Thinking of going from a VFR to a CB 500 - am I insane?

professore

Hi,

I have a brilliant 97 VFR 750 with stainless steel exhaust system, reconditioned suspension, scott oiler, braided lines etc. The thing is I commute about 10 miles a day to and from work, and the odd spin on the weekend. I'm not a speed freak - I like making progress but handling is just as important.

I am thinking of getting a CB 500 to replace it to save on fuel and consumables.

Am I mad?

galwaytt

Yes.

It's bought & paid for (I assume), and the CB will still use fuel & consumables - the amount it will save will not cover the cost to change (assuming you are buying newer)....if buying the CB new, even less so.

And the VFR is a higher quality bike, period, and would be naturally better than the CB for uses outside just commuting. A smaller bike would suit short trips better from a wear & tear point of view, so they do have merit.

Having said all that it depends on how you use your bike. Would you contemplate buying a 2nd (smaller) bike purely for commuting and keeping the VFR for social & pleasure purposes ?

Look at mine: I have a big bike and a scooter. Horses for courses.

two wheels good

You'll regret selling that VFR.
Maybe get a budget commuter as a second bike - 125cc/250/ scooter? Something with really good fuel economy and cheaper motor tax.

professore

I should clarify, I'm looking to get one of the older twin CB 500 or CBF500 maybe. Not one of the brand new CB500s. I would be selling the VFR and buying the CB with the proceeds.

Also I'm in my 40s so not a young lad.

Oh, and I do all my own maintenance, a plus for the CB500 IMO.

Thanks for the replies by the way !

Richard tea

Go for it. A change is as good as a rest, as they say.

corkgsxr

Just remember the suspension on them would be mega budget. So handling would be great

galwaytt

a friend of mine has a 94 CB500 and as a commuter, it's excellent. 100k miles on it iirc, or something equally daft now, and it hasn't missed a beat.

If you don't use the VFR outside of commuting, then it's a waste of it, so do sell it and buy something specifically commuter-able ( ?).

If I can manage it, I'd like to add an xMax 400 for commuting to my garage.

I'd say you should be able to trade the VFR for a CB very easily.

Interceptor

The difference in fuel economy on a ten mile a day commute will equate to a three euro saving a week, you still have to buy tyres, oil and filters at more or less the same price and your VFR will last until after we are all dead. If you just want a change then go for it but you'll miss the comfort, fairing protection and smoothness of the 750. If you only have to fit exhaust headers to a second hand CB it will negate any saving over the time you own it.

gbob

I've had both, the old cb is every bit as good quality wise as the vfr and for me the cb was way more fun to ride, so nimble and flickable. And that little twin engine is a peach, and sounds great with a loud pipe. I never regretted selling the vfr but definitely miss the cb500. Do it, ya wont be sorry.

professore

Interesting replies ... I had an NTV 650 before the VFR and oddly I miss that too - it was more flickable in the bends than the VFR is, and just as bulletproof - plus no chain to adjust.

The elephant in the room is of course insurance - my insurance on the vfr is nearly €400 a year and would be a fraction of that with the CB.

I also won't miss taking off the fairings for maintenance ....

professore

Actually just checked there and there would be very little difference in insurance.

gbob

galwaytt wrote: »

If I can manage it, I'd like to add an xMax 400 for commuting to my garage.

Friend of mine had a burgman400 and it was a hoot to ride, but it was definitely a scooter. But the yam tmax I was tempted by cause it has the engine where a bike engine is and not bouncing around on the swingarm. I'd add one of them to the garage given the chance.

rolliepoley

Go for it, the cb's are real easy to maintain, light and great when in traffic, put on a set bt's and the rain wont be a problem.

Skill Magill

I'm selling mine on adverts, if you want to take a look.
cb500
As above, its never missed a beat.

Mods please delete if this is out of order

Tigger

If your vfr is mint I'm a collector

carsQhere

For starters, you won't save a cent by switching to the CB500. For a 10 mile commute a 125 is likely fine unless you're on motorways.

For what it's worth I'm commuting a 98 CB500 sixty miles a day and the only drawbacks I can find are that it lacks a bit of top end punch on the motorway and it's a bit on the small side physically. At a stretch I'd add that the lighting is not brilliant, but that applies to 90% of bikes I've ever ridden anyway.

If I was in your shoes I'd likely keep the VFR, but each to their own :-)

professore

I've decided to keep the VFR - unless Tigger is willing to make me an offer I can't refuse !

I think the money I would save will be minimal, and one repair bill more for the CB would tip that either way anyway.

Thanks everyone.