I have been trying to get back into the sport for several years but a reluctant wife stood in my way. :frown: FINALLY I have broken the resistance:biggrin: So here is your chance to tell me why I want the VFR. Looking at a 07-09 preferrably with ABS. The F800ST bimmer is in the mix along with some others that don't quite fit. (not apple to oranges maybe oranges to tangerenes) Others in the mix are the 696 Duc or the Triumph Street Triple. I guess what I am asking is if you own a Viffer and are a member of this page you obviously have an affinity for the bike so in 100 words or less (or more if you wish) please answer the following. "This is why I love my VFR and why you should join our team" Thanks
You are going to find that the members on this board arent salesmen. Everyone on here is happy with their bikes as a "do everything well" motorcycle. Try the search engine here for all the info you could want on the VFRs.
I know i am not a saleman, but i'll give it a shot at least: I bought my vfr because it was the most well rounded of all the bikes i was looking at (FZ6, Triumph 675, CBR F4i, etc.). I thought at the time (and it is still true today) that i wanted something more of a Gentleman's Express, a Gran Turismo if you will of two wheeled conveyance. I wanted something I could commute on, something i could have fun on, maybe even one day something i would ride two up on. There are faster bikes, quicker accelerating bikes, more comfortable bikes, cheaper bikes, and even cooler looking bikes out there, but there isnt a bike that is all of those things more than a vfr. It's not perfect, but it is a very good fit for a lot of reasons.
Wleaumont: The good news is that, given what you're looking at, you're not going to make a bad choice. All of those bikes are terrific. The Duc and the Street Triple are both lovely handling light weights with spirited, willing engines. The F800ST is a more direct match up to the VFR. What kind of riding are you planning on doing? As I said, the Duc and Triumph are terrific doodling about bikes, but not necessarily a great choice for highway riding. My first bike was an SV650; wonderful in so many ways but not at all fun (in my opinion) at 75mph on a freeway with no wind protection. Lots of folks ride naked bikes all day long at highway speeds without complaining, but I much prefer having the faring smooth out the airflow for high speed cruising. The BMW addresses the wind issue nicely; the reason I didn't buy one was the fiddly (compared to the Honda/Givi) saddlebag design and early engine reliability issues. See the BMW owners sites about piston slap. Early VFRs had rectifier issue but that was resolved long ago. If you browse the VFR owners websites you'll see issues such as, "I've tried everything and can't get my drive chains to last more than 28,000 miles. I'm on my fourth set. Help?" The message being that's the only thing to whine about in 100,000+ miles. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to my eye the VFR is the pick of the litter. The VFR is the supreme all-arounder. Its fit and finish is wonderful, it delights in both back road tom-foolery and serious touring, the engine tone above the VTEC kick-in point is a delight, and reliability is legendary. What this doesn't convey is how much FUN it is; it's such a willing partner for whatever kind of riding you want to do. Scan the different stories on the "Trips & Events" section of our forum; you won't find many stories of people coming home without silly grins on their faces. The VFR is the great sport ride/commute/tour happy to do anything you want bike. Great ride quality on real world surfaces, solid in the turns, plenty of giddyup when the spirit moves you. Finally, I'd guess I'd say that picking a bike for most of us is an emotional choice. Unlike in many parts of the world where a motorcycle is the family vehicle, most of us in the US have a bike as a hobby to indulge a dream. Which of these bikes fits your dream? Best of luck whatever you choose, Bob S.
Thanks for the input. I had a sighting today of a '07 anniversary edition. I have admit the photos don't give the bike justice. A great looking machine, he also had the 2 Bros. exhaust. VFR has the nicest exhaust note of all the machines I am looking at. Another non-riding aspect of the bike that bodes well is the availablity and pricing. I guess with the 1200 hitting the street they are wanting to move old stock. I had my mind pretty much set on this machine just needed a little reassurance. Now it is just when not if.....and when will be here real real soon. Thanks again, Walt
It is official I am soon the proud owner of a '07 anniversay with ABS. I found one going thru a dealer in Louisville which is a scant hour drive for a great price and he gave me a sweet deal on a set of Leo Vince Carbon pipes. I will post photos when I pick her up on Friday. Thanks for the input and enjoy the ride
I HATE FUC*&^$% VFRS. What a piece of garbage to even think about owning a VFR let alone any 6th gen 02-09 that is better know as the 2 wheel fireball! Save your self some money and buy a nice KIA ! you think he is gone? we dont need more people at SLO 2010 eating and drinking all the good stuff....
Don't worry SLO, its a 2000 mile drive for him so he might not make it just as I won't be able to. You'll have plenty of beer and food for yourself. :-D
Walt: Congratulations! I bet you're going to love it. I completely agree that no photo has ever done justice to the RWB paint scheme; it has to be seen to be appreciated. I hope the fact that you're an hour from Louisville means that (unlike here in Connecticut) there are some snow and sand-free roads on which to go out an enjoy the new toy. Best of luck, Bob S.
You guys need to get with the program, Randy has no problem driving through sleet and snow and 2000 miles to make it !
I'm trying to get out there. Cash flow is just a serious problem right now without a job otherwise nothing would be stopping me.
