They're great bikes for sure and sound amazing, but they're kind of slow TBH and feel very oldschool to ride - low seat, long chassis, slow handling. That sound though...
@@FeatheredDino The '23 600 weighs 185kgs (curb) and if it makes 113bhp then that = 1.63 kgs that each horsepower has to push along... The VFR had a curb weight of 240kgs(!) and makes 102bhp. That's 2.35 kgs per bhp. That's a HUGE, MASSIVE difference. Trust me, the old VFR is not fast for a bike. Have you ridden one? Have you ridden anything else to compare it with?
@@MrSlurry Yes I've ridden a few different VFR's. They're not slow. I've owned 4 bikes, none have been sport bikes. 2 Honda Shadows (750, and 1100) and 2 Harleys (Sportster 883, 2020 Softail Standard (1,750cc)). I've also ridden a CB650? I think it was called, not sure. And a Yamaha R7. I'd say the 1996 VFR I rode was comparable in power to the R7 I rode. The VFR isn't slow. But it's pretty clear you have a warped idea of what slow is.
@@FeatheredDino well, that kind of makes sense. I'm not trying to say that the VFR is a bad bike, that engine sounds wonderful and I think they still look great, but... They're not a fast bike. Any modern 600 supersport will be way quicker. My 1250 bandit when stock made the same power (with a ton more torque) and weighed the same as the last of the 750 VFRs. It's not slow, but it's slow for a bike... My 'fast' bike is a S1000R, which isn't as quick as the modern crop of 1000cc superbikes. But hey, I'm selling it because I bought that Bandit. So I'm not saying that 'slow' is a bad thing. It's just not as fast as fast.
I still say the rf900 is the best looking,nicest sounding with a beowulf exhaust,and a really nice ,natural riding position and is certainly very capable.I might be slightly biased,as i rode around on a rf600 for 6 years,and it was certainly really,really nice,beatiful looking,and BRIGHT YELLOW,lovely.Then i rode a bandit 600s still a really nice bike.So i love SUZUKIS.
Many years ago I saw an RF900 in a motorcycle repair shop it had the nicest mods I've ever seen - upside down forks and strange choice of paint job . The color was metallic black with shiny red stripe exactly like a Kawasaki GPZ / ZX-10 colors and the uprated forks completed the looks perfectly . What a beauty .
Haven't ridden the Suzuki RF 900 , but have the other two A Vfr750 in the 93 to 97 year is the best - impressive V4 motor with real grunt - low to midrange power felt as good or better than my 98 R1 - from the short ride I had The GSXR1100 - A HEAVY poor steering old style shit box - I thought. My best friend had one in that 92/93 year - bought second hand but in reasonable condition. I first rode it back to back straight off a Kawasaki ZX9R C1 . The kawasaki was faster by some margin , but the handling , steering n suspension, by comparison the gsxr felt like it was from the 1970 s - what a bucket of shit ! You could have mentioned here , it's a straight line machine only - they don't like going around a corner !!??? My fren added a new 4 into 1 and Dyno jet kit - new tyres and careful setting up ; rode that version and was a definite improvement. But still felt like it weighed 250 kilo and , repeated drag races against my stock zx 9 r - it got left behind several bike lengths every time !! A heavy very average handling motorcycle AT BEST. I think people buy them for looks only - they just don't compare with earlier lighter GSXR 11 S IN MY OPINION
yeah looks of that GSXR is amazing! Absolutely stellar head turner bike. Parking one next to ZX9R C1 would make Kawasaki literally go unnoticed! Interesting what you say about handling of your mate's GSXR. Mine handled ok, not incredible but would never cross my mind to describe it as bag of shit, very intriguing. I will however say this, why is it that Suzuki's "bag of shit" typically reaches twice or in some cases 3 times the value of ZX9R C1 ? Why is it that GSXR is way more sought after and desirable than ZX9R C1 ? How many ZX9R C1 do you see with turbo? How many of them do you see on drag strip? What about variety of problems that ZX9R are known for? Never ending engine rattles due to cam chain tensioners, or alternator chain , head gasket issues, frame cracking etc. With all that in mind one could easily make a case by naming ZX9R C1 a bag of shite :)
There is some amazing value to be had in 90's bikes, especially that RF, and it's so strange that they seem to perform very well next to modern bikes with more horsepower. I'd love an RF, ZZR, and Thunderace, what a set to share between mates on long weekend trips. So far I have the RF9 :)
I love my RC36.......I will never sell it unless it explodes or something........A second bike is required for Superbike thrills sure, but the VFR is still an amazing reliable all rounder.
If you’re doing the proper maintenance engine would not explode. And I know one RC 36 150.000tkm original engine. Works like a clock. Only valve, carburetor adjustments and new clutch… I’m looking for one. I will find one with low kilometers eventually. Patience…
Thanks for the video. All of these bikes were my youth dreams. Now I own the RF900R and my brother the VFR750. Tons of fun for us with that piece of motor glorious ol' Days.
You really hit the nail on the head. I love VFR sound but went with GSX-R. When I was a child I rode along on the back of my dad's GSX-R and one day on the freeway my uncle pulled up next to us with an all-red VFR, seat included. The sound and the mono-rear arm left an impression. I remember looking at that 'floating' wheel. Gorgeous bike. BUT I still went with a Suzuki for myself, mainly because my dad had one and because they are reliable and easy to work on. Sluggish feeling bike but when it gets going, it keeps going.
I've owned my RF900RV for 18 years and I dont think I'll ever sell her. Only think wrong is my back now aches on her after a long ride so I bought a more sit up bike but the RF has been part of the family for so long I can bring myself to move her on. Such a great bike.
I live in SE Pennsylvania USA & have a RF900 touring seat (it is a Suzuki part)& no bike to with it.............. Ya have to be careful if ya wheelie or take of FAST u can slide off but it is very flat & comfy.
I've picked my winner, the VFR. That's mostly for nostalgic reasons, as I had a very red (including the wheels) 1993 RC36 from 1997 to 2002, and it still is among the best bikes for everyday use I've had . It would however probably feel a bit slow now, as I've used my 2008 Hayabusa for the last 9,5 years :-).
wow these bikes are nice for how old they are my dad has a 1988 GSXR 1100 but its all taken apart and in my basement because he could not afford to fix it but some day i want to build again.
