First spin on my 2010 and a quick comparison to my FJR1300 and Concours 1400

This bike flies! Turned on my road and when I hit 2nd up came the front wheel. Caught me off guard reading about how bad 1st and 2nd gears are. She's nimble, the brakes are incredible and I have have no remorse sending the FJR or Connie down the road. With the addition of side bags she should be as capable of a tourer with a much higher fun factor over the FJR and Concours. I can only think of three advantages to the FJR and Connie; More comfortable for a passesnger, Better wind protection for driver and probably better fuel economy. I averaged 47 on the FJR and 43 with the connie. My only complaint is why did I wait so long to buy one of these :crazy:

 

When I totalled my FJR back in February, I briefly contemplated buying back the salvage and fixing it (wouldn't be the first time I'd done that). Then my wife reminded me that I always said the FJR was NOT my favorite motorcycle by a long shot. It was a really good bike, but just never sporty enough for me, especially the riding position. I attribute it all to fate. I'd lusted for a VFR12 since the first time I saw one at a show before they were released. Sadly, the price was way too high in my oppinion and the (optional!) luggage way too small for my needs. I have a vending account with a Honda powersports dealer and am in there often and knew they had a pair of VFRs that had been on the floor for a looong time. So imagine my surprise to find out that Honda was blowing them out at what I considered a much more realistic price. A little online investigating also revealed that the Givi V35 side cases were available for this bike with a capacity (and price) I could live with! I totalled the FJR on Tuesday and signed the papers on my VFR that Friday. The rest is history. No bike is perfect as-is for me. I've been a mechanic for a REALLY long time and know that I can make the bike exactly what I want it to be. So it's still a work in progress, and the only thing I miss from the FJR is the massive wind protection. I could put a big honking windscreen on the VFR, but frankly, I'd rather live with it as-is and keep the sweet looks. It IS the sportier sport-tourer I'd wished for many years. Enjoy the ride.


Edit: Yes, the fuel economy was much better on the FJR and it didn't require Premium fuel either. I guess everything comes at a price. As far as the seat, that can be fixed. The FJR stock seat was a much bigger abomination IMHO.