Looking to Change from an ST1100 to A VFR

I'm a long time Honda rider. I currently own a '97 Honda ST1100. I'm looking for something a little sportier yet fairly comfortable. I've been looking at the VFR for years. So, I'm mostly just here to convince myself that I need to buy one!

Curtis

 

Your definitely gonna want the ST for rides longer than three or four-hundred miles, especially if your slabbing it. However, the VFR is a great all rounder that is very fun on twisty roads while still being relatively comfortable. You also can't beat the sound.

 

Compared to a true sport bike, the VFR is still sporty, but yet comfortable. However, it doesn't have the comfort of an ST for the rider or passenger. To have it resemble what you've got, you'll need a good aftermarket seat and a set of bar risers. Even then, I don't think you'd be there. How much are you willing to give up in the comfort department?

 

I think you will like it. I bet you could get a test ride in somewhere near you if you let the dealer know that you were thinking about trading in the ST (even if you wantd to keep it)

I think you will be delightfully surprised by the comfort of the VFR. On 2-3 hour rides my only complaint is sore butt (stock seat)

Cheers

 

It is sound logic.........at least from here......curious how it works oot. I was thinking 180 oot (my ass has consulted Dr. Phil aboot 600 mile plus days) . Please post up how it works oot.

 

Thanks for all the input. I found someone wanting to sell their 2005 VFR locally. And I have lusted after one for years. I've had my '97 ST1100 for a little over 10 years. It has been a great, reliable ride. I done plenty of 500+ miles days. Now I only do those type of rides a few days a year. Most of my rides are under 200 miles. My wife rides her own ST so I don't have to worry about any 2-up issues.

The first thing I had to change on the ST was the seat. I swear the stock seats on all bikes are nothing short of a torture device! I was only good for about 75 miles on the stock seat. I switched to the Corbin several years back and I am good until my legs go numb from lack of movement. So, I'm sure the first change on the VFR would be a aftermarket seat.

I think one of the things I would really miss the most on the ST is luggage. I have a top case and of course side cases on the ST. Cases are secure places to stash a helmet, gloves, spare jacket, first aid kits, hats, rain gear and other misc items that come in handy for a ride. I know they make luggage for the VFR but I find it unappealing.

Idaho is an extreme of riding environments. If you ride east or west it's nothing but "super slab". And it's pretty much all 75 mph. If you ride north it's one of most desirable rides in the USA. Great technical stuff with beautiful sweepers. And scenery that makes it hard to keep your eyes on the road. This is where the VFR would shine.

Anyway, sorry about the novel I just posted. I have lots of questions.

Curtis

 

I have the Honda luggage and will never use it again, it ruins the bike for any fun riding you come across and just sucks over all unless you need to pack the kitchen sink. I can get by with packing lite.

 

Well, I pulled the trigger and bought a '05 VFR. It looked and road like new with only 5100 miles on it! Today was also my first ride on the VFR. It is considerably different than my '97 ST1100. The riding position is much more aggressive and at lower speeds becomes a little tiresome. Once you get up to around 45mph the weight starts to come off the handle bars a little. It also seems like I'm riding really high compared to the ST.

My one complaint is the 7K Vtec "jump". But, this appears to be a common complaint. I'm also wondering if Heli-bars would make that much difference? Anyway, I will make updates on my experience as I go. Maybe this thread should be somewhere else.

Curtis

 

Congratulations on the purchase. It sounds like it's a new bike. To smooth out the VTEC, you can take a look at adding a Power Commander. I'd say ride it a while and if you don't like the seating position, then go for the Heli-bars. The problem is that coming off the ST, you're going from luxury to semi-luxury. If you were coming from a CBR to the VFR, then you'd be loving it right now.

 

You have a good point. Comfort really comes from your point of reference. I have friends who ride Goldwings and Harleys and they think the ST1100 is too sporty! I will take the VFR home this Monday. It might just be me, but does the riding position seem high above the bike? I have a gorilla body type. You know, stumpy little legs (30" inseam) and a long upper body. I find this to actually be a bonus when riding my ST1100. My legs don't cramp up. But, on the negative side, I can't flat-foot the VFR. I'm just a tad short of reaching the ground. So backing it up or moving it around in a parking lot will be challenging. I may just have to get off and push and pull it around. I'm still pretty excited. I'll post pictures when I get it home.
BTW, my wife let me keep my ST1100! So, I now have a motorcycle for all occasions. Sweet!

