Finally got the VFR!

Hey Cats and Kitties.
Am cheap and like old machinery, so I've been busy with old Gold Wings and various odd-ball Hondas from the 70's and 80's. Oh yeah, 42 year old school teacher, divorced (cycles had something to do with it). Was very much enjoying my '82 supercharged wing, when two things occurred: Blown head gasket (front end lifts on that bitch, couldn't stop myself), and then an accident (group riding with Harley idiots, mistake number one). Neither one was a heartbreaker, but I have been looking and looking for something more modern and more reliable. Looking for mid-sized, too. Tired of 1000+ cc with mileage hit and shoving them around the garage when they don't run. Hit every demo-day I could. Couple of Honda Hoots, VMD, MotoGP, etc... Couldn't shake the Honda habit. Old Concours and Vstrom were very tempting. Need a standard, can't lean forward on right wrist. Found a 1996 VFR that was original owner (middle aged Asian gentleman) with service records. 7900 miles for 3 g's. Immaculate. Made the plunge. It is flippin' awesome. This may be my last cycle. But I said that about the supercharged wing 2 years ago. Plan on getting some soft sides, some convertiBars, and maybe a laminar lip because I commute and tour. Love reading old threads and learning every nook and cranny of the VFR experience. I don't post often because uncomfortable saying anything unless am 100% sure. Only a mediocre mechanic, and have to read a lot and make mistakes before I understand most things. I'll leave with one piece of advice to anyone shying away from VFR because it is more "sport" than "tour"- if you squeeze the tank with your knees (like you are supposed to) it takes most of the pressure off your wrists. Make it a habit and you will get access to many more miles and cycles. And one question: is this the same engine that was in the V45 Magna from the 80's? I almost owned one of those; regret not buying it to this day.
Look forward to seeing you all on this site, and maybe a ride someday.

 

One more addition,

Magna60 with a Weber two-barrel stuck on top. They sold them as a package in the late 70's and since both are re-buildable and pig-iron tough they are still out there. It is a curiosity so I always like to post pix, but the 1996 is bone stock so I won't bother.
Located in the Chicagoland area, but am soon moving to Connecticut.
I thought der Stuka was a German name? Speaking of which.....
Another reason this site looks promising is the input from the EU. A shout out to all my EU brothers and sisters! Isn't the VFR the ride of kings, over there?

 

I'm new too, but had a 3rd gen VFR and loved it. The V45 Magna is essentially the same engine as the early VFR's, but I'm not sure it had the gear driven cams. I had an 82 V45 Sabre, but was drinking too much to remember if it had the gear driven cams.

I used to live in Barrington out your way, but came east in the late 70's. Connecticut isn't that far from where I am near Bethlehem, PA. Welcome.

Gordon

 

Living out East

I have an old friend in R.I. who rides. We'll be out a couple of weekends during the summer. Started going to more rallies over the years. Will have my nose in the wind for any rally in the NorthEast that I can get to. Hope to see you there, will post on the boards if I'm going any where.:cheersaf: