VFR or FZ1
Thread Starter
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
From: Utah
VFR or FZ1
I know that the superhawk can be made to be more comfortable for the long rides, but I have decided to add another bike for the mult-day rides and keep the hawk for the canyon carver and commuter.
I also know there are many choices for this purpose, but I have narrowed it down to 2.
I have a friend selling a 2007 VFR 800, and a dealer has a 2007 FZ1 for the same price.
Both similar shape and miles.
I have not ridden either.
Which way would you go?
TIA
I also know there are many choices for this purpose, but I have narrowed it down to 2.
I have a friend selling a 2007 VFR 800, and a dealer has a 2007 FZ1 for the same price.
Both similar shape and miles.
I have not ridden either.
Which way would you go?
TIA
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 258
From: Santa Clara, CA
The new VFRs are amazing. I don't have one but my buddy and I swapped for a couple weeks and I have an '84 1000F and I ran his 50th anniversary 2004 VF.
It really depends on what you're going to be doing with it because the power band on both bikes are quite radically different.
The VF will pull you no matter where you are in the band and she will do so happily and quickly, minimal "character" though because Honda designs their V4s (and always have) to be as smooth of a power band as possible and to be able to crank the throttle wherever you are and know the exact outcome.
Very similar to the VTR with it's baseline grumph but a much better top.
The FZ1 you might find to be a whole 'notha beast with the powerband being crazyinsanetakeyoureyeballsout when you hit it.
Not traditional inlines where you had to wait till 6k to get any sort of fun going (or atleast in comparison to the SH). Now they have a much better, wider curve that is still similar to what they used to have (ie. older zx's)
My $.02, let your rear end decide even if you cant ride 'em.
I was playing tag with a FZ1 on one of the most fun rides in the bay and it was an absolute blast, I wish I couldda stopped the guy and chatted but I was tired from a long day of riding but it kept up very well!
I'd say a difficult choice in the least but check reviews on reliability and ease to work on. The VFs are ***** difficult with how much stuff they have shoved in that little itty bitty frame.
That or which style engines do you already have in your stable? its nice to have a different engine for every day of the week =p
It really depends on what you're going to be doing with it because the power band on both bikes are quite radically different.
The VF will pull you no matter where you are in the band and she will do so happily and quickly, minimal "character" though because Honda designs their V4s (and always have) to be as smooth of a power band as possible and to be able to crank the throttle wherever you are and know the exact outcome.
Very similar to the VTR with it's baseline grumph but a much better top.
The FZ1 you might find to be a whole 'notha beast with the powerband being crazyinsanetakeyoureyeballsout when you hit it.
Not traditional inlines where you had to wait till 6k to get any sort of fun going (or atleast in comparison to the SH). Now they have a much better, wider curve that is still similar to what they used to have (ie. older zx's)
My $.02, let your rear end decide even if you cant ride 'em.
I was playing tag with a FZ1 on one of the most fun rides in the bay and it was an absolute blast, I wish I couldda stopped the guy and chatted but I was tired from a long day of riding but it kept up very well!
I'd say a difficult choice in the least but check reviews on reliability and ease to work on. The VFs are ***** difficult with how much stuff they have shoved in that little itty bitty frame.
That or which style engines do you already have in your stable? its nice to have a different engine for every day of the week =p
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 249
From: Utah
vfr's are great, but my 1st gen fz1 is the only bike I really miss. Power everwhere, and even more up higher in the revs. Also comfy for 7, 8, 9 hundred mile days, even 2 up. Brakes and suspension are very inpressive in stock form.
fz1 has 26k valve adjustment intervals, and mine were fine when checked at 27k.
That said, the Bandit 1250 has more Torque and HP up to 6k, so you might think about that one, and way cheap to boot.
fz1 has 26k valve adjustment intervals, and mine were fine when checked at 27k.
That said, the Bandit 1250 has more Torque and HP up to 6k, so you might think about that one, and way cheap to boot.
Member
Squid
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 85
From: NorCal
Well I have a 2002 VFR and my buddy has the 2002 Ist Gen FZ1.
They are both awesomme bikes. Both about the same regarding comfort. I'm 6'3''.
The VFR is a great sports tourer with about the same power as a superhawk just slightly heavier, Great fairing and available hard luggage.
The FZ1 is a beast power wise with at least 30 extra HP. Since riding the 'Hawk I hardly ever touch my VFR I much prefer the V-Twin torque.
I usually ride the Hawk out and the FZ1 back when I go out on rides. It's way more comfortable than the Hawk and you could ride it all day.
They are both really good in the twisties just different power characteristics.
There is not much to choose between the two. The FZ1 is a little easier to work on, removing the bodywork on the VFR is not hard but a bit of a pain, lots of little clips.
Try and ride them both and go with what you like. I have heard that the 2nd gen FZ1 has some drivability issues at part throttle and I think they got rid of the centre stand.
They are both awesomme bikes. Both about the same regarding comfort. I'm 6'3''.
The VFR is a great sports tourer with about the same power as a superhawk just slightly heavier, Great fairing and available hard luggage.
The FZ1 is a beast power wise with at least 30 extra HP. Since riding the 'Hawk I hardly ever touch my VFR I much prefer the V-Twin torque.
I usually ride the Hawk out and the FZ1 back when I go out on rides. It's way more comfortable than the Hawk and you could ride it all day.
They are both really good in the twisties just different power characteristics.
There is not much to choose between the two. The FZ1 is a little easier to work on, removing the bodywork on the VFR is not hard but a bit of a pain, lots of little clips.
