Shoping for a VFR

I am new to the board but I have been lurking for a while. I am possibly looking for a VFR as a second bike. I have an Aprilia right now but after everything that I have done to it I have made it more aggressive and taken away whatever sport touring capabilities it had.

I will tell you I have just recently started looking at VFRs thinking it may be the bike I need. Hopefully you can give me the real scoop and let me know if it is what I am looking for.

I am looking for something confortable for my 6'-0" 220 lb frame along with my wife in the mid 100 lb range (I don't dare ask for a commited number because then she will ask why I want it!). I don't need a rocket, I just need something with reasonable power in the midrange, but the bike will likely never press beyond 100 mph. I want decent wind protection, bags if possible and the possibility of the addition of a power outlet (the one weak point on my Aprilia). Of course, like everyone else spending cash I want reliability.

I am drawn by looks to the current (especially the white 06!) and previous models. I know the current model is a VTEC and I have read mixed reviews about it in the magazines. I have ridden a 2000 VFR so I know how it rides and I love the linear power of the cam driven v-four. That bike is the reason I am even looking for a VFR. I will not buy a second bike new so I am definitely looking for a used pickup and maybe what I should expect to spend.

Any comments/contributions are appreciated. I am sure I will get the real deal answers I am looking for.

If anyone has experience with these bikes, feel free to compare them because I am still open. I originally started looking for an Aprilia Futura but I am afraid it would be too much like my current bike. These are the other bikes in my mind.

Triumph Sprint ST (current model)
BMW K1200RS


Thanks in advance

 

I am in NE Ohio so Cali is a haul for a bike. Most of the riding on whatever second bike I buy will be 2 up riding. I am keeping the Aprilia for my Sunday morning rides. Thanks for the info, I will try to contact him.

 

From what I've read here and in mags, the VFR is not a good 2-up bike - I'm keeping my Valkyrie for that. Just look at the rear pillion and the short distance to the rear pegs, not to mention this bike doesnt have near the torque to comfortably haul 320 lbs+riding gear+any stuff you put in the bags. Sure it could do it, but with lots of shifting. If you want to stay with this style of bike, maybe Blackbird or Busa, but again the comfort factor - some don't mind but I'd never sit on a sportbike pillion for any length of time. I'd look for a good condition used ST1100 - much more comfy with an engine made for what you want to do + you still get the v-4 engine.

 

Hmm, being you're all ready in tune to Aprilia, I'd stay that way, that Futura is a nice bike, better two up IMO, not that the VFR can't handle two up but anything more than a couple hundred miles+ starts to bring concerns in the comfort arena. That BMW isn't a bad way to go either. best of luck.

 

I originally started out shopping for a Futura but I know if I get it I will tweak it and mod it to the point at which it is not much good for touring. Did you know you can actually make a Futura faster than a Mille???

I have kicked around a Busa too but my buddy has a stage 4 turbo on his and again, I would tinker too much.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for the honest advice. I will do some more searching. I will look into the more mucho grande sport tourers. My goal was to find the happy medium in case I wanted to just hop on and ride without moving cars and bikes around the garage. Apparently I would be better off looking around some more.

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you.