Thinking about a VFR - 5"4

Hey all,

Im a short rider - but Ive been riding for while. Id like a sport tourer, to add to my Harley stable

I love the VFR - and its not the seat height that worries me (Ive ridden Ulysses for a couple years) - its the reach to the bars. I have very short arms. Im not sure that even the Helibars would bring the bars back to where I could comfortably tour 400 mile days (which is my plan). What are my options? Should I be considering another bike that has a shorter distance between the tank and the bars? I just really like the motor that sits in the 4th & 5th generation VFR...

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated...

 

I saw a guy install a diffrence handle bar like a dirt bike type. Forgot what it call. But don't give up yet......There are many peoples in here can help you sooooon

 

Don't let your height put you off buying a VFR. You'll probably be OK if you have an inside length measurement of around 26 inches.

I'm a couple of inches taller, and at 10 stone not particularly heavy. I had more or less decided the VFR was not right for me, following a couple of scary test rides on 6th gen VFR demonstrators. Compared with the GSX I was used to, they were pretty top heavy and really hard work to keep upright, the seat was far too stiff, the bars too far away, and it seemed to have the turning circle of the Exxon Valdez. The ABS model was even heavier.

Fortunately for me the dealer persisted and suggested I try out a used model he had just got in on PX. I was shocked to see how much lower the used bike was compared with the brand new ones in the showroom, and the seat was really comfortable. Obviously over time the suspension, seats etc, had settled down making the bike at least an inch lower. So after a bit of haggling (light scrapes on the fairings suggested the previous owner had managed to let it fall over on both sides) I found myself the proud owner of a slightly battered VFR which I could just about touch the ground on. After a few weeks I swapped out the stock bars for Helibars and this made a huge improvement in the ride position and by taking weight off my hands I suddenly found the bike was much much easier to handle. Add in some new boots with thick soles from Hein Gericke and I am at last able to get both feet down and walk the bike around without fearing I'm about to drop the bike.

 

i'm 5'3" and change and my 1st gen is perfect for me. for the handlebars you can totally change those out - no worries!!

 

vfrshorty can help you ........:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

At 5'4", you should be pretty comfortable on a VFR. I am 5'2" and did a little work to make my 87 work for me. I took all the foam off the seat and replaced it with 1/2" of real squishy stuff on the top only, left it off the sides to keep it narrow. For me this was still very comfortable, but I know it was not for someone 200+ pounds. I had absolutely no problems reaching the handlebars, and never one ounce of discomfort. :smile:

 

Thanks everyone! You guys are awesome.

Question - which of the generations is the smallest dimensionally? Which has a best seat to handlebar relationship for a shorter armed rider? I love the look of the 3rd and 4th gen bikes....simply awesome.

Cheers!