New guy...asking questions from the experts

nyteshades · 03-26-2008, 11:23 AM

I've been lurking around the site for a couple of days and been all thru the old posts and still have questions....so I thought I would post.

Anyway on to my question. I currently have an 06 F4i...it's ok, and for my first sportbike and being off a bike for 10 years it did what I wanted in the begining. A year and half later...I have discovered track days and devote a lot of time to my riding. Specifically for the track, and on the track the f4i has plenty. In fact, wrapping that bike up on the track actually gives me a whole new respect for that bike. But the F4i lacks torque. I grew up riding dirtbikes, so a bike with no torque is quite boring to me.

On the track, the f4i is a lot of fun and I don't feel like I'm outgrowing the bike. On the street....I really notice the lack of torque and want a bigger bike, but I don't want or need a liter bike. I live in the Tulsa area and all the good roads are in AR....but 300-400 miles on the f4i is my limit before I want off. So I'd really like something that is "comfortable". Another pet peeve of mine is group rides. Quite often I'm the only 600 in the group and when I'm in the back staying with the group of bigger bikes is a challenege. I also do quite a bit of 2 up riding with my wife....and riding the hills in AR is miserable with her on the 600.

Wife is cool with me keeping the 600 for the track..and for her to possiblily to learn ride on. For the street, I've decided I need more torque....not neccessarly more hp. But I don't want to give up the feel of the twisties on a sport bike for a cruiser. I'm not really impressed with the FJR or Bandit...I'm gonna be 32 and those strike me as bikes my dad would ride. But the VFR has always appealed to me.

So after all that....the question is....will the VFR handle 2 up riding with out a lot of shifting...is it comfortable for a 400 plus mile day....can it still handle the twisties....and will it give me the torque I want? And will it remind me I'm not on a supersport bike? Cause lately, I'm loosing the sensation of speed on the street and it's starting to scare me. Meaning going faster in turns doesn't bother me and exiting a turn well over 100 mph is not so uncommon anymore. Hope that didin't come off to squidish.

Sorry for the long post...

Shades

Bubba Zanetti · 03-26-2008, 11:35 AM

Hello!

Based upon what you wrote, a VFR may just be the ticket for a great "street" bike.

You may want to invest in a few things like and aftermarket seat and maybe update the springs in the front forks, but all else should fall into place.

Anthing from 1990 on in model years could work for you.

Just my 2 cents.

And feel free to ask as many questions as you need to!

BZ

Kevin_70 · 03-26-2008, 01:01 PM

If I rode a lot of 2-up, which I don't, I'd sersiously lean towards the FJR over the VFR in all honesty. You just can't beat those extra cc's the Yammy has over the VFR for 2 up, IMHO.

nyteshades · 03-26-2008, 01:05 PM

Most of my two up riding is done in town. The wife might go out with me 2 or 3 times a season and it's never really an aggressive ride.

derstuka · 03-26-2008, 01:31 PM

I think the VFR is a great bike all-around, it will handle the best of the twisties, and the stock seat is not bad at all, but an aftermarket Sargent would be a good investment. However, IMO (and I will get flamed for this) the VFR doesn't really impress me personally in the torque category. In my defense, I was used to my FZR1000 torque and not having to downshift either. Just loads of roll-on torque. I know that this is a 781cc bike, but I love roll-on torque without banging down gears.

If you really want some more torque, you might want to look at an SV1000. Great bike with loads of torque. Put some helibars on it, an aftermarket seat, and you are ready to roll.

Lgn001 · 03-26-2008, 05:29 PM

I don't like the lack of midrange with just me riding the bike (about 185 w/riding gear). It isn't bad for an 800cc motor on a 575 pound motorcycle, but it is soft. It is a great bike for highway cruising, does real well in the twisties (feels lighter than it is), but serious power needs about 8500 RPM to get on the boil. A Triumph Sprint might be an interesting alternative, or an FJR, or a Bandit 1250S.

Taz · 03-26-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lgn001

I don't like the lack of midrange with just me riding the bike (about 185 w/riding gear). It isn't bad for an 800cc motor on a 575 pound motorcycle, but it is soft. It is a great bike for highway cruising, does real well in the twisties (feels lighter than it is), but serious power needs about 8500 RPM to get on the boil. A Triumph Sprint might be an interesting alternative, or an FJR, or a Bandit 1250S.

