Hey All-- I just joined the VFRworld forum today, after taking my local dealer's '07 800 out for a test ride this afternoon. I've been riding for about a year and a half now, putting around on my Nighthawk 250, the perfect learning bike by the way. I test-rode my local dealer's '07 VFR today, and man does that kitty purr. Honestly I fell in love from the moment my cheeks hit the seat-- the ergos are perfect for me too. So here's the question-- how do you know when/if you're ready to upgrade to a "grown-up" bike, and would the VFR be too powerful for me, with only about a year and a half of riding experience? A little background: I would say by now that I've mastered the basics, and for anyone looking to get a first bike, I couldn't recommend the 250 more. It definitely has plenty of power for trips around town, and it's incredibly nimble and light, but I don't think stoplight-to-stoplight traffic is really what any motorcycle was made for. That's scooter territory (ugh). But I digress... I feel like with my 250 now I'm coming up against the limits of the bike's power. I've tried to take it out on the interstate and some twisty highways, but it's small size and small engine seem to struggle with anything over about 60mph. I've taken a few bikes out from my local dealers in Iowa City, IA, including a couple of Big Twin Harleys and today the '07 VFR. It really is an incredible machine-- definitely more power than a 250. With that being said, it's also a big, heavy, tall bike, and I suspect an easy one to drop. And it's incredibly powerful. It's just so different re:handling, and honestly, it makes me feel like a new rider again, for good and for bad. Now I'm torn between wanting to push myself and grow my abilities, and wanting to stay within my limits without jumping too far ahead and getting hurt. I assume for some of you the VFR was your second (or possibly even first..?) bike-- how long did it take you to feel comfortable riding it? I assume that there's a period of adjustment for any rider, do you know any good strategies for making the transition up in power? Should I be looking at VFR's just yet, or do I need to get something in-between to start? Thanks! -Alex
OK first off welcome to the MadHouse Alex. If/when you get a VFR then the folks on here will be keen to see pictures!!!!! If you need advice on a possible VFR then don't hesitate to post up with pictures and facts and I am sure some of the folks will be happy to help offer some input. As for whether you are ready for a VFR - the only person who can answer that is you! There is not set process or time period. For some, VFR's were the bike they learned on, for others it was a late in life decision. Whichever way very few regret buying a VFR! So assuming you are not really tiny then almost any rider should be able to get on with a VFR. Just take your time before exploring the limits of what it can do! You have already spotted the big challenge - they are heavy and can adopt horizontal parking mode with virtually no warning. Many of us have had a tip over whilst parking or during slow speed manouvering, so consider fitting frame sliders, and at least until you get really used to your VFR, think about defensive parking - especially on slopes. Good luck with your search - let us know how you get on. SkiMad
The VFR is fairly docile compared to a lot of other "sporty" bikes. I think you would be good moving up form the 250, the weight will feel really weird at first. I know it did for me when I moved from a 599 to a 919. You will get used to it in no time though. Only took a couple of days of riding for me to get used to the weight. The VFR is mild below 6-7k RPM's in my experience so if you take it easy for a while you will have no problem getting used to it. Power isn't a problem if you use your head, unless you are riding some super torquey bike or SS litre bike, if you keep your head on the power shouldn't be an issue. The VFR certainly has a shit ton more than that 250, it's there when you are ready to use it, just stay in the lower RPM ranges.
The fact that you are even asking if it too much of a bike tells me something important. You respect the machine. Never lose that respect and you will be fine. As soon as you do, it can get away from you. Now I know what it is like moving from a 250 to a 750 Nighthawk, the torque can be intoxicating. I went from the 750 Nighthawk to the 99 VFR and it was almost frightening how much more power there is. The 250 was about 20hp, 750 was about 50 and the VFR is about 100. Coming from either bike it is a huge leap in power. Keep respecting the machine. Oh, you don't have the basics mastered, you have a firm grasp of the basics and experience on that bike. No insult intended - I have only been riding for about 4 years and said much the same thing. I am friends with a retired guy who has been riding for over 40 years and was a licensed MSF instructor for over a decade. When I said that, he said I must be a virtuoso because I'd be the first guy he ever met that has. You have a license to learn, learn as much as you can!
Thanks for the feedback guys. I've been reading a lot in the last week or two re: how to handle a "sportbike", how to turn, etc... The fundamentals are in some ways the same but in others eg, body position, there's a lot more to learn. I'm totally used to extracting every last bit of power out of my 20hp engine just to get it to move, so again it's kind of a re-learning thing... I'm totally stoked though. Any advice on other places to learn? I wish I could take the MSF Advanced class, it sounds great, but alas they don't seem to teach it in my area, and even that doesn't cover near all the things I'd like to study. I'm thinking about trying a novice track day sometime in the next year or two, not as much because I want to race, but because I think it would be a great way to gain some more street skills and instruction. The gear for those (leather pants, full gauntlet gloves) as well as insurance, fees, etc are really pricey though. YouTube has some good sportbike videos too that have been helpful, re: knee down cornering, braking, riding position, those sort of things, but it's not a very comprehensive method of study. Ideas? ** Ideally, I'd also have a bunch of bike friends with some experience to show me the ropes on a bigger bike, but I'm a college student and a Chemistry pre-med major, and of my friends and classmates would ever even consider riding a bike. They don't know what they're missing, of course. I've heard there's a bike night that goes on in town during the summer, but it's almost all Harley riders.... (groan.) If anyone on here lives in eastern Iowa... Oh and I just uploaded a picture of myself on my 250. There is also some random girl on the back, but that's pretty much always how it is, you know.
