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VFRs about face
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30 seconds of searching the web have produced no insight, so what's the difference
between a VFR800-A4 and a VFR800-A5?
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God knows. Someone will be along shortly to tell you that they're both
underpowered sheds and that the 750 is a better bike.
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Well, the A4 is 'very good condition' and the A5 is 'excellent
condition' and has heated grips. Controversial, I know, but why not
phone the dealer and ask.
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______________________/
/
feet, gah.
It was either that or they used to make them out of bakerlite. They're
the same tyres as the ones in the owners manual...
I'll add tyres to the job list:
(1) clean carbs so it runs on all cylinders at tickover
(2) pump up air suspention so it has some
(3) change oil
(4) get new tyres so I don't die
(5) thrash
(6) work out how to tax
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It doesn't matter, because you're not going to buy either.
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But, Mr Champ, I'm so confused.
I *know* I want a new bike, I just don't know what I want.
Tell me what to buy!
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What's your budget?
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Up to 7k, but I'd prefer to spend less than that if possible.
I want hard luggage and the budget has to cover that as well.
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Bandit 1200 GT, and give the change to me.
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Gawd you can have most things fairly new then including
2003 Yam FJ1300ABS 20k miles for ~£6000
2004 Kwak ZZR1200 15k miles ~£5000
both with hard luggage
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Both too big, I think - I need something I can get through rush hour traffic
into the middle of Newcastle easily every morning.
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Just the same width as a VFR with hard luggage.
As people suggest, put the laptop in a big top box or tank bag and remove
the panniers.
It's starting to sound like you just need a new 600 sprotbike with Ventura
luggage or a Givi rack and hard topcase.
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No, no - all of the new 600 sprots stuff is not big *enough*.
I need something that's
Bigger than a sports 600
Not as big as a hyper-tourer
Comfortable
At least as fast as a three-quarters shagged ZX-6R
OK with luggage
Reliable
Given that under 7 grand would get me a brand new, non-ABS, VFR800 from
Lloyd Coopers it almost seems a shame not to. Almost.
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Look, you've already been pointed at the newer Sprint ST. Even the old
one was a much better bike than the VFR, and side-by-side comparisons
with both the 750 and 800 proved it to be much quicker as well.
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there are some of these advertised on autotrader in your price range
Unfortunately, the one in NE4 is at M&S (:
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If you have such a sufficiency to spend and why would you even *consider* a
VFR.
I think I'd go the ZZR route myself out of those two.
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Have a test ride. You will easily add hard luggage to it and remain
within your budget.
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I've considered it, but M&S don't do test rides on used bikes[1] and it
seems, to me, pricey for a 2 year old bike with 22k on the clock.
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Yeah, I know that one is a bit pricey. On the plus side, Sprint ST
residuals must be good :o)[1]
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the same story ... no test rides.
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Test ride a new one then, and then look around for good, low mileage
secondhand ones. It really is a cracking bike.
[1] Smiley for TOG's benefit - I do realise that asking price <>
selling price.
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[1] Because, they say, all of their bikes are untaxed and SORNed, but I
didn't think that mattered if you stuck trade plates on them.
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A Rocket III.
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Yes. Those BSAs were much nicer than the Trident.
Of course, neither compares to the Hurricane....
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Buy pork bellies.. Sell orange Juice!!
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"Gimme Ham on 5, Hold the Mayo"
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Really, Andy, don't - Honda ruined a bike that virtually defined its
class by bolting a completely unnecessary variable valve mechanism.
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They'd ruined it years before that sub-assembly was added
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"Step away from the Honda".
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On a slightly hijacking note, would you extend that advice to a
Blackbird? I have a small yearning, you see, and a bloke that I know
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"It's an excellent touring bike".
Anyway, how's Champ going to know? I think he rode one once, but I'm
pretty sure he's never owned one.
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is about to move on his 'Bird.
This bike is ultimately cared for, living in a carpeted, airconned
garage. It has had all the services, by time as well as mileage
(although it hasn't many miles) and he replaces tyres when they get
dopwn to 3-4mm as he "prefers the look of new tyres".
He did his first trackday in the Novice group at Silverstone a couple
of weeks ago. He "didn't see the need for first or second", so he
circulated in 3/4/5/6. This bike has never ever been thrashed, is in
as close to showroom condition as it possibly can be - but it is a
Honda with linked brakes and only one step away from a Pan.
How say you, KawasakiMan?
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It's a heavy'ish old bird all fuelled up. Maybe 20kg more than an RF.
Back to back with a Thunderace it felt top heavy and barge like with a long
stretch to the bars. The linked brakes were ok, but I didn't need to stop on
any off camber gravel strewn T junctions.
Zym has or had one I think, to comment. IIRC he prefers them to his ZZR1200.
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fewer miles on?
Oh, this is all too confusing for me.
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Just buy a Sprint ST 1050.
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The one with higher miles is listed as having ABS and heated grips.
Personally, having now had the ST1100 ABS woes, I would avoid the ABS if
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If possible try and encourage him not to buy a Honda or a VFR at all.
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possible.
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