I regularly ride both (mine - '03 VFR 800A, girlfriend's - '05 FZ-6). Both are great bikes, though I don't consider them very similar in a lot of respects and question the notion that they're in the same class of bike. Consider,
Ride - Much more upright on the FZ, handlebars are much wider. I regularly ride a KTM 950 SM and also occasionally a Duc 1098S, and the FZ is closer to the straight-up position of the supermoto, while the VFR is closer to the traditional tuck of a sportbike. Both are comfortable for either day trips or longer trips. They are similar in terms of luggage-compatibility and passenger comfort (both have Corbin seats w/backrest).
Handling - The VFR is a lot heavier, both in terms of actual weight and feel. Is that bad or good? Depends on what you like, I guess. I can handle the weight of the VFR, but it takes some effort to throw around. That said, the VFR rides like it's on rails; rock-solid, confidence-inspiring handling like few bikes I've been on (the 1098S comes to mind...). The FZ is not so good. Front end performance is mediocre at best; rear is better. You can push it, for sure, and it does OK, but it feels much looser when you do. The VFR has linked brakes, which again some people don't like, but I don't find it a problem.
Engine - Some people like the VTEC, some don't. It's OK for me. I notice it mostly because the bike gets a lot louder when it kicks in (intake and exhaust; I mostly hear the intake, obviously). It enables the engine to pull hard into the high revs, which is a good thing. The FZ engine is also very nice. Makes good power in the middle, pulls nice and hard on the high end. Definitely easier to work on yourself if you're inclined in that direction, and it is going to be cheaper if you hire somebody go do it for you. I don't consider a valve job every 16k miles onerous, BTW (esp. compared to every 7k on the Ducati! Ouch!). The VFR does run pretty hot. Can't beat the sound of a V engine - twin, four, doesn't matter - much sexier than an inline. Mine has gutted exhausts so it sounds even better; someday maybe we'll put aftermarket cans on the FZ, too, as that's a big improvement.
Styling - Similar in general, but different in detail. Obviously the VFR has full kit, and the single-sided swingarm is very sexy. The FZ is a very nice looking bike, too. I'm not a big fan of the FZ's single headlight (on low beams); I prefer both be on all the time for the visibility. I put fender eliminators on both and these are definitely an improvement.
Other - The VFR comes with ABS. ABS may save your *ss someday and it's worth it, IMHO. The Honda is a Honda. Put oil in it, do the scheduled maintenance, and it will go forever. Longer than you'll own it, most likely.
Price - The FZ is cheaper, no question. If you're buying used, the difference is considerably narrower than new. I paid $1k more for my '03 VFR than we did for the '05 FZ. Was that significant? Sure. Outrageous (given the ABS)? No.
Bottom line is they're both great bikes.
You should buy that one that gets
your juices going, not the one that everyone tells you to buy. Also, recognize that you'll probably only have it for a couple of years anyway, and you can always change your mind. Try it. Buy it. Then ride it like you stole it! :thumbup:
Oh, and the VFR's fairing most definitely does
not touch the tank. Where do people come up with this stuff?!
