New Owner

Hello all.

I took delivery of my 06 ABS two weeks ago, complete with bra, panniers, and trunk. I can say that I am EXTREMELY impressed by the VFR. I have made several 100-150 mile trips on it, and the ergos are difficult to describe. As you all know, one has to experience it to fully appreciate it. They are fantastic.

I've been riding motorcycles for two months (mostly MSF school Honda 150 dirt bikes). Before I began riding, I always assumed that the cruiser posture on bikes were the most comfortable because one would be sitting upright. Having the ultra-plush seats of Goldwings caress my rear (I don't mean to be colorful, but those seats are plusher than the seats of many luxury cars I've sat in) at dealerships reinforced this notion. I rode my VFR, and immediately afterwards, rode my uncle's 98 Yamaha Royalstar 100 miles back home. My butt, little guys, and my entire spine were sore by the time I was done. This has never happened on the Viffer.

I have heard lots of stories about sport bikes being uncomfortable on long trips. I wanted a Honda for sure. I've abused and tortured a couple of their sedans, pulled massive trailers with them, and they have NEVER broken down on me.

I walked into the dealership to look at the 600 and 1000 CBRs. With the difference in their prices not being that much higher (about $1800), I figured that I may as well focus on the 1000. I had a huge problem with the size of the gas tanks, though. I have driven on several two day 2200-2500mi each way road trips. I have almost run out of gas a few times and those incidents were nerve-wracking. Running out of gas 100 miles away from the closest town and not possibly not having a cell phone signal can make for a very ugly experience. With the CBR's smaller gas tank, a 145mi range WILL leave you stranded in the boonies, GUARANTEED. The sales guy advised me against the CBRs as a newbie, and pointed me towards a VFR. I looked it over, then researched it thoroughly. It was the answer to ALL my needs: larger gas tank, luggage, great power, great handling, easy to ride, and a cult following. Other than a few per thousand, no one had any regrets about owning a VFR, regardless of generation.

I have no issues with the VTEC. I've had it in my Accord for years, so there are no surprises on the Viffer. I have played with it a few times, and I understand the concerns of the anti-VTEC folks. There is a difference b/w car and bike. Most people (I would believe) do not tend to wring out their car engines on a consistent basis, especially not at $4 a gallon, so the VTEC is not noticed until it is needed. On bikes, high rpm usage is a big part of the fun. Overall, I don't see it as a big issue. The transition simply takes getting used to.


I will be replacing the seat and the windshield. Otherwise, I am one extremely happy camper. I look forward to many great rides, and great interaction with you folks at VFR world. I will post more pics very soon. I have been too busy riding to take pictures.

Juliani

 

Welcome, Juliani. The bike looks great! I bought mine for many of the same reasons, including the 200 mile range of the vfr.

 

greetings from the ANZAC brigade and welcome to our little slice of cyberspace.
Hope you enjoy your gen 6!

ride safe

RT

 

Juliani - welcome to the VFR!! It's a fantastic bike for your 1st sport bike and has the luxury of being a great long distance bike as well. I put 15K miles on my '02 then went with a CBR1KRR and while it's power/handling is amazing - it can really only be appreciated at the track. A good rider on a VFR will easily stay up with a novice on a CBR. I'm glad your salesperson had the smarts to steer you away from the 1KRR as a first bike - it's really not for beginning riders and can get you hurt. I hope you have many trouble free and fun filled miles on your new VFR - GREAT bikes - I'm on my 2nd 6th gen
(2007 Red) now and it was like coming home to an old friend!! After selling the CBR I shopped all brands looking for a sport touring bike I would like. I found that the VFR still is the right bike for me - sport touring - "leaning" towards the sport side of the equation - but still capale of the longer rides:wink:

 

Welcome. Sharp looking 6th gen.

 

Two-up riding was also amazingly smooth. There wasn't much difference with a passenger. The rear was more planted, and the bike didn't sway one bit. I almost forgot I had a passenger. The engine didn't struggle at all.

I read about all the praises owners have for their Viffers, but for me, seeing is believing.

 

Will do, RT, thanks. I'm excited to be on board.

 

on a 109 mile trip, the bike barely used up two gallons. I have NO complaints.

 

Thanks, Knight.