Moving from a F4i to a VFR possibly...easy move or not worth it?

I'm current riding a 2005 CR F4i which I really enjoy...problem is my 100 mile a day commute and my shoulders and wrists start to ache a bit due to the ergos and the ergos on the F4i are not that bad...


I have sat on a VFR before and it does seem to be more upright, have better wind protection and I love the hardbag option, I think it looks great

I've always ruled out the VFR due to it being out of the the range of $$ I want to spend....I was actually contemplating a Kawi 900 Vulcan cruiser but I noticed tonight that the dealer I have been at has a 2007 VFR (non ABS) for 7999 which is in line with my $$

So..because it has been awhile since I have sat on a VFR...is it really more upright..almost like a standard? How is the mpg? Much of a learning curve coming from a F4i? I think a lot of people have mentioned it being top heavy and the clutch is quite a bit different from a CBR

I'm 43 and not a speed demon by any means but I do like the F4i power WHEN I need it...this bike would be a 5 day a week commuter weather depending, 100 miles a day almost 98% highway speeds avg 70-80 mph


I've only been riding about 2 years starting with a Ninja 250 before I moved to the F4i...I know not a lot of experience but I have a pretty good head on my shoulders in approaching riding


Good move, bad move? Not worth a move?


Comments?


Thanks


GR

 

I'm 43 and went from SV650S in early '04 to a Gen 6 VFR and was supprised how much better the VFR ergos were, no neck, knee and wrist pains after the change unlike the SV which used to kill on any ride over 200miles.

Mind the VFR is a great twisties tool and with good fairing coverage and comfort well suited to commute your distances on, if 100miles daily not sure it would cheaper than a small car though...

 

F4i and the VFR like a 5th gen are damn close in being the same bike IMO, less the engine of coarse that being the VFR has a wider power curve and is a tad less peaky, but the ride is going to be pretty darn close to the same. now compared to a 6th, now that's a different animal.

 

Hi and welcome to the Forum!

I have both the bikes you have described and i would have to say that given the distances and type of use/ amount of work you plan to do on the bike
the VFR is almost certainly the wisest choice.

age plays a factor (im 45) and even tho the VN is a blast it wont suit the commute aspect nearly as well as the V4, which will take it all in its stride.

also lookup for member 'K1W1' from Denver, i was talking with him today and he has come off a 600F4i onto a gen 6 VFR.

good luck with you decision.

RT

 

The VFR will serve your purposes well. One thing to consider - go for an older model and save yourself even more cash. It's the same bike! Depending on your timeframe, you can get a very low mileage 6th gen VFR for less than the '07 you're looking at.

Good luck!

 

You should have no problem going form the F4i to the VFR, as others have said. It will serve you well and, as noted, has a wider more usable powerband.

 

I had a 2002 600F4i and went through this same issue in November 06. When I rode my bike in to trade it I hadn't ridden a VFR yet but I knew I would not be be disappointed. When I left with my VFR I noticed the weight difference and for a couple of miles I thought "boy I made a mistake" but then after I rode it a little more I love the torque in the mid range and eventually I found out that it really is a lot more comfortable than the F4i was when I put more miles in 1 Summer than in 3 years of owning the old bike. Just set up with Leo Vince pipes and a PowerCommander so now the sound is like music. Its a bit of a change but its worth it. If you can get an 07 for that price do it, especially if its new!!! Good Luck!!

 

I commute daily on a gen5 and it is perfect for my taste in ergos, wind/rain protection, carrying capacity (hard bags). I ride April to November, 25 degrees to 103F (this week) and it is a perfect commuter. Great seat, good mirrors, great "roll-on" passing ability. Go for it.

 

I have an 03 VFR800 and a new CBR600RR (which is a bit less relaxed than your F4i). I am good for twice as much time on the VFR compared to the CBR before I need to really get off and stretch. Long rides on the CBR result in new muscle groups being identified the next morning...

The CBR runs circles around it in the canyons, but for longer routes the VFR is the way to go.