A Dilema

Hi guys n gals. As a long timr VFR lover im having a problem deciding.

Im in the market for a new bike. Ive shifted country and are without two wheels.

My requirements are -

1) Comfortable all day touring. Im pushing 50 years of age.
2) Shaft Drive, im sick of maintaining chain drives. Get on and ride.
3) Plenty of power available.
4) Rides well in windy Conditions.
5) Aerodynamically good, minimal buffeting
6) Can do the odd stretch on gravel road (98 percent road use)
7) Good budget price
8) Prefer 4 cylinder bikes, smoother.
9) Looks good


I took a VFR 1200f for a spin and i loved it, a demo bike at a great price. Feels very much like my 2006 vfr but with wow loads more power.

However major concern it falls short in 1, and much less of an issue, no. 6

I test rode a Kawi Versys and that was super cumfy, but fell short in in 2,5 and 9. Very nice bike but ugly. Nowhere near the power of the vfr.

Im thinking of buying the VFR and doing some mods to improve comfort ( helibars and lower pegs)

But will this give me the comfort I need and will I regret not taking the softer option?

Any thoughts or alternatives?

 

A Honda ST..

Headwinds and tailwinds are easy. Any faired bike in a crosswind is a bitch.

 

Hmmm sounds like a maybe a BMW is in your future? IDK.. just kinda reads like it might. Nibble, stable, shaft drive, gravel, takes a beating, up right riding position. Only thing killing it is the 4 cylinder mention.

 

fjr1300?

 

Take a look at the Kawasaki Concours 1400.

Two of my riding buddy though the US have them and love them. They're nice bike. I took one for a test drive myself several years ago when the new models were released and I really liked it a lot.

 

I was just goin to post this
My friend that passed not to long ago absolutely loved his


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Hey Ducc. My buddy is buying one tomorrow, it looks fantastic. We are going on a long ride Saturday, so I will try it. But to Hopsterman, I would not be too put out by chain. They are really no problem at all anymore, aside from a little maintenance. I had a shaft drive bike (long time ago) and the up and down drove me nuts.... To be fair though it was on the Horrible Yamaha Vision, oh gawd...

 

That's what I was goin ta get but bein 175 lb and 5'6
It was a tad to large and heavy.
Let's here how it gos


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Avoid the 1200 VFR, some out there with engine problems and Honda won't stand by the ones that fail

 

About 160 Lbs and 5'7", large and heavy is not what I want either.

 

"Hear" right I thought he was looking for gravel bearing, I can't see an FJ being user friendly in that environment. Sounds more like a Africa twin kinda thing to me. But there's hope, have you looked at a VFR Crossrunner

 

What is the problem with a chain?
5 minutes cleans and lubes, 5 minutes adjusts.

 

Yep, I'm thinking here you should get a Crossrunner... https://www.facebook.com/groups/hondacrossrunnergr/

 

Thought about it but..... Ive gone with the honda

 

Hi all thanks for the input.

Ive gone for the 2014 VFR 1200, got a good deal and I pick her up on saturday.

It will give me opportunity to do a few mods to get it how I want.

i bought my first VFR in 1987 and sentiment played a part also.

I reckon theyre a great bike. Something about a V4 to me.

Feeling comfortable with the purchase.

 

Had a look and ride of the crossrunner

good bike but felt small and trail bikey compared to the versys

 

Just an FYI - the 1200 is not good on gravel! Took a 12 mile "shortcut" over a mountain in NC and I thought my ass was going to chew through my seat!

 

IMO had you asked, several members could have suggested the right tires for your excursion. If your seat needs repair try a local auto upholstery shop.