Greetings from SLC Utah. Just picked up the bike I have wanted for 25 years. I imagine some of you can relate. Cheers, I will post if/when I am smart enough to have something worth saying.
Thanks for the kind welcomes! I will be in Japan for the next three weeks, and when I get back I will be sure to post photos. It's killin' me that I can't ride right now, but quite frankly, I have decided to re-take the MSF class before heading out. I haven't ridden regularly since 1997 (when I lived in Los Angeles) and, while I *think* I still know how to ride safely, I am a big believer in re-training. Naturally, I will have all the appropriate gear. The VFR is an '03 which I picked up from a co-worker who needed to lighten his debt load. Unfortunately he did not get to ride much at all. I imagine fresh tires might be a good idea, as these are the originals, with only 2300 miles on 'em, but the age of the material concerns me slightly. I'm one of those guys who has wanted a Honda Interceptor since the original came out in RWB back in what... '83?
Well, just back from Japan! I had a bit of business to take care of at Tsumagoi, the Yamaha corporate resort near Shizuoka, and afterward, I took up a kind Yamaha staff member on an invitation to ride a 600 cc bike, a 2007 YZF, on the track there. Fortunately, I was able to borrow most of the protective gear, with the only compromises being I used my street boots (Oakley flak 6", a bit skimpy for riding, but just try finding anything size 13 in Japan!) and a pair of gloves that were WAY too tight. They set my up with a two-piece suit that was, shall we say, a little tight, but not unbearable. After a fairly thorough introduction lesson I spent the rest of the day having a great deal of fun, and managed not to do anything too stupid. I must say, though, 33 C and 85% humidity gave me a whole new appreciation for the term "sweat" once the leathers were on. Fortunately it was pretty cloudy. I probably lost two pounds in water weight. Now I am really looking forward to getting more fully acquainted with my new (to me) VFR this weekend!
Congradulations on buying the Gen 6 VFR, a machine thats good at all things. Good thinking on replacing the tyres, even new the OEM tyres have . For a balanced tyre between long miles and grip look at getting the newly released Michelin Pilot Road 2's or if you are a Demon of the twisties then try the Michelin Pilot Power.
Well, after the first 200 miles under my belt this weekend, I must say this is the best-handling, road worthy bike I have yet experienced. City traffic, wet canyon roads, and even the interstate (with 30 mph gusts from the side- unpleasant but no problems) - it does it all and it does it well. I am very pleased. By the way, it's a 2003 with 2500 miles on the ticker, stored indoors, never dropped, couple scratches on one mirror housing from a concrete garage wall, immaculate plastics and tank, $4500.00. I have the impression I got a decent deal on this bike. Understatement? How 'bout that recall, everything seems to run OK, but should I avoid high beam use 'till the work is done? Opinions?
Shindig: You can say something stupid too. That's part of the fun. I've got an 07, but I'd ride the bike if it were mine. can you help with how you came up with your handle? and of course, welcome :biggrin:
welcome to the site, and don't worry bout having anything worth saying. many of us don't but we enjoy the chatter anyway... oh, btw, you got an astounding deal...
I thought so too! I bought it from a co-worker who was trying to cut his debt load, for what he had outstanding on the bike loan. He's happy and so am I. Apparently he had some trouble selling the VRF to the sport bike crowd, it seems our steeds are seen as a bit stodgy by Ninja standards...
wellcome to the site, and they think that because none of them have ever ridden one. i rode my first in 88 and was sold ever since.
