First Ride on a VFR

Man what did I start here? :sportbikesmile: I wasn't slamming the VFR, merely my observations and being an engineer things are pretty black and white with me. Didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. Things are what they are. My initial point was just what I experienced on my first ride of the VFR. I do understand I will get more familiar with the characteristics of this bike versus what I'm used to. I never said the bike was bad or inadequate. I bought it for a purpose, commuting, sportiness, looks, luggage, comfort etc.

Anyway, more to come as I start commuting to work on it tomorrow.
What kind of RPMs do you guys normally run around at? Power kicks in over 7000 and if it's anything like my old 750 inline 4 as long as the revs are up and your in the right power band it's a blast.

 

i dont think any feathers were really ruffled. you asked we answered. you'll see as you look at more posts everybody has their opinion and their own way of telling it. it took me a while after i joined to get the jest of it

 

Hey it's all good, no ruffed up feathers here. is cool. just relating.

 

My feathers are smooth, too. Your first impression was very similar to mine anyway.

 

cbr 929 vs vfr

Hey all! I just sold an 01' cbr 929rr and move into an 03' vfr. There is a huge difference between the bikes. The Cbr was fun to ride for maybe 50 miles, then it was a torture rack. In 01 the cbr was the least extreme riding position you could get on a sport bike. I bought the vfr in Arkansas and rode it home 325 miles. I figured I would know if I liked it or not by then. I love the looks of the vfr, and the sweet sounds she makes. NOt near as fast as the cbr but I was looking for a bike to ride longer distances and sometimes 2 up. The vfr fit the bill perfect for the guy that wants the best of both worlds.

 

Long story short, I have an '03 vtr 1000 for sale. now that I've purchased an '08 vfr everything is so refined on this bike. love the sound and feel of the v4 engine.

 

I'll agree with your take on the "their own way of telling it". I think everyone here can apreciate any bike for its intended purpose but what I REALLY enjoy about this site is everyones sense of humor and wit.

Back to your question though, give it time and be sure to report back how you feel about your VFR after you get a chance to put a few miles on her...

 

I've been all over the spectrum of bikes over the years, cbx,klr, cb 750,harleys, etc. etc. After doing a helluva lot of research and test rides I decided on the vfr. This site was a huge influence on my choice also, where else do you get this much free advice and really great people to share ideas with! So now the only problem was which generation, really a toss up there, they've all got their own pros and cons.
I ended up with a sweet deal on an 03, price being my main reason. I loved the looks and technology in the bike. Besides , I figured for what i had invested, if i didn't like it I'd flog it on a 5th gen(second choice). Well, after a few thousand K I know this is MY bike. I like it so much in fact that I just picked up a mate for it in the way of a "still in the crate" 07 RWB. That is just the sickest colour scheme going. Yes I know ,I know "red is the fastest" but DAMN, does this turn heads.
My point being that as you get used to it more you'll realize that this is the all around friendliest ride out there. Cheers and have fun.:thumbsup:

 

I love my VFR, but hate the linked brakes. I love the VFR for its refined features and weight for all weather touring. I gotta say though I bought a Yamaha YZF600R last year and love the bike. The Yamaha is not as refined as the VFR, but it is only a 600cc inline four that can kick the VFR arse. With the Yamaha YZF 600R I can carry more speed though the corners. The other thing about the Yamaha YZF 600R is it is fun to ride and has real personality. The VFR is kinda like a reliable old friend and that can get a little dull. The VFR is still the better all around bike - especially in wet/icey weather. The VFR stays planted on all surfaces and so does the Yamaha YZF, but the Yamaha is little light in the rear so it is not as stable as the VFR in wet/icey road conditions. The Yamaha YZF 600R has a real comfortable banana seat and riding position (great for 2 up riding) , 5 gal tank, great brakes and suspension, but the headlight SUCKS!!!!. I am a Honda rider that is looking at how Honda is setting up their bikes with tooo many sensors and stuff that takes away from feel and total control of the bike. I like the Yamaha YZF 600r so much I may trade my VFR for a Yamaha R1 - love the handling. Anyway, no disrespect to the VFR because it is still the defacto sportbike tourer, but others are catching up - just not as refined with things like fuel meter, clock, temp gage and a host of other ameneties - did I mention center stand.

 

I'm with Reg71 and emon07, the VFR isn't a balls-to-the-wall bike. Sometimes I do wish I could just crack the throttle open and feel the rush of going warp speed.

But when you consider all the pros and cons of the various bikes out there the VFR is a winner because it allows me to ride all day with just lunch and bathroom breaks. Try doing that on the repli-racers. Before I bought my bike I would ride my buddy's Kawasaki ZX-6R just for fun. I love how fast that bike is but damn, the riding position kills me. I made the mistake of going on a 2 hour ride, half way I had to head back with aching wrists and I couldn't take a break because I had an appointment.

That said, when I get some more cash saved up I am thinking of getting a track bike, possible a 600cc, because on the street you won't really make use of the full potential of the bike. I'd rather haul ass on a track than down main street.