Thinking of buying a new 2007 VFR (Anniversary Edition)

I'm presently riding a Moto Guzzi V11 Sport and am agonizing over whether to sell it and get a VFR. There's a brand new 2007 Anniversary Edition at the local dealer and he's willing to make a deal to get it out of there.

I'm looking for something that I can put 200 miles on in a day without a problem but my greatest joy is spent going fast through the twisties. I look at an FJR as being way to heavy to accomplish the latter, and a sportbike too uncomfortable (and tough on my wrists) for the former. I'm hoping that the smaller displacement means a quicker handler, though it means moving from 1100 cc (though a 2 valver per cylinder twin) to 800 cc.

I've heard mixed things about VTEC on these bikes (for instance, having it suddenly turn on in the middle of a corner). I know they have moved the actuation down the rev range for the later models. I've also heard mixed things about the linked brakes, but all of this has been from various bike review places and I'm not sure whether they are looking at it from a hardcore sportbike perspective.

Borrom line is that I am a 48-year old, 6'2" 220 lb lifetime rider looking for something that will still provide thrills in corners (I'm probably about an 8/10ths scratcher), will fit my frame, and comfortably take be on a 4-6 hour ride on weekends, and the occasional thousand miles or so when the wife will allow it.

Your honest opinions would be most welcome in helping me make a decision.

 

200 miles in a day? How about 600 miles in a day on a 56 year old body? I've done 500 mile days a couple of times and 600 once. I could have gone farther but I ran out of daylight and all I had with me was a dark smoke face shield.

The VFR falls more into the sport touring category with the emphasis on "Sport" as opposed to "Touring". It's more on the "Sport" side than the FJR but less on the sport side than a CBR. Everything is a trade-off, and the VFR is not as comfortable for a long days as a FJR nor is it as nimble in the corners as a CBR. It's still a capable machine in either arena though.

As to your decision that's something you will have to decide for yourself.

 

2007 VFR Decision

Michael D,

I have owned the same model you're thinking about buying for 8 months now and Michael do yourself a favour, take one for a ride. I read the same stuff you did about the V-tec and when it kicks in and so forth, but most of that was about when it was first introduced in the 2002 model. Honda have had another 5-years to perfect it and this they have.

The beauty over here in Aussie land where gas is expensive, the fuel economy side is a winner.

I had my handle bars raised 19mm and it helps. The seat is fine but on lon rides a softer ride would be great. It's a great all rounder.

Machedice

 

The VFR very well could be the perfect sport-touring bike. Coming off the guzzi...it may feel like a toy. I ride a BMW now..and while it is nice...I regret selling my 01' VFR. I am looking for a used VFR now because I miss the versatility of the legendary Honda.

 

Hi Michael D and to the board. I think this viffer could fit your desires very well. I just got that same viffer about a month ago. I am 5'9" 200lbs, and six hours or a few hundred miles riding I find pretty comfortable (with breaks of course). The stock seat can be a little rough on the back of the thighs after awhile though but upgrades such as corbin are available. It seems plenty spunky and fun in turns to me. The stock tires however I hear can leave something to be desired.

Also if you're planning to sometimes do longer trips, you can get the hardbags and trunk for storage space, and then just remove them if you're going out for sporty riding and don't need the space. They go on and off very easily, like 5 seconds literally, though it leaves behind some naked bracketry with them removed.

I haven't had any issues with surprises with the VTEC. After you ride it for a few days you can sense when it is about to kick in. The harder you are on the throttle the more abrupt the transition seems to be. Often it seems to give a second or two notice before engaging (I think the ECU retards timing before engagement and does some other tricks trying to make the transition smoother).

 

Thanks for the input. Found a nice 2004 model about 600 miles away. I'll be picking it up Saturday and riding it home. Hopefully this will be the start of a great relationship!

 

Congratulations!

Say, what city are you in?

 

Welcome Aboard.

 

Phoenix -- only 104 degrees outside!

Will update my profile when I actually have the bike -- call me paranoid, but I don't own it until I am on it.

 

hehe I hear it is a dry heat heat though Good policy not getting attached to the bike until you're actually riding it!