Newbie, first time bike questions

only been riding for 10 months
just bought an 08 VFR- no worries


buy the 04, get the newest bike you can get- less drama

 

I think it sounds like you know what your doing and would be coutious enough. I actually am selling my 02 VFR unfortunately. I have put a lot of care into everything that I've done to my bike. I don't know where you live, but if you are interested, or if anyone else is interested then just send me a private message.:smile:

 

I'm a fairly new rider. Started out on a 75 CB400f. Then bought my 93 VFR. Very well maintained by previous owners with 33,000 miles for less than $3,000. It was love at first ride. I commute on it no problem and love to stretch it's legs on longer rides. If you are comfortable on it, I wouldn't bother with a smaller, older bike. You'll get tired of it quickly if you're like me. I very soon wanted more power, better suspension and brakes, etc. Just go slow, practice, take the MSF course, etc. You'll be fine. As for which one, I have no idea. I generally buy into the buy the newest and best maintained used vehicle you can afford.

 

I picked a used '02 primarily for the ABS and factory luggage. Since I intend to ride this year-round and take long trips with it, I felt the ABS was worth holding out for, it might save my ass someday. I think the VTEC is a bit of a negative, but not enough to sway my decision. I'm still trying to straighten out the wanky throttle response, though, that's a PITA.

I'm not as concerned about the weight as others, I came from a V-Strom 650 and never even had to think about the VFR's extra pounds since it's so perfectly balanced. I commute on mine every day on surface streets through hilly residential neighborhoods, the VFR is nicely behaved and is no harder to weave through traffic than the 'Strom once you get used to its steering.

I agree on getting a smaller bike to make your mistakes on. It's not so much a matter of being careful as it is just getting used to what the bike does in all situations so that you do the right thing without thinking about it when something surprises you. I figure that took me about 10,000 miles before I felt reasonably competent, but you never really stop learning. If you've got the bucks to replace the plastic every time you have an 'Oops!' then go for it -- I'm also someone who got into motorcycles because I wanted to ride THE bike, and it does keep you motivated.

 

WHO could disagree with Socratease??

Or the others who advise riding a smaller, lighter bike for awhile before climbing aboard a 550 pound unfamiliar missle???

IS the VFR hard to ride? No, but it takes LOTS of practice before it's easy.

i think the VFR is something you finally graduate to after coming up through the displacement ranks.....

 

I am a brand new rider I took the MSF class about 2 months ago and bought a 2003 vfr800 and I dont think I could have chosen a better bike as a first bike It is comfortable for riding for hours at a time as long as you respect it I am also a larger person so I dont know if that makes a difference

 

Yah, this question of starter bikes is interesting. My philosophy is that the early part of the streetbike learning curve is easiest with a light, low power bike - it's less intimidating for the rider. I have seen it a lot - a new rider begins to feel confident on a Ninja 250 pretty early in the game, but it's more difficult for a new rider to feel as secure on a heavy powerful bike. On the other hand, I am NOT pedantic about it and I know riders that started out on bigger bikes and do great. Heck, we're all still learning, right?

Socratease is right about the throttle response on the EFI bikes. It's really snatchy at low RPMs in the stock configuration unless you're very, VERY smooth rolling off the gas. It took me by surprise on my 2004 at first, but if you're conscious of the issue it's pretty easy to control.

See you on the road and happy riding!

 

I was hell bent on getting the VFR even before I took my MSF course. I didn't purchase until after the class, though. I know the bike is heavy, but I found it phenomenally easy to ride. I dropped it three times, all at standstill. I just had to remember not to yank it off the kickstand too excitedly, as I would tilt it it too far over to the right, be overwhelmed by the weight and drop it, while cussing under my breath. This wasn't because the VFR was "too much bike" for me, but because I had spent a lot of time learning on a CFR125 and forgot that new bike wasn't a little lightweight dirt bike.

Respecting the VFR and keeping a level head, I am completely satisfied with my purchase. I don't have the time or patience to hop from bike to bike as I tend to keep and use my vehicles for a while. I spent two months researching and looking at many different bikes before I picked. The VFR with luggage, 200mi range, long distance comfort, and Honda reliability met my requirements.

With all due respect to everyone, I found it highly irritating when people told me that the bike was a poor choice because I was a new rider. Any intelligent person should try out a bike and be sure that they will be comfortable on it before they rush out to buy it. If you feel that your riding is not good enough, and will like to go the smaller bike route, then go for it. If you want the VFR, know that it is heavy and has expensive plastics. If you are comfortable on the bike and with the expense that damaged plastics may bring, buy the damn bike!! One should be mature enough to know not to ride recklessly. You can be just as stupid in a Civic as in an M3 BMW or Corvette. I have driven all three. My humble opinion.

I notice that as soon as a newbie asks a question VFR related on different forums, the response is always "don't get the VFR. It's a poor choice." It'll be nice if folks would answer the question asked first, before recommending a smaller bike. You're all good people, and I know I'm overreacting. I've had a few people tell me I was making a stupid choice. It's okay to make recommendations. That's why we're a biking community. I do appreciate advice and recommendations, but ultimately when it my f***ing money, nobody has a right to tell me I can't buy a VFR because I'm may be a newbie.

I probably should take my rant over to VFRD. Now that I think about it, it was some folks over there who took it upon themselves to "instruct" me not to buy a Viffer, and tell me I was making a stupid decision. Viva VFRWorld. This is the place to be.

Test ride the '98 and the '03 if you can. If possible, (eg. at a dealer) test ride a VTEC and determine for yourself if the VTEC bothers you or not. I'll boil down to your pocket and your preference. You can't go wrong either way.

