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The VFR is the perfect fit for a SAAB owner.
It combines performance, comfort, style, and engineering excellence in a package that most people are unfamilar with and consider a little odd.
A V-4 engine that sounds unlike any other, a single-sided swingarm that is only shared with (on chain-drive) with some Italians (and a Triumph) set it apart.
The gear-driven camshaft engine has been proven to be one of the most long-lived, trouble-free engines ever.
OK, so I think that my 1998 VFR 800 is the best bike for me. What can I say bad about them?
Some owners have had problems with the Regulator/Recitifier. Many believe that it is nothing more than proper maintenance (i.e. cleaning) of wire terminals, and that the R/R should be considered an expendable, needing replacement after 30-40,000 miles or so. But others have put twice that many miles on their bikes without a charging problem.
Compared to the 600's that your brother is considering, the VFR's are heavy, and the stock suspensions lack some of their adjustment capabilities. But I know plenty of VFR riders that would spank the typical 600 rider on a twisty road. Rider education and skill are great equalizers.
The 2002 VFR engines lost the gear-driven camshafts, and added VTEC. This created quite an uproar among the VFR faithful (imagine SAAB adding a V-6 engine). Supposedly the newer models handle a little better, but the engine chages didn't add hp or increase perfomance. Probably the greatest concern is the valve checks (I believe still every 16,000 miles) have turned into a somewhat complicated endeavor, which could present the owner with expensive shop charges. But time will tell on that.
I suggest that your brother lurk on the VFR list for a while. A caveat, the list (which is thousands of people all around the world) can stray from VFR's, so if he happens to join during one of those periods, have a little patience, it will pass.
Feel free to drop me an email with any questions. I love motorcycles and cars.
Ed
2002 Aero SW
1998 VFR 800
posted by 12.84.254...
, Wed, 13 Nov 2002 17:02:25
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