Looking to the VFR gurus here!

I'm your typical 40ish husband / father. I've been married 22 years, w/ children for 21, between bikes for 19 of'em. I'm 6'1", 300ish#s.

It's time to get back in the saddle! I've spent my entire life in northern Indiana but relocated to the Memphis area late this spring. They've got a lot better season down here and we're almost empty nesters!!!

Looking for insight on the VFR as I want to commute, through Memphis daily traffic, and also be able to comfortably weekend tour, with momma, without worries!

The VFR seems like a good option on the surface, properly outfitted with hardbags, maybe a Corbin saddle, and maybe a set of Heli Bars.

I'm looking for a hyper reliable, low maintenance bike, with 2-3 hours of highway range, riding two up with a little gear along for the trip. Due to previous carb history, I seem to be a lemon magnet!, I won't consider a bike w/out fuel injection but am willing to deal with a chain final drive.

Suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

THANKS!

 

I can relate. I'm 280lb and the VFR is the best b/c the low end torque is there. The bike has plenty of power for 2up riding. This bike is reliable. If you want no maintenence then the cruisers may be for you but are lame vs. the VFR. Are you looking to buy new? I commute on my VFR and it is easy in traffic..You can ride this bike at 30-40mph in 3rd gear easily. It doesn't bog down. Sweet spot is above 4000rpm though

 

My man the VFR is a sweet ride, there's no doubting, obviously you've noticed that too. But here's the bottom line. As great a bike it is, you're going to be on the far left of the curve as far as being able to use it as you described. again not nit picking, yes you could use it. Just calling it out as I see it. Is there a better bike? More than likely. You're asking a lot, for one you're a Big Boy. Hmm If I remember correctly the VFR has a max payload of 390-420lbs Have a friend here that's 6'3" 275-80lbs and he's pushing the limits. I know he rides with us here and there and that poor VFR is just working way to hard IMHO, yes it does it, but it's so over the top, he knows this and is now looking at the ST which may be okay I say he needs a bigger bike yet. If I where you, again not picking, I'd look into a Vmax something with 1000cc plus thats some what sporty, those V-maxs are bad ass and do quite a nice job as a back yard road burner and daily commuter just my 2 cents worth. Hate to hear after a few miles you'd be disappointed.

 

300 + a passanger + gear is pushing it just a little too much IMO.

 

Well I know guy's that are 300 + that track & race 600's, but with experiance will be moving to litre bikes.

If just you on the VFR commuting, or sport touring, I say the bike would be fine, a little under powered, but fine.
If you add a passenger in the equation, your exceeding the bikes limits.

If you want some ponies, sporty & a sport tourer, that can handle gear & passenger, I say a Triumph '07 or newer Sprint 1050 with the Triumph Touring Gel seat, or a Hayabusa with helli bars & soft bags.

If you dont mind the girth & weight of a bigger sport tourer, my 1st choice would be a Honda ST1300, then a Yamaha FJ1300, because there semi sporty & no doubt can move you & a passenger around(your wife will like the these 2 the best for passenger comfort).
Just won't be as light & manuverable as the ST Sprint or Hayabusa, in traffic.

Good Luck !

 

My 2 cents:
A buddy of mine who's about 6'2" 280, loved the ride my 07 VFR, as far as power and handling. But his complaint was with ergonomics: wrist and shoulder pain, and my bike has helibars! For me, 5'7", 160, the VFR is perfect.
One other bike you might want to test ride is a Ducati Multistrada 1100. The engine has more torque than the Viffer, handlebars and seat height are high. Inf fact for me, the only complaint about the Duke was seat height, way to much for me, but there's plenty of torque and power from that twin.
Tony

 

Get a kawisaki concours (not the new 14); large bike, VERY easy to maintain, and very low price. Probably lots for sale with the new 14 out. If the misses ends up not riding much, then maybe you can treat yourself to a VFR as a solo bike.

 

Fotomoto Question?!?!?

Please correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the old Connie carb.d? As I mentioned earlier, with my previous luck on carb.d bikes...I'll never buy another one!

 

Go for the new Kawasaki Concourse 1400! I would not recommend the VFR for your mission.
Bob (retired Human Factors Engr. - 50 yrs. riding).

 

Aloha Riders
I have a 2006 VFR 800 Interceptor and my front tire is cupping, any words of Wisdom would be Greatly Appreciated.
Aloha & Mahalo
Kahuna

 

My Thoughts

I am a bit over 6' around 210 and the bike is fine with me on it banging around town and occasional commute. However, I agree with some of the earlier comments ergonomically my wife (5'2" 115lbs) is not a big fan of the bike when she is on the back. I suppose if you changed up the seat you could make it better for the passenger. But you will be pulling alot of weight and stock seats are not great. I know this is a VFR site but did you consider like a triumph ST a buddy has one and it performs pretty well but leans a bit more towards the tour part of sport tour or you could always go with one of the big Kawis or Yams. Just a thought and if you could find someone to let you throw a leg over theirs that would be best test and you judge for yourself.

 

VFR's perfect for everything, but will be a little challenged on the 2-up touring department for you.

Look for a 2000 to 2004ish Honda Blackbird, they're the fuel injected ones. Great for real people touring and fun for all the other stuff. Best of all, still gets 40+mpg for commuting.

Also in the sport touring department, but bigger then the VFR, would be BMW R1100s or K1200s. Sexy fast commuters that you can definitely tour on. Shop around and you find some serious good deals used on those.

If you're looking new, Concourse is the way to go. But that's a pretty serious touring beast.

 

If you have a eye for the vfr, but need the extra size for the load, take a look at a zx1400, Its still not a tankerbike, but will do a good job for what u need. Not sure of the loading, but it is bigger than the vfr and power is not a problem. Ergos are very close. good luck on your search!