For the future: VFR vs. FZR400?

[CPJFOX]

So im looking at two bikes, both in the late 80s.

VFR has about 60k on it, perhaps a bit thrashed by the current owner, but appears to have been loved by previous owners. Main problems are tatty seat, slightly pitted fork stanchon (sp?) right at the top of the slider part, and a decent drop thats seen the right footpeg assembly need to be re welded together, with the passenger footpeg still sitting broken.

FZR sitting around 40k on it, appears to have spent it's whole life loved.

Now it seems like a no brainer for the FZR, they are both around the same $$ mark, but the VFR with it's low down torque and single sided swingarm just has extra sex appeal, and the FZR is in the BoP.

What i need to know, is which would enjoy, and use less fuel for commuting, and ultimatly cost me less in s$%t breaking over the 2 years i'll probably own it for. Im a fairly sensible rider, let em warm, and i dont find any fascination with stoppies or wheeiles. (dont know if thats relavent...)

Ultimatly the bike will primarily be a commuter/pukekohe thrasher.

Could use some help.

Thanks.

[Paul in NZ]

Both will be crap commuter bikes - they will do it - but they are not economic bikes to ride. They are sports bikes with sport bike appetities...

FZR will need head work unless it's been done - VFR? If it's been abused who knows?

These bikes are not cheap to own or run unless you are prepared to get your hands dirty

[Coyote]

Both will be crap commuter bikes - they will do it - but they are not economic bikes to ride. They are sports bikes with sport bike appetities...

FZR will need head work unless it's been done - VFR? If it's been abused who knows?

These bikes are not cheap to own or run unless you are prepared to get your hands dirty
After owning an RG150, my VFR seems economical to me. And it's not to bad for fuel consumption, if I'm not so hard on the throttle it'll do >200km from $20 of fuel. Of course I then got 170km but I had been on the rimutakas that week.

Maintenence costs: FZR would be cheaper as a V4 engine like in the VFR is harder to work on (more labour in the shop = more money). Mind you the engine doesn't get opened up often. They're both 400s and the usual consumables like tyres and chains would be the same cost. The VFR having an 18" wheel and they have a limited selection of tyres, and the FZR has 17" which has a wider selection such as those tyres with the hard wearing section in the middle and grippier section on the sides which I really want but can't have. My rear tyre has done roughly 5000kms and it's getting pretty flat, probably 3/4 worn. Front is fine and has a perfect profile, goes to show how much the power eats away at the tyre. And I got the rear cylinder valves reshimmed for $130 (I work at a shop and got discount though) and have to sort out the front when I can afford it.

My bike had 61000kms when I got it. The engines if looked after last for another 60000kms but things have started wearing out. The frame creaks, have to do valve clearances and I have to replace the front disks (which I had to sell my old RG150 for instead of racing it).

Otherwise it's an awesome bike to ride and look at. I was looking at FZR's too when in the 400 market but I went for the VFR for the V4 sound :p Out of those 2 choices though I'd go for the FZR since it's been looked after and has lower k's.

[Paul in NZ]

Sorry - should have used more words... A commuter like a scooter or a GN250 is cheap to run, easy on gas, chains, tyres. Sports bikes are not easy on those things in comparison and they need better chains/tyres etc as well. An RG150 is not really a commuter is it??? I'd class it as a small sports bike and 2 strokes have never had a rep for being gas sippers (appart from BSA Bantams and the like)

An FZR without an EXUP needs to be worked hard to get BHP and then it drain gas like a nigerian pirate. (compared to the Guzzi or the Trumpy)

I've never worried about it though - if you want a cheap commuter get a commuter or a little car like a starlet - way cheaper to run than a bike.

Bikes are something you buy because it puts a swell in yer trousers and THEN you justify it.....

[Morcs]

VFR all the way :D

Awesome bike. Though get an RVF if you can... ;)

[CPJFOX]

So essentially, despite the 20,000km difference in milage, im not really going to be better off with the FZR. And i'd imagine the lower torque of the VFR will make it a happier (as opposed to perfect) Commuter as i wont need to give it the bikkies to get it moving.

the VFR did feel damn good. I was planning on going to check out the FZR tonight, meet half way. But not so sure about that now, not as sure...

[klyong82]

A 250cc would be a better commuter than a 400. But out of the 2 bikes I pick the FZR over the VFR as it has lower mileage. If the VFR has been thrashed then the engine might need a bit of maintenance and if it has had a lot of wheelies done to it then I would pay special attention to the gearbox transmission. Also at 60,000k's check the disk rotors if they are worn.

Good luck in finding a bike.

