Honest answers on comparison

[no-coast-punk]

+1 for the VFR.

I think they're the best sport tourer around unless you are pushing "fat kid" territory.

[NZsarge]

And again for the VFR I reckon.

[Static]

id go for the vfr too its comfortable but can keep up with most sports

[vifferman]

Could you perhaps list what you consider as "faults", so that I may be better informed. Any particular reason you didn't like the newer model VFR's or indeed the Bandit....?? ( And test rides will be conducted ) just doing some research and info gathering

Firstly, the Bandit I rode was a couple of models back, and I didn't like the ergos nor the engine, which felt buzzy and less grunty than I'd expected for a 1200. I'd disregard my opinion on this, as it was short ride, a few years back now, and not a current model.
As for the VFR, I don't like the Vtec engine. The Vtec is not a true Vtec as on the cars, so it adds nothing to the bike's performance. It was introduced solely to reduce nosie and emissions, and the engine is more complicated as a result, and actually has less torque and power in the mid-range as a result. It does have more power at the top end, by virtue of revving a little higher than the previous model (the one I've got).
The cost of servicing the engine is high, as it requires a pretty substantial dismantling to get at the valve shims: the fairings, tank, airbox, fuel rails, etc all have to come off. Then the cams have to be taken out twice (!) - the first time to put some pins in the Vtec-operated valves, and the second time to take them out again. It's not a trivial job, but thankfully, VFRs virutally never need new shims after the first check at 16,000 km, so you can safely ignore valve clearance checks.
That said, the rest of the bike is good, with better suspension and handling than the previous model. Whether you like the looks is subjective - personally, I don't.
There have been a number of recalls for dodgy parts - kind of unusual for a Honda. I don't know if these have been fixed now - one would hope so. There were two for the charging system (dodgy stators and wiring), on for the brakes (seals or summat in the proprtioning valve - I can't recall exactly). Lastly, there have been very common problems with the wiring loom near the headstock crapping out and needing to be replaced.
Also, the change to camchains (previous model had gear-driven cams) was for noise reasons (the gears are really loud), and has resulted in a lot of faulty camchain tensioners, especially the front one, and resulting camchain noise. That on it's own was enough to put me off - every Honda I've owned excpet three (two cam-geared VFRs and a two-smoke) have ended up with noisy camchains - it's a Honda weakness that hasn't really been addressed in the last 40 or so years.

Another Honda thing is the gearbox - expect missed gearchanges and false neutrals as the bike ages. Yoiu can circumvent this if you fit a Factory Pro Evo Star shifter kit from new (around $350, but well worth it).

It's not as bad as it sounds, but you did ask.
Apart from these things, it's a very reliable bike, and lovely to ride. Not as fast as comparable-sized bikes from the other manufacturers (it's only ~105 hp and around 210kg dry), but a very good all-round sport-tourer, which up until recently came top over all in most comparitive tests. It's only because it's about 6 years overdue for a proper update that's let it down. It's got a bit of character with the V4 engine, which offers some of the flat torque characteristics of a v-twin, and a pleasant engine vibe, but it's smoother than a v-twin and not as buzzy or busy-sounding as an IL4.

[vgcspares]

You could aways spend a bit more and get a Sprint ST - the bike most mags reckon outclassed the VFR in all respects since 2005

[vifferman]

You could aways spend a bit more and get a Sprint ST - the bike most mags reckon outclassed the VFR in all respects since 2005

Mostly. Well... for power/torque and performance, at least.
Quality of manufacture's not quite as good (alloy corrodes more rapidly, and the fittings look cheap); the brakes have "issues", and from what I've heard, the handling's almsot but not quite as good. Oh - and then there's the heat that radiates off the engine and zorsts, and bakes your thighs...

But I'd have one - they've got character, good looks (as long as you don't look TOO closely), and more... hmmm.... cachet than the VFR.