@@jasonpeters9390 nice bike to drive...my 2nd gear got ripped off too, making it kinda diffcult ride..used to have a '85 750R to...still miss the bike, now driving a '93 1100R...so, yea, gsxr all the way..., don't like the new gsxr's. The '85 750R could get 150HP out, in circuit version..
And the Suzi sounds better. I had this bike 1986, in this time each Honda was a easy victim also Yamaha or Kawasaki were with out a chance on the german autobahn. A great bike in this time.
Got a 04 gsxr1000 what the new ones go like I don't know there again I don't want to know my one's plenty fast for me ride with in your limit ware you feel comfortable at
I've had an RF900 for the last 6 years and I cannot praise it enough. Quick, comfy, reliable. Only issues are the gear change between 1st and 2nd can clunk and the rear brake caliper is prone to binding. Go and get one, they are a bargain!
I owned a 1989 and later a 1990 GSX-R 1100 GV73C. Sold it in 2012. Best bikes I ever had. Unfortunately many GSX-R were downgraded to streetfighters by brainless young owners and lost their beauty.
I had a GSXR 750 and after 80,000 miles swapped the engine for a tuned 1127 engine. I regularly did 200 mile journeys without any wrist ache, but as the 750 bike was shorter than the 1100 one you didn't lean quite so far forward. The 750 speedo only went up to 160 MPH and I did get it right up to the stop many times.
I purchased a 2015 cb300f brand new and had it for 3 years. I found someone who was willing to trade their 2001 vfr800fi and I'm glad I did! The sound of the engine is just amazing.
The VFR went from 3rd generation, to 4th generation, in 1994. (The one being shown here is a 3rd gen 1990 to 1993 model year, US) Nobody seems to care about the 4th, or 5th gen, when talking about 90's VFR's. In the US, the 1993 model year was only offered in Pearl Crystal White. The Red and White VFR shown in the video is a 1990 I believe. I also believe the seat color has been changed to red instead of OEM grey. The pipe is aftermarket. The VFR has the rare clock option but I don't see the other option, the center stand. Somebody has painted the crankcase cover gold. It doesn't have the kickstand fairing most likely because those things always broke. It still has the stock windscreen which is rare because the windscreen always gets beat up after so many miles. .. .It's a nice bike no doubt and will most likely be the most collectible bike out of the 3 being shown.
I have this model of VFR, a 1991 in Black with white wheels and gold stickers, and it has everything original. It was driven to work by the bouncer of a pub I used to frequent and he was emigrating so sold me the bike for 1300 with bald tyres and a ripped up seat but other than that the bike was clean bar a minor repair around the front indicator where it either fell or maybe was damaged in transit from Germany all those years ago.. he paid 3800 for it a few years earlier and only drove it to and from work (maybe ten miles or so) at moderate speeds (the tyres were completely bald in the middle with the outer rim still intact shows how he was driving. (60k kms on the clock shouldn't be too bad for a VFR) Still has the original screen and side stand fairing, tool kit and every other thing. I had it stored for a few years and the inside of the tank has some rust and the bike will need a full service but other than that she's good to go and will be my everyday ride soon to replace my bros 650. I have always loved the VFR's and although I had every type of CBR I always wanted the V4 gear cam bike so I can't wait to have her back on the road
I had a modified, street fighter RF 900r and loved it. It had 2nd gear issues as mentioned, as well S an oil leak. It was heavily modified when I bought it, as it was crashed previously. Great, powerful bike. I had a 1983 VF-750f and it was a mind blow for its time. I think my next bike will be a gear-driven VFR 750
Not a fair comparison really but I appreciate your effort. The gsxr-1100 and vfr750f are very different bikes. I personally own a 1990 vfr750f (and 2003 CBR954rr) and have owned 2 other 1990's before. For all day comfort and fun in the twisties, the vfr750f can get it done very well. And that sound! Yes, it is under powered compared to an 1100 but what 750 isn't. Although you would be surprised what a jet kit and performance exhaust can do to the 750. In terms of reliability, the 1100 doesn't come close to the 750. So we all love our bikes for different reasons but it's fun to look back at some of the classic sport bikes from the 90's. They had so much more character than today's bikes which I find are very generic looking. And don't get me started on all the electronic rider aides...
I was a teenager working at a local Suzuki dealer when the RF was released in 96 I think it was. Everyone that walked in the door commented on how beautiful the RF was. It was quite proper in it's day and the 9 was no slouch.
i dzięki temu porównaniu... zdecydowłem się na... underdoga Suzuki RF900, choć mocno VFR750 RC36A chodziła mi po głowie. PS. Zajebiście słucha się Twoich testów. WIELKA ŁAPA W GÓRĘ!!!
@@steini3319 I had a 1200 bandit. modded it with a 900rf shock, holshot advancer, k and n filters, slipon 155 main jet. i would guess it had about 120 hp. 6 pot calipers, yada yada. it would smoke vfrs in a roll on, stick right with a bmw S1000 XR until 4th gear. power wheelies on hp alone, 49 mpg. loved that bike. gave it to my son. but I always wanted something a little sportier with maybe 140 hp or so. a little better handling without making the gsxr level comfort sacrifices. looks like the RF would have been a better starting point.
6000km is almost impossible, would be a constant speed of 250kmh without gas stop. "Eduardo Antillon, a professional motorcyclist from Chihuahua, Mexico, traveled in a motorcycle a distance of 3784.8kms (2351.5 miles) in 24 hours, over a BMW R1200GS Adventure Rallye 2018." this is the current World record after a Quick search
@@MrGreen-eb5tf it was just over 5900 km in 24 hours and an average speed of just over 260 km/h including fuel stops. Still the world record more than 25 years later.
I have an VFR 800 FI rc46 and it's a beautiful bike. But the first generation of the RC 36 still looks so sexy. Better then second generation in my opinion. And the RF 900 looks awsome, too!
