VFR as first bike/ABS?

I'll get right to it. I have been infatuated with the VFR since a friend of mine let me borrow his '85 probably 10 years ago to get my license. Since that time I have come close, but have failed to pull the trigger on purchasing one of these incredible machines and have had to resort to envying those I see riding. I have stood by while the VFR has gone through multiple updates and upgrades. In the meantime I have borrowed friends bikes (600RR), just to ride once in a while, but can't stand the ergos.
I have finally saved enough coin to purchase a VFR. So here are my questions:
1.What are your thoughts on the VFR as a first bike? I'm no kid, nor a speed-junkie, mostly looking to do pleasure rides with a couple buddies, maybe an over night once in a while, not commuting.
2. What's your take on ABS? Is it worth the extra thousand for safety and piece of mind, or is more related to rider ability? How necessary is it?
Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

 

I'd say yes, it'd be a good first bike, just remember it's a bit heavy, so don't try any of the stuff like you would on the 600RR. It doesn't change directions as fast.

 

As far as the ABS is concerned....YES GET IT...
It is unobtrusive and you won't know it's there...until you need it!!!!
I ride in ALL weather conditions (rain,sleet,snow) and the ABS systen is awesome!!!!
I havent used it for a true emergency situation,but I have invoked it just f**ki'n around and I must say It is worth having!!!
AS far as a VFR as a first bike goes....If you respect it it wont kill you!!!!

 

Thanks. I appreciate the input.

 

That's what i figured on the ABS. Most of the other sites i have read on, say to get it as well. I'm sure the extra safety is well worth the $.

 

The VFR is sporty and definitely way more comfy than a 600RR. Spend the green and get the ABS. It saved my ass last week and will save your biscuits too given enough time. Everyone makes mistakes at one point or another, ABS is a great "get out of jail free card" that may keep your machine in 1 piece.

Oh and FYI, the 25th Aniv. Edition RWB bike is the fastest.... just sayin.

 

The VFR was my first bike and no issues. Simply respect the bike.

ABS is well worth it, if you never use it it is still there.
You can still threshold break same as any other bike and this will yield the best results. But when a deer jumps in front of you and you panic and lock your rear and or front your still okay and can recover to stear away or stop. Also means in bad situation you can simply stomp on the rear break and focus on the front where most of your stopping power comes from.
Comes in handy if your mentally deficient like me and go for a ride when there is ice on the road.

 

I'm just curious Mello Dude (not being confrontational) - why would you NOT recommend the VFR as a first bike?

I consider myself a first time rider/buyer, since I've only recently gotten back on a bike after about an 8 year hiatus. I think the VFR is a fantastic bike. Its very "forgiving", in my humble, yet inexperienced, opinion.

My 2000 does not have ABS (don't even know if it was an option back then). There has already been occasion when I have had to hammer down HARD on the brakes, along with some quick downshifting, to avoid a catastrophe. I have yet to lock up the rear brakes on my bike.

Not to try and hijack this thread - but on the subject of breaking: What is the "percentage" of front brake to rear brake usage that most of you apply in normal (i.e. dry) conditions?

I guess if I had the option, I'd certainly go for the ABS. Hell, its a safety feature, and if it costs a few bucks more, so be it. Can't put a price on my safety.

(And by the way - yes, I plan on taking a class which I am sure would answer my question about braking. But in the interim, I still thought I would ask).

 

The 800cc motor is one reason not to have this bike as your first. But that balances out with age and wisdom. The fact that it is a sport bike makes rider input quite valuable. A new rider who is unsure or skiddish can cause problems as his actions translate throught the bike. She is a heavy girl and can throw her weight around, and if you are not on top of it, she dump on ya.

All of that being said, I spent 2 months on a 600 before buying the VFR. I am still a new rider, but it didn't take long to get the hang of the VFR.

