Ground Clearance

Hey Guys,

Another newbie here who is contemplating a VFR1200. I have read a number of threads on this site and am more than aware of the perceived short comings of this bike. However, I think I have a new question
to throw into the mix and that is ground clearance through the corners. First of all does anybody have any problems with the ground clearance? Are you scratching pegs? Fairing? Engine covers?

I have read that a few members where thinking of putting their bike on the track, how did that go?

I have previously owned a 2000 and 2005 Blackbird and had ground clearance issues with both bikes through the corners and am very interested if the issue has been addressed or is still alive today on the VFR1200.

Cheers,

Hafster.

 

:welcome: to the madness again Hafster :wave:
Might want to list your built (Weight, height.....) so other 7th gen owner can help you. DangerousDave and couple other members here seem to be agressive riders they should chimp in shortly.

 

i have never touched the pegs down and i've been within 3/4" of sidewall of my PR3's i ride pretty hard (i like to think so at least ) and have actually tried to scrape the pegs...never....and i weigh 250 lbs

 

Nah, no ground clearance problems of the bike. I do scrape boots though, often, but that is due to the rearset placement. And unfortunately, no aftermarket rearsets are available for this bike. Thurn makes so pegs that raise up a little though. But the 1200 isn't something I'd call a track bike but yes it can due track days, no problem. I run it as hard in the twisties as my R1 and the only issue I have is scraping boots sometimes.

I've spent a pile of dough on modding the R1 but I have to be honest if I had to sell one I'd keep the VFR. It can do it all.

 

I'm 6 foot 3 and 105 kg if that helps anyone further. I think I'm going to go through with the purchase regardless as I want to return to the Honda stable. Does anybody have Ohlins front springs and rear shock? If you do how would you rate the improvement? Both Blackbirds of mine had the lower fairing scratched to pieces and I'd hate to do it on the VFR.

Cheers guys...

 

Boots are the only thing that hits with me. Been within a 1/4" of the edges of the pr3's and pp2ct's, I've come to terms with having strips. I'm 5'10" 195, the only suspension change is heavier fork oil.
I'm not sure what would hit first, would be fun to find out. Think I'll have to ride down to Cali and live vicariously through Long. I hear he'll try anything.

 

I think the VFR12 has excellent ground clearance! In fact, I'm a little surprised we don't hear from the taller guys about lack of legroom. It fits me like a glove, but I'm just 5'8" and 165 lb. That was one of the big draws for me, that it's so compact. I have touched down the pegs (and centerstand) a time or two at Deal's Gap with the wife on the back (she weighs just a little less than me) with just a couple mm of strips left on the PR3s. The 12 would certainly be capable of doing a track day, just don't expect it to go like a supersport. I have a Penske out back and Ohlins springs up front, both of which were money well spent IMO. If you really are an aggressive rider, you'll probably want to jettison the stock suspension (and tires!) pretty quickly. If you touch down the fairings on this bike, you've already got bigger problems...if you know what I mean. ;-}

 

Perfect time for you to head south of the border. Just so you know Cabo on Dec 12 return on the 21 otstir:

 

Oh I heard that he would do anything with Randy's money. Perhaps I heard wrong otstir:

 

Ohlins front springs made a big improvement for me...actually makes the rear shortcomings more obvious...that's my next project, coming soon

 

Excellent, when you have upgraded the rear suspension can you post a pic and a comment? That would be great.

Thanks...........

 

1.76m and 84kg including gear here. Pegs touch down before the tire is on the edge, but not in every day riding.
I'm having more problems with ground clearance going straight...

 

Ground Clearance going straight? If you were to continue pushing the VFR through the corners scratching the pegs, what do you think would be the first part of the bike to touch the road once the foot pegs wear down?

 

Last Sunday I scratched her by leaving the road for a dirt parking lot. The step was a bit too high for her long wheelbase it seems.

On the right I can imagine the exhaust or gearbox (DCT) touching down after the peg. On the left maybe the fairing (then the centerstand/sidestand) if anything at all.

 

Thanks for that.

 

I scraped something in a left turn with a dip last weekend, but I had a passenger who could lose 25 lbs (I didn't say fat chick, perhaps though), but I am only 175lbs. I'll post when I have a chance to crawl under her and check for rug burn, I mean scrape marks. Edit: I suspect the centerstand.

 

It was the centerstand that scraped. Should have put in some preload with my operable adjustment. Remember folks, give it a few clicks for heavy chicks (or heavy dicks for the ladies).

 

I think you'll find, if you actually ride a VFR1200, that the people who designed it and helped guide it into production actually know/love/ride motorcycles and knew what the hell they were doing when they produced this bike. Take what you read (or at least the majority of it) with a grain of salt. Typically written by people who have never actually ridden one. This is a very poised, solid, well handling motorcycle with immense power. I think the people who clamor for better handling probably do not have the ability to ride this bike to its limits bone stock, much less with expensive after market suspension.
Ride one. You'll see what I mean.
Just my 2 cents.

 

I've scraped the center stand with the wife on the back. I had the preload all the way up, but my Two Brothers slip on holds the center stand just a little lower than the stock pipe did. I've never scraped pegs on it yet, but I'm out of chicken strips on the rear of the Pilot Power that's on it now so I'm happy with that!

 

no problem with cornering clearance, though i do bottom out on driveways occasionally...no damage...will be going for the Ohlins rear soon