Fantastic video I'm a big RF fan and have two now , I've also got a 2019 gsxs 1000 and I'm sorry to say but the RF beats it in the bends / Twisties , seems to be much more flickable ....
I had the rf600 , loved it justbupgraded now to the 900 swaped it for a deville with 90k on clock , yer the carbs he right their got get them right , my carbs are diffrent on mine tho so need to checknif ny mods have been done as these have no heater ports
All great bikes I'm sure. I have a 1992 VFR RC36 and it will serve me for a loooong time. Does all I want and room for all I don't dare. :) Mine is called Bullet because it goes straight so well at all speeds. So calm and comfortable, rode 9 hours even woth the normal handle bars and it was just my head getting tired. Legs too but once on the bike again it was all good till the end.
ciekawy film, super montaż, a Gixera widziałem dzisiaj na OLX ;D a bo szukam akurat, w dzień szukałem ogłoszeń, teraz na UA-cam, żeby sie ponapalać i przypadkiem trafiłem tutaj ;D
My uncle bought a 1994 RF900R new and that was my first bike I ever put miles on when I finally turned 16 in 2003-4. I put loads of miles on that bike. I absolutely loved it. Sadly he sold it and I wish I bought it. I will never forget that bike.
Besutiful rf9 oh lady of pure joy, power me into warp speed from 30mph in 5th, tickle my palms with the 99 lbs/ft torque. I love the rf9. So done the jet kit, ignition advance, front sprocket plus 1. Any pointers for the individual ignition coil pack upgrade you mentioned? Thanking you in advance
Really a VFR and a RF900 compared to a full on street legal race bike the GSXR is the king and will always be the king whatever flavors 600 /750 /1000/1100
I have a small collection of 6 1990s/00s bikes.. and I have just bought (today) a white 1991 VFR750 with 14k miles. It’s all original, including the horribly long uncut rear mudguard 😊
Jak zwykle świetny materiał, ja ostatnio moją babunią zrobiłem ponad 1000 km w obie strony, oczywiście nie za jednym razem po 500 pare na stronę. Zmieniłem podnóżki lecz trzeba szukać biegów i hamulca ale to kwestia przyzwyczajenia, nowe zestawy są bardziej odsunięte. No i ta pozycja na RF-ce bez podniesienia kierownicy to do najwygodniejszych nie należy ale jaki fan z jazdy taką maszyną 😁😁.
I have a 1200S Bandit that I have modified to basically turn it into the RF900! Maybe I should have started there! I always liked the VFR, such a well designed motorcycle to make up for the fiasco of the original Interceptor. But really I like to modify, and if you do that you need several models that are similar. Keeps the cost low and choices high. Suzuki is the king of making things interchangeable between models. Honda is on the complete opposite of the scale.
It’s the Vfr for me.. it’s a complete package.. durable too.. I have the rc24 1986 model.. and it’s still capable.. obviously older now.. but great for Sunday ride outs ..
RF 900 owner here. For £900 in parts (coincidence???) my 1997 is dyno tested at 173BHP at 11.500RPM!! GSXR1100 parts bolt right in. (Cams,pistons). ported the head, Mikini RS carbs, V and H power pack, yoshi exhaust.... and cam timings adjusted! God damn I need some 6 pot calipers or I will die!!!!!!!!!
VFR All the way 2nd the RF900 i'm 55 so GSXR is out. Owned a 1996 VFR new and was a racer at the time. I had plans for forks and shock. Yoshimura Zyclone slip on and a K&N jet kit with bar risers from HELIBARS. I had 1 kid and another coming so the bike went.😭 it did in fact finance a livingroom set, and bathroom remodel. I dream about that bike, had i finished the suspension i would still have the bike. I coulda shoulda woulda sold the Mustang LX 5.0. All in all a great project and experience but i wish i could find one in a box somewhere.
The only two that you can compare are the VFR and RF 900 and even then they sold at a different price point and demographic. The VFR was a jewell, the Gixxer a sledgehammer.
the RF 600 would be a better comparison than the 900 to VFR750f in my opinion, and to pick a gsxr the 750 would be closer than the 1100, but even that's a bit of a stretch.. it's a bit of a strange comparison all right
Best gsxr1100 was the following year 1990 l model, with a few good mods, mine taken to 1277cc and outs of 200rwhp and whoops any new 2019 released bike in a drag race everyday of the week, sub 9’s.
Robert Wallace yes it was exactly built by the wizard himself, that’s helped build not just prostock bikes, but top fuel bikes, pro speedway and just about every type of motorcycle and car racing in the Australian scene for over the last 2 decades.
I know I'm responding to a two year old comment, but no matter what he says about a K, he's showing the L here anyway: the paint scheme and, most tellingly, the remote reservoir for the rear shock.
Mine is silver lowered and stretched no engine work yet about to put all new farings on it and probably a year or so im going to have the engine rebuilt with bigger pistons and vaules wanted a gxr 1000 but i think ill put that money in my bike cause its rare dont want what everybody else is riding
Bloody brilliant video. As a 5th gen vfr800 rider I admit a bias. But I love older bikes in general so for me, this video beats any of the main channels doing the 2019/20 sports bike comparissons.
I own a 98 VFR800 that I adore. It shares space with a very modified XR650R and a KTM 1290 SAR, and I still choose it more often than one would imagine.
The VFR is a fantastically engineered bike and very practical too. Sadly its completely gutless and a little boring compared to the big GSXR1100. The GSXR1100 is still a quick bike by todays standards but quite impractical with very high footpegs. This is one of the strangest comparisons I've seen, like comparing Chalk and Cheese. For a ride to work in the rain, I'd take the VFR. For an exciting Sunday blast in the summer, I'd take the GSXR1100. That's coming from someone who's actually owned both bikes.
I seen a VFR under a tarp when i was walking round Southampton, the old lady sold it to me, cause no one was using it.. Best 500 quid i ever spent, i had it for years and put remote start on it. Just to warm it up. Really miss that bike.
