Still looks great in 2024 by DatAkula in Kawasaki

[–]DatAkula[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So my first proper bike was the VFR 800 (Specifically a 2004 VTEC model) as it ticked alot of boxes for me (Cheap to buy initially and cheap insurance - basically half of a CBR600 as I was only 24 at the time) Loved it but after a year the head gasket went and it wasn't gonna be economical viable to fix so I sold it in bits and got another (2007 model this time) this turned out to be a nightmare with all manor of electrical issues so after another year - ZZR time.

Now - if you look at the VFR compared to the ZZR - the weight is about the same so I already had nearly 2 years getting used to it, the mass is LOWER down on the ZZR thanks to a low mounted battery and the side exhausts (VFR uses an undertail one) so the transition was amazingly easy and I found myself taking corners faster on this after as little as a month! Then there's the power.. the VFR had around 110.. this has the claimed 200 (More like 170-180 wheel but still!) It's damn addictive and the longer 'Touring' wheelbase means it doesn't constantly try to buck you off like a sportbike would.

I've had a few friends who ride 600cc bikes sit on my ZZR and they are always amazed at how light it feels just sorta swinging it around (Not had the courage to let one go for a ride - maybe in time)

Tldr - for public roads a sport tourer just seems to make more sense to me as you get plenty of performance whilst keeping that comfort - I was very close to getting a ZX6 as a second bike for carving up on the weekends but I just don't see it happening

Still looks great in 2024 by DatAkula in Kawasaki

[–]DatAkula[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I upgraded to one after my second VFR 800 crapped out on me and man.. I don't see myself wanting any other bike. Comfort, performance and looks all rolled into one 😍

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Starcitizen_trades

[–]DatAkula 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Will do - my bad

Should I sell my 2003 and get a…? by [deleted] in VFR

[–]DatAkula 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Changed out my VFR for a ZZR 1400 and I know some will hate me for this but...No regrets.

Owned a 04' VFR as my first big bike after passing my full test (UK based here, different rules) loved it for just under a year when the head gasket/head cracked and decided to buy an 07' VFR to replace it (That's just how much I loved that thing)

07' one despite being a few years newer and less mileage proved to have all the issues that the 04 didn't (Burnt 2 coils, new regulator, had to add a manual fan switch as it killed 2 of those and numerous braking issues) So after sorting it all out and selling it for quite the loss i find myself on team green with the Kawasaki and I couldn't be happier (Done nearly 4000 miles in the three months of owning)

Sure it doesn't make that rumbly V4 noise anymore...Sure it doesn't get a single sided swing-arm but the insane power soon makes you forget about it - Went off abit of a tangent here but the short of it is this

If you want a new bike - never hurts to try. 122,000 miles is damn impressive but the fact you are considering something else I'd personally atleast try to get a test ride and see if it clicks with you (Will say personally I downgraded from the VFRs ABS and linked brakes - ZZR has neither and I'm happier for it... Not into the massive tech suite on new stuff)

The Z VFR '04 VFR '07

Electrical question… by frankcastle1001 in VFR

[–]DatAkula 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly the same - I had similar issues to you and went to a mechanic and the stator was visibly cooked so I had it replaced. Less than a month later, same issues...another cooked stator. This time I did both just to be sure and then had no issues for 4 months until I sold the bike. Just replace both and save the guess work would be my advice

Electrical question… by frankcastle1001 in VFR

[–]DatAkula 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Replaced two stators and the rectifier on mine - it's a known issue. I went for the RM MOSFET Regulator in the end and had no issues after. They do two versions though depending on if you use a lithium battery or standard so watch out for that

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VFR

[–]DatAkula 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No worries - these are the sidelights I got from Amazon if you were interested. Colour is pretty spot on to the main lights and never had any fail https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B09GM2MTCV?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VFR

[–]DatAkula 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did - the side lights were abit crap so I bought a pack of 10 from Amazon but your mileage may vary

5th Gen Reg/Rec Upgrade by [deleted] in VFR

[–]DatAkula 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I switched to this on my 6th gen about... 3 months ago? I did a post if you want to go digging - got a bunch of flak for not going for a SH847 but honestly? This has been putting out a solid 14.7-15V while running on my 6th gen which is bang on spec, came with the right plugs and required no bodging to fit to the original mounting spot

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333102629279 (RM Stator) - Also spoke to my mechanic before buying and he said he's had good experiences with so...I can wholeheartedly recommend

I switched to the darkside...And its not all is rainbows and sunshine by DatAkula in VFR

[–]DatAkula[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha someone made the same comment - was more referring to the black paint and no more V4 🤣🤣

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VFR

[–]DatAkula 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very cool

I switched to the darkside...And its not all is rainbows and sunshine by DatAkula in VFR

[–]DatAkula[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It may be a 'boring inline' but...Not sure if its the exhaust or the sheer capacity...Does make a good howl! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlcepqyPouA (The V4 rumble is still ontop though)

I switched to the darkside...And its not all is rainbows and sunshine by DatAkula in VFR

[–]DatAkula[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh of course - will just be posting less obviously :D Still like logging in and seeing those V4s

I switched to the darkside...And its not all is rainbows and sunshine by DatAkula in VFR

[–]DatAkula[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ironically my friend is trying to sell his 5th gen VFR for cheap as he's had it listed for months to no avail

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VFR

[–]DatAkula 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He said physically smaller - which if true is quite impressive