Getting to Know (and love) my '99

Previous to yesterday, I had only ridden the VFR approx 140 miles. Then the winter set in, so I took it all apart, and made sure the maintenence was all up to date, plus installed new tires. upon disassembly found that the bodywork was missing many of the little plastic fasteners, and I made sure to replace them all. So yesterday I got my 1st ride in since reassembly, and I was amazed. The new tires transformed this bike. Plus, no more rattles either. I've owned a lot of bikes in my 59 years, and of late I've considered my ZRX my all time favorite, but this VFR is a contender. What a great "personality". My ZRX may be quicker, but it can't be by much. I love winding the VFR up past 10,000 rpm........what a great sound (K&N filter, Akrapovic can and mid pipe). Does anybike shift as well as a Honda? ZRX tranny feels crude by comparo, and my old Guzzi feels prewar crude. In it's defence, the ZRX almost doesn't need a trans, it pulls so hard from 2500 rpm in top gear, you could get by with a 2 speed! If you pull away from a stop and shift from 1st to 3rd to 5th, it feels perfectly geared. Having grown up on all manners of 2 strokes, I don't mind shifting, so I think I'll enjoy rowing through the gears on this VFR. Be interesting to see which bike gets the most miles this year. I'm even planning on riding the VFR to the North Arkansas ZRX rally in early May! Can't wait to get this thing to the curvey paradise that is the Ozarks! And if I make it to Indy again this year, I'll be on the VFR. 2008 took the ZRX to Indy, last year the Guzzi, so it's the VFR's turn. Come on warmer weather, it's time to let the Big Dogs Eat!!!:biggrin:

 

Yes, the '99 5th Gen is a great bike. I doubt you will find anything about it that you don't like. As you've noted the sound of the gear driven cams is just awesome. Hang in there, spring is just a month away.

 

I am with you brother. My CBR 954 has been a garage queen since I got the 98 VFR.