Talk me into a VFR with your honest opinion?

check out the new SportRider rag and what it says aboot the VFR

 

At 5'11", I can put my feet on the ground, and if I stretch, I can stand flat-footed. But the trick is, I try to never have to push to back my bike when backing up, other than leaving the garage.

Anytime I park it, I always park it pointed uphill. This lets it rest against the kickstand, and it's less likely to fall over if it's bumped a little.
It also allows me to use gravity to get into a parking spot while I'm pushing, and use the engine when I leave.
So if a parking spot is downhill, I back it into the spot, and if it's uphill, I pull it in forward, and then let gravity help me get out again.

 

OK, you have your heart set on a 5th gen. Can't say that I blame you since I do too! I will say however that would own a 6th gen RWB in heartbeat.

Now back to the 5th gen. Learn from my mistake, or rather experience. I bought a bone stock neglected 5th gen. The only one around me in a 200 mile radius "in my price range". If I had just increase my price range $500 I could have saved myself thousands - yes thousands - in farkles and fixes. I got Helibars, hard luggage, new brakes, Corbin seat then a Seargent seat, R/R + charging system upgrade, and so on.

None of that is unique to the 5th gen or even VFR's. It's true for about any motorcycle I guess. Many times you can save money and the work will already be done if you just up your price range a *little* bit. However, if you prefer to do the shopping and tinkering on your bike then of course the bone stock route is the way to go. I will say though that when I finally do find the 2007 RWB VFR that I can trade my 99 for, it will already have that stuff on it!

 

I would agree with this and I did the same thing. Bought a basically stock, great condition bike for 3200 and added a lot of stuff to make it better and I will never get that money back unfortunately. It is/was a labor of love, hehe. I wish you were in the area because my 5th Gen in the classifieds would be the perfect bike for you.....and it is a steal at 3500 quite honestly. Get the best bike you can if possible.

 

My take is that a 5th gen. with a Superbar conversion is the cat's meow. Add braided brake lines in front and some Dunlop Q2/3's. You have a killer bike, with more comfortable ergonomics that can do everything.

Jose

 

Surprised your bike has not sold yet. There is a ton of value there.

What wiring upgrade did you do from Roadstercycle, besides the new R/R?

 

Thanks...not only has it not sold but not even a hit! Bad time of year as winter is approaching
The RR kit includes a 10 gauge, fused wiring harness that goes straight to the battery and eliminates the stock connection failure point. It's a very nice set up.

 

Ok. So in a way, what the VFRNess also accomplishes?

Yeah, end of season, things do tend to move a little slower.

 

Well, I think the roadstercycle set up is a bit different than a VFRness because it basically eliminates the stock connection all together. The RR goes straight to the battery and the RR stator wires go direct to the stator (I soldered mine in direct for no chance of failure). The stock white connector stays unplugged. I taped mine up for weather proofing reasons and tucked them out the way.

 

Thank you all for your input. I purchased a 2000 VFR800! I am excited to put many miles on it!

It is a yellow (not my top choice but it grew on me quickly)
2000 VFR800 with 26k miles. Overall in "Good" condition. Some scratches on fairing but nothing that I care about. I bought it for $2500.

I rode 30 miles back home and the ride was great. I am not fatigued at all. So far so good. However, I was expecting there to be less wind. Is it normal for the bottom of the windshield to have a opening for wind? I thought that was kind of weird.

I will be replacing the front tire soon. It is squared a little bit. On slow turns it pushes me into the turn. I hope it's not the suspension as it feels solid and rebounds fine. Once over 10MPH it turns fine.

The front brakes are strong but the lever feel is mushy; is this normal?

I can't wait to take it to the backroad twisties after I get a new front tire (Pilot Road 2) and set the suspension for my weight.

I will post pictures when there's sunlight!!

 

Congrats on your acquisition! I'm sure you'll enjoy putting more miles it!

 

Good buy.

I would bleed the brakes. A daunting task unless you have a mityvac. I would buy one since you are a VFR owner. The 5th and 6th gen have linked brakes.

 

Here are some pictures

 

I am a VFR rider and love the bike. If you are 5'6" and only 145lbs I would suggest getting a low slung crusier or consider an ole 2003 or newer Yamaha 600R or an old CBR F4i - preferably the 2001 or 2002 (an R1 may also be a good choice for you). The VFR is a great bike and a perfect do it all (local and long distance riding) bike, but at your height it may be too big/high for you, particularly when riding inner City with stoplights. The VFR is an excellent performing bike, comfortable for long rides and great as a daily commuter bike. I prefer the 5th Gen VFR, but there is nothing wrong with the VTEC 6th gen VFR. Good luck with your decision and subsequent purchase.

 

I had an 02 F4i before. The ride heights are the same. I think the F4i is slightly higher. I do feel a little more shaky because of the weight more than the seat height. I was stuck at a bridge toll traffic and had no problem. However, I noticed it's harder to maneuver around in tight spots.

 

The VFR is, well, you know, ahh....no nice way to put it. Check out a Ducati Hypermotard SP if you are looking for a more upright riding position. All the good, minus all the fat and other unsavory side effects.

 

Princess Norcalboy posted much the same thing on a Duc BB suggesting the dude buying a Boss Hoss one day and a Munch Mammoth the next.

 

She is Prutty and come with Heli bars, frame slider and semi high mount exhaust :cheer2:

 

Update: Have to sell bike due to the need of cash to fix my primary commuter. Pretty sad...


Update: Sold the bike today and I know I am going to regret it but will be getting a VFR again!