Ok, talk too me.

A few weeks ago I totaled my Kawasaki Concours 14 and was in the dealership Saturday picking up personal items from the bike since the insurance company will be picking it up. I am talking with my salesman (also good friend) and I am sitting on a 2004 VFR with Leo Vince exhaust and PC. I'm sitting there looking at the instrument cluster and thinking to myself, "Hmm bike is pretty comfortable, wonder what it sounds like with the exhaust?" The key is in it so I start it up, wow! Sounds like a strong Ducati, sounds really good. Keith (salesman friend) tells me I ought to take it out for a spin it is a surprisingly comfortable and competent bike. So, I say "why not" and off I go. I am gone for like 50 minutes and am really enjoying the bike, I keep telling myself it only has about 100 rwhp compared to the C14's 134 rwhp, but man this thing actually runs pretty good and rides every bit as nice as the C14. What really got me was that I forgot how nice a smaller bike handles and the VFR is very easy to ride. The riding position really is not much different than the C14, maybe a bit more forward. Anyway, I get back and get off the bike and I'm looking at it and then it crosses my mind that wow, I think I may like this more than the C14. Now keep in mind it has been my intention to replace my bike with another C14. However, I'm standing there thinking about the ride I just took and I'm thinking this is a nice looking machine and on top of that it sounds like a freakin Ducati with the SBK exhaust. So, I saunter back into the dealer and Keith asks me "what do you think?" I tell him I am thoroughly impressed, how much is it? He tells me it is going for $7K and it only has 3,040 miles on it and it is in exceptional condition. I'm thinking that is damn near half the price of the C14.

My only thought at this point is that I took a trip to Colorado and road up around some of the best mountain passes around Telluride, Wolf Creek, Purgatory and up at Mesa Verde Nat'l Park. I had a total blast and did 2,400 miles in four days and the C14 was awesomely comfortable. However, the C14 is a big bike and was duly noted in the twisties, I'm not a particularly big guy so the C14 required a bit more work than the VFR. Don't get me wrong the C14 for its size and weight handles pretty darn well and is very responsive. But, the VFR is down right flickable compared to the C14 and it feels so much smaller and lighter. After riding the VFR I kept thinking how much I enjoyed being on a bike that felt so light and small and how comfortable (confident) I was on it. I could not keep up with the two guys I went to Colorado with, one on a Daytona 675 and the other on another C14; I just did not have the confidence to push such a big bike. After riding the VFR I feel like I may have felt more confident and would have kept up if I had been on the VFR and not the C14.

So, tell me this; how comfortable is the VFR on 500 plus days? The C14 was extremely comfortable even the stock seat was excellent; it's the only bike I have never changed seats on. Would the VFR, set up properly be as or close to as comfortable as the C14? I am very smitten with the bike I test rode and for the condition it is in and for the price, which I believe I can pick it up for $6,500, it is one heck of a bargain. I can't help but think this just well be my next bike, maybe with a Sargent seat and Heli bars the VFR just might travel as well as the C14.

Ok, now let me have it, give me something to chew on before I go out and make a rash decision.

 

It sounds to me like you may have found yourself a new bike. Comfort is always different for different people. I havn't put 500 miles in a day on my bike but I think with helibars I could. The most I've done so far is about 300 on a completely stock 07. Its a capable bike with some character in the engine and great handling..... I don't think you would regret it at all.

 

I have drooled over the c14 since the prototype photo's started to surface months ago and was very much wanting to purchase one. However, when the bike first started appearing in magazines and websites the projected msrp was thought to be around $18k, which was way out of my price range. I wanted a sporty bike that was comfortable enough for my old bones. That search brought me to the VFR and I love it. I haven't done any long range touring on it, 300 mile day being the fartherest, so I can't tell you how it is on long trips but many guys on this forum can help you out on that aspect. I have always been a Kawasaki fan, from ZX10's to KLR's, but for the riding I do I'm glad I didn't have the money for a new C14 and had to "settle" for a VFR. I put on a corbin seat and that really extended my ride time between stops. I don't think you will be disappointed with the VFR but I have never riden the C14 and I'm sure it was a very nice bike.
By the way, you may want to look around a bit on the year and price. I got my 2006 in May, brand new, for $7500 out the door. I've read in many threads here about dealers still having 06's in the 8k range. Good luck.

 

I agree with Reg. I have put in 400 mile days on mine and never felt tired out. I am average height guy, but below avg weight. The bike was vomfortable, but like you on the C14, I kinda had to work the VFR a bit. Don't get me wrong, the VFR is a capable twisty machine as well as a tourer. It bears repeating that this bike does both end very well.

 

So here's some rationalization leverage for your VFR decision... what other cycle goodies can you get with the rest of the cash in your pocket? can you take that and plan the trip to Alaska? Get the 2 bike for the price of 1? Get the other farkles you wanted?

I know I was guilt free getting the hardcases after seriously considering a more expensive machine, but getting the VFR.

 

Wow, 2,400 miles in 4 days. I know guys who do that and more on race replicas, and I've met guys that have done that and more on Harleys, it just totally depends on what makes you comfortable. If the sit straight up position with lots of legroom is what works for you, I'd stick with that style of bike if you do lots of that type riding. I know I would not be comfortable doing that on my VFR or any bike I can think of right now, but I could probably get through it.
Check out a used FJR - that bike just kicked the C14's ass in a MCN comparo this month. Could probably find a used one for less than 8k.

 

Rode my friends '07 today and talked a bit more about the VFR as my new sport touring bike and pretty much decided the '04 I test rode this past weekend will be in my garage by the end of the week. Thanks for all of your input, you're a passionate bunch and I look forward to lurking around.

