Thinking of moving from a 1400 GTR to the VFR?

OK,
I ride a k11 Kawsaki 1400 GTR which is a great touring bike. I bought it due to the wife not liking the VFR1200 on the test ride; she claimed it was too small for comfort.

So anyway, we bought the GTR as she wanted to do lots of touring, and 18mths later she has only done two very short trips (good figure)

Although I'm thinking that although the GTR is a fine bike, as I only do solo touring it is a bike heavy bike and I miss the FULL sports side (it has speed but handling requires LOTS of input)

Has anyone moved from a GTR (or similar) bike to the VFR and what was your thoughts

Cheers
Podster

 

The VFR1200F can be ridden very sportily. Basically, if your wife doesn't make trips with you, get whatever you want!

 

I went from an FJR1300 to the big VFR, and have ridden my friend's Kaw a few times. The FJR was sporty, but never sporty enough for me, especially in regards to the seating position. The VFR is a big improvement in that respect, but the standard suspension and tires (like so many other bikes) is junk! I already replaced the rear shock for a HUGE improvement. I'll be doing tires and fork springs over this winter. A much sportier bike for sure, although not nearly as refined as a bike in this class (or price range) should be. Too much driveline lash IMHO, and fueling is far from spot on at low revs. It's still a much sportier sport tourer than the Kaw or the Yami.

 

can your gtr do this? VFR750 Towing a VFR700 - YouTube

 

Talk to some of the guy's here. They will drive their vfr around and to the track, win a race or two on the track, and then ride it home. Its a good bike for sure.

 

I have had an 08 FJR then an 09 Kaw 14 and just purchased a 2010 VFR1200. The FJR and VFR are both spot on as far as fit, finish and quality of components. Kaw just seemed cheap. That aside, the FJR and Kaw were much more comfortable, especially for passengers. . The VFR riding position is too low for me and hopefully the Heli Bars will help (thanks to BadVFR). I too was in the same situation as you; the wife wanted to tour so I sold my Blackbird. Once I did that, she rarely rode. The FJR and Kaw were just not sporty enough for me so I figured I'd give the VFR1200 a wirl.....

 

I was very content except for the lack of stopping power with my 95 harley flstn but one winter day I put my butt on the 1200vrf and the rest they say is history.
I to have the urge to switch out bikes all the time and will again but I'll say this time it will be reall hard to do thanks to the smile maker 1200.

 

OP what did your butt tell you? You have ridden the VFR and the GTR the wife is out of the equation seems like you should decide which you like better. Decide for yourself. Why go on a VFR site and ask for advice. Obviously you are looking for us to validate your decision. Yep seems to me you have already decided. I have a friend with a connie and a wife that rides with him. If my wife would ride with me I wouldn't have the VFR. 2 up connie. 1 up viffer.

 

Au contraire, I put a Corbin seat and backrest on the VFR and the wife is just as happy as she ever was on the FJR. And I get my "sportier sport tourer". Win-win.

 

And you are the original poster and your wife is his wife? I prefaced my reply with OP. Obviously it was not intended for you. But if he gets the VFR and his wife decides to give it a try, then you have given him valuable info.