Is a VFR the right bike for me?

Tight technical chicanes on mountain roads are my favorite backyard burners. No, I'm 63 years old and rip them with my 650 KLR and own a 2003 Honda Saber (don't try carving with this boulevard cruiser..). Wife just picked up a 2010 Kawi Ninja 250 and it's a blast to ride. But the Ninja has me cramped up cuz the wife is five ft tall and I'm 5'9". All the VFR guys love their bikes and tell me its a kicker on the curves as well. Seems a bit heavy at around 475 lbs to flick through the turns however my buddies on BMW 1200 GS can get a nice angle around tight turns, so big doesn't mean cumbersome or unforgiving. I've ridden a Kawi ZZR 1200 and it's a rocket ship however I had to fight the bike through the turns, it just didn't want to lay over easily, even with significant counter steer. So I gotta find a VFR800 to ride but until then, I'll cruise the forum and see what current riders think about this scoot. Any perspective is welcome.[/FONT]

 

The VFR's weight isn't an issue, as you will find that the superb balance makes it seem much, much lighter than it is.

Buy one; you'll love it.

 

I'll go with Rainbow on this...

 

Excellent bike.. My only complaint is it can be a grumpy bitch at low rpm.. Rev it a bit and it's perfect. I hear the power commander will clean up the low rev issue a bit..

 

LOL... Dude comes on a BB that's all (mostly) about a specific bike and wants to know what?

Ironhead was the name of some of the 883 Harley Sportsters of 60's vintage. Steelhead is good too but could be mistaken for a fish. Mr. Potatohead needs no introduction. Potheads can be found at head shops. Panheads and Knuckleheads are sometimes associated with Fat Boys.

 

If you enjoy riding a ninja 250 you will love the VFR.

 

VFRs do ok on twisty roads.




Rollin

 

Do i see sparks?????

 

I love Kawasakis but that particular bike wasnt a huge success here. Why own something that you cant get parts for redilly>? ZX11s were nice though, would love to find one that wasnt thrashed to shit.

Get a VFR 800 and stop flogging the shit outa that little Ninjette for gawds sake!

 

Go ride one! You will find that it's balance of handling and power is what makes it a great all around bike!

 

Yes, you do. That's Sebspeed. I've seen the real photo for that picture. He lives up in the Adirondacks. I've ridden (rode?) with him a few times. He's on this board, but much more active on the other one.

 

If you get down to the details, a CBR 600F4 is a better bike for storming corners due to it's lightness, but the VFR is better for longer distances.

 

You basically came to an apple cart and asked if you should buy an apple or an orange. Your gonna get everyone telling you to buy a VFR. It is a very nice bike. Yes it is a bit heavy but underway it's fine. It is a very comfortable bike for long runs, it is a very forgiving bike. It holds a nice line in the curves etc. It is not a CBR, RSV, ZX10, Gixxer etc. It is a good at just about everything street. With the right adjustments you can do anything the street has to offer within reason.

Good luck in your search I hope you find a bike that works well for you. Keep on riding...enjoy.

 

Great stuff here ! I'll quit trashing my wifes Ninja and will get serious about tracking down a VFR800. I've heard it is a fine all around bike and will most likely replace my Sabre on the long-hauls.

Ironhead comes from my efforts to become a triathlete and do an Ironman event. I've fallen way short (although the training was great) and thus the Iron-head moniker. I'm addicted to moto's.

I'll read up on the forums, learn what wrenching is doable for me and buy a used rig with low milage. The V4 engine is unique. Wooooo Haaaaaaa!

 

At 5' 9" you are not considered short. Your wife at 5' is petite.. I liked Ironman 1 better than 2 and don't even try doing an Ironbutt on that 250..Ouch!

 

Someone just posted a 04 6th gen for 2900. I thick it was listed on Craigs List.

 

I loved the first IronMan movie with that x-drug addict (whats his name?) Downey? Anywhoo-that mini-ninja bike wants it valves done exactly to spec, if its off a .001 its not happy, plus you need a special Kawasaki valve lash tool to get at them. You should dump the 250 and get a 500 ninja / VFR is vertually maintenance free, very strong bike.

Would not wana do an Iron-Butt rally on dat ninjette 250 that would be a bad thing/I also like listening to Black Sabbath's
"Iron-Man." but appreciate other songs from the band. ; ) Merry freaking X-Mas

 

Mine has been ridden like a well experienced hooker on Hastings Street in Vancouver. Ridden hard and put away wet but it still performs when called upon at 88k miles. And though I am not as old as you, I am knocking at your back door. I suspect far from the personal condition you are in as well. But this ride has been good for a few long trips, twice to central California and will be going from Canada to Mexico and a few places in between this March. Go get the VFR. There may be better bikes out there for different purposes, but I am sure you will be please with the VFR.

 

The VFR800 has been consistently reviewed by magazines as the best sport/touring type of motorcycle you can get. I am 6' tall, 250 lbs. and i bought a 2000 with 65k miles. It runs awesome, rides great, still gets stares rolling down the street and is easy to get into and work on. I have had several UJM type bikes and my VFR is almost as comfortable to ride, but much better in the twisties. If you want an all-around bike, I don't think you can find much better and they are CHEAP for what you get.

Jose