Curtis

 

Now you have a bike for every purpose or mood, perfect!

 

Congrats on the buy, I have a 2002 and the very first thing I did was have some foam removed from the original seat seeing that I'm vertically challenged also, then put the Heli's on and PERFECT. Long rides , no problem for the butt. HUGE difference JMO

 

This morning it was below freezing when I went off on a ride. I was glad to still have my ST. It has a wee bit more wind protection and a 12V outlet for my heated gear. I'm wondering if I should mess with adding a 12V power outlet on the VFR? I hear the electrical system is pretty marginal for added equipment.

Curtis

 

Suse,

I've had a set of Heli-bars on my VFR for a year and have just done a 600km long ride to Gnomesville (long story, google it). The previous year where I had stock bars, my wrists and back ached from the riding position. This year, I was able to make the journey comfortably and felt as if I could have done another 600km. I also have a Sargent seat and this has also helped tremendously.

 

I guess it all depends on what your body can take. My wife has Heli bars and a Corbin seat on her ST. I just have the Corbin seat. I am fine with the stock handlebar position. But the stock seat had to go! I was good for about 150 miles and I was ready to take a walk. When I changed to the Corbin I was able to do some 900 mile days. By that time I was just tired of riding and my knees start getting sore. That was when I first got the ST1100. I figured the reason to have the bike was to cover as much territory as I could in one day. I would ride 400 miles without even putting a foot down. Basically, tank to tank. Not a fun way to ride. But, that's another story.

Curtis

 

Funny thing you should mention adding a Power Commander. I just found one installed when I removed the seat to put in my insurance papers! It is the Power Commander III USB. I have no idea why it is installed. This '05 VFR seems to be bone stock? I've done some light research and it appears there are different "maps" that can be uploaded to the unit. And who knows what map is loaded on this Power Commander. Weird???

 

For what it's worth, I went from an FJR1300 to the VFR. I got tired of how top heavy it was--not an issue with your ST. Fill up the 6 gal tank and for those inseam challenged, it got interesting. I wanted a lighter, sportier touring bike. I travel to SD from VA every year and have done the trip 3 times on the FJR and once on the VFR. My longest days were about the same on both. 835 on the fjr and 770 on the vfr. I had more fun on the vfr. The suspension is not as good as the vfr, but I plan to do some suspension work this winter. I did not have a problem in the comfort area and I really never liked the huge windshield on the fjr. I think I found my 'more perfect' sport tourer. No bar risers, stock seat, givi bags. Hope you have as good of an experience.

 

I have considered both the ST and the FJ as another bike for the long distance rides. ST's litter the earth along the Oregon coast and made me wonder if I was on the wrong bike.

 

If I were to get another large displacement sport tourer, I would look for another FJR or if Yamaha ever updated the thing, I would consider a new one...if they did not mess it up that is.

 

After I had my ST1100 for a while I looked at the FJR and the ST1300. I did a lot of research and actually did a lot of riding on the FJR and ST. My wife owned a ST1300 for a couple of years. There were quite a few of us ST riders that jumped ship for the FJR when it first came out. I found that the FJR edged out the ST in the acceleration category. But, not by much in the real world. When you do the research you look at the FJR and it's running about half a second faster in the 0-60 and the 1/4 mile. It just felt faster because of harshness of the power delivery. The ST1300 was very smooth in it's power delivery. It's the type of bike that you look down at the Spedo and roll off the throttle because you "thought" you were doing close to the speed limit. But, in the end it always comes down to the same thing: Quality. The ST is more refined. The fit and finish is better, the motor is smoother, the ride is more comfortable and it just feels better balanced when all things are considered. But, I have a close friend who went from a Goldwing to an FJR. And he loves it! Go figure.