I bought another one. Just now. The RF was definitely something I looked at.. but in the end I went for another VFR 750 . Same year about the same miles... and actually less.. if you count inflation. If you've never had one.. you don't know. 😅
I own a K model 1100 and have done for 15 years. Got an 1190 kit in it and it goes hard. I find it comfortable to ride and it's nothing for me to hop on it and ride it for hours with no problem.
Fair play buddy but remember that some peeps find walking on broken glass perfectly comfortable:) That doesn't mean most of people find it comfortable:)😜
@@Adikxx Exactly. I've ridden Fireblades, RSV 1000's, and find them uncomfortable on long trips compared to the old gixxer. Sit on any bike long enough and you're going to suffer from a dead arse anyway.
Just got home from a day on my GSXR1100-91 (Black/red/grey in exellent condition), with Mikuni RS36 and V&H-pipe. It's a winner for me, wouldn't trade it for a new model even. Love it. And whats up with allt those steering risers in this "test", on all the bikes?? If you want a touringbike you maybe shouldn't look for sportsbikes, buy a GoldWing. : )
Brilliant man thank you very much love the video thank u 👁️♥️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Vfr750 i got one a few weeks ago 24000 miles on it its absalutly brilliant and it's a bit fast not scary but it's turbine gear driven cams fast 😀😀😀❤️❤️
Not really a level playing field. Why didn’t you try and compare a 750 with the big GSXR! Surely a better comparison would be against the same year GSXR-750? I’ve previously owned both, when they were new. To pick which one was better would be the same as saying you loved on of your children more. Bike bikes had their advantages and differences.
The RF900 is such an odd bike, seems like it should have been successful but I almost never see them here in the States. Still a decent amount of GSXR 1100's, VFR's, and ZX10's roaming around though.
I would say it would be a better comparison to test the GSXR 750, (111 hp, 430lbs dry) RF 600 (100 hp 429 lbs dry) and VFR 750 (102 hp 474 lbs dry) as they would be closer in power and size For example the GSXR 1100 is something like 143 hp and 463 lbs dry The RF 900 is 135 hp 447.5 kg dry And the VFR is a 750cc, 102hp bike weighing 474kg dry.. spot the odd one out?
Gear driven cams, single side swing arm, totally bulletproof smooth linear V4.. the VFR is the winner by a country mile.
You will never beat the sound and reliability of a Honda VFR750 ❤
Vfr is the most all-around bike and the most beautiful looking, it's simply timeless. I will buy my self one someday.
They're great bikes for sure and sound amazing, but they're kind of slow TBH and feel very oldschool to ride - low seat, long chassis, slow handling. That sound though...
@@MrSlurry They make 102hp..... A brand new 2023 CBR600RR makes 113hp That's not slow lmao
@@FeatheredDino The '23 600 weighs 185kgs (curb) and if it makes 113bhp then that = 1.63 kgs that each horsepower has to push along...
The VFR had a curb weight of 240kgs(!) and makes 102bhp. That's 2.35 kgs per bhp.
That's a HUGE, MASSIVE difference.
Trust me, the old VFR is not fast for a bike.
Have you ridden one? Have you ridden anything else to compare it with?
@@MrSlurry Yes I've ridden a few different VFR's. They're not slow. I've owned 4 bikes, none have been sport bikes. 2 Honda Shadows (750, and 1100) and 2 Harleys (Sportster 883, 2020 Softail Standard (1,750cc)). I've also ridden a CB650? I think it was called, not sure. And a Yamaha R7.
I'd say the 1996 VFR I rode was comparable in power to the R7 I rode.
The VFR isn't slow. But it's pretty clear you have a warped idea of what slow is.
@@FeatheredDino well, that kind of makes sense. I'm not trying to say that the VFR is a bad bike, that engine sounds wonderful and I think they still look great, but... They're not a fast bike. Any modern 600 supersport will be way quicker. My 1250 bandit when stock made the same power (with a ton more torque) and weighed the same as the last of the 750 VFRs. It's not slow, but it's slow for a bike... My 'fast' bike is a S1000R, which isn't as quick as the modern crop of 1000cc superbikes. But hey, I'm selling it because I bought that Bandit. So I'm not saying that 'slow' is a bad thing. It's just not as fast as fast.
When the GSXR first came out they made every other sport bike seem like a Goldwing.
When the Goldwing first came out it made every other bike seem like a bicycle.
@@davidchi8914 When the first bicycle came out it made the Horse seem like a Donkey.
And still do
@@gravydavy4188 when the donkey first came about, it made the horses seem like dinosaurs.
@@munichlegend1562 😂
I still say the rf900 is the best looking,nicest sounding with a beowulf exhaust,and a really nice ,natural riding position and is certainly very capable.I might be slightly biased,as i rode around on a rf600 for 6 years,and it was certainly really,really nice,beatiful looking,and BRIGHT YELLOW,lovely.Then i rode a bandit 600s still a really nice bike.So i love SUZUKIS.
Had a 98 model.. had it 5 years. Cherry red. Loved it.
That Honda has one of the best motors in bikes history, EVER.
You sound like Dorna Repsol Honda Rep
@@CP-kb1du its brilliant the gear driven cams just wine up nothing sounds like it abd its not frightening fast but it flies
VFR all day have on in the driveway right now awesome bike
Many years ago I saw an RF900 in a motorcycle repair shop it had the nicest mods I've ever seen - upside down forks and strange choice of paint job . The color was metallic black with shiny red stripe exactly like a Kawasaki GPZ / ZX-10 colors and the uprated forks completed the looks perfectly . What a beauty .
Haven't ridden the Suzuki RF 900 , but have the other two
A Vfr750 in the 93 to 97 year is the best - impressive V4 motor with real grunt - low to midrange power felt as good or better than my 98 R1 - from the short ride I had
The GSXR1100 - A HEAVY poor steering old style shit box - I thought. My best friend had one in that 92/93 year - bought second hand but in reasonable condition.
I first rode it back to back straight off a Kawasaki ZX9R C1 . The kawasaki was faster by some margin , but the handling , steering n suspension, by comparison the gsxr felt like it was from the 1970 s - what a bucket of shit !
You could have mentioned here , it's a straight line machine only - they don't like going around a corner !!???
