[pgeller]

I've had both (ST2 and VFR), ride a 2003 VFR right now. They are both excellent bikes, fully up to the task of carving the corners or making the long haul. They probably cost about the same to service, although the service intervals are longer with the VFR. Both are easy to set up for a wide range of weights and skills. For me, they fit about the same. The VFR is a little underpowered compared to the ST3, bit the engine has tons of bandwidth and absolutely screams when wound up, and low-speed fueling is perfect. The Ducs have more low-end grunt and really roar up top, but can be a little lumpy at low revs. Much depends on tuning, throttle body balance, mixture, etc. Both take to good pipes and some tuning. The VFR has a superb headlight, the Ducati, well, that's another subject.

Personally, I find the VTEC feature just a waste of complexity, a solution in search of a problem. They probably could have just left the thing 16 valves all the time and it would run about the same. Some people (non-owners, mostly) complain of the big step from 2 to 4 valve operation, but on my bike, its seamless and a non-issue.

On the plus side, the partially-linked brakes of the VFR are an exceptional feature. Having a small amount of rear brake applied proportional to front braking force (no lever pressure, but actual braking force) really keeps the chassis in balance and reduces front dive nicely. With EBC HH pads, the brakes are superb.

Either way, you cannot go wrong.

pg

Paul Geller
Ducati Designs, LLC

 

[pgeller]

I've got Staintunes on my VFR, and they make a lovely sound. I don't use the baffles, but they are still quiet enough for everyday use. The sound of the V4 motor thru those pipes is just magical.

I have a friend with an RC51 with TBR cans, and man, that thing sounds like a gattling gun! Unbelievable! A completely visceral ride. My back was hurting after ten minutes, but WHAT a ten minutes! I think the front tire touched down a few times per mile...

pg