Oh, and Chesthing, if you ever get a chance to ride a C14 I think you should. Despite it being large and heavy compared to the VFR, in competent hands it carves up the curves pretty darn well and as for comparing it to the FJR. I dont know what area's it would have kicked the C14's Arse. It is more powerfull with a more linear and usable power cure, and I am pretty sure will out handle it as well. The FJR may beat it in the touring department, but Kawsaki placed their emphasis on the sporting side of things, kind of like the VFR.

 

Yep, your are absolutely right. Therefore, I must do the practical thing and purchase the VFR. :wink:

 

I rode my '07 VFR 1200 miles in 2 days, and wanted more. Granted, the seat gets a little hard after about 3 hours, but it was a brand new bike, so the seat (or my butt) wasn't broken in yet. You'll find the VFR can really put some miles behind it in short order. It's just as happy on the interstate as in the twisties.

 

Quite interesting article. MCN isnt like your typical bike rag - absolutely no ads, and each edition costs $7.00. They compared the FJR, ST1300 and C14.
Categories were engine, trans/driveline, suspension, ergos, brakes, handling, riding impressions, instruments, attention to detail, value, and bottom line. In every single category, the C14 was dead last, in every category except brakes the FJR was first. go figure.

 

Just like everything else, it's a matter of preference. Several other bike mags, big names, placed the C14 above the others. Just letting you know the FJR is not superior to the C14 by any means. Both excellent rides, it's just that the C14 is a bit better at the sporty stuff. Believe it or not the C14 is a lot like the VFR, just bigger and more powerful.

 

I think you have already answered your own questions but I'll chime in as I had a similar situation.

My previous bike was a Honda Blackbird 1100XX, a big, fat girl just like your 14. I too had some reservations about going to a smaller bike after the 1100. It took me all of a day to forget the Blackbird. I've described the VFR as simply a more nimble Blackbird. So in your case, you'll maintain most if not all of the creature comforts and gain much more in sporting capability. I rode the Blackbird more aggressively than I should have but the VFR takes it more in stride.

I have taken a few long trips on the VFR. Ranging from 500-1800 miles. For me personally I needed to add a Zero Gravity windscreen and a Sargeant seat for me to be comfy. The stock seat had some bad pressure points. I maintain the stock clip-ons and don't plan on straightening myself up any further with Heli's.

The bike loves to be hauling on the highway. I get great gas mileage in the 45+ range when cruising at 75 or so. The tall 6th gear acts like a true overdrive gear.

Another added benefits of the bike is it's ability to handle very well. For me, this bike fully encompasses my definition of SPORT tourer. My favorite pastime is taking in an awesome view one minute, dragging a knee the next with a bag strapped to the back. The other sport-touring offerings lean too much to touring for my current tastes.

All in all, if you don't suffer from HP envy, you'll be fine with a VFR. Nearly perfect all-around machine. Take the extra cash and buy the seat and windscreen. Good to go as far as you want!

Good Luck!

 

By the way, you may want to look around a bit on the year and price. I got my 2006 in May, brand new, for $7500 out the door. I've read in many threads here about dealers still having 06's in the 8k range. Good luck.[/QUOTE]

I bought my '04 new, 0 miles for $6200.

 

Two4one I appreciate your input and feel the same. I have pretty much made up my mind and will be negotiating on the '04 w/3040 miles on her. VF750orig I believe I will be able to pick her up for $5,800 - $6,000 which is not bad consdiering milage and the fact she already has exhaust and the PC. Plus the fact she is Italian Red and I love the color.

Thanks,
Scott

 

Not a problem. Sounds like a great deal especially with the extra goodies on it.

 

Good luck with her Scott. I love my red '04, I now have about 2500 miles on her and she runs like a top.

There is a warrenty recall out. Make sure you get the fix. I'll be taking mine in in the next day or two to get the front sub-harness replaced.

I felt the bike needed the PC to fix low RPM surging problem. That's the only modification I have made. I might go for a more comfortable seat next spring. I also purchased the matching saddlebags, and although a little pricy, I love them. This is my first bike in 30 bikes or so to have the bags.

 

Well I couldn't wait until the weekend, for one I found out that my friend and salesman at the Kawasaki dealership that had the VFR had a heart attack Saturday afternoon shortly after I left. So, I decided to go ahead and pick her up so that Keith would get the sale. Plus I just couldn’t wait something about that red and that, that sound just gives me a woody.

Thanks for the heads up VF750orig on the recall, I will have to get her in the next warm day too roll around, it is about to get really cold here, so no riding for a while. I did get a couple of hundred miles in this afternoon and evening. I think the bike is plenty strong; I'm not missing the power of the C14 at all. I love the low end pull and tractable power all the way to red line.

I’m not sure about comfort but at this point I don’t care and I will work on that another day. I just love how she feels so similar to one of my first bikes, the VFR500 Interceptor and has the low end power the 500 only dreamed of. I think this bike is going to be with me for a while. Hard to say though, since April I have owned a 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050, 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 and now the ’04 VFR. Funny how I progressed from the 2007 to a 2008 and then to a 2004, some times you have to kiss a lot of girls to find the right one

 

Congratulations Congratulations Okie! I hope you won’t be disappointed. I know I sure like mine, and it’s the same bike as you just bought. It’s about the fifth or sixth Interceptor I’ve had, but none since ’84.

I hear you on the cold. Today, the day before Thanksgiving, the forecast is for highs in the 70s and sunny. I had to ride today as it may be the last warm day of the year. I rode my CBR1000RR Repsol today. I usually ride my Interceptor to work but I wanted to charge the battery and stir the fluids around one more time before winter sets in for real. I will still ride my Interceptor to work through the winter if it’s above freezing and not forecast to rain. I guess I’ve become a fair weather rider in my old age.

Enjoy