VFR Replacement

I'm looking into different bikes to replace my VFR 800 6th gen.

The problem is I'm 6'1" 33" inseam and my knees aren't too happy being bent so much.

I also feel that while the bike itself is a really enjoyable ride- I'm not seeing the sites because I'm leaned forward so much. So when I want to look up and around I'm craning my neck.

Finally- I'm riding 2 up frequently which means when I brake I'm not only pushing myself off the bars but her weight too.

I weigh 185 and she is 135ish.

I tired adding the spacers that bring the bars up 3/4-1" and I don't see how heli bars will make enough of a difference.

I also am aware of the Buell peg mod but I'd still be dealing with the neck issue.

I'm considering FJR but it doesn't have honda reliability.

The ST1300 might be an option.
I've also heard good things about the kawasaki concours but sitting on one it feels really large to me.

Other options would include cruisers like the triumph America. But I'd want to retain the better suspension and performance of a sport tourer.

Ideas?


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I like the FJR a lot and I'm not aware of reliability issues with them. Been around for a long time. Rented a ST 1300 in Vegas last year for a day in the mountains and Lake Meade. Very comfortable, electric wind screen was cool but that thing was WAY top heavy.

 

I went with one of these. Well worth checking into. Hey it's Honda bullet proof too.

 

I know the extra power of the Blackbird is nice but doesn't the Blackbird have a further reach distance to the bars than a VFR? I would recommend a Ninja 1000 if you are looking to stay sporty or maybe even a VStrom 1000 or Ducati Multistrada if you don't mind the adventure type bike.


Rollin

 

Am I the only one that wants a Goldwing?

 

So you've never ridden one? Have you ridden any of the others you recommend? As I mentioned, try it first then you can truly comment. A lot nicer than what you think. Specially one setup for Grand Touring.

 

hmm, seemed like a legit question, you said you didn't want to lean forward so much but I'd say general consensus everywhere is a blackbird is more aggressive posture than a VFR is.

Neither look great on the knees. disclaimer: i haven't rode or sat on a blackbird, also not 6'2"

 

grand touring setup is pretty cool.

 

My best buddy now gone almost a year that has had everything from 851's to Blackbirds. His last ride was a FJR and he always ranted with the PC5 and dyno, it had to be the best all around ride he ever owned. That was the bike I was going to get being out of riding for 10 years , but went and sat on one and figured it was a little to big, heavy for me only being 5'6 and 170 lbs, the power would of been no problem for me. So JMTC bud

 

Check out this web site .... www.cycle-ergo.com

Punch in your height, and select the bike you want, and you can compare multiple bikes side by side. Gives you bend degrees as well as knee bend. I used this as a base for feet touching the ground as I'm a short ass.

 

Easy, get a 5th gen VFR. Make sure it's a red one.

 

Put convertibars on the vfr and lower the pegs. A lot cheaper option.

 

Afraid so... :distracted:

 

No. I already have one. Not a new one, but it is a Goldwing.

 

So, I went thru just about the exact same series of decisions a couple years ago. My VFR had died, I replaced it with a Triumph Daytona 675 SE, which was even more sporty and my wife wouldn't even try to sit on it.

So, I was hunting for a bike I would enjoy riding, that the wife would enjoy riding on, was still sporty enough, but had better ergos. http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/34520-Sport-tourer-or-Cruiser

I ended up with a Ducati Diavel Strada. By far the best decision I have made in bikes. It is comfortable to ride, you sit fairly straight up, but your legs are under you, not out in front; my wife loves it, it handles like you wouldn't believe (there's plenty of YouTube videos of Diavel's smokin sport bikes), and the power, dude I can't even describe it.

Take a look at one, and start it up; you'll never believe me, until you've ridden one. Then, you'll never want to ride anything else...

 

Easy Peasy, big boy, big bike. Farking gorgeous.




Or if you can't give up a Honda

 

If you like Triumph take look at the Sprint Gt.



My cousin had a FJR for a few yrs, never had an issue.

 

I was originally looking at a sprint GT just found the vfr first. I think it's also a smallish bike. A local mechanic told me it's not nearly as reliable as the vfr.

My concern with it is also the lack of a large dealer network. Same for the beautiful Moto Guzzis.

Thanks for the recommendation of that cycle ergo site. I'm aware of it- just looking to get the opinions of those who have ridden other bikes.

That Ducati is sweet but I'm on a much tighter budget!

Still have to look into that standard style Honda but it looks a bit cramped for 2 -up.


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A mutual friend is interested in a trade or trade plus cash my VFR for his Concours. Both are 2003, in good shape with about 25k miles.

His bike is carbureted and looks dated in comparison. Does anyone know if the suspension is much worse?

From what I've read thus far it's top heavy. I've only sat on the newer ones from like 07 and up it felt massive. Way bigger than a FJR even.

His looks like this:



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