Newbie coming in from Cali

Simple down to earth guy. only about 2-3 years experience. looking for adventure!n id ideally like to be able to get across a few states and back. not big on the styling of bike, but in all honesty, im over the harleys. Hope to read up on some cool threads!

Cheers

 

Welcome bro, what part of Cali? Do you have a VFR or just browsing?

 

Welcome. If you don't already have the VFR and are looking here for advice, rest assured, the vast majority of the people here will tell you this bike is great for distance riding. Granted, there are a few who won't and that should be expected. Not everyone is built the same. I have clocked over 121,000 miles on mine. I have back, neck, wrist, shoulder issues. Fawk, I am a total wreck. But I can still ride very long distances on mine.

If you have one already, don't be afraid to post up pix.

 

Welcome fellow Californian! Not sure what part of this great state you live but a few of us OC members like to take some decent inside the state rides from time to time. Mostly sight seeing rides to cool and interesting places in California, but who knows, maybe a multi-state ride is in the future. Keep yourself glued to this site for any ride postings.

Cheers!

 

I still do not have one, but i hope to soon buy one! ive heard nothing but good so i wanted to get first hand accounts. im in the city of Azusa fairly new to the area but google maps is my best friend. THere are tons of mountain roads here which i tend to spend my off time on. Really digging the landscape. What would be best model/year in your guys' opinion?

 

You're located near the base of GMR (Glendora Mountain Road). We go there from time to time and it's a blast. Azuza Canyon (Route 39) is nice and smooth and will take you to Crystal Lake and that's a nice ride as well. Keep an eye on Craigslist and here on the forum, sometimes there are some good buys waiting to be found. Good luck with your quest.

 

:welcome: to the Zoo lad :wave:
Get the 2014 :wink: if you get the $$$$
Otherwise get a 5th gen (1989 to 2001) or 6th gen (2006-2009)

 

Another Californicator! Some members may feel a bit of jealousy we can lane-split, try no to rub it in.
I haven't ridden as many miles as Randy -or someone else for that matter- on my VFR, but I can attest of the capabilities of the bike for long distances. I've traveled on mine to OR, AZ, UT, CO, NV, NM, and WA and most of CA.

 

I like Scubalong's reply and I'll append it.

In general a new vehicle is a poor value and bikes depreciate very fast. Influenced by Dave Ramsey and the Financial Samurai, I always like to throw that wet towel in there for those who are starry-eyed about a new vehicle and who just never thought about buying used.

Many of us put the fifth generation bike on a pedestal. As a bonus if you get one before 2000 they do not have a catalytic converter. The fifth generation has a gear driven cam and this makes a whine similar to a supercharger. Also, the sixth generation implemented VTEC. This is an overly complicated system, with a more expensive valve inspection and adjustment, and it contributes no additional power. It is cool but it is also unnecessary, an EPA special mod.

Search for threads on mileage, and you will find owners with 150,000+ miles on VFRs. That should give you some perspective on what you can do with a well-maintained bike.

Some parts for fifth gen bikes are becoming difficult to find. Someone was just posting how the turn signal is now end of life. If you got a high mileage bike, you would be more concerned with items wearing out but if you get a well-maintained bike with low miles, you should not have many worries. There are usually generic equivalent parts as well, so this problem is not fatal.

If you are a gadget freak, the latest bike you can afford would make you happier. A fifth gen is bare bones, but in later years there is anti-lock brakes, traction control, adjustable seat height, and probably more that I do not know about.

Not sure what your experience entails, and your overall size, so this may not be for you: Depending on these factors I encourage you to check out the VFR1200. This is an advanced bike with an engine that can run with the Hayabusa. It was unpopular, with polarizing looks, and thus has become an excellent value on the used market.

 

Sometimes I think you guys are taking photos of your bikes with green screens. I definitely gotta get around to more of this country...

 

Good luck...if ya go on craiglist , LA, OC, VENTURA and all the surrounding cities, there's tons you can choose from. Don't rush, the perfect one for you is out there....took me 6 months to find mine..

Knight, are you in the movie Biz?

 

Nope nope. I see people posting ridiculously beautiful scenery and I almost cannot believe they are actually at such an awesome place. You actually get to ride there? Remarkable. Makes me wonder if the photos are faked with a green screen

 

Didn't think most people knew about the green or blue screen. Guess it's common knowledge now.

 

I am not sure where I first heard about it many years ago, but today I think you are right that it would be common knowledge. For any of the millions of sci-fi fans, they can watch the extras on DVD and see that the whole darn show is done on green screen. So there are a lot of sources pointing it out to people.

Of course when you see Jay Leno asking people who the VP is and they don't know, you go back to square one in trying to determine what "common knowledge" is.

 

Welcome. Read the "Who hates Harley" thread if you ever waver and think of going back. lol VFR's are fun very capable bikes with the sweetest sounding engines.

 

No need for green screens - just lucky enough to have good friends and live in a great place to ride a VFR



SkiMad

 

Isn't that Long?
Great shot

 

Indeed a LongShot :smileyfb:

Long & Mrs Long dropped in here during the Phamily trip to Europe.



SkiMad

 

5th gen. all the way!

Jose

 

This photo was taken in Colorado, Gunnison river area.
If you ever find yourself in our neck of the woods, I have food and shelter and a garage for your ride.