Try and ride them both and go with what you like. I have heard that the 2nd gen FZ1 has some drivability issues at part throttle and I think they got rid of the centre stand.
Member
Squid
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 48
From: Poulsbo, WA
My vote is the FZ1, mostly because I have one and love it. I have the 98 Superhawk, an 04 Sportster 1200 and in the past two years have had a V Star, KZ750 and a nice vintage XJ650 Seca. The current project bike is an 83 VF750 Interceptor. Of all these bikes if I could only keep one it would be my 02 FZ1. Hands down, no doubt about it. The power is superb, handling excellent, comfort is made for all day rides. Second gear gets the speedo passing 110mph before touchin' redline and the bikes really likes the curvy roads. Mine's a carberated bike with a D&D pipe, K&N filter, jetted with a 3 degree timing advancer and the air injection system scrapped. The 2007 is injected and will deliver all of the 140 or so HP very well through most areas. There are plenty of decent priced aftermarket goodies for these bikes too. You won't regret buying one. Then again, you could get them both :-)
Thread Starter
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
From: Utah
Thanks for the input all............
I think I would be happy with either bike, but now I am leaning toward the FZ1.......
I am going to test out both bikes this weekend.
I also need to find out the insurance rate of both bikes, and the MPG's as this will influence the decision as well.
I am assuming they are pretty similar?
I am a little concerned how the VFR's extra valves kick in at over 7000rpm.I would not want want that mid corner,but maybe you get used to it
"Most aspects of the Interceptor's riding dynamics feel just right; something about the throttle response, brake feedback, and tight chassis make it a pleasure to maneuver both around town and through twisty mountain passes. The ride is crisp but not punishing, and the smooth-spinning V4 produces plenty of power-- especially above 7,000 RPM, thanks to VTEC. If there's one drawback to the system, though, it's the way the power is delivered. Activating VTEC during straight line riding offers an entertaining kick of thrust, but during mid-turn maneuvers the bump in power can be unsettling. It's not dealbreakingly disconcerting, and the benefits of the engine's two-sided personality certainly outweigh its drawbacks, but during day-to-day riding it's something to be aware of."
motorcycles.about.com
I think I would be happy with either bike, but now I am leaning toward the FZ1.......
I am going to test out both bikes this weekend.
I also need to find out the insurance rate of both bikes, and the MPG's as this will influence the decision as well.
I am assuming they are pretty similar?
I am a little concerned how the VFR's extra valves kick in at over 7000rpm.I would not want want that mid corner,but maybe you get used to it
"Most aspects of the Interceptor's riding dynamics feel just right; something about the throttle response, brake feedback, and tight chassis make it a pleasure to maneuver both around town and through twisty mountain passes. The ride is crisp but not punishing, and the smooth-spinning V4 produces plenty of power-- especially above 7,000 RPM, thanks to VTEC. If there's one drawback to the system, though, it's the way the power is delivered. Activating VTEC during straight line riding offers an entertaining kick of thrust, but during mid-turn maneuvers the bump in power can be unsettling. It's not dealbreakingly disconcerting, and the benefits of the engine's two-sided personality certainly outweigh its drawbacks, but during day-to-day riding it's something to be aware of."
motorcycles.about.com
Thread Starter
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
From: Utah
vfr's are great, but my 1st gen fz1 is the only bike I really miss. Power everwhere, and even more up higher in the revs. Also comfy for 7, 8, 9 hundred mile days, even 2 up. Brakes and suspension are very inpressive in stock form.
fz1 has 26k valve adjustment intervals, and mine were fine when checked at 27k.
That said, the Bandit 1250 has more Torque and HP up to 6k, so you might think about that one, and way cheap to boot.
fz1 has 26k valve adjustment intervals, and mine were fine when checked at 27k.
That said, the Bandit 1250 has more Torque and HP up to 6k, so you might think about that one, and way cheap to boot.
The Bandit was actually number 3 on my list........
They must be good bikes ,because I rarely ever see one up for sale.......
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 249
From: Utah
Your right, not many B 1250's used. they have new leftovers for 7k.
You should buy this;
Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming - ksl.com
You should buy this;
Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming - ksl.com
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,631
From: Montreal
Another vote in favour of the FZ1 is the fact that the VFR's (VTEC version) valve adjustments are supposed to be very expensive (precisely due to said VTEC)......
As for the Bandit 1250, an all-round awesome bike (I test rode one for over a week when they first came out). You haven't felt low-end punch until you've tried one of these. Definitely a keeper!
As for the Bandit 1250, an all-round awesome bike (I test rode one for over a week when they first came out). You haven't felt low-end punch until you've tried one of these. Definitely a keeper!
Last edited by mikstr; Mar 27, 2011 at 03:45 PM.
Member
Squid
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 56
From: St Johnsbury VT
the vfr valve check is time consuming, but not hard that is why it cost so much. but if you are mechanical and have the right tools, do it yourself. its no harder then adjusting valve on anything else, its just that you must pull the cam out to install a special puck thing install the cam check valve then pull cam back out to either change shim or take puck out and put it back togeather. i have done it a few times
I would take the vfr anyday
I would take the vfr anyday
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 14
From: Colorado Springs,CO
I just sold my 98 VFR which was a good bike and replaced it with a 98 SuperHawk which I love. The one noticeable difference is that the VFR is down on torque by 20 ft. lbs. compared to the Hawk. I've read that the FZ1has almost 80 ft. lbs. so ride it and see if the difference will sway you one way or the other. Torque rules in the real world.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 177
From: Roseburg, OR
I love my SH but I dearly miss 180 mile fuel tanks, lol.
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