Note: He said it B-4 me

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, I think in your case the VFR (5th gen) would be perfect for you !

nozzle · 03-26-2008, 11:19 PM

If I can still do the math, doesn't superbike torque=RC-51 or is that just an approximation?

reg71 · 03-27-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyteshades

So after all that....the question is....will the VFR handle 2 up riding with out a lot of shifting...is it comfortable for a 400 plus mile day

Yes and yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyteshades

....can it still handle the twisties....and will it give me the torque I want? And will it remind me I'm not on a supersport bike?

yes, probably and yes

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyteshades

Sorry for the long post...Shades

never a problem here.

nyteshades · 04-01-2008, 09:48 AM

so I rode a 6th gen last night.....I still can't wipe the smile off my face...took the wife out on it....it has plenty of go for the both of us, and she said it was way more comfortable than the f4i.....

talking to the dealer about a trade. I give up the track days for a year or so...but I think it's worth it....

yoda6669 · 04-01-2008, 10:03 AM

Ohhhhh! There u go! Get yourself a nice 6th Gen. I fell in love with mine since the first day. Keep us informed on the purchase.

Alaskan · 04-01-2008, 11:10 AM

I never ride with a passenger, but even so midrange torque isn't all that impressive. Better than the F4, though!

I was looking at the VFR, the Triumph Sprint ST (great engine, blah looks), the Ducati ST3 (great engine AND great looks) and the Ducati Multistrada (great engine and comfort, but butt ugly). I would have been happy with any of these.

nyteshades · 04-01-2008, 07:45 PM

So look what followed me home today......

Can't seem to find the f4i though...

Alaskan · 04-01-2008, 07:52 PM

Wow! Thattsa nice bike!!!!

winaje · 04-01-2008, 08:24 PM

Brilliant bike, you'll be really happy with it, I'm sure.

Now, let the accessorising begin...!
Might want to start with some Carbon bits like this...
<------

yoda6669 · 04-01-2008, 09:34 PM

Ohh Yeah! Congrats! Now all u have to do is joint hte militia, and u r set! Look for 6th Gen Militia roll cal on most active forums.

RVFR · 04-01-2008, 10:45 PM

Nough said, Congrats, was going to say what some have, but I see I'm a bit late. BTW Nice bike. and Welcome, you'll like it here.

chomper · 04-01-2008, 11:11 PM

congrats again.... great choice in color to

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03-26-2008, 11:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
nyteshades Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Last Online: 12-12-2008 08:23 AM Location: Tulsa, OK - Find Me! My Ride: 08 VFR Posts: 71 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	New guy...asking questions from the experts I've been lurking around the site for a couple of days and been all thru the old posts and still have questions....so I thought I would post. Anyway on to my question. I currently have an 06 F4i...it's ok, and for my first sportbike and being off a bike for 10 years it did what I wanted in the begining. A year and half later...I have discovered track days and devote a lot of time to my riding. Specifically for the track, and on the track the f4i has plenty. In fact, wrapping that bike up on the track actually gives me a whole new respect for that bike. But the F4i lacks torque. I grew up riding dirtbikes, so a bike with no torque is quite boring to me. On the track, the f4i is a lot of fun and I don't feel like I'm outgrowing the bike. On the street....I really notice the lack of torque and want a bigger bike, but I don't want or need a liter bike. I live in the Tulsa area and all the good roads are in AR....but 300-400 miles on the f4i is my limit before I want off. So I'd really like something that is "comfortable". Another pet peeve of mine is group rides. Quite often I'm the only 600 in the group and when I'm in the back staying with the group of bigger bikes is a challenege. I also do quite a bit of 2 up riding with my wife....and riding the hills in AR is miserable with her on the 600. Wife is cool with me keeping the 600 for the track..and for her to possiblily to learn ride on. For the street, I've decided I need more torque....not neccessarly more hp. But I don't want to give up the feel of the twisties on a sport bike for a cruiser. I'm not really impressed with the FJR or Bandit...I'm gonna be 32 and those strike me as bikes my dad would ride. But the VFR has always appealed to me. So after all that....the question is....will the VFR handle 2 up riding with out a lot of shifting...is it comfortable for a 400 plus mile day....can it still handle the twisties....and will it give me the torque I want? And will it remind me I'm not on a supersport bike? Cause lately, I'm loosing the sensation of speed on the street and it's starting to scare me. Meaning going faster in turns doesn't bother me and exiting a turn well over 100 mph is not so uncommon anymore. Hope that didin't come off to squidish. Sorry for the long post... Shades

