New model v Old model

[Carlsv8]

Apologies for asking this question before but since the original post there has undoubtedly been a few more new bikes purchased. Have you upgraded to the new model and is it worth the extra money. Still saving up but ( old fashioned concept I know) but a late old model soon will be within my grasp. The looks of the old one are growing on me (beauty is in the eye of the beholder, wash it out with optrex - to quote Spike Milligan) and there are some veritable bargains kicking around.
Cheers Gents (and Ladies)

[stubax]

I had a 63 plate runner which I really liked, however the temptation of the 2015 runner became too much to resist, especially when offered a good deal to swap. The new bike is undoubtedly better but for me is slightly lacking the character of the mk1. Also trying to solve the wind buffeting on the new bike which was never an issue on the older bike with the stock screen. Im sure whichever you go for you'll enjoy, they are both underrated bikes, although the later bike does look better.

[Adst]

I never owned the pre 2014
summing up on the new model:
variable seat height low/high
front and rear adjustment on suspension
Lights - "dramatic" LED front n rear on new
self cancelling signals
Looks..( subjective )
.. akro  / tomtom rider 400 / top box  deals ...

look for a preowned ? or demo model - they are available

[LWillow]

Very good subject to develop !! I'm curious and interested to read about this !

[Adst]

few more thoughts ....
both models quote riders stating " good handling" - and smooth engine  2015 I would agree with both statements & feels planted
2015 has 2 setting traction control ( 3 if you count off ) ....never changed mine ......and Abs standard ( reassuring) 
seat on 2015 is 2 part , removing front seat does need tools albeit not difficult
the raise lower also needs tools and an understanding of a honda manual ( not the easiest reading )
Heated grips standard on 2015 ..not sure on pre dated model
but alas the one sad thing is fuel consumption on both is not great , i do lots of my riding in 1-3 gears / A/B Roads of Kent /Sussex not so much motorway or long distance so am dissapointed in the 40ish MPG ( used to 55+ on a suzuki Dl650 ) really think bike manufacturers could work harder here

[Si Click]

The fuel economy is a function of the age of the engine.  It has been 30 years since the VFR750 introduced the engine and while they may have added fuel injection, a proper ECU and some variable valve jiggery pokery, the world has moved on.

Personally, I have been riding Honda VFR-engined bikes for the last 15 years and the quality, reliability and V4 burble easily make up for the below par fuel economy.  Sadly I think I may be in a reducing minority and the writing may be on the wall.  Let's just hope that when Honda replace it with a fuel-sipping version that they do not lose the DNA of a great series of bikes.

[Carlsv8]

The weight must have a large effect on the consumption. 250 kg (roughly) is a lot of timber to haul around.

[reasty]

I  only sat on the mk2 at shows and find the slightly leg further forward a bit disconcerting. Part of the joy of the hobby for me is the ever developing mods to personalise it - just received hyperpro springs for the front of my mk1.
I'm amazed at the prices low mileage examples are going for - incredible value.
As a previous poster once said  - they are still probably honda's best kept secret.

[Gain]

My Mrs absolutely loves her mk 1, it's used all year round and it's frequently covered in muck, I do regular maintenance for her, but I don't clean it..........
She has tried the new model and I did suggest that we changed hers prior to the 16K "valve check" big service, but she said the same as reasty, she didn't like the new model seating / footpeg stance and a couple of other things put her off so she decided to hang onto old faithful for a bit longer (permanently)
Horses for courses I guess.

[Greenie]

Sadly I never rode the first model not seeing the benefits of that style of bike until my aching back and wrists told me it was time to move away from sports bikes.

I can only say I love the 2015 model and although I prefer the looks of the new bike (totally subjective) I am sure the previous bike would have made me smile too!