VFR or TRIUMPH SPRINT

**Insanity_rules** · 9th April 2006, 20:34

Me I'd go the honda. But I've had a few hondas and no matter how technical they seem to handle a rather good hiding. Servicing cost is about middle of the road and everyone I've ever had has handled like its on rails.

**gingle** · 12th April 2006, 14:43

Might just dispel a couple myths about the V-Tec VFR
Servicing is only slightly dearer than the previous model. Approx $4-500Aus
Yes there is a special tool required, but all dealers should have it.
NO! the engine does not have to come out

**vifferman** · 12th April 2006, 15:14

... but I'll still tell the truth.
It's really your choice, according to what does it for you.
I'd really like to test-ride a Sprint, but even if it really turned me on and I loved it, I wouldn't buy one, as I've read too many bad things about them, and it won't do anything my VFR doesn't do. And if I spent a few dollars on my suspension, my current ride would be better than either bike.
However, I'd still consider one as an alternative to the VTec, as I think the VTec engine sucks. How many motorcyclists really give a rat's about emissions, noise, etc.?

The latest Sprints have modified fairings to try to dissipate some engine/zorst heat. The quality of workmanship/fittings/metalwork etc. is still not as good as the VFR, with corrosion and poor fitting being not uncommon, as are seemingly unremediable oil leaks from the rocker cover, and spongey and/or faulty brakes. The seats feel more comfy, but slope forward a bit much and lack support for longer trips. Having said that, fitting aftermarket seats to the VFR is VERY common, as they are a bit firm and the shape doesn't suit all bums. However, the Sprint ergonomics are slightly better and comfier, so you won't need aftermarket bars or lower pegs.

Even Sprint owners will admit that the instrumentation is a disappointment.

But it's not all bad - they sound GREAT, they look kewl (better than the VFR in my opinion, especially the single-sided swingarm, underseat zorsts and rear-end treatment) and it's easy to argue that they carry more mana than a Honda, making them welcome amongst a broader range of the motorcycling (and non-motorcycling) public.

At the end of the day, I think you really need to ride both, and decide which one pushes your buttons. I think either one would be a great bike.

**WRT** · 12th April 2006, 15:21

Same topic, but off on a tangent . . .

Tell me again, why did they stop making the RF's? It'd be nice to have a bit more choice in this genre.

**vifferman** · 12th April 2006, 15:26

Originally Posted by WRT

Same topic, but off on a tangent . . .

Tell me again, why did they stop making the RF's? It'd be nice to have a bit more choice in this genre.

Maybe there was too much overlap with the GSX750 and the Bandits?

**WRT** · 12th April 2006, 15:32

But the styling was nothing like either. Good looking, fast and comfortable. Not many problems with reliability, and even now they are still quite popular.

A modern version would stack up well with the ST and the VFR I would imagine, but either the GSX or the Bandit (not that either of them are bad bikes, far from it) would be the obvious odd one out in the lineup.

**Maha** · 12th April 2006, 22:12

Originally Posted by Insanity_rules

Me I'd go the honda. But I've had a few hondas and no matter how technical they seem to handle a rather good hiding. Servicing cost is about middle of the road and everyone I've ever had has handled like its on rails.

Had a good long hard look at a spanking new VFR today, one down two to go, may not need to look , its a bit like choosing paint i feel, the more colours you look at the harder it is, thanks viffer for your post, Mr Honda man did talk up the bike, but thats his job, he even said somthing that you said about the Sprint so im sure he was on the level, there was a blackbird there also, very nice, at the end of the day these are sort of bike i want/need and i know Mr finance man loves me..............

**Maha** · 25th April 2006, 08:59

Decision made. Went with the Triumph, test road all three last saturday and would have got the Honda if i hadn't rode the Triumph, the Yamaha was great but was 3rd in my book, plus i got lost in AKL while out on it....

it had high pillion pegs and a few band aids hiding a few marks.

**Maha** · 4th May 2006, 09:53

Off down to the North Shore today to pick up the Triumph, first thing to go will be the super sized man bag on the back....

**vifferman** · 4th May 2006, 10:14

Congratulations, maha man!
Did you test-ride a 2005 Sprint ST? Very nice looking bike that one. Still, the one you've bought looks kewl, and it's the best colour.

If you don't like the huge top-box, there are smaller ones, and there's one that incorporates a backrest, which I'm sure your missus will appreciate (it's also possible the backrest will fit on the topbox you've got).

They're a good delaership, are Holeshot, so that was a good choice too (unlike their neighbours...)

**Maha** · 4th May 2006, 10:25

Thanks for that vifferman, yeah i will get something to replace the suitcase, and this is the 3rd bike i have got from Holeshot

**Hitcher** · 4th May 2006, 10:28

I presume from the photos you posted you're buying a used bike and that the Triumph is the previous model, not the sexy new 1050? If so, buy the Honda. If you're buying new, buy the Triumph.

**crazefox** · 4th May 2006, 20:41

Im fixing up a 05 sprint mate its nice i can do you a good price if your keen.
Send me a PM if you want more info

**Biff** · 5th May 2006, 13:58

The VFR is propoably one of the world's best ever all round machines. A great bike to tour on, but IMO, VTEC engines suck. However in terms of being fun to ride - the Trumpy wins any day.

Anyone seen Viffer lately?

**Maha** · 5th May 2006, 18:06

Its Home safe and sound, met up with Busa Pete at Upper Harbour on ramp and stoped at Dairy Flat BP, im sure he approved, and nice little wheelie at Orewa Pete, bling for you for doing that.......

Point is, i love the bike and have made the right decision, roll on sunday and the Great Northern...