Looking to Change from an ST1100 to A VFR

New VFR

Curtis,
Congrats on the new VFR and glad you were able to keep the ST. I got an 04 ST1300a model and haven't looked back, I looked at he FJR, BMW's even other such types. For me all day comfort is what I got with my ST but like you something sporty was calling to me as I sold my 97 TL1000 cause of a bad back.....I did get lucky enough to get me a 99 VFR so like you now I rounded out my fleet of bikes....Its worth some extra cash spent to add bars and a better seat to extend the ride on the VFR .....Enjoy see you round the forum...
Rod

 

My plan was to trade in the ST1100 for the VFR. I couldn't see having 3 bikes in the shed. My wife rides her own ST. I was absolutely amazed that my wife let me buy the VFR. I still haven't got that one figured out. She told me not to trade in the ST but work on it this winter. It needs a new fork seal, rear shock, and valve adjustment. I guess I should do some sort of maintenance. It has over 60,000 trouble-free miles on it! I wish I would have found this VFR earlier in the year. I'm just itching to go for a ride but the weather is not cooperating. :frown:

 

Well, it's been about a month and I've had the chance to go on a few rides with the VFR. I've had a heck of a lot of fun on it. I did give in and wired up a connector for my heated gear. It's been getting in the mid-30's lately so the weather has been cooperating. I really haven't needed the heated gear. It's just nice to take the edge off of a chill when traveling down the interstate. I don't know if the so-called 7K bump has gone away or I've just gotten used to it. But, it's no longer an issue. Maybe the Power Commander is doing it's job. I just need a day to take out the VFR and stretch it's legs. I've got a couple hundred mile ride in mind if the weather warms up. My experience with ride comfort on the VFR is not that much different than my ST1100. I don't find the VFR to be the least bit uncomfortable. It could be due to my short stumpy legs and long upper body. It's a real disadvantage while rolling the bike around seated. But, I think short legs are a real advantage when riding. IMO, The biggest difference in ride comfort between the ST and the VFR is wind protection. But, overall that is a good trade-off for what you gain.

 

It may have gotten smoother by itself, remember when I owned a '03 Gen 6 the Vtec had smoothed noticeably by 7,500miles. As for riding position found I preferred the VFRs stock slightly lean forward to bolt upright for long distances but it may take a few long rides to retrain your muscles, the idea is to take the path with the most twisties and use Motorways only to link them together.

 

I used to use the Widder Lectric vest along with the gloves on my thrid gen bike when I lived in NJ. No issues and they kept me warm. Had to use a balaclava and a snow mobile suit along with three layers of socks, but that was 30 degree days. I liked the carburated STs, how many miles you got? Hard luggage is nice, if a nice clean, cheap Concours came around, I would consider it.

 

I find that after about 75km I start to get sore knees and after 150km my ass is numb from the stock seat.

The Heli Bars made a huge difference to my wrists and I will be getting a custom seat made up.

 

I've got a little over 60,000 miles on the ST. And if I could only have one bike it would be the ST1100. There is no other bike that exists that I would choose over the ST irregardless of the price. It's that good.

You would regret buying a Concours. There is just no comparison between a ST and the Kawi. A friend of mine who had a Concours switched bikes for a little test ride. He came back with a huge smile on his face. Then he asked me if I wanted to trade bikes straight across. Right.. I came back from riding the Connie feeling like the fit and finish was poor. I really had to wring out the throttle to get any performance out of it. It also seemed like there was a lot of vibration through out the bike. The VFR is much more comfortable. The Concours is not something I would choose to ride on a long trip. I think there are actually more folks that ride Connies than ST's. But, I think that has a lot to do with the cost. I'm hoping that I'm not offending anyone who owns a Concours. But, there is no way you can come away from riding each one and choose the Kawasaki.

 

I haven't had a chance to ride more than about an hour or so. There was no discomfort of any kind. The stock seat on my ST was horrible. When I changed to the Corbin seat I can ride until I'm just too tired to ride. I'm sure the VFR would benefit from an aftermarket seat. I guess I will find out when I get more seat time.

 

Doing as 640kms day ride tomorrow if the weather holds, swinging past Loftus Oval about 06:40 > Up Mac Pass for Pies > down Roo Valley > Nowra > newly sealed back roads to Nerriga > Tarago > Braidwood > Batemans Bay back home.

PM me if you're Interested to swap mobile numbers, may cancel in the morning if the weather turns.

Route Map:
Sylvania NSW to Sylvania NSW - Google Maps

 

Mmm....apple turnovers from the Robbo pie shop...

Anyway, as much as I'd love to meet up with you, I'm now living on the Sunshine Coast, so it's a bit too far...

I have to say, the roads up here are a damned sight better than those around Sydney. If you're ever up this way, give us a yell.

 

I have an '05 ST1300 with 56,000mi. on it and a '06 VFR with 20,000mi. on it. Like you I wanted another bike when my fun rider Buell S3 had 63,000mi. My wife said the Buell had to go when I ran across the VFR.

I use the ST for cold weather commuting and travelling. I use the VFR for commuting and fun riding. I have ridden several 950mi. days on the ST and did a 6,200mi., 2-week trip this past summer. The longest I will ride the VFR in a day is 550mi. (coincidentally the distance to Arkansas).

I have friends with Connies, FJRs, K1200S' and they are all nice bikes with their ups and downs. I am happy with my choices and we all gt along fine. Notice HD wasn't mentioned here.