Looking for a second bike

I joined this forum because I am interested in the VFR for a second bike. I currently ride a Yammi Warrior that I really love but the lure of the sportbike is in my soul. I am an older rider in my 50's and thought the VFR might be right up my alley. I am in the process of restoring my old '71 Norton 750, but will probably sell it when I'm done. I have owned this Norton since "75 but haven't rode it since '85 when I moved fron Chicago to Albuquerque. I have owned many bikes over the years, 2 Harleys (old) 1 Kaw, 2 Hondas and 6 Yamahas beside the Norton.
I love the look of the VFR with the single sided swingarm. I know you are probable all Honda fans and I understand why as all my autos for the past 12 years have been Hondas.
I have noticed that the motorcycle magazine writer are not big fans of Honda and I know why. Honda bikes are very refined and reliable that almost anyone can ride fast and safely. The mag writers like bikes that have quirks and unusual features that take a learning curve to ride them well.
I won't be a big poster but I have already enjoyed this site.

 

Welcome to the party bro. No matter what you do please listen to Reg71 when he says do not sell the Norton (keep it in the family when you are finished with it). That is a great and very valuable bike. Just to add to what Reg71 posted - I am a 51 year old rider and the VFR is a sports bike that has a comfortable upright position. Also, I have been a crusier all my riding life and the adjustment to the VFR was really smooth. Cornering on a sportsbike is different than on a crusier, but the effect was minimal. I do have to think and struggle a little more to ride my crusier. After riding the VFR I have gotten use to the quicker steering and the braking. Also, since riding the VFR I no longer like being low to the ground - kinda weird huh? Anyway, you cannot go wrong with a VFR and even if yo get one and do not like it they are in demand and easy to sell.

 

I have test driven six different bikes in the past year.
Suzuki sv1000 - great bottom,end handling OK, riding position poor
Yamaha FZ1 - Poor low speed performance, great topend, riding position poor
Honda 919 - best all around, no weakness, but not visually exciting
Honda Super Hawk - great low speed performance, good looks, No EFI
Triumph Speed Triple- Great all around power, didn't like stinkbug styling
Ducati Monster - great looks, good power, riding position cramped
These were all used bikes except for the Triumph and Ducati. The local Honda dealers do not allow test drives. If you want to ride it you have to buy it first.
I have not seen any used VFR"s for sale locally but I check classifieds often.
My home in Albuquerque is at 5800 ft. elevation and EFI is a must for me as I regularly ride between 4000 ft. and 10600 ft.

 

How the heck are you suposed to know if you like it if you can't ride it. That's what they have insurance for. I don't know about you but I wouldn't buy a bike without riding it first.