My fren added a new 4 into 1 and Dyno jet kit - new tyres and careful setting up ; rode that version and was a definite improvement. But still felt like it weighed 250 kilo and , repeated drag races against my stock zx 9 r - it got left behind several bike lengths every time !! A heavy very average handling motorcycle AT BEST.
I think people buy them for looks only - they just don't compare with earlier lighter GSXR 11 S IN MY OPINION
yeah looks of that GSXR is amazing! Absolutely stellar head turner bike. Parking one next to ZX9R C1 would make Kawasaki literally go unnoticed! Interesting what you say about handling of your mate's GSXR. Mine handled ok, not incredible but would never cross my mind to describe it as bag of shit, very intriguing. I will however say this, why is it that Suzuki's "bag of shit" typically reaches twice or in some cases 3 times the value of ZX9R C1 ? Why is it that GSXR is way more sought after and desirable than ZX9R C1 ? How many ZX9R C1 do you see with turbo? How many of them do you see on drag strip? What about variety of problems that ZX9R are known for? Never ending engine rattles due to cam chain tensioners, or alternator chain , head gasket issues, frame cracking etc. With all that in mind one could easily make a case by naming ZX9R C1 a bag of shite :)
VFR sound is simply ORGASMIC!!!
It is indeed
There is some amazing value to be had in 90's bikes, especially that RF, and it's so strange that they seem to perform very well next to modern bikes with more horsepower. I'd love an RF, ZZR, and Thunderace, what a set to share between mates on long weekend trips. So far I have the RF9 :)
lovely lovely Euro emissions regulations....
I love my RC36.......I will never sell it unless it explodes or something........A second bike is required for Superbike thrills sure, but the VFR is still an amazing reliable all rounder.
Amen, brother. I ride my '93 VFR every single day, and I wouldn' t trade it for the world.
Similar for me, I keep mine and own a cbr 600 rr to go with
we didnt ask
you can always get an RC 30 for the weekends, they've really come down in price over the last 20 years :D
If you’re doing the proper maintenance engine would not explode. And I know one RC 36 150.000tkm original engine. Works like a clock. Only valve, carburetor adjustments and new clutch… I’m looking for one. I will find one with low kilometers eventually. Patience…
Thanks for the video. All of these bikes were my youth dreams. Now I own the RF900R and my brother the VFR750. Tons of fun for us with that piece of motor glorious ol' Days.
You really hit the nail on the head. I love VFR sound but went with GSX-R.
When I was a child I rode along on the back of my dad's GSX-R and one day on the freeway my uncle pulled up next to us with an all-red VFR, seat included. The sound and the mono-rear arm left an impression. I remember looking at that 'floating' wheel. Gorgeous bike. BUT I still went with a Suzuki for myself, mainly because my dad had one and because they are reliable and easy to work on. Sluggish feeling bike but when it gets going, it keeps going.
I've owned my RF900RV for 18 years and I dont think I'll ever sell her. Only think wrong is my back now aches on her after a long ride so I bought a more sit up bike but the RF has been part of the family for so long I can bring myself to move her on. Such a great bike.
I live in SE Pennsylvania USA & have a RF900 touring seat (it is a Suzuki part)& no bike to with it..............
Ya have to be careful if ya wheelie or take of FAST u can slide off but it is very flat & comfy.
I've picked my winner, the VFR. That's mostly for nostalgic reasons, as I had a very red (including the wheels) 1993 RC36 from 1997 to 2002, and it still is among the best bikes for everyday use I've had . It would however probably feel a bit slow now, as I've used my 2008 Hayabusa for the last 9,5 years :-).
You picked wrong
@@CP-kb1du No that was the correct one. 😁
My dad used to have an 8 second gsxr1100 it was “highly modified” but it was a beast
wow these bikes are nice for how old they are my dad has a 1988 GSXR 1100 but its all taken apart and in my basement because he could not afford to fix it but some day i want to build again.
Ooooooor sell it to me...I'll let ya ride it....once.
@@hordenation9335 And then come by every Sunday and do a donut in front of your house, lol........
Gotta be vfr 750 for me awesome sound bulletproof engine best Honda ever
Best bike ever made.
Had one, will have another...
I have a 97 model its great up for sale at the moment
@@neilwiddison6529 RC36II, 97 was the year mine was made...last carburator model!
I had a 96 model gutted when I had to sell loved it. Sold to an old chap and he crashed it and wrote it off :(. Will have another one day
ua-cam.com/video/OcShPPS139I/v-deo.html
Hello I'm from brazil.
I have an Suzuki RF900r
Thats a very powerfull bike
Big Hug from brazil
Nice Video.
Wow! What a comparison!
Had VFR750F, raced and travelled RF900RW and dreamt about GSXR1100 as a kid. All great bikes Dzięki
I would always take GSXR1100, looks so fucking awesome.
I'm with you on that brother
@@jasonpeters9390 nice bike to drive...my 2nd gear got ripped off too, making it kinda diffcult ride..used to have a '85 750R to...still miss the bike, now driving a '93 1100R...so, yea, gsxr all the way..., don't like the new gsxr's.
The '85 750R could get 150HP out, in circuit version..
@@Steve25g 2'nd gear is common on big sportsbikes. It's totally fixable though. Just get the gears undercutted, and keep on ripping.
And the Suzi sounds better. I had this bike 1986, in this time each Honda was a easy victim also Yamaha or Kawasaki were with out a chance on the german autobahn.
A great bike in this time.
Got a 04 gsxr1000 what the new ones go like I don't know there again I don't want to know my one's plenty fast for me ride with in your limit ware you feel comfortable at
really cool review, enjoyed that! keep them coming! 90s bikes ftw!
I've had an RF900 for the last 6 years and I cannot praise it enough. Quick, comfy, reliable. Only issues are the gear change between 1st and 2nd can clunk and the rear brake caliper is prone to binding. Go and get one, they are a bargain!
I owned a 1989 and later a 1990 GSX-R 1100 GV73C. Sold it in 2012. Best bikes I ever had. Unfortunately many GSX-R were downgraded to streetfighters by brainless young owners and lost their beauty.
