Good Afternoon ladies and gents!
I stumbled across this forum recently with some random google search for VFR750 images and havent been able to pull myself away from it since. Backstory on myself. I'm 28 years old. Purchased a brand new 2006 Honda 599 at the ripe age of 16 to which I have toured everywhere with and put 50k miles on. I have worked for multiple motorcycle dealerships and have ridden darn near everything under the sun. Dad rode a cruiser and now a new FJR, uncle has always had to own the latest and greatest exotics (started on an ST4, Multistrada, Streetfighter S, now a BMW R1200S). Long story short, I have wanted a sport touring bike since I first learned to ride. I kind of have an old soul and though I love true sportsbikes, there is nothing like a canyon carving adventure with the ability to pack all your camping gear and ride comfortably.
With that being said, for years I have wanted a VFR (kind of direhard Honda and I loved the middleweight option to which there are few). Reliability, support, and fan base are top notch. As well as it checks all the right boxes for me. I have never pulled the trigger because I have been torn. Every VFR rider has told me that you can not go wrong with any generation, pull the trigger and fall in love. Every true VFR fan has said the same but lean towards the 5th gen 800FI. Using the KISS mentality as well as keeping gear driven cams. I have ridden every 800 possible and have love/hate emotions for each with their appearances. I wanted a 5th gen with beetle bags in very good shape with low miles for sub 4k. I see them all the time but never when I can pull the trigger.
Anyway fast forward to now. More recently a craigslist add was posted for a 750. It started around the $3,000 ball park and had been slowly lowered over the course of 6 months or so. Even at $3k you can purchase almost any gen you want at various levels of accessories and mileage. This bike however was within 3 hours drive and at the final price of $1800 something kept telling me that at minimum I had to go have a look and at best I wouldn't lose any money on it if the 750 didnt do it for me. (the advice that all generations are good generations and one wouldnt be unhappy with any of them kept playing in my head). Long story slightly longer: I told the guy the only way it was worth the trip was if I could get it at a price that would force me to step away from an FI 800. Offered $1500 and went to pick it up that day.
1990 VFR750
35k miles
two sets of givi bags
corbin seat with backrest (factory seat included)
waterproof garmin
fog lights
convertibars
HID lights
Upgraded fork internals (unconfirmed)
upgraded R/R
heated grips
rear cowl
new pirellis
Bagster cover with two attachable tank bags
steel braided lines,
Emissions removed
Aftermark exhaust
The works.
Negatives:
Mismatched body work though all in one piece with very minimal cracks
One fog light was out and was not replaceable (probably cheap chinese throw aways.......now thrown away)
heated grips had literally melted the grips (now also in the trash)
Corbin seat pattern was hideous (may sell as stock seat is quite comfy)
Convertibars did not have throttle extensions therefore held it open at times (selling these as I prefer stock bars anyway)
rear pirelli has slow leak, cant find source, will be replacing.
One HID ballast out, (replaced both)
Probably needed a carb clean (did one with all new seals which I may have done whether it needed it or not)
Locks busted on two bags (I believe can be replaced)
Anyway. Most of the desirable upgrades needed attention as well as partially the bike. Still, for $1500 (with exactly $500 into it now not including accessories I will be selling off the bike) I feel like its not a bad deal. Now just trying to clean her up and put some miles down.
Anyway here are some before pics, After I have started the cleaning process, as well as one of the current state of my hornet. Let me know what you guys think. If you are familiar with the 750 I would love to hear your opinions too! Should I sell all the accessories and get an 800, keep the bike with bags and ride the snot out of it for a few years, or sell as is and try to make a little coin? Right now I am very intrigued by the bike and want to throw a few good trips at it and see how she does.
Initial impressions..... Power is down from my 600 which is modified with some serious gearing. I have no other 750 to compare it too though and all it may need is lower gearing and possible the snorkel which is missing from the air box. Anyway Just wanted to introduce myself, get some opinions on the purchase and see what everyone thinks! Thanks for your time and ride safe!
FYI First pics were from the craigslist add so sorry they are bad
As she currently sits while I fix the minor issues and modify the bag brackets:
My first Love:
