1250S vs VFR (6th gen) for a 2nd bike

[Slippin]

I am looking to get a new bike (my second) - I have had an gs500 for the past 2 yrs.  Budget around $8,000. Most of my riding is 1up, day trips to the mountains (I am in upstate SC) but I would like to be able to do 2up for a day and be able to take extended (3+ day) solo tours.  I think both bikes could do that well (RWHP about the same though more tourque on the 1250).  For my cost point I am looking at a 04-05 VFR vs a new Bandit.  I would expect the fit/finish on the VFR would be better than the bandit. I think both are like 15,000 miles before scheduled valve adjustments.  I would think insurance would likely be cheaper on the bandit (standard vs sport) & I could probabaly get ABS on the bandit. Near as I can tell the difference between the two is basically a push and I know need to get them both out for a test ride to make up my mind (easier said than done). But I figured I would ask ya'lls opinion about the bikes to see if I could gain an additional perspective. If you want to add additional bikes that you think would provide better value for me feel free.        

 

[Mookie]

Bandit ought to be more easily upgradable, the VFR will handle better and probably hold up a bit better over the long term.  VTEC VFRs are mighty expensive to get worked on while you could probably do everything yourself on the Bandit- but I suppose it depends on how many miles you'll be putting on it.

Both are good solid bikes.  Personally, I'd rather get a used bike over a new one, to leave plenty of room for farkles and to avoid the mighty driving off the salesroom floor value drop.

You also might want to consider some R series BMWs and perhaps an Aprilia Futura or a Ducati Multi just for comparisons sake.

[BlueRidgeKat]

See if you can get a hold of the July issue of Motorcyclist magazine. They are comparing the Bandit to a BMW K1200R. Looks like the Bandit kicks the $17,000 BMW's ass.

I agree with Mookie on the Bandit being cheaper/easier to work on than the VFR.

[phlatlander]

Having recently added a 98 vfr as my second bike I understand your dilemma.  Do a little research b4 you dive in.  vfrdiscussion.com and maximum-suzuki.com are two great websites.  Have to register for max-suzi but that is easy and painless.  

My criteria for a second bike was: 1) price; 2) had to be cooler than my primary ride during the heat of the summer (july and august); 3) reliable; 4) decent resale in case i didn't want two bikes in a year.

In retrospect, i would buy a used 02-05 bandit, a zr-7s or vstrom 650 instead.  Why, reliability.  More on that later.  Why would I choose the bandit, because i would have been riding it for the last month instead of dealing with electrical problems.  My fault, I should have done more research on the vfr b4 buying it, but it was the bike I always wanted as a kid so my gut took over and reason went out the door.  Turns out the 98-99 vfr's have a claimed 70% failure rate on the regulator/rectifiers which can also take out the stator and battery.  Yes, I have had to replace all 3.  I still love the look of the vfr, the sound of the gear driven cams, the should of the v4, the single sided swingarm but.  My #1 criteria should have been reliability.  I live up north and only have 4-7 months of good riding weather and i want to be riding not in my garage working on the bike, or worse yet in a parking lot somewhere 1200 miles from home trying to get it fixed so i can make it home.  Just make and informed decision, that's all I'm saying.

Only you can make the finally decision on which is best for you because only you truly know what your priorities are when it comes to the second bike.

Good luck.

[Nitro]

after having both, Id say you first decide what kind of bike you want..naked or st bike..I found them totally diff critters. totally different to ride , opposite in most ways..the vfr one of the best st in the business.go far in a day on this one, and fast...the bandit a great naked bike., fun for ripping up the streets......narrow that down first, then enjoy! I'm sure  both will do it for you.

[photomd]

IMHO, buy the one that makes you   and .

I'd also stay away from the VTEC. I enjoy working on my bikes and the extra work to do the valves on it seems excessive, but that's just one guy's opinion.

They are both great bikes and will take ya where ever you want to go. I'm jealous your so close to the moutains. We're 3 hours away down here in Flo/Darlington.

