Making the transition....

Hi everyone, I'm new to your forum. I currently have a 2002 CBR 600 that I enjoy a lot but its a little uncomfortable for distance or I'm just getting older, I don't know for sure..... I was online and I saw the new VFR colors and I decided to go to my local dealer to check them out. I saw a black '06.... It looks great!!! The salesmen said they are nice bikes but like buying a real nice Accord.... I like the look and idea of the comfort and I like the Honda Racing scheme on the '07.... Does it have some character? Is the connection to all those great bikes there or is it just paint? I do think this is a great looking bike and I like the idea of a V-four. I figure you guys that own the bike know better than anybody. I'm keeping the CBR so this is not a replacement bike. I can "put my name on one" so I get first option soon. Thanks for your help!!!

 

Welcome to the site alter ego, l have a 06 pearl white abs that I bought new in august. I have about 1700mi on it so far and love it. Compared to full sport bikes they are more comfortable and easier to ride with a good bit more wind protection. In my totally unbiased opion you can't go wrong with a viffer.

 

Mike, thanks for the welcome..... Glad to hear you are enjoying your bike. The idea of the comfort and sport feel is why I think it caught my attention. My big fear was that it would be too vanilla because it is a touring biased HONDA platform.... at least thats what some articles say. You know how it gets when you compare against European bikes.... I agree with the sound and feel usually on those but cost are a little high. I want to ride one and now that I have heard some clips with exhaust I think the vanilla is out the window!!! It seems to be the best all around bike for the $$$. Did you have one of the previous generation bikes before this one?

 

To me the ST1300 is more the Accord, doesn't even look like a bike to me, but people love it so it must be OK. But that's the rub, bikes are very personal, much more so than most cars, so it matters more what you think. In regular riding the VFR and the CBR are pretty close, except in comfort. The VFR is definately a notch above, not a HUGE difference but perceptible -- at least to me. On the track the CBR would spank the VFR -- same riders and upgrades of course. Weird that the dealer would try to talk you out of it.

A cheap route may be to look at Gen-Mar risers or Heli-Bars on the CBR as well as a custom seat. Depending on how often you will go greater distances. The Gen-Mar risers go on and off in about 10 minutes, so you could easily switch back and forth.

To me, and to each their own, the CBR and VFR are too close to rationalize having both in your garage at the same time. Unless you are doing lots of track days. Now when I had my CBR600 and my BMW K1200RS, that was a difference. But I replaced them both with the VFR. Not quite with the CBR in the twisties, but pretty close, and more comfy as a commuter. Not as stable at high speeds as the BMW, but I don't go over 100 very often for very long periods; and much much more fun in the twisties and lighter to move around the garage.

 

Hi Spike, I hear you on the ST1300.... I like a little sportier look and feel. Part of my reason for keeping the CBR is my "wiser" half will ride it and by keeping it for her I can get a new bike. (Just a little maneuvering to keep her happy with the whole thing.) I wanted something a little bigger, more comfortable, and a little different this time. I also didn't want to go crazy as far as costs. My fear was that the VFR would be "just another bike" after the Accord description. I like the new retro paint scheme on the '07. It goes back to those early dominant RC's that had all kinds of attitude. I was hoping it wasn't a mismatch for today's VFR. After some time on the forum I can sense that it might fit what I am looking for.