03-26-2008, 11:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bubba Zanetti Uber Guru Join Date: Jan 2007 Last Online: Today 05:51 AM Location: Delaware My Ride: 1997 VFR750F View my Photo Gallery Posts: 1,614 Thanks: 70 Thanked 44 Times in 35 Posts	Hello! Based upon what you wrote, a VFR may just be the ticket for a great "street" bike. You may want to invest in a few things like and aftermarket seat and maybe update the springs in the front forks, but all else should fall into place. Anthing from 1990 on in model years could work for you. Just my 2 cents. And feel free to ask as many questions as you need to! BZ __________________ "The average man does not get pleasure out of an idea because he thinks it is true; he thinks it is true becasue he gets pleasure out of it". -H.L. Mencken

03-26-2008, 01:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Kevin_70 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Last Online: Today 03:24 PM Location: Placerville, CA - Find Me! My Ride: 2006 Black VFR, Yamaha WR450F, Yamaha TTR-225 (the wife's), Kawasaki KLX300R Posts: 460 Thanks: 9 Thanked 11 Times in 9 Posts	If I rode a lot of 2-up, which I don't, I'd sersiously lean towards the FJR over the VFR in all honesty. You just can't beat those extra cc's the Yammy has over the VFR for 2 up, IMHO. __________________ Current Set-up: Staintunes, PCIII USB, Custom o2 Eliminators, K&N Air Filter, Sargent Seat, Michelin Pilot Powers, R&G Frame Sliders

03-26-2008, 01:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
derstuka CrAcKbRaInEd MoDeRaToR Join Date: Jan 2007 Last Online: Today 03:08 PM Location: San Diego, CA - Find Me! My Ride: 1998 Honda VFR800FI View my Photo Gallery Posts: 3,561 Thanks: 17 Thanked 122 Times in 85 Posts	I think the VFR is a great bike all-around, it will handle the best of the twisties, and the stock seat is not bad at all, but an aftermarket Sargent would be a good investment. However, IMO (and I will get flamed for this) the VFR doesn't really impress me personally in the torque category. In my defense, I was used to my FZR1000 torque and not having to downshift either. Just loads of roll-on torque. I know that this is a 781cc bike, but I love roll-on torque without banging down gears. If you really want some more torque, you might want to look at an SV1000. Great bike with loads of torque. Put some helibars on it, an aftermarket seat, and you are ready to roll. __________________ ~Jason San Diego Riders click here >>>> San Diego County Area Riders (SCAR) --------------------------------------------------- 1998 VFR800 Two Brothers CarbonFiber Slip-on ZG Double Bubble Oxford Hot grips BMC Air filter Thurn Motorsports Aluminum Chainguard Knurled Aluminum Footpegs

03-26-2008, 01:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
nyteshades Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Last Online: 12-12-2008 08:23 AM Location: Tulsa, OK - Find Me! My Ride: 08 VFR Posts: 71 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Most of my two up riding is done in town. The wife might go out with me 2 or 3 times a season and it's never really an aggressive ride.

03-26-2008, 05:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
Lgn001 Most Royal Deluxe Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Last Online: Today 04:43 AM Location: Russian River by Ocean, CA My Ride: 1983 CB1100F 2000 SV650 2007 VFR View my Photo Gallery Posts: 1,009 Thanks: 20 Thanked 50 Times in 41 Posts	I don't like the lack of midrange with just me riding the bike (about 185 w/riding gear). It isn't bad for an 800cc motor on a 575 pound motorcycle, but it is soft. It is a great bike for highway cruising, does real well in the twisties (feels lighter than it is), but serious power needs about 8500 RPM to get on the boil. A Triumph Sprint might be an interesting alternative, or an FJR, or a Bandit 1250S.

03-26-2008, 11:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
nozzle Uber Noz Join Date: May 2007 Last Online: 12-31-2008 08:25 AM Location: Southern Maryland - Find Me! My Ride: 07 RWB 'ceptor View my Photo Gallery Posts: 1,503 Thanks: 3 Thanked 15 Times in 13 Posts	If I can still do the math, doesn't superbike torque=RC-51 or is that just an approximation?

04-01-2008, 09:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
nyteshades Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Last Online: 12-12-2008 08:23 AM Location: Tulsa, OK - Find Me! My Ride: 08 VFR Posts: 71 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	so I rode a 6th gen last night.....I still can't wipe the smile off my face...took the wife out on it....it has plenty of go for the both of us, and she said it was way more comfortable than the f4i..... talking to the dealer about a trade. I give up the track days for a year or so...but I think it's worth it....

