[bdonkersgoed]

Hey Guys!

A newbie here . . . I have a question about the comparitive advatanges of each bike.

OK, here is the situation. I live in Ontario, Canada and we have skyrocketing insurance premiums on sportbikes, similar to many other regions in North America. In order to get around the huge premiums, I am looking to get a "Sport Touring" bike which is not surcharged in the same way. My choices seem pretty limited in this category. Basically, my decision is narrowed down to the following two bikes:

- 1996 Honda VFR750 with 18,000 miles for $4,100USD
- 1999 Suzuki GSX-F750 Katana with 25,000 miles for $3,100USD

Preliminary Analysis:

The VFR costs about $200/yr more to insure than the Katana, but I like the styling of the VFR better than the Katana. The specs on the VFR seem to be better than the Katana as well, and the VFR gets really good reviews (unlike the Katana). The VFR does cost more up front, and in insurance though.

What do you guys think of these two bikes? Which would you rather buy, and why? Can you tell me how one bike is better than the other?

Thanks a lot!!
Bryan

 

[bdonkersgoed]

Also, if there are any other soprt-touring bikes that you would recommend, please let me know of them too.

I should add that I am moving up from a little '99 Ninja 250 which I rode for 3 years. An old lady pulled out in front of me illegally last week, and I had to hit the front of her car. I am OK, but the bike was totalled. It is kind of a good thing, because I got more insurance money for the bike than I paid for it three years ago

Thanks again!
Bryan

 

[pickle.of.doom]

VFR Owners seem to go absolutely nuts about their bikes, thats all I can tell ya. They have quite a fan following.

 

[Ace]

Honda or Kan-O-Tuna......difficult decision....NOT!

 

[No Worries]

The VFR has won cycle magazines "Best of class" awards for years. Plus the sound of the gear whine (gear driven cams) is better than music when you're riding. The NADA guide lists the VFR at $3865 and the Katana at $3730. Offer them $3400 for the VFR and work from there.

 

[R1up0n1]

go with the VFR.

 

[snakemann]

another vote for the VFR

 

[bumblebee]

Nah...I vote for this...

Q: How is a bikini like a barbed-wire fence?

A: It protects the property without obstructing the view.

 

[snakemann]

Nah...I vote for this...

Q: How is a bikini like a barbed-wire fence?

A: It protects the property without obstructing the view.

You're a thread jacking tyrant......seek help at once :bash: :lol:



I still vote for the VFR BTW

 

[bumblebee]

You're a thread jacking tyrant......seek help at once :bash: :lol:



I still vote for the VFR BTW

:jacked: ... :jacked: ... :jacked: ...off my meds today...one of my better days...look at your pulled over in the panhandle...

 

[DLIT]

You kind of answered your own question. Typing nothing but good things about the VFR and crap about the Kat. Go with the VFR...it's what you want.

 

[R1up0n1]

my idea remains the same 4 hours later...go with the VFR.

 

[Gas Man]

VFR hands down! A great all around bike that will treat you well. Not saying that VFR but VFR vs Can o tuna... VFR wins everytime in your circumstances!!

 

[bdonkersgoed]

Hey Guys,

I am going with the VFR and I am getting it for $3800 . . . these puppies are selling for what I believe is a lot of money, strictly due to that fact that they are considered "sport-touring" bikes and don't have the hefty 250% insurance surcharge in Ontario.

Basically, when all is said and done with my insurance claim, I am making the following "trade" by putting in only $300 of my own money:

OLD:
- 1999 Ninja-250 (with 24,000 kms)
- Green HJC Leather Jacket and Helmet
- Green leather Rhyno gloves

NEW:
- 1996 Honda VFR750 (with 22,000 kms)
- Equivalent priced leather jacket and helmet, brand new, to match the new bike
- New leather gloves to match the new bike

Seems like a good deal, eh? This accident is an AWESOME way to move up to a bigger bike after driving the Ninjette for three years

I also forgot to mention that the VFR has a Vances & Hines exhaust, and leather Corbin seat . . . I have no idea if they are cheap or expensive or what, but they come with the bike.

Thanks for your suggestions! I can't wait to pick up the bike tomorrow!

Regards,
Bryan

 

[R1up0n1]

congrats Bryan....the vance and hines exhaust and corbin seat are great mods and they aren't that cheap. So good choice and enjoy...happy rideing!!

 

[Gas Man]

Sounds like you are making out in the deal!

 

[bdonkersgoed]

The bike sounded really good when it was running . . . mmmmm . . . so much nicer than my lil 250 Ninja I'm not sure how much the V&H exhaust changes the sound from stock, because I never even heard a stock one before.

The Corbin seat was also very nice and comfy. I like the way it molds to my buttocks He also has the stock seat, but I will probably never use it.

I finally arranged everything, and it is now possible to have insurance and plates in time to drive it home tomorrow for some weekend fun!!

Regards,
Bryan

 

[No Worries]

:nopicsbs:
Is the VFR red?

 

[bdonkersgoed]

No . . . it is a Silver VFR, with black as the secondary colour. I believe the colour was only offered in Canada. I took some digital pics . . . I will try to upload them tonight There is a little bit of rash on the right fender which isn't too bad. It was painted, but not to my satisfaction. I think I might get it fixed up so that it all looks perfect

Regards,
Bryan

 

[bdonkersgoed]

Here is the pic that the seller took showing the damage. The damage is right by the "VFR" decal . . .

Regards,
Bryan