 

I got a 2007 VFR as my first real bike. I did the same as you. Rented a few Harleys and rode a couple 600's here and there. I am 38 and weigh 138 lbs and was able to do fine with the bike. The more time you spend on it the better. Dropped the bike twice in the first week stopping/parking. (April) It sure is top heavy. I also hadn't lowered it yet and it had both hardbags on and a full tank of gas. I would ride with 1/2 tank of gas for a while until you get used to the weight. Low speed stuff is tough until it starts to break in. The low end power is inconsistent and I stalled the crap out of it. Now I don't stall at all (600 miles). Haven't changed much of my inputs. Motor is finally breaking in. Lowering the bike and the front end a little makes a huge difference in managability at stops and turning.

I can't speak for ABS because I don't have it. When the bike is new the brakes are grabby as hell. Contributed to my drops some. They break in and start to control them better. Stay off the front brake while doing slow speed maneuvers. Use your back brake more at slow speeds/turning.

Just my opinion. Like it has been said here. Respect it and expect it. You'll do fine. Treat it like a 600 or Cruiser and you'll be pickin' it up off the ground if you don't hurt yourself.

 

NEVER have a VFR as a first bike ......unless you grew up on dirtbikes!!

A 550 pound bike is no place to practice riding.

Too heavy, too powerful, too difficult to turn at low speeds, too expensive to replace plastic,

 

I hadn't been on a bike in about 20 years when I bought my '07 VFR. I did ride a friends CBR1000 the week before which is what got me back in the fever for it. As far as power getting you in trouble just keep the RPM's down until you get used to it. It is a top heavy bike so if you get out of that comfort zone you are in trouble. As far as the brakes go I don't understand why people are saying just use the back since they are linked and the front one engages, albiet only one piston, at the same time. If they had one there I probably would have gotten the ABS.

 

The bike being heavier is not a bad thing, its very stable and the power very managable. more manageable than the inline fours and if your just starting out you don't need a fast steering,flicky bike. As far as the ABS, you dont need that either. I personally dont like ABS on motorcycles, if i want to lock up the back i want to lock up the back. period. but each to their own. the vfr is a much better choice than an R6 or bikes like that because it is more comfortable. power is more manageble and the bike handles very well. It really is a good all around bike and would be a great choice. my 2 cents.

 

Wow, after reading this thread, I'm almost afraid to go pick my new VFR up from the dealership on Friday!ray:
My current bike is a Honda XR650L, but it only weighs 380lbs (with fuel), so I hope the VFR's weight doesn't throw me for a loop! I might just take it down the street for a block or two before I make any turns, just to be safe. Any other things I should know before I ride? I'll test out the kickstand first as well, just to make sure I get the feel for it.

 

JUST BE CAREFUL WHEN U HIT GRAVEL on the VFR its not made for it at all....it will get very squirly very fast...ive had a cpl close calls turning into gravel driveways but luckily i am very tall and pretty muscular so i have been able to plant my feet and keep from dropping it...But just be careful with it cause its very top heavy so once it starts to drop its hard to stop. Also the hydraulic clutch is a lil different than the cable clutch alot of the 600s have and it takes a bit of gettin used to but once u get the hang of it you will be glad you got it...good luck

 

The bike is well balanced. Last year I owned an R6, R1, Hayabusa, KZ1000 & a Harley Roadking. The "R" bikes, eventhough lighter have issues too. The VFR is way friendlier than the "R" bikes. Lets face it the VFR is not a fast bike (eventhough some on here think so) The wieght wont hurt you when street riding. Ive been on and off the track for 20 years and thats where the "R" bikes shine. My personal oppinion is that they suck on the street. You have made a great choice. I haven't had any problems staying with the "R" bikes in the twisties on the street, straight aways are a different story. You made a great choice, respect it and you'll be alright. Im looking at a BMWK1200s this weekend.

 

Well that makes me feel somewhat better. It's not quite as heavy as my Harley Sportster was, so I think I should be able to control it. It didn't feel heavy at the dealership either, but then again, it had no fuel in it. I'm going to take it to a parking lot near the bike shop and get a little practice on it before I make my way home.
That Sportster's center of gravity was wayyyy toooo loooowww, and I just about dumped it a couple of times from that. At least the weight of the VFR is high enough up that you aren't trying to pick it up from a low point right off the bat.

 

The VFR800 is my first bike, 1500 miles in 2 months. And this getting better and better. Yes, his heavy and gravel isnt his friend, but he his very stable in the road. Go and ride.