Actually one of the worse things you can do as far as learning is to learn tips and methodology from friends or acquaintances. Go to the library and look for a book called Proficient Motorcycling. Truly an excellent read, even if it is a bit dated. Lots of good information and exercises you can do on your own. If you know where the MSF course is being done, go there and wait until they are done and pick the instructors brains. All of the instructors I have met are pretty much the same. They love motorcycling, they sure as hell aren't doing these classes to get rich! The biggest thrill to them is finding that student who is not into image or status or any of that bullshit, but is truly into the ride itself.
It might help if I told you the author huh? Also, here is what the book looks like: Amazon.com: Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well (0731360405364): David L. Hough: Books
If you want solid information on how to RIDE a bike - then its worth reading Keith Code - Twist of the Wrist. To be honest his books are heavy reading so don't be tempted to read cover to cover. Read a section, experiment and review before moving on. Thankfully a while back he produced a DVD "Twist of the wrist II" which covers the key essentials to get you and your bike working in harmony. Again don't try to take it all in during one session. The extras are worth spending time on as it shows how to go about adjusting the suspension settings so they are just right for you on your bike. Hope that helps SkiMad
I got a VFR last week and feel already like I've been riding it my whole life and then some! My first bike was a Kawasaki ER-5, a very nimble and moped-like bike that I got tired of pretty fast. The aerodynamics and ergonomics of the VFR are from an entirely different planet. The power is usable when overtaking slow trucks and such, though you gotta drop down to third to get the torque. I believe I test rode 6 different bikes from CBR 600 to Yamaha's Fazer 600 and on top of it, a faired 1200 Bandit. While doing so, I got used to the weight and other differences and I started drifting away from the Kawasaki's up-right pose and lightness. VFR's area of expertise is definitely outside town. By the way, I'm 6"2 weighing at 150 lb.
Sounds like you are asking a lot of good questions, which is excellent, as is the advice our members can offer. I would just like to add one comment with respect to track days. Generally, you don't go for a track day to be taught because there aren't any teachers there. Yes you will learn but it isn't a structured teaching environment. I would suggest a riding school as they will give you the theory as well as the practical aspects while spending time on the track with you. After this you will be ready to attend a track day to work on honing the skills that you have been taught. I was a very experienced (25 + years) street and dirt rider before I took the Star School, which is run by Jason Pridemore. I had a blast and it prepared me well to take the next steps with confidence.
I would like to add my +1 about the MSF courses. Although you probably are very savvy with internet searches, I am including the link for the Iowa MSF course listing. Motorcycle Safety Foundation I would highly recommend one of the more advanced courses like the SRC1 and SRC2 (street rider courses) and eventually the ARC (advanced rider course). I do know a couple of very seasoned riders who periodically repeat the BRC with the basic skills course to refresh their overall perspective. I recently took the MSRC, and learned quite a bit - I decided I want something even more advanced, so I am going to pursue that in the near future. (Something like this: Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic) Gear up, best gear you can afford, even if you need to reduce other desired expenses. Any discussion I have with smart newer riders (and even non riders) always includes this website: Rock The Gear Ride like you are invisible, and always try to keep the shiny side up!
My first bike was an EX500 and the transition to a VFR was easy enough. The only problem the VFR presents for a beginner is the choppy throttle, which can be remedied by an $80 throttle tamer.
Alex... you sound like a smart kid......you said it yourself....you know the basics already now all you have to do is know your limitations. Pull the pin bub...just do it...you wont be disappointed. just my 2 cents
I think the VFR would be fine as a 'first big bike', especially if you already have 18 months of riding under your belt - in fact you should be fine with most big bikes except perhaps some super sport / hyper sport models. Like others have said, the VFR throttle can be a bit sensitive but the power band is very gentle. Weight and riding position will be the biggest change from the CB250 - something you'll have to get used to regardless of bike model. I'd take this opportunity to test ride as many bikes as possible and not narrow your choices too much - there are so many good bikes out there these days, especially in the used market.
Hey guys-- Another update. I finally sold my bike, and ended up purchasing an '07 CBR600rr to replace it. It doesn't have quite the character of the V4's, but for my use (90% in-town) it works out perfectly. According to those I've talked to (and my experience sitting on the bikes,) the CBRs actually have some of the highest handlebars in the supersport class, and for me the difference in comfort between the CBR and the VFR was minimal. The real reasons I picked it though were price and weight-- I got an incredible deal on the bike, and I feel so much more comfortable with the weight and weight distribution on it. Plus, for me, the power band of the I4 is actually a big advantage-- with all of the torque up high in the rev-range it's easy to cruse around town as I get used to it without really opening it up. Below 60, it actually FEELS like a much less powerful bike-- great for learning I suppose, and for avoiding temptation... Who knows what my next bike will be, but I can definitely see a VFR sometime in my future. Again, thanks for all of the feedback, you guys are great and your support is incredibly appreciated.
Do it! Th1987 VFR 700 was my first bike. 6 years and two VFRs later (by choice) I can tell you that you will love it! Just respect the power.
