I know you all get these alot, so thanks in advance for taking the time to read and respond to mine.

I'm 33 and live in the city (St Louis), and I'm looking for something fun to ride on the weekends and occasionally commuting on nice days. I have ridden before, but mostly dirt bikes. I'm NOT looking to race, stunt, etc. but am looking to have fun and ride something that will keep me interested for a few years.

I've carefully shortened my list to 2 bikes - Honda Interceptor or SV 650. I know they are quite different, but I'm interested in your opinion. FWIW, I'm leaning towards the Honda due to what I think will be a more comfortable ride for the times I might want to go on a 3 day ride.

Thanks!

 

My vote is for the newer Interceptor. Those VFRs are awesome do-everything bikes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My vote is for the newer Interceptor. Those VFRs are awesome do-everything bikes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

+1

If your into cruising around and going on long trips (you mentioned 3 day rides) I'd say the VFR. It's a little heavier than the sportbikes (around 540lbs) but it's a solid bike and on long rides I think you will be much happier with it over an SV. I guy I work with has a 2004 VFR and he loves that thing.

 

Are you looking only for a more "sporty" bike, or would you consider a touring/adventure bike? You mentioned you have ridden dirt. Do you consider doing light offroad excursions? (Dirt roads, etc).

If between the two original choices, I would go with the Viffer. I just love those bikes, and from what I've heard they're pretty comfortable in long rides and sport-touring.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.

There's a local guy on CL selling a 2002 with 6000 miles for $4500. This seems like a decent price, and there is probably some room for negotiation. Plus it's red.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/522976681.html

Anything I need to lookout for on these? I would have a dealer look at it too, but if there is anything you can share with me on watch outs I would appreciate it.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Starscream &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are you looking only for a more "sporty" bike, or would you consider a touring/adventure bike? You mentioned you have ridden dirt. Do you consider doing light offroad excursions? (Dirt roads, etc).</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would consider a touring bike, but I am partial to Hondas and there just seems to be "something" that I really like about the VFR. I am too old to deal with a true sport bike, the squids, cops, etc. though.

I would like to get on some dirt again, but I would probably get a trail bike to do that.

 

IIRC, the VFR's had an appetite for regulator/rectifiers (aka: R/R). Those are also a weak-point with a few CBRs. An aftermarket, or a modified non-Honda one, would be good preventive maintenance.

Otherwise, gas + tires!!