[Static]

You could aways spend a bit more and get a Sprint ST - the bike most mags reckon outclassed the VFR in all respects since 2005

i agree that as a bike the ST is better handling and a lot more power but its too much top end power and is allot more un usable in nz if you like your licence

[DingoZ]

Wow, thank you so much to the people that have contributed a point of view so far.

All valuable info for me.

Keep it coming....

[Gizzit]

Just to throw another idea into the mix .... if you are considering the Bandit 1250 .... why not check out the Honda CB1300 ? I did a back to back comparison between the 1250 and the 1300, and much preferred the handling of the Honda .... in that I found it to be neutral in handling. Also the honda had more torque. They are absolute torque monsters, which is great for two up touring.
I ended up buying an 07 CB1300S model and was very impressed with it. However, a shoulder injury meant it had to go, and I got a much lighter bike, a DR650SE ... so very different. However the DR wasn't my cup of tea for touring, and I now have a really nice CB900. I have ridden two up and it goes fine. My wife finds it comfortable, and I use it to commute on ... so another possibility for you to consider ?
Good luck with you decision!
Cheers,
Grant.

[DingoZ]

Cheers once aganin to those that have contributed to this.

Some really good points have been brought up that I had not considered before, but will now definetly be taking into account when I test ride some bikes....

[Big Dave]

Did 250km though the Waikato on a new Bandit 1250 during the week.

If you are talking new one disregard what Vifferman said. Might indeed be word perfect for the ones he rode. New one is a new beast.

Quick as, not buzzy.

[madbikeboy]

Well, Not for the first two weeks .

Im with the VFR on this one. Much nicer looking bike and the Bandit is a TYPICAL bike. Obviously Typical bikes must be good bikes. But be a bit different .
Obviously a RG500 would be on the top of my list.

RG500 = the most beautiful bitch mistress who fucks and sucks like a wanton hussy, and when the money runs out, so does she, leaving you heartbroken and jaded...

I'd take the VFR. Actually, I'd go buy a GSXR, but out of the Bland it and the VFR, the VFR is the better bike IMHO. The Bandit is very reasonably priced, and it comes with loads of kit, but the Honda isn't that expensive given the engineering and build quality. Or, you could buy a BMW tourer and some sensible shoes, a tweed jacket, and one of those beret thingees (and hand your balls across because you won't need them anymore).

[madbikeboy]

i agree that as a bike the ST is better handling and a lot more power but its too much top end power and is allot more un usable in nz if you like your licence

But it's a triumph. You'll get loads of boring old fuckers wearing tweed jackets and stupid berets talking about the one they owned after the war. Plus you'll always have that nagging doubt about when it was going to implode (note, when, not if).

Disclaimer: This advice is not reflective of any opinion of MBB, it just popped out and I couldn't pull it back. I blame my Tourettes (which has a habit of making me say the truth at the most inappropriate moments...).

[DingoZ]

Okay so, a bike has been taken out of the equation. The 1250 has been replaced by the Suzuki GSX650F. Went and checked one out today. Test ride is going to have to wait as 6F is being sat on the 8th Dec, but from talking to CFWB, for about an hour re the 650F, it has tipped the balance from the VFR to it's bad self...

Thoughts opinions from anyone that has a suzuki or even indeed a 650F...

[Gizzit]

I test rode a new GSX650F before I bought my new Honda Hornet 900. IMHO the Suzi didn't compare at all to the Honda. I felt it more cramped in the legs, and I'm only 180cm tall. For me .. it lacked something ... can't quite put my finger on it, and I know they have had rave write ups. I have ridden a VFR too, and they are a very nice bike! For me though ... and I know I have mentioned the CB1300 as an option, but the new 1250 Bandit is a very good all rounder. I would see it as being better value for money ... or even the new GSX1400 with a Yoshi pipe for about $13000 ...
Good luck mate. But honestly .... you can't go wrong with any of your choices. It's just about trying them out, and going with what feels right to you.These days they are all very reliable and good to ride.