New / Returning riders first bike

 >From: "Slowpoke" kg6hbhXXXX.DeleteThis@hotmail.com

 >He is an old dirtbiker and is looking for something for back country highways
and for touring the south west.

A KLR-650 or similar adventure tourer might appeal to him.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

I'm curious - why did you only choose VFR between 99 and 01?


"_Bob Nixon_" <bilbo.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:s8oqlvo6i18d986a6ung95tqe7k1h3mh9k@4ax.com...
 > On Mon, 8 Sep 2003 21:43:22 -0700, "Slowpoke" <kg6hbhXXXX.RemoveThis@hotmail.com>
 > wrote:
 >
  > >A buddy of mine is looking for a sport tourer. Heavy on the touring
mode.
  > >He is an old dirtbiker and is looking for something for back country
  > >highways and for touring the south west.
  > >He has not ridden in a long time (10-20 years) and is pushing 60 from the
  > >other side.
  > >He is not prone to fits of wrist twisting but I am wary of pointing him
to a
  > >large bike for his first return toy.
  > >I was thinking a mid 90/s VFR750 would be the biggest thing he should
even
  > >think of looking at.
  > >The little SV650 may be a good choice but seems a little to sporty for
  > >Maybe an EX500?. Katana 600?
  > >Any one have a good suggestion?
 >
 > Don't sell the old bird too short and bikes are pretty civilized these
 > days.
 >
 > Here's a few reasonably priced (used) sport touring recommendations:
 >
 > Tame to nasty fast, all comfy:
 >
 > Katana 600, 750 (rare), VFR 99 to 01, Sprint ST, YZF600R, XZ11, XX.
 >
 > On the above, only the VFR & Sprint are fuel injected and the Sprint
 > is the most touring oriented with good used prices with hard bags
 > included.
 >
 > Also consider the lumbering ST-1100 and Concours.
 >
 > On the SV-650, it's not a great long haul bike.
 >
 >
 > Bob Nixon
 > Phoenix AZ
 > 01 Sprint ST "RED"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 09:27:55 -0400, "Cbar" <bye DeleteThis @envirosim.com> wrote:

 >I'm curious - why did you only choose VFR between 99 and 01?

Carbs and regulator problems on prior models. Sprint 99 up too.

[...]


Bob Nixon
Phoenix AZ
01 Sprint ST "RED"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

Also of interest to me in this thread....

Kat 600 vs. 750....is the 750 more bang for the buck? Which would be the
better of these two to go with, or is there essentially no difference?


"Slowpoke" <kg6hbhXXXX.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:HJc7b.46680$cj1.27002@fed1read06...
 > A buddy of mine is looking for a sport tourer. Heavy on the touring mode.
 > He is an old dirtbiker and is looking for something for back country
 > highways and for touring the south west.
 > He has not ridden in a long time (10-20 years) and is pushing 60 from the
 > other side.
 > He is not prone to fits of wrist twisting but I am wary of pointing him to
a
 > large bike for his first return toy.
 > I was thinking a mid 90/s VFR750 would be the biggest thing he should even
 > think of looking at.
 > The little SV650 may be a good choice but seems a little to sporty for
 > Maybe an EX500?. Katana 600?
 > Any one have a good suggestion?
 >
 > --
 > Robert
 > 86vfr700
 > M85 Bultaco
 > 86srx600
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

Wow, that's good to know - and I assume you ruled out 02 due to higher
price - i.e. too new?

I had always thought a 98 VFR would be right in my price point, but I'll
hold out for a newer model now that I know this...where do you find out info
like this? There's no "lemon" guide for bikes that I don't know about, is
there?



"_Bob Nixon_" <bilbo.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:fhlrlvogtclbitm37cpu4qm3p84j1d1qmp@4ax.com...
 > On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 09:27:55 -0400, "Cbar" <bye.RemoveThis@envirosim.com> wrote:
 >
  > >I'm curious - why did you only choose VFR between 99 and 01?
 >
 > Carbs and regulator problems on prior models. Sprint 99 up too.
 >
 > [...]
 >
 >
 > Bob Nixon
 > Phoenix AZ
 > 01 Sprint ST "RED"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

"Cbar" <bye DeleteThis @envirosim.com> wrote in message
news:fKk7b.68255$PD3.4707899@nnrp1.uunet.ca...
 > Wow, that's good to know - and I assume you ruled out 02 due to higher
 > price - i.e. too new?
 >
 > I had always thought a 98 VFR would be right in my price point, but I'll
 > hold out for a newer model now that I know this...where do you find out
info
 > like this? There's no "lemon" guide for bikes that I don't know about, is
 > there?

