English spoken ... yes we try. » Several questions

Hi all!

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I'm a Dutch guy with limited abilities in the wonderful German language, so I'm really grateful there's an English part of the forum albeit a bit small. [Smiley_163]
For some time now I'm very interested in an Horex VR6. The only thing I'm in doubt of is which type to choose; Roadster or Classic.
What exactly is the difference between the two. I know about the different engine-output (161 PS or 126 PS) and the different rims (cast or spokes). But other than that I have no clue and since the demise of Horex it's devilishly difficult to find any good info about it.
What do I expect from a Horex, what do I want to do with it. Well, I'm not interested in speed. The main things for me are good handling, smooth throttle control and reliability.
Could you please help me make a choice?

Hi Timstone,
there is no reason to be embarrassed for having limited german language skills.
I am not the best expert in all the Horex VR6 matters, but I will try to answer your questions from my perspective.
You have alredy mentioned the main differences between "roadster and classic" model.
It is indeed the power distinction due to the use of spoke wheels for the "classic".
These spoke wheels didn't get the permission from legisalation to run with the full 161 PS power.
The engine of both models are almost the same, the power reduction is just from the application of a different motor control mapping.
Other differences are:
-Stripe decor on the "Classic" for fuel tank and splash boards
-Some motor coverings of the "classic" are from aluminium instead of plastic.
-The seat of the "classic" consists normally from brown leather
My opinion is that the VR6 has a good and easy handling in comparison to it's weight of almost 280 kg.
In terms of reliability there is not a lot of data available. But there was stated from guys in this forum that they ran about
15.000 km, only with minor problems, that could be solved in between.

Hope this information can support you in making the right decision regarding the fantastic Horex VR6.
By the way, the sound is incredible!

Best regards
Reiner

Hi Reiner!

Thanks for the swift answer, much appreciated.
I do think it's embarrasing because most of my working carreer I have worked with German people. Unfortunately that has only given me a firm grip on technical German, not enough to make a comfortable interenet confersation with. D'Oh! Ah well...
The difference in engine mapping is most interesting because it will most likely affect the throttle handling. Is the throttle handling more or less the same in both models?
It's a shame the VR6 isn't made anymore (come on C3, try to make it work!) otherwise I would have asked for the Classic (for the paintjob, the lower power and the saddle) with the wheels of the Roadster.
It's great to read the VR6 is pretty reliable.

Hi Tim,
so have you made your decision?
I am in the same situation like you. I am a bit afraid of the spokes since I am a lazy guy with limited time. They do look great though.
Anyobdy who has ridden both models and might want to comment on the different chracteristic of the classic vs roadster? Is it a big difference or more subtile?

Hi Timstone,

great to hear that you are interested in a VR6.
I own a Roadster, one of the very rare ones in white metallic with a black stripe. I loved it from the very first view on and the idea that it has "full power". Not that I would need 160hp. Not at all, I use that bike for cruising which means 50hp would be enough. But the idea that there are another 100hp is not so bad....

Actually, you can choose the throttle response. There are three mappings on both of them. "Sport" which means it will react very direct and lets say aggressive. Then there is a "Touring" mode which I use normaly. The response is much smoother and in the end a "Rain" mode. For my opinion this one is too smooth.

So, what to choose??? Not easy to answer. The Classic looks great with These nice wheels but you will have to plish them after a rain shower. The seat "was" available in brown and black. I got both, at the moment I feel that the brown one looks nicer but that will change maybe....

So, don't hassle, take both....

VG
Roland

Hahaha... take both. That's not really an option. :-(
Like Paratom I'm not a polishing kind of guy. And with the throttle response issue out of the way the only things to decide are the kind of saddle and the wheels. Hmm... for now I lean towards the Roadster, just because of the wheels. I'm so lazy sometimes.
Well, next step is keeping my eyes out for a nice affordable Roadster. Unfortunately I need to go abroad again for a longer period. So actually buying a Roadster will need to be postponed. Too bad.

Edit: But still, the paintjob of the Classic is soooo much nicer than the one on the Roadster. Well, clearly I've not decided yet.

Thanks for all the responses, fantastic stuff. :-)

Also a nice question. I'm not a terribly tall person, only 1,72 m and my legs are on the short side of the spectrum. Will I fit the 0,82 m saddle? Can it be lowered a bit (by adjusting the suspension)?

Hi Timstone,

you are right, the support with your legs could be a bit problematic due to the height of the seat.
But don't worry, there are 2 possibilities and both together can solve your problem, even in addition.

1. There is a spacer between the rear shock absober and the framework.
By removing the spacer, the rear comes down for about 20mm. Of course the frontfork has to be adjusted acccordingly for
keeping the chassis geometry as it was before. It's not a big issue. (The ground clearance for the bike remains enough!)

2. There are/were saddles available for a lower seat position, may be 20mm. Of course a saddler could change the own seat according to
your needs as well.

BR
Reiner

Fantastic news (I feel like professor Farnsworth for saying that :-) )!

Now I've had some time to think about it. Despite the cleaning intensive spokes I really like the Classic. In the end the somewhat lower power (more usable in and around town I guess) and the cooler paintjob were the deciding factors for me.
But first, working abroad and after that keeping my eyes peeled for a nice Classic.
Thanks everyone for helping me with all my questions. Top Notch!