I had a GSXR 750 and after 80,000 miles swapped the engine for a tuned 1127 engine. I regularly did 200 mile journeys without any wrist ache, but as the 750 bike was shorter than the 1100 one you didn't lean quite so far forward. The 750 speedo only went up to 160 MPH and I did get it right up to the stop many times.
I love those RFs, such a linear engine and super comfortable cos of that big wide seat, easy to work on too.
I miss my 91 vfr750 everyday
I have a 92 GSXR 1100 engine in a 90 Katana. Torque monster, hard to keep it at legal speeds, feels real good over 100 mph.
I purchased a 2015 cb300f brand new and had it for 3 years. I found someone who was willing to trade their 2001 vfr800fi and I'm glad I did! The sound of the engine is just amazing.
The VFR went from 3rd generation, to 4th generation, in 1994. (The one being shown here is a 3rd gen 1990 to 1993 model year, US) Nobody seems to care about the 4th, or 5th gen, when talking about 90's VFR's. In the US, the 1993 model year was only offered in Pearl Crystal White. The Red and White VFR shown in the video is a 1990 I believe. I also believe the seat color has been changed to red instead of OEM grey. The pipe is aftermarket. The VFR has the rare clock option but I don't see the other option, the center stand. Somebody has painted the crankcase cover gold. It doesn't have the kickstand fairing most likely because those things always broke. It still has the stock windscreen which is rare because the windscreen always gets beat up after so many miles. .. .It's a nice bike no doubt and will most likely be the most collectible bike out of the 3 being shown.
I have this model of VFR, a 1991 in Black with white wheels and gold stickers, and it has everything original.
It was driven to work by the bouncer of a pub I used to frequent and he was emigrating so sold me the bike for 1300 with bald tyres and a ripped up seat but other than that the bike was clean bar a minor repair around the front indicator where it either fell or maybe was damaged in transit from Germany all those years ago.. he paid 3800 for it a few years earlier and only drove it to and from work (maybe ten miles or so) at moderate speeds (the tyres were completely bald in the middle with the outer rim still intact shows how he was driving. (60k kms on the clock shouldn't be too bad for a VFR)
Still has the original screen and side stand fairing, tool kit and every other thing.
I had it stored for a few years and the inside of the tank has some rust and the bike will need a full service but other than that she's good to go and will be my everyday ride soon to replace my bros 650.
I have always loved the VFR's and although I had every type of CBR I always wanted the V4 gear cam bike so I can't wait to have her back on the road
I had a modified, street fighter RF 900r and loved it. It had 2nd gear issues as mentioned, as well S an oil leak. It was heavily modified when I bought it, as it was crashed previously. Great, powerful bike. I had a 1983 VF-750f and it was a mind blow for its time. I think my next bike will be a gear-driven VFR 750
Not a fair comparison really but I appreciate your effort. The gsxr-1100 and vfr750f are very different bikes. I personally own a 1990 vfr750f (and 2003 CBR954rr) and have owned 2 other 1990's before. For all day comfort and fun in the twisties, the vfr750f can get it done very well. And that sound! Yes, it is under powered compared to an 1100 but what 750 isn't. Although you would be surprised what a jet kit and performance exhaust can do to the 750. In terms of reliability, the 1100 doesn't come close to the 750. So we all love our bikes for different reasons but it's fun to look back at some of the classic sport bikes from the 90's. They had so much more character than today's bikes which I find are very generic looking. And don't get me started on all the electronic rider aides...
So what about retro classics with character such as the 2016+ SV650
I was a teenager working at a local Suzuki dealer when the RF was released in 96 I think it was. Everyone that walked in the door commented on how beautiful the RF was. It was quite proper in it's day and the 9 was no slouch.
i dzięki temu porównaniu... zdecydowłem się na... underdoga Suzuki RF900, choć mocno VFR750 RC36A chodziła mi po głowie. PS. Zajebiście słucha się Twoich testów. WIELKA ŁAPA W GÓRĘ!!!
@@chrisneed_for_speed851 maga doceniam komentarz!
Dzieki i pozdrawiam🤝
One of these bikes holds the current world record for most km in 24 hours , nearly 6000km in 24 hours. yet to be beaten since 1994 . the RF900R .
Bought a RF last year; no regrets yet!
@@steini3319 I had a 1200 bandit. modded it with a 900rf shock, holshot advancer, k and n filters, slipon 155 main jet. i would guess it had about 120 hp. 6 pot calipers, yada yada. it would smoke vfrs in a roll on, stick right with a bmw S1000 XR until 4th gear. power wheelies on hp alone, 49 mpg. loved that bike. gave it to my son. but I always wanted something a little sportier with maybe 140 hp or so. a little better handling without making the gsxr level comfort sacrifices. looks like the RF would have been a better starting point.
6000km is almost impossible, would be a constant speed of 250kmh without gas stop. "Eduardo Antillon, a professional motorcyclist from Chihuahua, Mexico, traveled in a motorcycle a distance of 3784.8kms (2351.5 miles) in 24 hours, over a BMW R1200GS Adventure Rallye 2018." this is the current World record after a Quick search
@@MrGreen-eb5tf it was just over 5900 km in 24 hours and an average speed of just over 260 km/h including fuel stops. Still the world record more than 25 years later.
I have an VFR 800 FI rc46 and it's a beautiful bike. But the first generation of the RC 36 still looks so sexy. Better then second generation in my opinion.
And the RF 900 looks awsome, too!
Very enjoyable review, thank you. Discerning, impartial, detailed, and insightful commentary.
VFR for me though!!
Thanks for the review.
Fantastic video I'm a big RF fan and have two now , I've also got a 2019 gsxs 1000 and I'm sorry to say but the RF beats it in the bends / Twisties , seems to be much more flickable ....
