Mike from Cranbrook

Just wanted to introduce myself. Mature rider. Got my first bike (an '83 Magna 750) in 2000, then a 2000 VFR 800 in 2005. I sold the VFR in 2007 because I was going back to school for a few years. Got a 2007 FZ6 as a grad present to myself in 2010, but sadly I was caught unprepared by a truck that went to the left hand lane to make a right hand turn. My latest acquisition is a yellow '99 VFR in great shape c/w givi luggage that I will be picking up this weekend.
I live in the East Kootenay region of south east British Columbia, and have access to some of the finest riding roads in Canada in my immediate neighbourhood. Can't wait to take out the VFR and play.

 

Welcome to the site and congratulations. We have quite a few Canucks here, especially some guy named Randy. Let me tell you, if he's a representation of Canada, you guys need to find him and ship him off. You'll see what I mean sooner or later...

Just a comment on something that you might want to check. The only year the VFR was ever stock yellow was 2000. So if you're getting a '99, its been repainted. Now that may be because someone liked yellow (I do!), but you might want to ask about the bike being in an accident or laid down and therefore requiring new panels/paint.

Good luck, keep us posted, and let us know if you have any questions.

 

Actually, Yellow was available in Canada in 1999. :smile:
And I am given to understand that the yellow ones are the fastest.

 

Mine turns yellow from time to time...Just like snow. Welcome. Have ridden throught the Kootenays a couple times. Yes you have some fine roads and dillegent Mounties I am lead to believe. Though I understrand those kind are becoming scarce.

 

They were? never knew that. I knew you folks always got some different color combos, but didn't know yellow was on this list in 1999. Oh well...

And of course yellow is the fastest.

 

Yellow rocks. Congrtas.
Was your 2000 a blue one?

 

Welcome, hope you have many safe miles together.

 

My 2000 was a gorgeous dark green. I'm not sure, but I don't think green was ever available on that model in the US.

 

yah, about the mounties when riding anywhere in Canada - they really don't have a sense of humour. Realistically, you just can't expect to ride as fast as you would like to and keep your license. Speed limits are generally low, and they are generally enforced to within about 10 kph (6 mph). Motorcycles will often be granted a little more, but you certainly can't bank on it. Not sure about other provinces, but BC has an extra award for anyone 40 kph over the limit. For starters, they can impound your vehicle for 40 kph over. That means in a random 80 zone (which looks exactly the same as the 100 zone you were in for the last hour), you could be in serious shit for doing a mere 120. (80 kph = 50 mph; 120 = 75 mph). So if you want to preserve your license, you really do need to mind the speed limit. Happily, there are roads (especially in my area) where you can have a lot of fun without having approach your bike's top speed. And if you are attentive, careful, patient and reasonable, there are times/places where the stars align and you can push the limits. But if you ride hard all of the time, it's only a matter of time before things will go badly for you. Oh, and besides the constabulatory, there is one other good reason to watch the velocity in my area. Wildlife. Really, you don't want to encounter a deer, elk or moose at speed. You really don't. And they are everywhere.

 

Hey Mike

Did you by chance purchase your bike from a guy in Vernon? I had been looking to go and see a yellow 99 VFR with Givi luggage, but by the time I saw the ad the bike was already sold. If you are ever in or near the Kelowna area let me know and maybe we can hook up for a ride. Congrats on the new purchase.

Bill

 

Bill, yes, I believe we are talking about the same bike. My riding plans for this year mostly centre on day trips in the area, probably a trip to Victoria to see my kids, maybe a trip to the Cariboo to see my parents, and just maybe, I'll take the bike to Las Vegas this July for a meeting I'm scheduled to attend. That said, I love riding with other like-minded riders. Over the years, I've been on several group rides with a motley group of riders that met over through our mutual ownership of Honda V4's - (sabmag). So if you're in the East Kootenay, definitely give me a shout. And I will let you know if my riding takes me to the Okanagan.