Cruiser going Sport Need Advice

Hey Guys

I am thinking of trading in my big beautiful vtx 1800 and picking up a VFR. Here are my concerns. I am 6ft 2 220lbs (no I aint a fat body lol). I have not had a test ride yet but the bike seemed to fit ok. I am switching over from a cruiser beacuse I no longer have the time to ride to sturgis or New Hampshire, or anyother of my favorite rides. I still want to get up and go for a day now and then and use the bike to commute.

1. Hows the bike on gas

2. Any other big guys ride this VFR waht do you think

3. How are the eight hour days on this thing.

4. ABS or not

 

Welcome aboard, Jorge.
1. Most folks seem to get between high 30s to mid 40s mpg. I have seen close to 50mpg on mine.
2. Lots of big guys like this bike. The previous owner of my bike was the same size as you and loved it.
3. I have done a few and have a few more planned. Two of our esteemed members are on a ride right now from central Cali up to Washington and back just for fun. These bikes are good for all day. One modification that is popular is a custom seat from corbin or sargent.
4. The ABS thing is still in debate. The traditional guys don't seem to like it, but many have stated that it has saved their butts in the right moment. This one is your preference.

Hope that helps.

 

Hi and

1. I'm getting about 40mpg on a '07 3300 miles. Between me, my gear, and caro I'm probably carrying about 280lbs.

2. I'm not really a big guy, at least not height wise [5'9" 205lbs] the bike fits ok for me, if the seat were any higher or if the reach to the bars were any longer I don't think I would like the bike.

3. Yes riding distances does not seem to be a huge issue on the viffers. At first some people have wrist/hand numbness issues usually from gripping to hard, not keeping arms loose, etc. It does seem seat is a popular mod as the stock seat seems rough on the thighs to me.

4. I went ABS, adds like 11 pounds, but anything I saw is that on anything but clean dry pavement, the ABS generally can outstop even the best riders. And unless you're locking or nearly locking up the tires it is passive anyway like in car. Plus locked wheels on a motorcycle is not good of course.

 

1. 41.95 mpg over 9,000 miles. High of 48.6, low of 34.5.

2. 5'-11" 225 lbs. and love it (see #3)

3. I've done several 500+ mile days and could have gone more. Left Nashville early one morning. Rode to Van Buren, MO, then over to Chester, IL. Made it back to Paducah, KY before I quit. Could have made it the rest of the way home but it was getting dark and my clear face shield was at home (I know, real good place for it).

4. To each their own. I don't like ABS on cars but have never ridden a bike with it. Based solely on my experience with it on cars I have zero use for it on a bike. Just my personal opinion though.

 

2. I'm 6'2" and 220 on a good day. Bike fits perfectly -- absolutely no issues with leg room and the reach to the bars is great. The bar position might take some getting used to and might at first feel uncomfortable with the amount of weight on your wrists (at least coming from a cruiser), but stick with it and you will get used to it. The great thing about the forward lean of your body is that you take weight of your back and butt.

3. Bought it in Utah and drove it home that same day (over 700 miles). Only thing that hurt was my butt but what would you expect over that distance.

I also have a Moto Guzzi V11 Sport. I raised the handlebars and widened their reach so the riding position is more relaxed and upright. I promised my wife that I would sell it to pay for the VFR, but Mello Dude makes a great point that if you can keep both do so. If I do sell the bike there will be days when I miss its low-end grunt, the feel of the big twin throb, and yes, that more upright riding position.

If I need to keep one, though, it will be the VFR!

 

there are footpeg lowering options and the bars can be raised a bit for a larger "cockpit".
It is a comfortable bike for all day rides, and is perfect for a commuter as it has good fairing coverage, the charging system will support add-ons like electric grips etc.

If you really want to love it, get some hard bags. You'll never notice them going down the road but they make for a much more practical motorcycle

my 2 cents...

 

5'11" & 180lbs, 60 year old and, up until last year, I was a devoted Honda Shadow rider. Loved my ’04 1100 Spirit but on a ride through the Catskills and Adirondacks a year ago met and fell in love with an asphalt VFR. The cruiser style is just not meant to be thrashed about through swervies and twisties and the VFR is. And the Veefer is a more comfortable ride than the Shadow. No shoulder pinch and unlike most sport bikes no wrist cramp either. My longest stint in the saddle so far has been around 5 hours and no complaints. Also I ride 200 klicks per day getting to work and back on 400-series highways (multi-lane superslabs) and though I'd much rather be getting back and forth on sideroads the bike handles these roads superbly.

You won't miss your VTX.

 

I came off a VTX 1800F, to a VFR.
I highly recommend the switch. The horse power is about the same, but the VFR weighs about 200lbs. less which means that it is quicker. I do miss the big torque of the VTX.
The VFR is what my wife calls a "me bike" and the VTX was a "we bike". After 2 hours of dragging the foot pegs almost everywhere I went on the 1800F, I was mostly used up. I can ride the VFR for a full tank of fuel before I need a rest, that is three or four hours.
It does not carry a passenger as well as the VTX.
My next bike will most likely be an ST1300, but the VFR has earned a position of #1 in my just started collection of bikes I'm gonna keep. I'm getting to old to have any more regrets. If you want, PM me and I rattle on in more detail about the bikes.

Mac

 

1. great as this has been answered.
2. 6'1 210 pounds(maybe 215 but my pride says 210)
3. I rode to Sturgis on it..from Edminton, Alberta...I get hungry after riding 8 hours and need a bathroom break. I think the new goldwings may have something to solve that...
4. Get ABS. If you never use it great, but if you do slide in a panic or bad road surface...there it is saving your arse.
Why woud you not get it?

I wnet from a 1500 nomad to this bike...wounder why they still sell cruisers.