I think the 1998 was the first FI model. The 98-01 are considered the
"good" VFR's, they added the v-tech valves and new styling for 2002+.
People seem to like the pre-2002 models best. I've never owned either, but
if I were after one it'd be a 98-01.


--
Le Inlaw Biker, Seattle WA<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

"_Bob Nixon_" <bilbo DeleteThis @nospam.com> wrote in message
news:fhlrlvogtclbitm37cpu4qm3p84j1d1qmp@4ax.com...
 > On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 09:27:55 -0400, "Cbar" <bye DeleteThis @envirosim.com> wrote:
 >
  > >I'm curious - why did you only choose VFR between 99 and 01?
 >
 > Carbs and regulator problems on prior models. Sprint 99 up too.
 >
 > [...]

That's an urban myth. The carburated VFRs run flawlessly and the regulator
problem is rare.
B<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

"Inlaw Biker" <gmonsquared.DeleteThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:2_6dnekZ_cT8ccCiU-KYvg@comcast.com...
 >
 > "Cbar" <bye.DeleteThis@envirosim.com> wrote in message
 > news:fKk7b.68255$PD3.4707899@nnrp1.uunet.ca...
  > > Wow, that's good to know - and I assume you ruled out 02 due to higher
  > > price - i.e. too new?
  > >
  > > I had always thought a 98 VFR would be right in my price point, but I'll
  > > hold out for a newer model now that I know this...where do you find out
 > info
  > > like this? There's no "lemon" guide for bikes that I don't know about,
is
  > > there?
 >
 > I think the 1998 was the first FI model. The 98-01 are considered the
 > "good" VFR's, they added the v-tech valves and new styling for 2002+.
 > People seem to like the pre-2002 models best. I've never owned either, but
 > if I were after one it'd be a 98-01.
 >
 >

I have two friends with 98 VFR's...they love them!



--
Andrew
00 Daytona
00 Speed Triple
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://ultrasupercool.com" target="_blank">http://ultrasupercool.com</a><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

Actually the newer XX is fuel injected. I think it started in '99 or '00.

Mark Zeilenga

"_Bob Nixon_" <bilbo DeleteThis @nospam.com> wrote in message
news:s8oqlvo6i18d986a6ung95tqe7k1h3mh9k@4ax.com...
 > On Mon, 8 Sep 2003 21:43:22 -0700, "Slowpoke" <kg6hbhXXXX DeleteThis @hotmail.com>
 > wrote:
 >
  > >A buddy of mine is looking for a sport tourer. Heavy on the touring
mode.
  > >He is an old dirtbiker and is looking for something for back country
  > >highways and for touring the south west.
  > >He has not ridden in a long time (10-20 years) and is pushing 60 from the
  > >other side.
  > >He is not prone to fits of wrist twisting but I am wary of pointing him
to a
  > >large bike for his first return toy.
  > >I was thinking a mid 90/s VFR750 would be the biggest thing he should
even
  > >think of looking at.
  > >The little SV650 may be a good choice but seems a little to sporty for
  > >Maybe an EX500?. Katana 600?
  > >Any one have a good suggestion?
 >
 > Don't sell the old bird too short and bikes are pretty civilized these
 > days.
 >
 > Here's a few reasonably priced (used) sport touring recommendations:
 >
 > Tame to nasty fast, all comfy:
 >
 > Katana 600, 750 (rare), VFR 99 to 01, Sprint ST, YZF600R, XZ11, XX.
 >
 > On the above, only the VFR & Sprint are fuel injected and the Sprint
 > is the most touring oriented with good used prices with hard bags
 > included.
 >
 > Also consider the lumbering ST-1100 and Concours.
 >
 > On the SV-650, it's not a great long haul bike.
 >
 >
 > Bob Nixon
 > Phoenix AZ
 > 01 Sprint ST "RED"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

"Battleax" <unavailable.RemoveThis@thistime.net> wrote in message news:<FB2dnTcJ2MUdbsCiXTWJkQ.RemoveThis@magma.ca>...
 > "_Bob Nixon_" <bilbo.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
 > news:fhlrlvogtclbitm37cpu4qm3p84j1d1qmp@4ax.com...
  > > On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 09:27:55 -0400, "Cbar" <bye.RemoveThis@envirosim.com> wrote:
  > >
   > > >I'm curious - why did you only choose VFR between 99 and 01?
  > >
  > > Carbs and regulator problems on prior models. Sprint 99 up too.
  > >
  > > [...]
 >
 > That's an urban myth. The carburated VFRs run flawlessly and the regulator
 > problem is rare.
 > B

Most only comment to complain, or lavishly praise. Not many guys log
on and write, "yah, that old Viffer: it's an OK bike. I've run it
awhile. Don't' really care one way or the other, though: had better,
had worse." Bad news makes better copy, eh?

