Hello from VA, thinking about VFR

Hi everyone! Just joined up today.

I started riding in April '08, took MSF, Total Control, had a Ninja 650R. I had been wanting a bike forever (sound familiar?) so I was ecstatic to finally have one. Unfortunately in October of 09 I had a "learning experience" and the bike didn't survive. I did great, though, thanks to full gear. It was entirely my fault, I stacked up every Motorcycling 101 "don't" in the book. Since then I've done a lot more reading (Twist of the Wrist II), watched some videos, changed my car driving, etc, to get my mind right.

I am looking to get another bike and the VFR seems to fit my criteria:

Four cylinders (just love the howl)
Adjustable suspension/cartridge forks (at least semi adjustable)
Some wind protection
ABS (will NOT compromise on that)
Half fairing would be nice
Not a cruiser, looking for Sportbike or "naked"

That list, frankly, seems to weed out just about everything. The FZ1 is almost there but no ABS in America. The Z1000 is almost there but no ABS or wind protection. The Ducati Monster 796 is the second runner up but no wind protection. The CBR600RR actually fits almost all those criteria but as much as I would LOOOVE one I should probably skip it. I do not need a supersport.

So, looks like the VFR is at the top of the list! Only two downsides that I see: weight and full fairings (i.e. sliders are a pain). I guess people say you get used to the weight and it disappears when riding. I like to practice slow speed maneuvers so I imagine the weight would take some getting used to. As for the fairings, I am a believer that every bike will be on it's side at least once, even if it's just a tip over in the garage. I guess the R&G sliders are the way to go even with cutting the fairings?

Anyway, thanks for having me here. Looking forward to getting back in the saddle.

-Stooxie

 

welcome to the loonie bin. There are a sh$t load of Va riders on this forum. Check them out. They may help you out a lot.

 

have you ever ridden a VFR? Would be happy to let you borrow mine assuming you could step up to any damages. In zip code 20117

 

Beta,

Holy smokes, your avatar alone is more than a mortal man can ask for! I very much appreciate the offer and will keep that in mind. I would repay your kindness with the best bacon
you'll ever eat-- make it myself from some of the finest hogs around. (hope you're not Kosher. Heaven knows I'll have some 'splainin' to do when I get to the pearly gates.)

-Stooxie

 

where in NoVa are you? I am not Kosher, but I am Muslimish-AlQaedaban. Which means we are only allowed to eat pork products that come from pigs.

 

Read you loud and clear! I'm in Vienna.

-Stooxie

 

no, really ... Vienna is in Austria, I thought you said Virginia

 

Ummm, no really. Vienna, VA. 22180.