New member from NJ seeking great wisdom and knowledge

Hey guys and gals, New guy here (new to VFR not cycling), looking for a little info. I've been riding for about 25 years and lots of bikes, Kawi vulcans, a Drifter all dressed like an Indian, a Pacific coast, 2 HD a dresser and a V rod (most recent ride) and a few odd ball ones most notably a Yamaha TDM 850.
I am looking to find a new ride as I have had to have my L knee replaced do to a work injury and I am concerned about leg stability and bike weight. So my questions..... VFR 06 white or black 3k miles on W 1.5k on B both $5399. Will the peg to seat distance be too cramped with limited bend in L leg 120* too aggressive a tuck?
I've been on every model year at the MC show just never pulled the trigger and bought one, but not with the new knee.
I like the V4 as the few Twins I've owned left me a little bored with ride and thus off they did go. The V rod had some giddy up but it was crazy heavy. So input on riding position, weight issues, 800 giddy up. I was also looking at the St 1300 but not sure the comfort matches the LBs dilemma. I know I can do Heli bars and drop the pegs a small bit for comfort, will it still be too tight? Me= 5-7 210lbs 30" inseam. Age yes lots 46 and counting Thanks for any and all info. Flatfootrunner PS figured I'd lurk a while before I mention the not coming to the US Crossrunner, or Crosstour as options the tour likely to be too heavy.

 

Hey there and welcome.

First off, at 46 and counting, you are about the average age here!

The VFR is no lightweight. You're looking at 550lbs+ with all the fluids, and not counting whatever you may pack onto her.

As for "giddy up", I think you'll find she's got plenty of power. I weigh in at about 240 without gear, and have no issues at all in bringing the front end up in 1st and sometimes second, if that's what I want her to do.

I can't say how the knee would do. I've heard people talk about arms, wrists, and back, but never with a reconstructed knee. I'd like to think you could make it work and be comfortable with pegs and helibars, but maybe someone else has some real time experience with a bum knee.

 

I blew out my knee in Aug 2010. It wasn't until about May 2011 before I was able to ride my VFR with out discomfort in my knee. Now, other than the permanent after effects of having knee surgery, I am pretty much back to normal. You are 5" shorter than I am so you should have zero leg room issues. After about 2 hours in the saddle, I need to stretch the knee out. The weight of my bike has never been an issue. I think it if comes down to the choice of the ST or a VFR, the VFR would take the win just because it's that's much sportier. If you want a full on sport tourer, your best choice is something along the lines of a BMW K1600GT.

I am very experienced in comparing a VFR to a VRod. My neighbor let me ride his VRod when I wasn't able to bend my leg enough to ride my VFR. A 2006 VRod SE is exactly as fast in a drag race as a 2000 VFR. At about 115, the VFR starts to creep & by 140, the VRod is quite a few lengths back. This is mostly due to aerodynamics & the lack of ideal transmission ratios in the VRod. It doesn't need to be said, but a VFR with 2 flat tires handles better than the VRod does. Why on earth anyone would want a bike with a 240 rear is beyond me. Then there's the absolutely piss poor MPG VRod's get. If you top 32mpg, you're doing OK. In other words, if you just have to own a HD, the VRod isn't a bad one to own. If you want a bike that does everything short of off-roading, get the VFR.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

Dija consider something like an NT650 Hawk or SV650, both great handling lightweights ?


KC used to ride a Hawk, so he should know.

 

Sorry to hear about the knee. I can't speak to the issues a knee replacement might cause, but I also have a 30" inseam, and I don't feel at all cramped or too short for the VFR. I am 5' 8" 150#, and while I can't get both feet flat on the ground at the same time, I have never had a problem at a stop.

 

Given the proper amount of healing time and the required therapy your knee should be as good as new. Work on strenthening the quads, doing some stretching, perhaps lose a little weight. Join a gym for a while if you need to. It'll be the best thing you'll ever do. Holding the bike up will be a piece of cake.

 

I agree with this post: do the PT and your knee will have full range of motion. As a former design engineer at an arthroscopic medical equ. co., I've seen more surgeries than I can remember and the one thing the docs do is test the knee, while you're knocked out, for range of motion. It's gotta be 95% of original or they know they've done something wrong.
As with any sport, fitness is key.
Varooom

 

That should be ok. I have the 06wht. I'm 6',0" 240 and 32 inseam. I do not find it cramped. I commute and weekend riding for 3-4 hour runs.

I hope this ifo is kinda what you are looking for.