[avgas]

I've had to go to to many peoples house to fix vfr's or give them a hand to fix them.
Buy the FZR, i only know of 3 in total that have died (most over 100K's)

[CPJFOX]

A 250cc would be a better commuter than a 400. But out of the 2 bikes I pick the FZR over the VFR as it has lower mileage. If the VFR has been thrashed then the engine might need a bit of maintenance and if it has had a lot of wheelies done to it then I would pay special attention to the gearbox transmission. Also at 60,000k's check the disk rotors if they are worn.

Good luck in finding a bike.

Rear disc is newish, front disk still has plenty of meat.

I agree a 250 would be a better commuter, but just gives less joy at the track, on road trips, and doubling the miss to the beach on a 250, tried once and turned around at the end of the driveway, the old girl (91 GSXR250R) really wasnt happy.

Im sure the fuel won't touch my only vehicle at the moment, 50 y.o. V8s are not the most efficient. ;)

[avgas]

After owning an RG150, my VFR seems economical
Theres your problem. Compared to the FZS1000 my RG wasnt economical.
Compared to a mates 300ZX twin turbo the RG was not economical
The only thing more un-economical to the RG is a hummer

[avgas]

If you want a cheap commuter/race bike, how about the 350 Goose or GB400/500, SRX6, Monster 400, SV400 etc
20K/L+
0-100 in ok
Lots of Torque
but sadly top speed is less than 150kph
Setup properly these bikes fly though.

[CPJFOX]

If you want a cheap commuter/race bike, how about the 350 Goose or GB400/500, SRX6, Monster 400, SV400 etc
20K/L+
0-100 in ok
Lots of Torque
but sadly top speed is less than 150kph
Setup properly these bikes fly though.

No easy answer for that, but i suggest the following,

a). My ego is not big enough.
b). Im only 23 and am not confident about the size of my penis, a faster bike works as an extention
c). Im only 23 and havent yet lost my license, i want speed
d). And so on and so forth :2thumbsup

[0arbreaka]

What model vfr are you looking at? Dont touch anything apart from the nc30 omwards, as the previous ones werent as good. Fzr's are decent bikes, mind you im a bit biased, get a kawasaki or suzuki..

[carver]

What model vfr are you looking at? Dont touch anything apart from the nc30 omwards, as the previous ones werent as good. Fzr's are decent bikes, mind you im a bit biased, get a kawasaki or suzuki..

PM zero index about his FZR 400..they are arse, and he no longer rides a motorcycle

[CPJFOX]

Well, thanks for everyones input on this. In the end i decided on the FZR400, as many people who rubbish the FXR will probably rubbish a VFR, and i cant help but feel that many of the VFR supports choose it for the same reason Cagers choose a Subaru STi.

I feel that as this bike has lower milage, and is non-thrashed, in the long run it will see me better, if only for the fact i can choose sensible tyres and not need to sell it to replace the front disks...

It helped that i knocked the price to be $300 cheaper than the VFR.

Rode nice on the way home, averaging about 4.5L - 100km. Thats good enough for me :)

[vifferman]

Despite being a Vifferisti, I think you made the right choice. A VTR250 would've been an even righterer choice, but you didn't mention one. :blank:

[avgas]

No easy answer for that, but i suggest the following,
a). My ego is not big enough.
b). Im only 23 and am not confident about the size of my penis, a faster bike works as an extention
c). Im only 23 and havent yet lost my license, i want speed
d). And so on and so forth :2thumbsup
Ah yes 10-ft-tallitus
been there done that, bought the gb on the hope that i wouldn't kill myself.
Success.....i got to keep my life and gained some Jewelery.
Jewelery came out - then i got the growler of the zx4r.....6 months of that and i felt i was on death row again. Bike was too light.
6 months after selling the Z and i got the "aw-fuck-it" bike as i feel sane enough to control it.
All that being said, the GB is still the quickest bike to 70K that i have owned. Also the quickest round town (was a ducati eater).Well after it was modified a little. But thats what big singles are all about.
Best of luck, if you die, i'll bloody kill ya

[mecht1]

Good choose! I have a FZR400RR (3TJ1) yamaha, very quick little bike, handles very well.
Make shore you change oil AND filter very 3000/3500 kms, they need good oil or the crank can go west in a big way! Do not use the oil warning light, by the time it comes on it's way too late!
Enjoy it, I know I enjoyed my 400 a lot.

[motorbyclist]

as an nc30 owner i'd say they are awesome fun to commute on, corners like a dream, but have a pretty "agressive" riding position, solid suspension, and aggressive gearing (ride the clutch to 60k if you're in a hurry - 1st gear goes to 110kph). good if you like it, not good if your a normal person. maintenance wise, from what i hear and my own experience, the vfr is bombproof, whereas all the 250 fzrs i've seen have been shitters.....

but i reckon you bought the better bike - why? because you should never buy a bike that's had a thrashing if you can get one that has been taken care of.

but a vt250 is probably the best commuter bike out right now - low down grunt, smooth ride/comfortable riding position, and no fairings to hit curbs when you're coming on/off footpaths.



