plug-in to the bike's harness, a weak point on all Jap bikes. The chain drive is the one really big red flag, but it's eccentric adjustment is the best design there is, for not only quick adjustment, but for always being in perfect wheel alignment. The 90 degree V-4 also is nearly vibration free and holds it's carb synch for years. A clutch replacement is a $120 for parts, 1 hour job. Clutch slave or input shaft splines failures never happen.

Comparing just the engines, it is no contest. The VFR wins for everything except fuel economy. Considering both bikes as a whole, plan A would be to own them both! Plan B would be to keep the OilHead and build a savings account for if/when the input shaft splines or FD bearings fail. That way, when they do NOT fail, you'll have a tidy sum to put towards the latest DOHC Boxer motor R model.

.

[b12bandit]

CycleRob,

My thoughts entirely. I've ridden VFR's, including the new Vtec 800 and loved them. My 1150R is a good bike and it does everything I want it to BUT, when I open my garage door and look at it, I don't get the 'wow' factor.

My ambition is to own/ride as many different motorcycles as I can, whilst I'm still physically able to do so. The BMW is bike number 25 (since my 16th birthday) and I've ridden dozens of others - my local dealer is very obliging and let's me take test rides, knowing full well I've no intention to purchase!

I don't drink, smoke, gamble, take drugs or mess around with other women. Motorcycles are my only 'vice'.

I think I'm heading towards the VFR.

CHEERS

PETE aka b12bandit.
BEDFORDSHIRE
UK

[Arbee]

NIKE
Just do it.

[johno]

I would buy a late VFR750 over a VFR800 of any year. Have ridden both, and the 750 was a far better bike IMHO.

b12bandit, you sound like me. I dont drink/smoke/drugs etc either, and bikes, and cars are my only vice. My missus isnt happy with me at times,
but at least she knows what I am up too

I still get a buzz out of my boxer. I have gone to other bikes, but keep coming back to the Beemers. (have had 7 BMWs)

[wncbmw]

My ambition is to own/ride as many different motorcycles as I can, whilst I'm still physically able to do so.

You did not post that in your original post or my comment might have been different. When you have a wandering eye, nothing but the next new thing will do. Expensive with bikes; dangerous with women!

On the other hand, when I walk past my '02 Roadster in the garage, it still has plenty of 'wow factor' for me. Whatever blows your skirt!

[iowabeakster]

I have always been in love with Honda's V4 engine. It is a masterpiece.

The chain drive is a drawback for the reasons mentioned above (mess, lubing). But, since I have not spent countless hours dinking with them, (every single working day, like Cyclerob) so, I don't have an intense hatred of chains either. Chains can replaced very easily and quickly anywhere you might go. I try not to be too paranoid about the BMW drive (or clutch)...but if it were to fail far from home...what an incredible nightmare (and expense!). This has always been a nagging thought that I have with the BMW. I would feel more confident touring with a chain drive for that reason. I would be content to trade the hassle of chain maintenance, for this confidence.

You never mentioned what your riding habits are. So, it's hard to make a recommendation.

The VFR is the bike I think about when I (occasionally) second guess my purchase of the BMW. I love my BMW, and do not regret the choice I made. I am sure I would feel the same way about VFR if I had gone that way. IMO, there is not a bad choice to be made with those two options.

[b12bandit]

Iowa, wnc et al,

I'm not saying my Beemer is a bad bike. It's not. It has lots of good points and a few not so good.

I just fancy a change and am trying to justify it to the long suffering Mrs Bandit. I've lost money on every single one of my bikes. I rarely keep them longer than 12-18 months and I always accept abysmal trade-in offers because I can't be bothered with all the hassle of eBay and having tyre kickers come round to haggle. I'd be useless as a market trader! (I'm a serving police officer here in UK)

It's getting cold, dark and wet at this time of year and the Bandit household suffers from collective SAD. My 'therapy' usually involves purchasing another motorcycle and I'm trying to do it as cheaply as possible! If the dealer who has the VFR offers me a lousy trade-in price for my BMW I'm going to have to take a deep breath and walk away rather than reach for my wallet.

So, apologies to those on this forum who thought I was 'dissing' BMW's. I'm not. I love anything with an engine and two wheels.

[Arbee]

Stick with the Bandit mate
GSF1250 smooth as silk

[bikermeow]

CycleRob, BUT, when I open my garage door and look at it, I don't get the 'wow' factor.

Enuff said .. change the bike. This is an important criteria for me.

My ambition is to own/ride as many different motorcycles as I can, whilst I'm still physically able to do so.

Try a Guzzi V11 .... it's motorcycling at a very basic level

[b12bandit]

Update,

Went back to the dealer with the VFR. He offered me £1800 (approx $3000) trade in for the BMW.

I reckon it's worth at least £2500 ($4000?), so I'm going to KEEP IT!

Will try to keep it tidy over the winter and see how the finances are in the spring.

Thanks for all your opinions and advice.

CHEERS

PETE

[Oilhead]

I bought my R for the suspension, not the motor, or the maintenance schedule. Since I can't get a telelever on another brand, I'm keeping the R. This is the most forgiving bike I have owned. This is also the reason I have balked at buying an F800ST. As nice as that bike is, If it doesn't have the suspension, it doesn't get my vote.

Forgiving? A shaftie?? I will say for a shaft drive, it certainly is on the forgiving side. The paralever does do a decent job compared to a non-para like my 1995 K75 which everytime I scraped a peg(which was very easy to do as it was quite low), it turned into a pogo stick.
I also had a 1998 VFR800FI, other than the quirky linked brakes(which the older VFR that the OP is asking about does not come with), it being a chain driven bike was much more forgiving than the Roadster.

I'm curious as to what you like so much about the telelever. The only reason I like it is for its unique and cool look. I don't particularly see any advantages in terms of ride, handling, or stability whatsoever. The only advantage I could see with telelever is that it does not get as upset if you use the front brake in the middle of a turn, which is really a terrible habit.