Starting to have some doubts...

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by Uzen, Sep 27, 2018.

  1. Uzen

    Uzen New Member

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    Hello everyone!

    I literally just bought an '06 VFR 800 today! I bit the bullet and decided to buy it cause it was a good deal. I have been contemplating switching from my super comfortable Honda Phantom TA200 to a bigger bike. Just some background about me. I am living in Singapore where traffic gets pretty heavy most of the time. Weather's pretty hot here too. Had the Phantom as my very first bike and rode it for 5 years; loved it to bits.

    However, I've been eyeing bigger cc bikes for the longest time and decided to go for the VFR after reading up on it. But, I am starting to have slight regrets purchasing the VFR. It gets hot between my legs, really heavy and hard to manoeuvre, the clutch lever is really tough to depress, and I'm getting back aches and the tingling feeling in my hands when I ride. Maybe I'm not used to the bike yet as it has only been a day. Or maybe I'm just riding it wrong.

    The bike came with a pair of Oxford Saddlebags which are super useful. But it can be quite difficult to lane split. Any recommendations for a top box + rack combo. I understand that there's only the GIVI rack so far, but are there any alternatives?
     
  2. Bryan88

    Bryan88 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Welcome. Will agree with you that the VFR may not be the best bike for heavy traffic, but it is not the worst. Coming off the Phantom it will be a learning curve to begin with, but once you get used to it you will find the VFR to be nimble enough. Watch some police bike videos to see what can be done on a big bike. Find an open spot where you can practice and get used to it. Can't help with the rack and top box, but if you don't have too much to carry a tank bag is a cheaper option.
     
  3. PhoenixOO10

    PhoenixOO10 New Member

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    It took me a few days to get used to the riding position. I came from an standard style bike. Make sure to hold yourself up with your core and leg muscles, and there shouldn't be much pressure on your hands. This takes a little while to learn, but you will get more comfortable with it. I have a small tank bag that I can fit a few things in and a large tank bag for when I need to carry more. They are both magnetic, so I can remove them easily when I get to my destination.
     
  4. Dav668

    Dav668 New Member

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    I would suggest short stints on the VFR to allow your body to adjust/strengthen to the position (which is radically diffent to your cruiser). As suggested find a clear space to practice.
    I use a backpack which I find very convenient and it allows for easy lanesplitting.
    I also have an MT 07 for heavy traffic days/bumping over kerbs etc :cool:
     
  5. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    It is a bit of a beast compared to your other bike. I think they call that one a Rebel here. At least that's what it looked like and those are tiny. Completely different bike. The VFR does run hot IMO. You can add some bar risers (I had heli bars) to help some with the wrist pain in addition to what was mentioned above. But, if it keeps feeling like too much bike, you might like something closer to a CB500 or an SV650 to lighten up a little. They prob won't be as much fun in the twisties, though.
     
  6. Uzen

    Uzen New Member

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    It's been 2 days and I've added about 200kms on it already. Been riding up north to Malaysia and opening the VTEC. Really awesome. However, my left lower back is kinda strained.

    Still no confidence handling such a big bike. And I effed up just yesterday. Did a u turn in my estate at slow speed, didn't give enough throttle and the bike stalled. Slowly fell with the bike cause my legs couldn't support the weight and unfortunately got some scratches on the fairing already :(

    This thing is HOT af though. I sweat profusely everytime I reach my destination.

    Also, I'm 1.71m and I find it hard to park this thing in reverse. Any easier way to do it? Pretty difficult to reverse this guy whily tippy toeing

    Oh yes, been wanting to ask, how do I change the time on dashboard?
     
  7. Dav668

    Dav668 New Member

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    Sucks...you were trying to get acquainted with the bike and it didn't quite work out. As for parking in reverse...find a position, put the side stand down, get off the bike, back it in. Alternately engage the brake, bounce it back off the suspension while releasing the brake...it'll take longer.
    Time? Download the manual
     
  8. Uzen

    Uzen New Member

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    Just a quick little update.

    1 week in and I've gotten kinda used to the clutch strength, weight of the bike, handling, power, and everything else in between. My only complaint so far is that it gets hot as hell. In my country where it's extremely humid and constantly at 33C everyday, I'm literally melting in my full face helmet (No I won't compromise safety by getting a half face). I found it useful to wear a riding jacket to bounce off the heat. That method works when I'm on the highway but not in the city where there's constant stop and go traffic.

    Another thing is, I do pillion my girlfriend almost everyday. Is there any other way I can make it more comfortable for her? I was thinking of adding a padding in the stock seats so that she doesn't slide about (we're asian and we have small butts). Or, I could try to get a top box and add a back rest so she could lean on it. What do you guys think?
     
  9. Airfiddler

    Airfiddler New Member

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    A backrest on a topbox would inspire a lot of confidence for your GF. comfortable too. The VFR is a heavy bike, but the weight seems to disappear once moving. Their natural environment is the open road, not a congested city. You need air moving through the rads to keep things cool. They run hot in the city, not much you can do about that. Sorry to hear about your fall, happens to all of us at one time or another, that's why crash bars and frame sliders were invented. hang in there, time will tell if the VFR is the right bike for you and your riding style.
     
  10. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    "(we're Asian and we have small butts)" Well know that we know that I think we have all the info some of us need!;-) I am now going to have to ask butt sizes when talking seats. Tomorrow I am going to have to ask everyone like a teenage girl or a married women if they think I have a large butt!;-)
     
  11. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Don't bother - you already know the answer to that question
     
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  12. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    Honey, does this VFR make my butt look big?
     
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