After owning an RG150, my VFR seems economical to me. And it's not to bad for fuel consumption, if I'm not so hard on the throttle it'll do >200km from $20 of fuel. Of course I then got 170km but I had been on the rimutakas that week.

Maintenence costs: FZR would be cheaper as a V4 engine like in the VFR is harder to work on (more labour in the shop = more money). Mind you the engine doesn't get opened up often. They're both 400s and the usual consumables like tyres and chains would be the same cost. The VFR having an 18" wheel and they have a limited selection of tyres, and the FZR has 17" which has a wider selection such as those tyres with the hard wearing section in the middle and grippier section on the sides which I really want but can't have. My rear tyre has done roughly 5000kms and it's getting pretty flat, probably 3/4 worn. Front is fine and has a perfect profile, goes to show how much the power eats away at the tyre. And I got the rear cylinder valves reshimmed for $130 (I work at a shop and got discount though) and have to sort out the front when I can afford it.

My bike had 61000kms when I got it. The engines if looked after last for another 60000kms but things have started wearing out. The frame creaks, have to do valve clearances and I have to replace the front disks (which I had to sell my old RG150 for instead of racing it).

Otherwise it's an awesome bike to ride and look at. I was looking at FZR's too when in the 400 market but I went for the VFR for the V4 sound :p Out of those 2 choices though I'd go for the FZR since it's been looked after and has lower k's.

i got one of those dual compound tyres on my viffer! but its a 160 and i'm pretty sure it should be a 150...

my bike has reached around 60k kms too, and frame creaks - should we be worried? it creaks more with passengers and i was thinking it was the shock/swingarm. any knowledge or should a start a new thread?

[Coyote]

i got one of those dual compound tyres on my viffer! but its a 160 and i'm pretty sure it should be a 150...

my bike has reached around 60k kms too, and frame creaks - should we be worried? it creaks more with passengers and i was thinking it was the shock/swingarm. any knowledge or should a start a new thread?
I'll look into that. I saw a vfr on ebay with 160/60/18 Avons so I've been thinking about getting a 160 lately. The current profile (140/60/18 )has no chicken strips despite me not hitting the footpegs yet (don't want to push it that far cause of this).

My mate, Koba on here, said it could be the headbearings crapping out. He said I should grease them up and see if that stops the problem, or replace them. I haven't got a large enough spanner for the headstem so I haven't tried it yet.

[Str8 Jacket]

I happen to know that an 1986 NC21 and an 1988 FZR (ridden by a girl) beat a 199?? NC30 at the sprints... The NC21 beat the NC30 by over 5kph+

[frogfeaturesFZR]

:clap: I have a FZR 1WG and I Love it. Just change the oil regularly and you'll be fine.

[DVS 69]

Get a Mighty ZXR400 i got mine bout 3 months ago and its awesum, its a old one 1989 but still gets bout 185-190kph top end and they are really nice in the twisty stuff they handle great and the frames are nice and strong with no twist etc. I put sum new M3's on front and rear (120 on the front and 160 on the rear). Awesum tyres !!!! so much so ive put a M3 on the front of my road bike. Shit loads of grip in the dry and really good in the wet too .............. Whatmore does one want eh:devil2:

[sAsLEX]

Despite being a Vifferisti, I think you made the right choice. A VTR250 would've been an even righterer choice, but you didn't mention one. :blank:

250s may seem a logical idea but the market for them is overinflated due to the 250cc learner limit.

[James Deuce]

Over-inflated is an understatement. Chap at work is looking at GPXs and CBRs and 20 year old bikes are the norm. TWENTY YEAR OLD examples are going for more than I spent on the Katana including all the upgrades. Most of those 250s are going to be wanting the same level of maintenance and upgrade I did on the Katana to make them a safe long term ownership option.

If I could bend myself onto a VFR I would have had one in a flash, but the Katana looks cooler and is built of old and young alike to enjoy.

[motorbyclist]

If I could bend myself onto a VFR I would have had one in a flash


haha, this sunday i was doing a long haul trip along straight roads in the rain. after an hour or two i made the mistake of stretching my legs out infront of me.

the moment i tucked em back in i got killer cramps on the outside of my hip, and no way to deal to them without stopping.

the wrists/hands were another story altogether:sweatdrop

[James Deuce]

the moment i tucked em back in i got killer cramps on the outside of my hip, and no way to deal to them without stopping.


O man, doesn't that just SUCK! I get that even on my comfy bikes, usually at the worst possible time.