Last 1st Generation compared to 1st of the 8th Generation

Rode 4 VFRs in the day, two of theirs and two of my mine. Final conclusion, I want more VFRs!

The Gen 8 is better than I expected. It has handling in the corners nearly as good as a Triumph Street Triple with the suspension feeling even more composed than the street Triple. The 8 Gen engine still reminds me of the 1st Generation which I rode back to back. Both pull from low rpm as if they were a refined V Twin. The Gen 8 though has an excellent second 'character' as it moves past about 8000 rpm and then it feels faster. No whirr of cams though.

Pity about the exhaust pipe though, too discrete, the sound of the Gen 1 is much nicer, however I am sure the right Two Brothers pipe would fix that. The Gen 8 is way more stable at any speed than the Gen 1, not that it is bad, just 25 years later, things are very secure.

The power delivery is more progressive on the Gen 8 than a Street Triple however less than the 1st Gen. I am thinking it might be a better bike for my wife than the Street Triple which she finds a bit abrupt on the power. The Gen 8 is very confidence inspiring. Quickish steering but stable at speed, nice mix!

The seat on the Gen 8 seems firmer but I only rode each 50km so not sure what long term comfort is like. I am thinking this is a very good bike, but not a replacement for my VFR1200F as I first thought, more a replacement for our Street Triple, thanks to the seat height options. I need a demo longer than 45 minutes though!