Face
Well-known member
With the VFR 25 lbs heavier, with 25 less hp and 25 less ft/lbs torque, & $500 more, there is no comparison on paper. For those who say how much power do you need - once you ride the N1000 and experience the midrange power and torque, I say that I "need" that much. It's an absolute blast to ride. I prefer the more upright riding position, and the adjustable wind screen makes a huge difference for either cooling down in the summer or long distance comfort in cooler temps.
The downside of the N1000 is insurance. It is more expensive than the Z1000 because Kawi puts a prefix on the names of their faired bikes that makes insurance companies think they're all supersports. Depending on your relationship with your company, they will negotiate if they want to keep you. The other downside is re-sale value. In Europe, they are a top selling bike, but in North America, their neither a typical touring bike or a full on sport bike, so they don't hold their value well. The upgrades to 2014, especially the integrated bag, make it a better bike. Best bet is to look for a 2014 at the end of the season or spring next year and see how far down you can get them. Other downsides are that the rear end isn't designed to carry 3 bags, and the passenger seat is small and the pegs are high, so passenger comfort isn't that great.
I have no actual experience with the VFR800, but given the stats, I'm not even interested.
The downside of the N1000 is insurance. It is more expensive than the Z1000 because Kawi puts a prefix on the names of their faired bikes that makes insurance companies think they're all supersports. Depending on your relationship with your company, they will negotiate if they want to keep you. The other downside is re-sale value. In Europe, they are a top selling bike, but in North America, their neither a typical touring bike or a full on sport bike, so they don't hold their value well. The upgrades to 2014, especially the integrated bag, make it a better bike. Best bet is to look for a 2014 at the end of the season or spring next year and see how far down you can get them. Other downsides are that the rear end isn't designed to carry 3 bags, and the passenger seat is small and the pegs are high, so passenger comfort isn't that great.
I have no actual experience with the VFR800, but given the stats, I'm not even interested.