1989 CBR250 vs VFR400

[Tazz]

Hey guys,

got one of those annoying as fark posts regarding a newbie and which bike would suit best.

I'm about 1.8m tall and I think about 75kg at the moment but I fluctuate between 65 and 80.

Looking at these two:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=598767737

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=639979975

Not sure about a 250 as I do a lot of running between Chch and Picton but my mate has a CBR and said it's up to that sort of riding no problemo, but a broader opinion from you lot would be appreciated.

Whatever I get will be my first bike so after something I won't worry too much about dropping and so long as I have enough power to overtake comfortably I don't really care about speed as I do most my 'driving' in the corners.

I've basically narrowed it down to these two models and as I have to fork out for leathers and the like as well the prices are around what I'd like to spend, BUT, is the 400cc worth the extra rego and insurance cost compared to the difference (if any) it would make on the open road?

I had been looking at cruisers and the like as well so I'm open to a curveball if anyone wants to throw it, don't care what it looks like (I own a QT50 if that is anything to go by) so long as it does the job.

Cheers!

Taz

[tigertim20]

Ive owned both models. Id have the VFR.
Id want to get the price down though

[sil3nt]

VFR 400 is not learner legal and will be expensive if you drop it.

CBR 250 will have plenty enough power and won't be quite so expensive to drop (parts more common still not cheap though)

[Tazz]

Yeah I'm working on the learner legal problem but good point, should have the application through tonight. I did just originally assume it would be on the list but fingers crossed I can get it put on there myself.

Ive owned both models. Id have the VFR.
Id want to get the price down though

All going well the price would be down on both. Why would you take the VFR? Simply the power?

Also, I'm new to the market but that CBR price doesn't seem to bad? What do you guys think. The 90-93 RR's seem to be the sought after, but I'm not to phased about that.

[tigertim20]

Yeah I'm working on the learner legal problem but good point, should have the application through tonight. I did just originally assume it would be on the list but fingers crossed I can get it put on there myself.



All going well the price would be down on both. Why would you take the VFR? Simply the power?

Also, I'm new to the market but that CBR price doesn't seem to bad? What do you guys think. The 90-93 RR's seem to be the sought after, but I'm not to phased about that.

I only had a brief look at the links, so Im not saying necessarily that THAT vfr is better than THAT cbr, just which model I would rather.

as for why id pick that model, as mentioned, Ive had both so I know MY preference. the vfr was great in the corners, sounded awesome (I think its exhaust had been debaffled and it really did sound awesome!) and it had a bit more grunt (I like power) both were fairly similar to me in comfort terms (Im about 183cm I think) and at the time I weighed around 90kg. I dont recall fuel economy being too far apart, the cbr was better on gas, but to be honest fuel economy has never once been on my list of questions when it comes to buying a bike.

[tigertim20]

forgot to answer your value question. the price on the cbr is probably pretty good. alot of people seem to think they are still worth 4-5k. theyre not.
2.5k is a pretty reasonable price provided she's all mechanically sound.
Id not want to go over 3k tops for the vfr based on pictures etc.

Both have fairly solid engines too that will take a bit of punishment

[sil3nt]

Yeah I'm working on the learner legal problem but good point, should have the application through tonight. I did just originally assume it would be on the list but fingers crossed I can get it put on there myself.

Sorry but why would they put it on? I am fairly sure it is outside the power to weight ratio.

(42KW / 160kg + 90kg) * 1000 = 160kw per tonne

Limit is 150kw

[Tazz]

Oh man I have been given some different figures, must of been the wrong year or something Will have to check back through.
Phark. Was easier on the gray matter when it was just 250 max and that was that.

I'll double check what I have, but I guess it makes this all a bit redundant

Cheers for your opinion on the VRF though Tim. Food for thought as there are other comparable approved Hondas.
And even though I'm new to it all I wouldn't be paying 4-5k for one of them either, but I think good examples will always be worth a bit due to the hype around them. They already command a bit of a classic status/following by the looks.

[Ender EnZed]

That CBR looks reasonable enough for the money but as with any 24 year old bike it'd pay to have someone who knows what they're doing check it out. If it runs like it ought to you'll manage a regular Chch-Picton run easily enough on it.

The VFR400 is not and will not be learner legal. The slightly faster RVF400 is but only because Honda lied about it's power for domestic reasons in the 90s.

[ducatilover]

Just get the VFR, they're good for the soul

Or buy a beige GS500, you'll probably enjoy it a wee bit more on long trips like that. VFR/CBR are cramped and only long distance-able if you're tiny and fucked in the head like myself

[breakaway]

VFRs are overpriced, would stay away.

Just get this imo http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-195544085.htm

[Tazz]

Just get this imo http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-195544085.htm

Yeah nah. I'm comfortable with the size of my schlong thanks XD

Cheers for all the input guys, appreciate it. Will let you know what I end up with.

[Phleep]

I have done the Christchurch to Picton route many times on a vt250 and GS500 and had no problem with either. it is a very easy route for the weaker bikes due to the lack of hills so comfort should be your priority.

I also have ridden from Picton to Nelson on a vt250 and VFR400 and, apart from my dodgy HT cables letting me down in a heavy fog, the VFR was much more willing on the hills. Not a perfect comparison as I had a pillion heavier than myself on the VT which caused it to overheat on the steeper hills but those things are very passive bikes.

Overall I find the VFR easier to ride due to its very forgiving low end power so it has less chopping and changing to do than an inline. Just have to make sure you consciously give your wrists a rest before they start aching.

[Tazz]

Well ended up with a 250. Only complaint is a farking cold nutsack and the slip and the slide that is called a seat, but both easily fixed problems =D

Have only had diesels for the last decade so it will take a bit to get used to revving the tits off it to get around as there is bugger all torque mid revs it seems. Bloody good fun though and wish I took the plunge years ago =D

Cheers for all the input guys.

[tigertim20]

Well ended up with a 250. Only complaint is a farking cold nutsack and the slip and the slide that is called a seat, but both easily fixed problems =D

Have only had diesels for the last decade so it will take a bit to get used to revving the tits off it to get around as there is bugger all torque mid revs it seems. Bloody good fun though and wish I took the plunge years ago =D

Cheers for all the input guys.

what model did ya get exactly? pics!!!