04-01-2008, 10:03 AM	#11 (permalink)
yoda6669 May the Force be with You Join Date: Mar 2008 Last Online: Today 08:19 AM Location: D-tOwN, tX - Find Me! My Ride: 2002 HoNdA vFr800 w/t MoDs: PAIR vAlVe BlOcKeD - BMC fIlTeR - HoMeMaDe FeNdEr ElImInAtOr - OEM eXhAuSt BaFfLes ReMoVeD - ChRoMeD sPiKe HaNdLeBaR eNdS - VFR lOgO cHrOmEd ReSeRvOiR cApS - BoLt-On FrAmE sLiDeRs - TrOjAn MiRrOrS - ViStA cRuIsE. View my Photo Gallery Posts: 173 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Ohhhhh! There u go! Get yourself a nice 6th Gen. I fell in love with mine since the first day. Keep us informed on the purchase. __________________ "Do it, or do not. There is no Try." Master Yoda yoda6669 (Jack of all Trades) - Proud Member Sixth Gen Militia - 1st VTEC Battalion

04-01-2008, 11:10 AM	#12 (permalink)
Alaskan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Last Online: 11-12-2008 11:23 PM Posts: 281 Thanks: 12 Thanked 9 Times in 6 Posts	I never ride with a passenger, but even so midrange torque isn't all that impressive. Better than the F4, though! I was looking at the VFR, the Triumph Sprint ST (great engine, blah looks), the Ducati ST3 (great engine AND great looks) and the Ducati Multistrada (great engine and comfort, but butt ugly). I would have been happy with any of these.

04-01-2008, 07:52 PM	#14 (permalink)
Alaskan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Last Online: 11-12-2008 11:23 PM Posts: 281 Thanks: 12 Thanked 9 Times in 6 Posts	Wow! Thattsa nice bike!!!!

04-01-2008, 08:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
winaje Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Last Online: 12-12-2008 12:57 AM Location: Melbourne, Australia - Find Me! My Ride: 2005 VFR800 in Winning Red View my Photo Gallery Posts: 242 Thanks: 6 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Brilliant bike, you'll be really happy with it, I'm sure. Now, let the accessorising begin...! Might want to start with some Carbon bits like this... <------ __________________ Kind Regards, Will Church www.d2au.com 6th Gen Militia 1st VTEC Battalion Click here for info on Genuine Honda Carbon Fibre 6th Gen Meter Panel & Yoke covers

04-01-2008, 09:34 PM	#16 (permalink)
yoda6669 May the Force be with You Join Date: Mar 2008 Last Online: Today 08:19 AM Location: D-tOwN, tX - Find Me! My Ride: 2002 HoNdA vFr800 w/t MoDs: PAIR vAlVe BlOcKeD - BMC fIlTeR - HoMeMaDe FeNdEr ElImInAtOr - OEM eXhAuSt BaFfLes ReMoVeD - ChRoMeD sPiKe HaNdLeBaR eNdS - VFR lOgO cHrOmEd ReSeRvOiR cApS - BoLt-On FrAmE sLiDeRs - TrOjAn MiRrOrS - ViStA cRuIsE. View my Photo Gallery Posts: 173 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Ohh Yeah! Congrats! Now all u have to do is joint hte militia, and u r set! Look for 6th Gen Militia roll cal on most active forums. __________________ "Do it, or do not. There is no Try." Master Yoda yoda6669 (Jack of all Trades) - Proud Member Sixth Gen Militia - 1st VTEC Battalion

04-01-2008, 10:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
RVFR Uber Guru Join Date: Jan 2006 Last Online: Today 01:12 PM Location: Olympia Wa. - Find Me! My Ride: 97 VFR750 View my Photo Gallery Posts: 3,519 Thanks: 26 Thanked 54 Times in 49 Posts	Nough said, Congrats, was going to say what some have, but I see I'm a bit late. BTW Nice bike. and Welcome, you'll like it here. __________________ Getting you where you belong..... before it's too late. http://media.putfile.com/Gazelle www.loopsies.com Most Fun your Dog can Have

04-01-2008, 11:11 PM	#18 (permalink)
chomper aka jfviffer Join Date: Feb 2007 Last Online: 01-05-2009 12:23 PM Location: Greater Vancouver Area B.C - Find Me! My Ride: 05 VFR, staintunes, Sargent seat, OEM bags View my Photo Gallery Posts: 706 Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	congrats again.... great choice in color to __________________ Sixth Gen Millitia-1st VTEC live to ride ...ride to live