Ninja 650R or VFR 800

Zoltar

Zoltar

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I want to spend 5000$ Max. Comfort and Handling main goals over how fast it goes. Also which has better fuel mileage? Any pros and cons from riders who have owned these rides? Thanks in advance!
Kevin
(My 05 Katana 750 is going to be sold or traded in this spring)
 
you are not comparing apple to apple here and probably you know that already.
for the VFR -reliable, confy, heavier, great on hwy, long range, fast enough (almost like an SS, for sure beats the 650's)
for the 650 - light, great on streets, better fuel milage, better suited for short rides (and riders), still can keep up with an SS if riden by an experienced rider.
 
For me, it is an easy choice, VFR. The 650's (other than the SV650) do absolutely nothing for me.
 
The katana is a great touring bike......I would keep the Katana and put the extra money towards trips.
 
My prior bike was an older VFR, and I LOVED that bike. It was very reliable and felt so solid . . . it's hard to explain :)

I'm considering a newer VFR for my next bike, but haven't researched to see how they compare with the older ones.
 
VFR for me, more torque for city riding...
 
VFR....smooth, fast, comfortable and reliable although I am biased as I own an 09.
The only negative is it's a heavy pig
 
The SSSA is sexy as hell on the VFR as well.
 
Vfr
 
The VFR all the way. Strong performing bike. Corners well, tours well, fuel tank lasts forever.
Only issue I'm aware of is the variable valve timing, I've heard owners complain about the transition being too rough.
 
I have owned both a '09 ER-6n (essentially a Ninja 650R) and a '00 VFR800. I didn't do any exhaustive studies on the fuel economy, but my gut tells me that the ER is only slightly better than the VFR. One of the common complaints, about the ER/650R, is that it doesn't do as well on fuel as it should, given its engine size. There's also the issue of tank size. The VFR has a 21L tank, whereas the ER/650R has a 15.5L tank. I could manage 3 days to work and back (90 Kmh round trip) on the VFR's tank, but only 2 days on the ER (2.5 if I push it and hope for no serious traffic issues).

Both bikes are comfortable, with the ER/650R being more generous in the leg position and somewhat more upright seating position.

*EDIT* Forgot something. Out of the box, the VFR's suspension is OK. The stock ER/650R shock is in the running for the worst stock suspension piece that I've ever owned.
 
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Thanks for your advice! It will help when I try to sell my bike in the spring! Not that there is anything wrong with my Katana just thought Id try something new depending on if it sells. True that a VFR for 5000 would be an older model as the Ninja 650R is priced less. It helps to know about the handling and smoothness seems to be leaning more to the VFR. I also would of thought the ninja would get better mileage. Kev
 
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