I have an RF too love it, looking at buying another
I had the rf600 , loved it justbupgraded now to the 900 swaped it for a deville with 90k on clock , yer the carbs he right their got get them right , my carbs are diffrent on mine tho so need to checknif ny mods have been done as these have no heater ports
All great bikes I'm sure. I have a 1992 VFR RC36 and it will serve me for a loooong time. Does all I want and room for all I don't dare. :) Mine is called Bullet because it goes straight so well at all speeds. So calm and comfortable, rode 9 hours even woth the normal handle bars and it was just my head getting tired. Legs too but once on the bike again it was all good till the end.
ciekawy film, super montaż, a Gixera widziałem dzisiaj na OLX ;D a bo szukam akurat, w dzień szukałem ogłoszeń, teraz na UA-cam, żeby sie ponapalać i przypadkiem trafiłem tutaj ;D
My uncle bought a 1994 RF900R new and that was my first bike I ever put miles on when I finally turned 16 in 2003-4. I put loads of miles on that bike. I absolutely loved it. Sadly he sold it and I wish I bought it. I will never forget that bike.
Besutiful rf9 oh lady of pure joy, power me into warp speed from 30mph in 5th, tickle my palms with the 99 lbs/ft torque. I love the rf9. So done the jet kit, ignition advance, front sprocket plus 1. Any pointers for the individual ignition coil pack upgrade you mentioned? Thanking you in advance
I love my my RF too.... very underrated bikes
The RF 900 is a really good looking bike! Love that fairing and the stance, just not crazy about the color of this one in the video.
Damn, I really love the paint. Immaculate.
Really a VFR and a RF900 compared to a full on street legal race bike the GSXR is the king and will always be the king whatever flavors 600 /750 /1000/1100
Yep. This comparison is ridiculous 😂
Gixer 1100 for me..has to be easy to fix..and parts accesibility
My pops just recently gave me his 1100 I’m currently fixing it now for my first project bike 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
How is the project going?
@@slickrick435 slow but steady we had a terrible winter here, although I traded the bike for a KZ900 as a project 😬😬😬
@@slickrick435 it’s still in the family though
@@BOAmovement Nice, I would rather have a KZ900 tbh! Good luck to whoever is working on the 1100 :)
@@slickrick435 thanks! I’m in Wisconsin if you’re close you can definitely come take a look
My 1998 VFR 800 Just got over 100k miles
Aaron Chadwick that’s awesome! Had to do much to it?
@@coop98 Not really I don't believe the engine has even been rebuilt but probably should be. There have been some mods to the bike though
In my opinion the Suzuki GSX-R 1100 sounds much better than the Honda VFR 750. You can really hear the power of this engine.
100% agreed
Um relógio suisso! Um dos motores mais evoluídos da história de motocicletas!...E muito boa condução!
I have a small collection of 6 1990s/00s bikes.. and I have just bought (today) a white 1991 VFR750 with 14k miles. It’s all original, including the horribly long uncut rear mudguard 😊
Love the RF.
I have a vfr800fi, all the 750 goodness without the carb hassles!
Jak zwykle świetny materiał, ja ostatnio moją babunią zrobiłem ponad 1000 km w obie strony, oczywiście nie za jednym razem po 500 pare na stronę. Zmieniłem podnóżki lecz trzeba szukać biegów i hamulca ale to kwestia przyzwyczajenia, nowe zestawy są bardziej odsunięte. No i ta pozycja na RF-ce bez podniesienia kierownicy to do najwygodniejszych nie należy ale jaki fan z jazdy taką maszyną 😁😁.
Miodzio! Tys km gruba traska. Polecam zestawik podnoszacy kiere z Ebaya. 100zl i instalacja w 30 minut. Pozdro
Eu tenho uma gsxr1100 suzuki 1996 , parabéns pelo vídeo .
Can't believe theres a stock exhaust here😂 the rf9 sounds pretty good with V&H ss2r race baffle. Sounded nice with d&d slip on also
All they bikes are brilliant.
I have a 1200S Bandit that I have modified to basically turn it into the RF900! Maybe I should have started there! I always liked the VFR, such a well designed motorcycle to make up for the fiasco of the original Interceptor. But really I like to modify, and if you do that you need several models that are similar. Keeps the cost low and choices high. Suzuki is the king of making things interchangeable between models. Honda is on the complete opposite of the scale.
Ive got a rf900r lowered and stretched and its a beast best thing i like about it dont to many ppl have one
Just bought a 2000 VFR800 Can't wait for winter to end.
I like the 1993 GSX1100F KATANA. that I still have from new. lots of grunt in that motor.
It’s the Vfr for me.. it’s a complete package.. durable too.. I have the rc24 1986 model.. and it’s still capable.. obviously older now.. but great for Sunday ride outs ..
Regretted selling my vfr750 few years ago, think it's time to get another one 👍
RF 900 owner here. For £900 in parts (coincidence???) my 1997 is dyno tested at 173BHP at 11.500RPM!!
GSXR1100 parts bolt right in. (Cams,pistons). ported the head, Mikini RS carbs, V and H power pack, yoshi exhaust.... and cam timings adjusted!
God damn I need some 6 pot calipers or I will die!!!!!!!!!
VFR All the way 2nd the RF900 i'm 55 so GSXR is out. Owned a 1996 VFR new and was a racer at the time. I had plans for forks and shock. Yoshimura Zyclone slip on and a K&N jet kit with bar risers from HELIBARS. I had 1 kid and another coming so the bike went.😭 it did in fact finance a livingroom set, and bathroom remodel. I dream about that bike, had i finished the suspension i would still have the bike. I coulda shoulda woulda sold the Mustang LX 5.0. All in all a great project and experience but i wish i could find one in a box somewhere.
Great video 👍 I have a Gixxer 750 1993.. suzuki ftw
The only two that you can compare are the VFR and RF 900 and even then they sold at a different price point and demographic.
The VFR was a jewell, the Gixxer a sledgehammer.
the RF 600 would be a better comparison than the 900 to VFR750f in my opinion, and to pick a gsxr the 750 would be closer than the 1100, but even that's a bit of a stretch.. it's a bit of a strange comparison all right
Best gsxr1100 was the following year 1990 l model, with a few good mods, mine taken to 1277cc and outs of 200rwhp and whoops any new 2019 released bike in a drag race everyday of the week, sub 9’s.
Robert Wallace Yeah like you know who did the work to get it and his expertise in these engines.
