Hey guys, I am starting to think it's about time to buy a bike finally. I fell in love with my buddies 6th gen ever since he picked it up two years ago. I have always been around Harleys, but i'm too young for one of those things! (26yrs old) I have never had a bike, don't even have my motorcylce license yet but i think its time. lol. Just figured i would pop my head in here and say hello. I have been searching the local craigslist and found a couple good deals but i'm not quite ready to make the purchse yet. I'm pretty much set on a 6th gen, i love the styling and my buddy says his is great to ride, very comfortable and has more than enough power. He has full hard bag setup for his and he loves it. Any info on what to look out for when i'm looking at one of them will be appreciated, thanks guys! I'm not a newb to forums, so if i said something stupid feel free to bash me, i haven't done alot of reading on vfrworld yet.:smile:
personally, I would'nt get a heavy bike like the viffer. I would buy a EX500, EX250 (ninjette) Suzuki GS500, maybe a Rebel 250, Ninja 300 (new model) something in the 250-500 capacity, thats my TWO CENTS... Light bikes are still fun to own, balanced (some have enough power to still entertain even after your experienced in the saddle (read EX500.) Kawasaki makes an interesting line of fi 650 bikes that I like, but have not ridden. Versys, Ninja, ER...Good Luck...
I have to agree on the lighter bikes, but I started on a 600RR. The VFR is not as aggressive as a sport bike, but has enough power for a newbie to scare the hell out of you if you don't know how to control the throttle.. Did you take MSF yet? If not, do that first and then decide on the bike..
I appreciate your input guys. My main reason for getting a bike is going to be doing some traveling due to working out of town. I'm mainly going to be on the freeway. I'm not really looking to get onto a sport/touring bike to be getting into any craziness. I understand where your coming from in getting a lighter bike for my first bike, but i'm really not afraid of it and i do plan on taking the msf. Correct me if i'm wrong, if i get on a more nimble lighter bike i may be more so inclined to be using my bike for more than my intended purpose? lol My main goal here is to make my 6 hrs worth of driving on the weekends more enjoyable then sitting in my truck. Thanks guys!
the nimble bikes might or might not have more power depending on which you buy so not necessarily going to get in over your head. The VFR is a good all around bike and many people get them for a first bike. It is a bit heavy at parking lots speeds, not bad over 15 mph. I would second the MSF thing even though I didn't take it myself. The VFR is a great bike for what you describe, but don't let the (tour) in the name sport tour fool you, the VFR can get you in over your head if you are not careful.
Ha...i know exactly what you mean. My buddy with his stock VFR loves messing with my buddy with his punched out harley....it's funny watching them.
:welcome: to the madness If you decide to get a 6th gen I would recommend the year 2006 to 2009. The wiring harness has been up grade and the Vtech kick in at 6400 RPM in stead of 6800 RPM for the prior year (2002-2005) and go take MSF class please........ATGATT :thumb:
Ha..thanks for the info man. I'm sad to say ill probably end up with an older 6th gen though, just because of cost. Although it would be nice to get into the Vtech a little quicker, but it's not really what im going for lol. I will i will.....Geeze...and what class should i take to be able to ride the dino you are?
I agree with Reg71. If you have the right frame of mind you will be fine on the VFR. Your ultimate use for the VFR is perfect. Long ride to work...you'll love it! Carry gear with hard bags.... again perfect. Touring....this bike can do it all. These are the reasons the rest of us bought this bike! I'm guessing you play Rugby. If you can do that, I'm sure you are strong enough and nimble enough to handle the weight. As everyone else says "Class comes First!" Fine Choice! Good Luck and Welcome!
I can't disagree totally with what ridervfr said but. I had never in my life, ever ridden a bike before I got mine. So my first ride was a brand new 6th gen. Maybe I was lucky. I only rode it up and down the street very slowly when I first got it so I could get used to the clutch. Then I took our equivalent of your MSF classes. Best thing I could have ever done. They supplied the bikes for the parking lot training which were smaller bikes but when we went out on the road for the first time, we were allowed to use our own bikes. Just remember, the bike is very top heavy. When it starts to go over, it is hard to stop it from dropping. So keep that in mind. Also there is a punch to it. So long as you are aware of that, and don't drive like an asshole until you are an experienced asshole, you should be fine. There is a technique to picking up these puppies if you drop them. Just look around using Google or whatever and you will find vids on this practice. I just get someone to help me lift it back up. Not that I am saying I dropped mine like say, 7 or 8 times or anything like that.
Thats why your sporting that nice aftermarket paint job aye? Its unique, as one day I was randomly just screwing around on this web site and could recognize your ride, right away. :wink: Side Bar: Back is feeling really, really good, two months plus after injection. Bills after therapy are close to $10,000. My co-pay is still more than the weeks pay I got :sad: Pretty sad considering it all came from a job that paid me $400.00 for one week. :flip: New riders dropping their stuff is fact of life, Randy, maybe you were lucky to start on your viffer and not have a serious accident. I am just saying, there are trials, and tribulations along the way to mastering the "jedi-riding-thing." Best bet is to get a cheaper style bike that wont brake the bank when it falls over, or gawd forbid, has an argument with a car and loses...I started on the street with a 600 cc inline four, that was back in 1986, it was nothing compared to todays crop of middle weight sport bikes, I tell you that. That bike fell over at traffic lights, school parking lots, a gas station, and some other places my foggy memory cant remember right now...You get the picture though...In the end, he will get what he gets...nuff-sed...
