Easter Sunday VFR Story

Hello VFRWorld. I'm a very proud and very satisfied new owner of a 2006 VFR800 ABS. Here's my story. Early last year, I had the opportunity to give the Blackbird a run. I have been on Supersports my entire riding life (YZF R6, R1, CBR600RR and 1000RR), but after feeling what Honda had created in the 1100XX, I was determined to purchase a similar machine. The Blackbird is unfortunately just too much bike for me (5ft 6in 127lbs) so, I did some reading and decided on the VFR. That was February 2010. In September, I bought an EX500R for commuting to work. I also wanted to feel what everyday life would be like on something other than a Supersport (I ride everyday and rarely touch my cars). Life became easier and my back thanked me for the new riding position. Dreaming of the VFR for over a year's time, I decided that it was now or never. Two weeks ago, I started an earnest search and called several private owners as well as dealerships across the country. If I found a deal good enough, I would fly in and ride home. I even posted Wanted ads on Craigslist and various forums. I was on the verge of booking a ticket to North Carolina, and then, my phone rang. 2006 VFR800 ABS 17,500mi Black Pearlescent Stock, Maintained, Full records. $900 service @ 16K mi 40 year riding veteran $5,000 firm 40 minutes away I met the owner Easter Sunday and by day's end, I not only had a new bike, but a new friend as well. It was a good faith sale and he had been shopping around for the right buyer for two months. He said that he didn't want to sell his bike to just anyone, and I understood that. I think we all do. I've loved and cared for all of my bikes and never allow them to fall into disrepair or disuse. This VFR is the jewel in my collection (7 total) and dare I say stands equal to Blackbird. After having gone through so many bikes, it's been the theme that after each purchase, the need for something newer, better, bigger, or just different was never satisfied. This is the first time that that need is gone. I think the VFR has made a believer out of me. Happy Wednesday, everyone! R

 

Great story. I know you are going to enjoy your new ride.
Now you need to post some photos, but don't ask me how . . . it's way too complicated.
Good luck on your VFR.

 

Welcome aboard and congrats! What is your opinion of the VTEC engine?

Rollin

 

Honda's VTEC engine has never failed to impress me. Smooth and steady with amazing high end performance while maintaining manageable low end torque.

I've been on race bikes for most of my riding life (which isn't long - 2004), but I can't say that I have every grown fond of the jerky and moody nature of supersports.

I just gave the VFR its first wash before heading to work. It's 84 degrees here today. I think a night ride will be in order.

 

Thanks for the greeting. I need to replace the front tire to maximize handling since the previous owner ran it a bit low. I was looking at the Dunlps Sportmax Q2. Read around on similar threads here on tire recommendations. This bike is going to replace my commuter bike so I need long wear tires, not sport. Suggestions?

 

Welcom, I work in Orange county so let me know if you want to meet up hang out or ride
As for tires my recommend is the pilot road 2 or road 3 for your commute. Bike bandit are having a set for $239.00

 

+1 to the mich pilot road 2's. Just got a set, put about 1,000 miles on em so far and I'm loving em. Made out of 2 different compounds so they are hard in the center and get softer towards the edges(avoids that freeway center squaring off). Some people on here claim they are lasting 9-13k miles. I'll have to see. They are great tires so long as yer not trying to drag a knee every weekend on public roads :crazy: The pilot road 3's are supposed to be even nicer but will run you anywhere between $100-200 more for the set. And Welcome hehe.

 

Thanks Byrds. Very helpful. I think I'll look into your recommendation. I figured a double compound tire would work best since most of my riding is highway. I don't drag knees and elbows on my rides. It's really not necessary.

Though at times I'll just plunge myself out there to look stupid. Today I hung my knee out to the side while taking a left hand turn at 15mph. Surely testing the limits of grip.

Ordering tires tomorrow. Thanks again!

 

Welcome to the board and congrats on your new purchase. The others have already spoken but I will add in that the Road 2/3's are better for your VFR and how you ride than the Q2's.

If you want to get a little crazy on the street the Road 2/3's are still plenty good. I have a friend that rides a 2005 ZX10 that has been reworked for more power. He rides Road 2's (and now Road 3's) on his ZX10 and is crazy fast. I don't even try to keep up on my 954.

I have the Road 2's on my 98 VFR and I got 7k miles out of the rear and I don't baby it at all. Front was still good. I only replaced them because I was taking the bike to the track and they require at least 1/2 tread. (See avatar) The rear really wasn't ready to be replaced. I saved the front for later, it still has a lot of miles left in it.

Enjoy your Viffer!

 

Thanks, Deadsmiley.

I'll be ordering new tires this weekend. I need to get the front tire replaced. The previous owner really did a number on it by running it under pressure. Took a canyon run yesterday and man did I feel it.

Thanks, everyone for chiming in. I'm sold on the Pilot Road 3's. Cycle Gear doesn't have them in stock so I'll have to order them. In the mean time, the rear tire is still practically new and it's the Michelin Pilot (beta, I suppose) which the store does have in stock. I'll run these down and keep the Pilot Road 3's in the garage for the next round.

The Ninja also needs a new rear tire after being flattened out so I'll just make a bulk order and hopefully get a discount.

Have a great weekend riding!!!