Robert Wallace yes it was exactly built by the wizard himself, that’s helped build not just prostock bikes, but top fuel bikes, pro speedway and just about every type of motorcycle and car racing in the Australian scene for over the last 2 decades.
I know I'm responding to a two year old comment, but no matter what he says about a K, he's showing the L here anyway: the paint scheme and, most tellingly, the remote reservoir for the rear shock.
RF900 for me, but I am biased, I have one, the first model in red from 94. Great bikes, super quick, looks not for everyone, but I love it. Gee x
Looks 100% for me , red is best colour for RF
Mine is silver lowered and stretched no engine work yet about to put all new farings on it and probably a year or so im going to have the engine rebuilt with bigger pistons and vaules wanted a gxr 1000 but i think ill put that money in my bike cause its rare dont want what everybody else is riding
I love the vfr 750 because the power band but the 1100 is my favorite lol
Great video! Can you do a simular video when you test the water cooled gsxr 1100 as well?
Bloody brilliant video. As a 5th gen vfr800 rider I admit a bias. But I love older bikes in general so for me, this video beats any of the main channels doing the 2019/20 sports bike comparissons.
I own a 98 VFR800 that I adore. It shares space with a very modified XR650R and a KTM 1290 SAR, and I still choose it more often than one would imagine.
@@thepassionofthegoose5472 Must admit I wouldnt mind that 1290 in my garage next to the VFR :)
I tried the gsxr1100 when they came out.
Didn't want one.
Got a 750j with no rev limiter.
Ditched fast in 1989.
I used to have a rf900 and I changed the sleeves from the gsxr1100 it was quick
GSXR all the way
nothing else can compare to the raw animal that it is
The VFR is a fantastically engineered bike and very practical too. Sadly its completely gutless and a little boring compared to the big GSXR1100. The GSXR1100 is still a quick bike by todays standards but quite impractical with very high footpegs.
This is one of the strangest comparisons I've seen, like comparing Chalk and Cheese.
For a ride to work in the rain, I'd take the VFR. For an exciting Sunday blast in the summer, I'd take the GSXR1100. That's coming from someone who's actually owned both bikes.
I seen a VFR under a tarp when i was walking round Southampton, the old lady sold it to me, cause no one was using it.. Best 500 quid i ever spent, i had it for years and put remote start on it. Just to warm it up. Really miss that bike.
Thanks for commenting
I bought another one. Just now. The RF was definitely something I looked at.. but in the end I went for another VFR 750 . Same year about the same miles... and actually less.. if you count inflation. If you've never had one.. you don't know. 😅
I own a K model 1100 and have done for 15 years. Got an 1190 kit in it and it goes hard. I find it comfortable to ride and it's nothing for me to hop on it and ride it for hours with no problem.
Fair play buddy but remember that some peeps find walking on broken glass perfectly comfortable:)
That doesn't mean most of people find it comfortable:)😜
@@Adikxx Exactly. I've ridden Fireblades, RSV 1000's, and find them uncomfortable on long trips compared to the old gixxer. Sit on any bike long enough and you're going to suffer from a dead arse anyway.
That was an excellent review.
Gsxr is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. No contest.
I own all three of these currently. Gixxer is 750. Yup,2nd gear pops out on RF. They were/are so undervalued it sick.
Such clean bikes, wow.
Timeless, dual round headlights ftw...
My fav out of these: 1990 GSX-R 4:12
What a beautiful sound.
wish you would of had a ZX-11 in the comparo! regardless good video 👍
Me to... Kawa is so nice
@@mladenpuzigaca381 Yup, ZX-11 changed the game! First bike to hit 180 mph, if I ain't mistaken.
Just got home from a day on my GSXR1100-91 (Black/red/grey in exellent condition), with Mikuni RS36 and V&H-pipe. It's a winner for me, wouldn't trade it for a new model even. Love it.
And whats up with allt those steering risers in this "test", on all the bikes?? If you want a touringbike you maybe shouldn't look for sportsbikes, buy a GoldWing. : )
Love sports bikes but wrists fcuked...
Bar risers is the way to go for me.
Put ,1988, 750, 38mm carbs on it
VFR RC36? The best and most beautiful vfr is the first one. The only rc24.
Brilliant man thank you very much love the video thank u 👁️♥️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
The VFR sounds gorgeous, the Gixzer is pure hooligan and the RF will always be that bike that sat between the GSXR750 and 1100. Middle chikd syndrome.
Vfr750 i got one a few weeks ago 24000 miles on it its absalutly brilliant and it's a bit fast not scary but it's turbine gear driven cams fast 😀😀😀❤️❤️
What about Kawasaki and Yamaha 90s bikes 🤔✌🏼️
Not really a level playing field. Why didn’t you try and compare a 750 with the big GSXR! Surely a better comparison would be against the same year GSXR-750? I’ve previously owned both, when they were new. To pick which one was better would be the same as saying you loved on of your children more. Bike bikes had their advantages and differences.
привет из России я выбрал VFR у меня такой же
Great bike!
@@Adikxx да байк что классный
Beautiful bikes
I mean the gsxr first gen and second gen are the sexiest sport bikes ever in my opinion. So I’d have to go gsxr. I’m restoring an 86 750 currently
The RF900 is such an odd bike, seems like it should have been successful but I almost never see them here in the States. Still a decent amount of GSXR 1100's, VFR's, and ZX10's roaming around though.
I would say it would be a better comparison to test the
GSXR 750, (111 hp, 430lbs dry)
RF 600 (100 hp 429 lbs dry)
and VFR 750 (102 hp 474 lbs dry) as they would be closer in power and size
For example the GSXR 1100 is something like 143 hp and 463 lbs dry
The RF 900 is 135 hp 447.5 kg dry
And the VFR is a 750cc, 102hp bike weighing 474kg dry.. spot the odd one out?
Anybody knows what is the name if the song in the background? :)
Great video 👌🏼
@adikxx83 it would be a much more fair comparision if you had used all 900cc bike such as the RF900,ZX9R,CBR900RR maybe you could do.
I'd love to do that, it would be awsome but nobody around had ZX9 or Blade... Shame really cause that would be a great vid!