[Slippin]

Looks like the bandit is getting alot of love. A couple of comments I found interesting were about the full fairing vs naked. Coming off a completely naked 01 gs even the 1/2 fairing of the bandit would be nice. Do most think that the extra fairing on the VFR would make that much of a difference in a full day or several days ride over the 1/2 faired suk?  The other comment was about VFR holding up better over the long term.  Is that speaking to the fit/finish & that the honda is just a better overall build quality or are you just talking "holding its value".  I hope to have the new bike for several years (at least 6 or 7) and I probabaly put around 8,000 mi/yr on it - so I want it to hold together.  It is one of the things that worries me about the new bandit - completely new engine, no real long term reliability tests. I do   the looks of both bikes.  Decisions, decisions - they are a lot of fun.  

[GooseMan]

I'm kinda in the same boat as you. I have a naked Bandit 400 right now (1st bike) but I'd like to get something new next year...something a little more tour-worth, comfortable and something with ABS.

I'm leaning towards a slightly used VFR with ABS, but the new Bandit seems really nice. I mean, I'll be coming from a Bandit anyway, might as well upgrade! And, like you, ANY fairing will be better than no fairing!  

Here in Canada we get the new Bandit in 650cc, for a few thousand less, so thats another option. Although, I really like the new BMW F800ST, but its a little pricey.

[Nitro]

as for the fairing..yes the vfr is a better protected place to be..full fairing works great, gives you a  very nice clean non turbulent airflow to the helmet  with enough lift to take the pressure off the arms..nice and warm in the  bad days, will keep you pretty dry,  and there is no fry  the driver  issues like a lot of the faired I-4 bikes as the rads put it out the side,or under, depending on speed,  not onto you.very nice in the heat waves!

.as for the vtech.I loved the gimmick on mine just for the  sensations...But I  could take it or leave it tho...if you can do any valves, this is no big deal, just a few hrs more work the first time.
I found the  acceleration close  on both, with the vfr  pulling away up top. In the tight twisties, its the vfr for me.

The bandit  I rode worked just fine also,nice clean airflow on the helmet,  certainly not the same protection or quietness as the full fairing, but once again..just different, depends what you like..Dont forget, you are dealing with a totally diff  seating position here..
I really dont think they compete with each other as too different.

To me   ...(me, , my body)   the bandit does not compete with the vfr for the smooth quiet all day rides , or  in the twisties, but  it does come close and wins at other things, like driving in the city all day!

For me the bandit seat was a torture device.i couldnt hack for more than 20 minutes, rounded and high in the middle, ruled it out for me..

 I would say it all depends on how your body likes the diff positions mostly.


basically the bandit is the 69 gto,, the vfr is the ferrari...

 
I'm sure they both hold up just  the same over time. As for reliebility, the honda has the reputation, the old bandit did, I expect the new will be same.

best you just get what fits you and you can enjoy drooling over!!!

[Cozzy]

I was upgrading from a GS500 as well, now riding a '01 bandit 1200S, it is kinda good, beside it is alot heavier that the GS, but you will only find it out when you park your bike.

[Heath3n]

having gone from an FZ1 to and 04 VFR during my riding I career, i will say one thing. The old saying "There is no replacement for displacement" is very true. The VFR is a fine bike and handles superbly, but I think for 2-up and sheer grin factor, the B1250 would be a better choice.

[CLAY]

My B12 tours nice for 3+ day weksends, plus it has a pretty big   factor.  I haven't driven a VFR, so I can't help ya there...

[Baz]

I had a 2nd gen Bandit and if I had to sell my FJR, I would probably look at another Bandit. If I did the type of riding you describe, I would sell my FJR & buy the new Bandit.

I think it will be a pretty fun bike with the new vibeless 4 & beefed up chasis. Early reports are that the new Engine will be pretty easy to squeeze more grunt out of. (Even though stock power on a Bandit is huge)

I still think the Bandito is the best bang for the buck, and it is certainly the best all around bike I have ever owned.

I am not in anyway brand loyal, and I am not sold on the Honda fit & finish fairytale. The Honda's I & friends have owned broke, with the same frequency as any other Jap bike I have owned. In your case, a new Bandit is going to be as or more reliable than a two year old VFR. A two year old VFR will need probably need some maintinance items such as valve adjust/Tires/Chain & sprockets.

The VFR is a better long distance tourer.
The Bandit is a more fun all rounder.