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Login to post Forums » Sprockets » Smaller Honda VF-bikes?

Feb. 16, 2009 11:37 a.m. SlickDizzy SuperDork

My current bike is a Honda CL350. It's a riot, but the battery gets drained weekly, the drum brakes suck, it's not much of a handler, and my entire body is numb from the vibration whenever I get done riding.

This got the gears turning in my head: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/1002104227.html

What's the general consensus on the smaller-displacement V4 Honda rockets? I'd imagine they're more finicky and expensive to run than your typical EX500 or what-not, but the VF400/500 seems like it might be a far more interesting alternative.

Your two cents?
Feb. 16, 2009 11:52 a.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

there was an issue with some of the V4 bikes.. oil starvation I believe.
Feb. 16, 2009 12:26 p.m. EvanB Reader

Do it. I have only had a VFR700 but I loved it, wish I still had it.
Feb. 16, 2009 1:26 p.m. ClemSparks SuperDork

I've always wanted an old VTR250. It's only a v-twin (as opposed to the V4s that I assume are your primary concern), but a neat little bike. Unfortunately, it was a three year only deal ('88-'90) and, for me, owning an EX250 would just make more sense since they made such a long run (parts availability and such).

I just wish bikes didn't hold their value so much better than 20+ year old cars!

Clem
Feb. 16, 2009 1:51 p.m. SlickDizzy SuperDork

My neighbor actually has a VTR250 - really neat bike. The inboard front disc brake is funky!
Feb. 16, 2009 1:56 p.m. Tom Heath Production Editor

Paging Mr. Gearin...

He's got a VF500, it looks nice.

Sort of related—When I was living in Japan, one of the guys that I worked with had a VFR400 that was awesome. It was like a mini VFR 750, but much more sport-focused. Looked like this-

They can be found here, but are of questionable legality.Obviously, parts are hard to find unless you've got a good international calling plan and a working knowledge of Japanese.
Feb. 16, 2009 4:18 p.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher

Yep, Tom's right, I've had a VFR 500 Interceptor for 3 years or so now. Here it is:

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g98/grmjoeg/vfr500.jpg

Although I ride very infrequently, it has been a great bike. Some of the early VFR's had cam oiling problems, but almost all of them have been fixed by now. Mine never had the problem to my knowledge. I love the bike. It is light, nimble, and much faster than you'd think a 500 would be. Sure it isn't a R6, but it is plenty entertaining. They give a great baritone wail when you open the throttle. I paid $1,500 for mine with 20K on the odo. It is in really nice shape, but needs a little tlc. (tires, chain, oil change, etc.)

It is a great bike, and super easy to ride. I don't ever plan on selling it because for me it is the perfect bike.
Feb. 16, 2009 4:21 p.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher

I dunno though Slick........first an E36, then a TR-6, and now you are considering an Interceptor?!

What's next an AMC Eagle?

Joe ( owner of) 84 AMC Eagle E36 M3 TR-6 VFR Interceptor 500

I'm not sure if you just have awesome taste, or if I should be worried!
Feb. 16, 2009 4:31 p.m. Gearhead_42 Dork

SlickDizzy - StalkerDork
Feb. 16, 2009 5:23 p.m. grinch77 New Reader

ClemSparks wrote:

I've always wanted an old VTR250. It's only a v-twin (as opposed to the V4s that I assume are your primary concern), but a neat little bike. Unfortunately, it was a three year only deal ('88-'90) and, for me, owning an EX250 would just make more sense since they made such a long run (parts availability and such).

I just wish bikes didn't hold their value so much better than 20+ year old cars!

Clem

I started riding on a VTR250 I loved that little turd.I still have it out at my parents property.
Feb. 16, 2009 8:27 p.m. noodle New Reader

I had a 86 VF500 back in 1990. I bought it after moving to Georgia to commute. I love it....never had a problem with it. After The wife left and I got divorced, it was the only sane thing that helped me get through the craziness. Nothing helps clear the head like a long ride on a nice bike.
Feb. 17, 2009 7:51 a.m. Xceler8x HalfDork

noodle wrote:

Nothing helps clear the head like a long ride on a nice bike.

I have to agree with this. There's not enough bandwidth in your head to ride a bike an be upset at the same time. Therefore survival takes over and you stop thinking about the mundane crap and start thinking about living to get home.
Feb. 17, 2009 9:08 a.m. Gonzo_Bmod New Reader

I had this 1986 VFR700 till a couple of years ago. One of the best bikes I've had. The gear driven cams on the V-4 sounded great and overall it was a great motor. My only complaint is that the carbs are a BEAR to get at since they sit in the "V" of the engine. With a nice pipe on them you can't beat the sound on the ones with the 180 degree crank.
Feb. 17, 2009 1:10 p.m. Mental SuperDork

V-4 peaple are a ruthlessly fanatical bunch. Its a great bike, if you get one, never get rid of it. I have never met anyone who was happy they got rid of it.
Feb. 17, 2009 2:32 p.m. SlickDizzy SuperDork

Joe Gearin wrote: I'm not sure if you just have awesome taste, or if I should be worried!

Probably something between the two. The TR should probably be my first order of business, as it's begging for a repaint and an interior refresh, but it's starting to get warm again and I'd really enjoy a more sophisticated bike to bomb around on.

The 20v Audi is the real worrisome car I've got ATM
Feb. 17, 2009 3:29 p.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher

Get the VFR if it is in nice shape. You won't regret it!

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