Hey Guys, At 53, I want to get back into riding (after 30+ years--CB250 was the "one"!). Is a 2007 VFR800 a crazy choice for me? (5'8" 200 lbs). Thanks for any thoughts, Jack
You're only as old as you feel. I might be ten years younger but I can't see riding any other bike than a VFR. The VFR is a great bike to ride and can be just as much fun in the twisties as it is cruising the open highway. Depending on how and where you want to ride you may want to consider an aftermarket seat like a Sergent or a Corbin to increase the comfort on the long hauls though as there are many who might agree that the stock seat on the VFR could be less than stellar on longer (200+ miles) rides.
I've been riding Honda V4s for 30 years now and I don't regret a single one I have owned. Just do it and never look back.
Its a great choice. Plenty of "do-everything" for you, unless your thing is wheelies in 1st through 4th. Being that you're 5'8", if you find you're just a little too much on your toes, there are easy (and inexpensive) remedies for having the bike sit a little low.
Thanks very much for all of your encouragement and thoughts--much appreciated! I am basically back to being a first-timer, you don't think the VFR is too much bike for "new" (old) rider?? Jack
I think the VFR will be a very good fit. The riding aesthetics are much comfortable compared to a super sport.
Not at all. I went about 15 years without a bike, since I thought it was the sensible thing to do while raising the family. Got back into it about 5 years ago when I bought my 2000 VFR. Its a great bike. Yes, its a little on the heavy side while at rest or low speed/parking lot maneuvers, but as long as you use your head, it'll be fine. You know, "respect the machine" type of thing. Its an easy bike to ride underway. They have great ergonomics, too. With my bad back, I can still do 400 mile days and hop off and still be able to walk. Not much for some riders on here, but that's a good day for me. EDIT: Here, take a look at this post. You'll see you're not alone, and at your age, many will still call you a whippersnapper. Click below. http://vfrworld.com/forums/general-vfr-discussions/27535-how-many-older-guys-ride-vfr.html
Thanks very much for all of your encouragement and thoughts--much appreciated! I am basically back to being a first-timer, you don't think the VFR is too much bike for "new" (old) rider?? Jack
Yo Jacky----- don't be a scaredy cat------ Being a boomer and everything, you already know how to ride so take a safety course and get a tune up and all will be well ( remember, rideing is like sex -YOU DONT FORGET how its done )-----pull the trigger---YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED. bought my bike after not having a ride for 10 years----and I was almost 55
Do it Do it Do it. I'm 5'6 and have the VF750 but getting a 2002 VFR (arrives Thursday). I had the same concerns as you - Before the VF I had ridden trail bike and had a few small road bikes - like 25years ago. I am safer now on these larger bikes than I was on a 250cc at 18years old - with age come self preservation - hence your enquiry. You obviously have a sane head so do it learn slowly and enjoyarty2:
Hey Rainman..I to have a 2002 and also 5'6.What I did was had my seat shaved just slighty in between the thighs and put on Lustracing triangles. Made HUGE difference in both my feet on the ground and handling.Just my two cents....
Go get the sumbich and ride. I bought my 06 in 06. I had "NEVER" ridden a bike before in my life so learned on this thing and have not looked back. Now I have 100K miles under my belt. I am 57 years old, 5'10" so just a bit taller than you but you should be just fine that way unless your legs are really short. If Scubalong can ride one being the short little bugger he is, then anyone can.
Thanks Duccman. I suspect I will do the same. The one thing I struggled with on MX bike was the seat height -
