And yet another new guy....sheesh!

Hey fellow VFR Lovers...my name is Stephen Scharf, and I go by the handle Puma Cat. The name comes from a passion I have for cats, but big cats, in particular. Those of you on BARF or perhaps, LABUSAS, will know me well.

I just joined VFRWorld today because I bought my first VFR, a very clean 1999 VFR 800 three days ago on, on the 15th. I am very excited about finally becoming a VFR rider.

Some background:
I'm a scientist by profession, my background is in molecular biology. I work for a leading biotech company in the Bay Area, both as a scientist, and as a Six Sigma Black Belt. Outside of work I am also a photographer, and one of the official track photographers for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and Infineon Raceway. I cover all the pro motorsports events for both tracks, so look for racing photos from me from time to time during the season.

I've been riding for 20 years. Raced for five years with the AFM, a series of small bikes, starting with a 250 Ninja, then a CB-1 (which was one of the best bikes I've ever owned), and finally FZR400s. Ran mid-pack but learned a lot and met some terrific guys who are still some of my best friends today.

My first bike was a Honda V-Four, a sweet little 1986 Honda VF500F Interceptor, so I feel like I've come home after 20 years. I sold my 500 Interceptor in 1989, and have been riding CBR600s ever since. In fact, I've never owned anything larger than a 600 until I bought the VFR three days ago. I still own and ride an immaculate 2001 CBR600F4I.

But, VFRs have always held a special place in my heart, and I have had the opportunity to ride them from time to time. Their rider-friendliness, wonderful ergos, great handling, and their crown jewel, that incredible motor has always had a strong pull for me (no pun intended!). It is no exaggeration that I've wanted to own a VFR for 20 years, ever since Honda made that '87 in dark metallic blue with the silver in the tank insets. It was an unrequited love until a few days ago.

I bought my VFR from a nice guy in San Jose, and the bike is literally mint except for a few scratches on the lower left cowl from a 0 mph tipover ( I know this because the scratches are vertical, not horizontal). The seller took me on a 10 mile intro ride, and the bike met two of my criteria: it was stock and it was straight. I bought this bike primarily for commuting to work, and also for touring. As luck would have it, the bike also came complete with a set of hard Givi luggage; two bags and a top box, a Corbin seat and a Remus slipon (which I am willing to sell to anyone interested). So, the bike met my third criterion, that it would be great for touring. I just clicked over 15,000 miles yesterday on my way to AAA to transfer the title. I took my VFR on it's first ride yesterday, a romp through the canyons of Napa County and the Napa Valley. It was a beautiful day and I had a wonderful time on my first ride on my VFR. I am impressed with how fast these bikes are, and how much torque they have!

Here is a photo:


It's nice to be here, and meeting and learbing from you all. I am sure I will have questions as I get to know my "new" bike.

 

Thanks, it's good to be here.

 

Welcome, Puma. With your profession, you will probably end up explaining things to some of us here. lol. Anyway, welcome to the group and thanks for joining. We are happy you chose VFRWorld. :smile:

 

welcome.
obviously, the VFR attracts the most intelligent beings.

now for some advice.
as a molecular biologist, could you make a spray potion which will
repel deer?
I know that hunters spray themselves with deer pee to attract the things.

 

Cool, a dude that can take pictures... That umbrella girl section in the gallery will get some new additions?

good to have you.

 

Nope, no umbrella girl photos, those are a dime a dozen. I am trying to establish my own look, and cheesecake isn't going to get me there...:smile:

 

Nice pictures Mr. Scharf. but I'd give you an entire quarter for 6 umbrella girl shots. cherry cheesecake if you please.

Your vermuellen shot is insanely sharp and crisp. It is hard to make that bike look pretty and you succeeded.

I can't stare at Hayden's buttocks long enough to read what the chrome lettering says, anyone?

 

mr. Scharf has even better photos on his website.

that one of Nicky in the turn at Philip Island is great.
your photo of Elbowz Spies almost captures the steel pipe running from elbow to elbow which defines the straight line across his back. his forearm is absolutely perpendicular to his upper arm. wow.:welcome:

 

The shot of Nicky at PI is one of my faves; I have a print of it hanging on my wall at home. It was taken as he was running up the the hill to Lukey Heights. He was really moving, probably at over 150 mph. I think Nicky's leathers say, "Let it all ride..."

 

Everyone likes pictures. It gives us something to write about.

 

Puma Cat........

Plainly.......................seems like Puma Cat is NOT just your ordinary average "another new member!"...... so read on.......




WELCOME ABOARD!!
.......just watch your step over some a the crap spewed here......