And the hits just keep on coming. One of my favorite moto-writers, John Burns, did an online article for Motorcycle.com earlier this year titled "Top Ten Used Motorcycles Under $5000." An ambitious project to be sure, as 5 Gs will put a lot of great bikes in your garage. Heck, it wasn't too long ago that I bought a showroom new left-over Triumph Bonneville for $5250. And any number of pristine used VFRs can be had for even less. But John has come up with a viable list, and sitting at number one spot...drum roll...the Honda VFR800 VTEC.
Here's what John has to say:
"I think Honda never built the VFR1000R of our dreams because it was miffed that we never collectively fully embraced the beauty of the VFR800, specifically the sixth generation of the bike that ran from 2002 to 2013. Rather, we all complained about its VTEC system, which has that delectable V-Four breathing through only two valves per cylinder at low rpm, and all four above 7000 rpm or so. It added a bit of weight and complexity, but not really enough of either to mask a motorcycle that belongs on the shortlist for all-time GOAT streetbike: competent as all get-out for sporting use, as well as an excellent commuter and sport-tourer. Lots of people are scared off by expensive valve adjustments; three mechanics I’ve talked to tell me they’ve never seen one of these with a valve out of spec, and their advice is just ride the thing. They’re all over the place for under $5k, including the 2007 25th Anniversary edition pictured, some even with factory hard bags."
GOAT = "Greatest Of All Time" (I had to look it up)
I'm sure the VFR-isti will debate the VTEC choice, but, in fact, all the VFRs are list-toppers. Just look at all the lists they've topped over the years. Here's the rest of John's contenders:
2. Air-cooled Ducati (2-valve, belt-drive)
3. Aprilia Tuono
4. Triumph Street Triple 675
5. H-D XR1200
6. Any Buell
7. KTM 690 Duke
8. Yamaha Road Star Warrior
9. Yamaha FZ1
10. Kawasaki Concours 14
"I think Honda never built the VFR1000R of our dreams because it was miffed that we never collectively fully embraced the beauty of the VFR800, specifically the sixth generation of the bike that ran from 2002 to 2013. Rather, we all complained about its VTEC system, which has that delectable V-Four breathing through only two valves per cylinder at low rpm, and all four above 7000 rpm or so. It added a bit of weight and complexity, but not really enough of either to mask a motorcycle that belongs on the shortlist for all-time GOAT streetbike: competent as all get-out for sporting use, as well as an excellent commuter and sport-tourer. Lots of people are scared off by expensive valve adjustments; three mechanics I’ve talked to tell me they’ve never seen one of these with a valve out of spec, and their advice is just ride the thing. They’re all over the place for under $5k, including the 2007 25th Anniversary edition pictured, some even with factory hard bags."
GOAT = "Greatest Of All Time" (I had to look it up)
I'm sure the VFR-isti will debate the VTEC choice, but, in fact, all the VFRs are list-toppers. Just look at all the lists they've topped over the years. Here's the rest of John's contenders:
2. Air-cooled Ducati (2-valve, belt-drive)
3. Aprilia Tuono
4. Triumph Street Triple 675
5. H-D XR1200
6. Any Buell
7. KTM 690 Duke
8. Yamaha Road Star Warrior
9. Yamaha FZ1
10. Kawasaki Concours 14
RSS Feed