 

I'm a new member here and a new VFR owner. Traded in my '02 GSX-R750 on a new '08 VFR, rode it home Wednesday in the rain. Friday was the first chance I got to put some miles on it. It is a heavier bike, but the only time I really noticed it was taking it off the sidestand. Once I got it rolling I didn't notice the difference. I was surprised at how well balanced and how easy to ride the bike was. It it a fine machine. I would say the VTEC would take a little getting used to, but around town I rarely got the revs up high enough to actvate it. As a matter of fact, it is very easy to ride around all day and never get over 6000rpm. When you do it is a nice kick in the pants and the change in exhaulst note is great.(especially with the stock pipes) I put about 100 miles on her today, getting brakes and tires scrubbed in mostly, and would have gone many more, but I am suppose to be resting an injured knee so I left it at that. I'm 41 also and have owned a fleet of different bikes over the years. I can honestly say after only riding this bike a 100 miles it is quickly becoming my favorite. On the other note, a good friend of mine I work and ride with has an '06 SV650 and loves it. Wouldn't trade it for anything, and believe me, that "little" bike can hang with the best of them in the twisties as most of our rides I was on the GSXR. Bout the only thing the SV is lacking is suspension and he is working on that now. You really can't go wrong with anything I've read here, cept maybe the Ninja 250 thing. Another friend I ride with has one of those(been down twice) and I found it actually harder to ride because of it's lack of power and weight. I'm sure it's just me though. He seems to like it and as soon as he gets over his fear of leaning he'll do just fine. Whatever you decide, have fun, take it slow, and enjoy the riding experience! Good Luck to you!

 

I'm not trying to start an argument with you but you've pretty much proven the point of those who tried to discourage you from getting the VFR. The biggest disadvantage to the VFR as stated by many is the weight. Dropping your bike 3 times can be costly and quickly take away value from your investment. If a newb is having problems keeping the bike balanced at a stand still what is gonna happen when they need to tightly manuever the bike at minimal speed or balance the bike on a steep incline? We are not trying to discourage newbs from getting VFRs because we want to be the only VFR riders. There is some actual logic behind our recommendations and we are merely stating that there are other bikes that are more appropriate for a newcomer.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Good thread op2:

I can't believe that no one has mentioned the obvious choice for a First Bike for a (future...) VFR'r...

VF500 Interceptor (miniceptor)

I had one way back when they were new.
I learned more with that bike than any other, and still to this day I would like to have another.
I love my '94 VFR (4th Gen), and it continues to impress me every day with it's capabilities (daily commuter and backroad burner with the S/S bikes...), but I'd *almost* be willing to trade the VFR for a pristine '86 500 Interceptor (I've also owned a tuned R1, GSXR750, ZX10, FJ1200, Ducati and others).

The benefits are low buy-in, about $900-$1600ish, low insurance, low seat height for confidence, lower weight, and you still get the amazing V4 engine with the flat torque and accessible power, and the cool sound.
Also legendary as one of the most nimble handling bikes ever made, as well.

The 500 Interceptor is an amazing machine and all the bike you'd want or need for at least the first year (or a lifetime).
I think Honda could sell every one they made if still producing them today (with 17" wheels).

If you can find a well-cared-for 500 buy it!
(& maybe I'll take it off your hands when you're finished with it!)
You could turn around and sell it for what you paid for it a year later.

FWIW, I also think it's one of the best looking motorcycles ever made.

My 2¢

ps - if it's not apparent, I also strongly agree with the general recommendation to start with something used, small and cheap for the first year.
It'll also give you time to research the VFR's more and find the very best VFR deal for yourself.

pps - Welcome to the sport and VFRWorld!
(you found the right place for VFR info)

 

I understand, Rolling. It's the approach that can rub one the wrong way, such as when a recommendation doesn't come across as such, but rather implies that one is stupid. You used the word "recommendations," and gave very valid reasons to back them up, rather than simply saying the VFR is a poor choice; go buy a smaller bike.

On a note, I solved the eagerness problem very quickly and had no further worries or issues with the weight :strong:. The third drop was from trying to figure out that center-stand contraption. It did make me feel better to find out I wasn't the only one with difficulty. I actually thought that was part of being a newbie :unsure:. That youtube tutorial came in very handy. It was actually very funny when I did it successfully. I had been trying to lift the entire back end with one outstretched hand and no leverage. It's absurdly simple with the right technique.

All the best,

Juliani

ps. Thanks for the rebuttal, Rolling.:vader: Bring it on anytime :wink:

 

Well I didn't mean to start any arguments or real strong debates. (Ok, yes I did) I do understand where everyone is coming from. I totally respect everyones opinion. That's the real reason why I ask questions. To see what everyone says.
I heard that this is a "bad idea" and "you'll be fine". It seems that the weight is a big issue and I seem to recall throttle response. I am the type of person that will buy what I want and get used to it. Even if it takes me a year to learn up and down my street or in my nearest abandodned parking lot. The VFR seems like a great bike. I hear it everytime I read these VFRW forums. Every bike has weight, It's just a matter of knowing your limits, whether it be at a stand still or going 40 in a turn. You got to get used to it. Take it easy, learn with a neighbor, read the forums, Get educated, Practice. I remember my first car. I was scared $h1tless. But eased into it, got comfortable and now I know it's limits and do crazy things in it that quite frankly would get me put in jail.
Anyways, Thanks for your input. I think I'm going to take that 6grand and put a turbo in my 911 and then by a scooter. Just kidding. I will buy a VFR very soon (what generation? I don't know, probably an older less expensive one). And I know I will love it. Heck, I have to because you all do.

Peace,
I'll keep you posted on what I do.

 

glad to see you've reached a decision. the vfr is a great bike! have fun and enjoy it -- i think getting a new bike is way more fun than picking which bike to get.