Newbie in the corner taking notes

Jayy Vee keep doing exactly what you are doing!! Pretty soon you will have a good feel for the market. When the right one presents itself you will know it. Keep dipping your toes in the water!! You'll know when to jump and you will be sure it is the right deal!

 

Zee test - she is passed!

I managed to kill the battery on the first test bike (Suzuki 250, bike problem they were aware of, it just never got resolved) and then had to use their 'spare' as we had a full class, a Rebel 250. Much smaller, my darn knees got rapped by the handlebars in sharp turns it was so small for me (6'5" with boots). Then, the 2nd 'spare' bike would sputter and die when turned hard right (A killer for 'The Box'!). I still managed to ace the box as it sputtered on the 2nd part of the figure 8, with only a few points off the last test (hit 20mph, slow, go through marked corner and stay within the lines). I didn't do anything 'wrong' on the last test, except not go 'fast enough' (it was a timed corner). Ahh well, I'm slightly better than 'average' according to instructor.

The search begins...

 

Congratulations:smileyfb:

Now step back from the chequebook and take a time-out! Take your time, enjoy checking out the options, don't be rushed - there is a bike out there with your name on it, so don't get swept away with the moment or panicked when a vendor says they have other people interested - they always do! Work out what YOU really want from the bike/will use it for, and then use that to write yourself a list of questions and things to check.

For instance if you plan long trips then buying a bike with full luggage is probably the best way to go. If you want to use the bike as an all year commuter then things like heated grips and a tall screen may be worthwhile - but can always added later albeit at extra cost. The key point is the cheapest bike may not always be the best especially if you then find it needs new tires, exhaust and shocks - so make sure you examine it in good natural light - not jammed against a wall in some cramped showroom - get them to put it outside so you can give it a through checkover. Take a strong torch and if possible take along another experienced rider for a second opinion. If possible test ride it, or at least get one of the staff to take you on it for a pillion ride - listen for any weird noises and check all the gears work fine. Check what servicing it has had. Compare with the servicing Mr Honda stipulated.

Make sure they have all the title documents and check they have both sets of keys and they both work. Check when the chain and sprockets were last replaced. Put bike on centre stand and watch chain engagement with the sprockets as you rotate rear wheel - it should seat and ride evenly on the sprockets - if the sprockets look hooked or if the chain rides up from time to time it may be time for a new chain and sprockets.

If you end up buying from a dealer you should at least get a few months warranty to discover any serious faults, but even so insist that they do a full safety check and service it if the last one is over 6 months ago. Be aware of the scary expensive vtec valve check regime (search on here for a better understanding.) However if one is due shortly then insist they do it or use it to press for a big price concession.

Good luck



SkiMad

 

i'm gonna stick my big nose in with the opinion that the VFR is an unsuitable first bike for anyone. Too big, too heavy. It takes time and alot of road (and parking lot) experience to learn how to handle the weight.

 

Squirrelman, full respect given, In Jayyvee's post #6 he says he is 6' 5" and 250#'s. His frame of mind and expected riding style is, as we all know, perfect for the VFR. He is not a young kid looking for a rocket. He seems level headed and fully aware of his and the bikes limitatioins. In most cases you would be exactly right but I think Jayyvee has thought this through and he seems to be the type of individual that would be able to handle it provided he took his time as you stated. At 6' 5" and 250 he is certainly big enough to handle it!

It would be better if he had the availability to ride many different types and styles of motorcycles to confirm that the VFR is the right one but at some point you have to "Jump In"! I say he is doing the proper homework and is on his way to a good decision.

But what do I know?

JMO

 

Hey thanks guys for everyone's opinions, I don't take that as a negative Squirrel, but a good tale of caution that I do indeed respect. Thanks again Maggot for the mental support, the right bike will find 'me'!

