Ok guys and gals looking for a little input. I'm a new rider and looking strong into the VFR's. I'm at best 5ft9 185-190 short legs but big frame. I am unsure of the model that would fit me best. I really like the 400 but am unsure of being able to source out parts as needed. I was thinking that bike would be small enough to learn on but again wondering about the parts. Aside from the being able to fix nearly anything that would happen to a new rider on a larger 750-800 would it make a good choice. I have my eye on a couple that are in the ball park of 4k. I'm also going to use this to commute to work at 55miles one way mostly straight country roads and some weekend rides. So, any input would be great thanks in advance.
I don't beleive in the 'it's too big to learn on' philosophy. I think as long as you don't yank the throttle you can learn on any sized bike if you are so motivated. That being said, the easiest bikes to learn on are small bore standards, like the Honda 599 or 250 Nighthawk. The only issue with the truely small bores like the Nighthawk is you will outgrown them really fast. The 599 is hard to outgrow. It's damn fast, super easy to control, and super reliable. Just like the VFR, but a new rider will be able to control the 599 better. Not control speed and stopping, but low speed manuevers are easier on standards. If you alreay know you're going to be commuting then I'd suggest the 750-800 instead of the 400. The 400 can totally handle the highway, but still, you'll apreciate the extra CCs on your 55 mile commute. Fortunatly the VFRs are somewhere between a standard and sport riding position, so they are easy enough to control on tight spaces but you can tuck in for high speed fun. The standard riding position is still easier to control at lower speeds so if you can borrow a Nighthawk or 599 for your drivers test you'll be better off. To this day I still love my 84 Nighthawk 650 becuase I can use it for anything, long rides, commutes, canyon carving (did awesome with sport tires on it). I still have it, it just lives in my friends driveway. The VFR is awesome though. I'm super happy with my '06 VFR and wouldn't trade it for anything. Good luck!
Thanks for the reply, great info. I did look at the 599 but didn't like the naked bike look as much or the ability as you say to tuck in. The roads I will travel are all 35-55mph roads but when I want I would like to do some interstate riding. Lucky for me Alabama doesn't have a test to ride only written to get a DL. That being said I will take a couple of riders courses trailering the bike to and from. Only riding in my subdivision until I get my feet wet. Learning to handle and break it really aren't such a big deal to me. I am an ex-triathlete where we ride on tires less than an inch wide at up to 35mph in corners and can get downhill speeds over 50. So, I know how to lean, know not to squeeze front breaks too hard and rears too hard for slides. So, I'm not all that green. More so getting used to shifting the weight of something on two wheels that weighs over 25lbs ... I do agree with slow and steady, not doing more than one thinks he/she can handle. One last point, the 599 used market price is so much more than a VFR in say a 97-02 as for as price goes. I think I could protect the bike with a cage and or some frame sliders?
Hi there, well this is a on going topic here, was looking for the thread, Hmm anywho, yea VFR's are great, at 5'9" you're on the outside edge of the fit, but with a little practice you should do okay, might want to, if this is your first bike, to get a good handle on a lighter more fits ya bike, a 88-90 650 hawk would fit you really well. In fact here's one for sale in my neck of the woods, in very good condition and the price is a killer deal. http://www.pnwriders.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16923 He could get more for it in the spring, but thought why not pass this on, take a look at that sexy SSSA too. ala VFR. these don't come along very offten, so if your serious this will be a good spring board for ya.
