2007 VFR800 First Ride

Ok, its actually my 2nd ride, but this time we hit the back hwy. The first was a lot of practice time in a church parking lot. Just to make sure I still had the old riding skills. Loved it so far. I did notice a long pull between 1st and 2nd gear and the throttle is a tad sensitive. The handlebars just seem really low for a sport touring model. When I turn the wheel all the way either direction my hand smashes up against the tank. Not sure it that is normal or not. Looked up the Helibar risers and the other one which the name escapes me right now...Spilberg or something... Wow!!! $300 to $569... I just wanted risers not a new bike

After about 30 minutes I seemed to get more comfortable with the bars, but on a long ride not sure how I'd do. Shifting was a bit rough especially with the touchy throttle, but I got the hang of it eventually. I didn't really notice the surge of power around the 6800 rpm's that others have mentioned. It just seemed to go really smooth for me. It was a blast and I am looking forward to our next ride, Considering the risers and a Corbin seat.

Also, I noticed the mirrors have blinkers on them. They don't blink at all. Are those factory or aftermarket? I went with an HJC CLMax helmet in white 4xl, Its a modular helmet and I am glad I went modular. It really helps to cool off. I wanted the ISMax 2 but nobody had it in stock and I was told maybe in November. Got us both (son and I) Scorpion SGS gloves. Walmart has boots called interceptor from $30 to $50. I went with the mid height and my son went with the low height. We're both wearing jeans. That's about it for now. Happy riding

 

First off, welcome to the world of Viffers! Next, if that pic is your bike, and it's a US model, and that's the original color, it can't be a 2007. 2006 was the only year for a US spec white 6th gen. Look at the VIN sticker on the frame between the tank and fairing. As for the mirrors, 6th gens didn't come with any lighting on the mirrors, so they were added by the PO. Do the running lights and signals on the fairing work?

 

I think the white looks great! But DriverDave is right, of course. No white in 2007. Seeing how the mirrors are aftermarket, maybe the original owner also had the bike painted. If painted, it could be a purely cosmetic preference. Or it could have been the result of a drop that needed cleaning up. Take a close look at your bar ends, levers and engine cover. Also, he/she may have put on aftermarket clip-ons (another sign of a drop?) At full lock, although definitely in close, my hands are not being smashed against the tank.

It is geared pretty high so what you're experiencing between first and second is probably normal. It wasn't clear if the rough shifting was you or the bike. One thing these motorcycles are known for is a buttery smooth gear box. It may be time to check/replace your fluids. The stock seat does tend to push you forward onto the bars and many people end up going with risers of one type or another. Do a search for Corbin vs Sargent and there's a good thread that discusses aftermarket seat options. You'll find that majority of VFR owners on this forum seem to prefer the Sargent to the Corbin. Personally, I'm okay with the stock seat but have thoughts/plans of picking up a used stock seat and taking it to a custom upholsterer. A slightly lower, flatter seat will take some of the weight off your wrists. That, and get used to using your legs and core more to hold you upright. Think of your hands as barely needing to touch the bars and only then, for steering input.

Welcome to the forum! Enjoy your ride. It's an amazing machine.

 

Another vote for a Sargent seat. I recently made the switch from Gen Mar risers to Heli Bars. I had the Gen Mars on for about 22k miles & were happy with em. While they only raise the bars 3/4" which doesn't sound like a lot. Coupled with the flatter Sargent seat you'll have much less tendency to slide forward. This also helps relieve some of the pressure from your wrists. The reason I made the switch was recently I had a tip over. I have long heavy weight bar ends that snapped off. Damaging the internal weight/ dampener of the right handlebar. Since I would have to replace the internal parts I thought this would be a good time to upgrade. The Hell-bars make a world of difference. Well worth it.

 

I bought the bike advertised as a 2007 from a bike dealership, but when I got the insurance they told me it wouldn't go through as a 2007 and said it was probably a 2006. The book that came with it is a 2008. Interesting...I also looked at 2 other 2007's that were the same white color. Yes, the running lights and signals do work. Just not the mirror ones./ Figured they must be aftermarket and just not wired in because whoever installed them didn't know they need resisters and possibly a new relay to. Appreciate the info. Good to know the exact year before I start ordering parts Now, should I push the issue with the bike dealership?

 

I'm still curious what the VIN sticker on the left side frame says.