It's coming down to the VFR, or a Ninja 650r. I will be testing both out at WoW in the next few weeks to see which direction I'm set on. I have to say the bike weight 'is' a consideration of mine. 410 vs 480 dry - that's 70 lbs difference. I am intending it for occasional commute, but mainly for weekend trips, mtn rides with all my buds who have been waiting years for me to get a bike (There are so many awesome roads in North GA, it's crazy..) and long hauls to Florida occasionally for family matters. I still prefer the VFR however the Ninja has risen up some given a chance to sit on one, and feedback from a co-workers brother who made a 650r his first bike as well - the same one I sat on (he's about my size/build, a little younger, little lighter)

Are they totally different bikes? Yes indeed. Both appeal to me for different reasons, but have a lot in common that I'm looking for.

We'll see! Update again in a month or so with pics of what I test ride.

 

Getting a clear fix on what you intend to use the bike for - is exactly what I was trying to get you to figure out. :thumbsup:

I am certain you should try out the VFR800, but if that's what you plan to use the bike for, you may find its wrong for you. At 5'8" and 140lbs I find it hard to tuck in fully behind the screen to avoid the wind blast when doing 130mph on an Autobahn. I suspect that even with rear-sets, and sat mostly on the pillion seat, you may still find the VFR is too small and very cramped for your 6'5" frame. Even with a taller screen you may find the battering your helmet/head will get on long haul runs is very tiring and far from pleasant.

Definitely try the VFR as it sounds like its the bike you heart wants. :vtr2:

But your weight is pretty close to what my bike carries two-up riding, when it struggles on torque (not peak power) compared with larger engine bikes I often ride with. Hence once you have tried the VFR, I suggest you hold off putting down any cash, at least until you try out some of the recognised two up touring bikes - like a Yamaha FJR1300, or Honda Pan European. You may find those bikes will be a lot more spacious and a better (more comfortable) match for your frame, and the sort of riding you have planned. Over here FJRs are stock police bikes and wow they can shift down the road - even if magazines don't list them as "sport" bike. I think you will find that most "sport" oriented bikes tend to be ergonomically matched to people under 6 feet.

Whatever you decide to go with, let us know how you get on - Ride safe ATGATT.




SkiMad

 

You know plenty !! And you're right that i missed the data about JV's size, so i partially retract my earlier opinion.

But i believe that riding a smaller, lighter bike for awhile that is far quicker to react to rider inputs, both good and bad is the best learning path for moving up to bigger bikes, not something you'll ever learn on a VFR unless you're very brave. Easier to learn vehicle dynamics on any lighter machine, imo.

 

Jayyvee, All good points from everyone! The opinions stated here should help raise and answer some questions. Be truthful with yourself about how you are going to ride the majority of the time. Buy the bike that fits the true way you will ride.

Keep heading in the direction you are going and the right bike will present itself!

Can't wait to hear you final decision!

 

Welp, I spent about 20 minutes last night on my best bud's FZ1 Fazer.. Wow a touchy throttle for sure, but man the stance felt really good, and had no problems with it's weight (I think it's mid 400's, fairly light for a 1000 bike). don't worry it's 'not' what I want, but was more bike time essentially for me to get 'warmed up'. A visit to WoW is in the works before October is out.

Hey Squirrel - I sort of agree with you too (coming from my mtn biking days, the smaller it was the easier I could throw it around). That is why the Ninja is still in the running despite my love for the VFR. It's a bit more nimble, with about the same seat height and upright stance I'm looking for. Both will be tested.

Thanks again everyone, will fill you in as the bike finds me.

 

There's never gonna be one answer.

While Ski is saying at 5'8" he can't tuck in on the highway rides, the flip side is its nice(er) to have those extra pounds if you're going to be on the highway a lot. A little more stable (although I hate highway riding anyway).

Ninja 650 at 410 vs. 480 for the VFR. Seems moot. No disrespect, but if the bike starts going over for whatever reason, I wouldn't think that difference of 70 pounds would amount to much. You're still looking at 400 pounds and gravity. Just a thought...