My buddy's '93 had perfect carburetion, for the roughly 10K miles he
owned it. His regulator friend in a spectacular manner one day,
though thankfully didn't burn the bike down. Cost him a tow, however.

Facts are probably hard to come by. I'd check the Viffer list (there
must be such a beast) for a larger sample set on that regulator issue.
Anecdotal evidence can indeed be misleading.

-=DRB=-<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

On 9 Sep 2003 17:25:29 -0700, daniel_r_bannon.RemoveThis@hotmail.com (Daniel
Bannon) wrote:

 >"Battleax" <unavailable.RemoveThis@thistime.net> wrote in message news:<FB2dnTcJ2MUdbsCiXTWJkQ.RemoveThis@magma.ca>...
  >> "_Bob Nixon_" <bilbo.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
  >> news:fhlrlvogtclbitm37cpu4qm3p84j1d1qmp@4ax.com...
   >> > On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 09:27:55 -0400, "Cbar" <bye.RemoveThis@envirosim.com> wrote:
   >> >
   >> > >I'm curious - why did you only choose VFR between 99 and 01?
   >> >
   >> > Carbs and regulator problems on prior models. Sprint 99 up too.
   >> >
   >> > [...]
  >>
  >> That's an urban myth. The carburated VFRs run flawlessly and the regulator
  >> problem is rare.
  >> B
 >
 >Most only comment to complain, or lavishly praise. Not many guys log
 >on and write, "yah, that old Viffer: it's an OK bike. I've run it
 >awhile. Don't' really care one way or the other, though: had better,
 >had worse." Bad news makes better copy, eh?
 >
 >My buddy's '93 had perfect carburetion, for the roughly 10K miles he
 >owned it. His regulator friend in a spectacular manner one day,
 >though thankfully didn't burn the bike down. Cost him a tow, however.
 >
 >Facts are probably hard to come by. I'd check the Viffer list (there
 >must be such a beast) for a larger sample set on that regulator issue.
 > Anecdotal evidence can indeed be misleading.

Well Daniel, the mere fact you personally know someone who's regulator
fried kinda puts this issue beyond the "anecdotal evidence" scenario,
now don't it? And remember, I put the VFR on my short list, so that
pretty much sets me outside the knocking them based on here say. I've
ridden at least three VFR's, 1-99 & 2-01s and like them just fine
other than being Hondas. Also, I know a bunch of guys who are happy
with their VFR's.


Bob Nixon
Phoenix AZ
01 Sprint ST "RED"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

Thanks for the advise. I'll send this to him. I have a buddy that has a
katana 600. He sure likes it.


--
Robert
86vfr700
M85 Bultaco
86srx600
"_Bob Nixon_" <bilbo RemoveThis @nospam.com> wrote in message
news:s8oqlvo6i18d986a6ung95tqe7k1h3mh9k@4ax.com...
 > On Mon, 8 Sep 2003 21:43:22 -0700, "Slowpoke" <kg6hbhXXXX RemoveThis @hotmail.com>
 > wrote:
 >
  > >A buddy of mine is looking for a sport tourer. Heavy on the touring
mode.
  > >He is an old dirtbiker and is looking for something for back country
  > >highways and for touring the south west.
  > >He has not ridden in a long time (10-20 years) and is pushing 60 from the
  > >other side.
  > >He is not prone to fits of wrist twisting but I am wary of pointing him
to a
  > >large bike for his first return toy.
  > >I was thinking a mid 90/s VFR750 would be the biggest thing he should
even
  > >think of looking at.
  > >The little SV650 may be a good choice but seems a little to sporty for
  > >Maybe an EX500?. Katana 600?
  > >Any one have a good suggestion?
 >
 > Don't sell the old bird too short and bikes are pretty civilized these
 > days.
 >
 > Here's a few reasonably priced (used) sport touring recommendations:
 >
 > Tame to nasty fast, all comfy:
 >
 > Katana 600, 750 (rare), VFR 99 to 01, Sprint ST, YZF600R, XZ11, XX.
 >
 > On the above, only the VFR & Sprint are fuel injected and the Sprint
 > is the most touring oriented with good used prices with hard bags
 > included.
 >
 > Also consider the lumbering ST-1100 and Concours.
 >
 > On the SV-650, it's not a great long haul bike.
 >
 >
 > Bob Nixon
 > Phoenix AZ
 > 01 Sprint ST "RED"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike 

 >
 >From: "Battleax"

 >That's an urban myth. The carburated VFRs run flawlessly and the regulator
 >problem is rare.

A friend of mine just bought a 97 750. It was the first time I've sampled a V4
and I gotta admit, if any motor could break me away from the Ltwin, that was
likely it. And you're right, carburation was flawless.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: New / Returning riders first bike