Thanks for the help - New 07

[iPepper]

Hello all,

First, thanks to those who sent me suggestions on finding a dealership that had a 07 available. I was able to find a nice red 07 with ABS.

So far, I am enjoying it immensely.

My other bike is a Suzuki M109R, which is a very different bike...obviously. I can't say that I find the VFR to be very touring when I compare it to the M109. From reading the forum's I think I will get a Sargent seat and heli bars to help with the riding position. My only complaint about the bike is the amount of pressure that I am putting on my palms and wrists while riding anything below 70 mph (wind helps keep the weight off.)

I really enjoy the purr of the engine, a V4 certainly sounds nice. The power delivery is very smooth as well. My previous fast bike was a 86 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R. It was certainly fast, but it wasn't nearly this smooth and it didn't handle very well either.

Anyway, thanks again for the advice. Now, to get out of the office and to go riding!

[Nungboy]

Congrats! I have the same color and year! Enjoy!

[drewl]

Congratulations.
The wrist issue can be solved with heli-bars.
It took me a while to get used to the riding position, it no longer bothers me.

[Knife]

Originally Posted by iPepper

My only complaint about the bike is the amount of pressure that I am putting on my palms and wrists while riding anything below 70 mph (wind helps keep the weight off.)

Someone, I think from VFRWorld, suggested using your knees and back to support yourself, and not to put any pressure on the hands and wrists, just kind of float your hands in place over the controls. He said it would take a while for your back and leg muscles to get accustomed to it, but if you do this, you will no longer have hand, wrist, and arm troubles.

I took his advice and have been riding this way ever since. What a difference! I still have to remind myself occasionally (usually right after an uh-oh) to stay off my hands and wrists, but not often. This technique has made my riding experience all the more enjoyable.

Thanks to whomever posted this advice!

[jaimev34]

Originally Posted by Knife

Someone, I think from VFRWorld, suggested using your knees and back to support yourself, and not to put any pressure on the hands and wrists, just kind of float your hands in place over the controls. He said it would take a while for your back and leg muscles to get accustomed to it, but if you do this, you will no longer have hand, wrist, and arm troubles.

I took his advice and have been riding this way ever since. What a difference! I still have to remind myself occasionally (usually right after an uh-oh) to stay off my hands and wrists, but not often. This technique has made my riding experience all the more enjoyable.

Thanks to whomever posted this advice!

I second this advice. Use your legs to grip the tank and your lower back to keep you upright. Your hands should not be putting pressure on the bars unless you are turning. It may feel weird at first but once you get it down, there's no other way to do it. The great thing about the viffer is that the tank is wide and this allows better grip using your legs.

[julianivfr]

Also, try to practice using the front balls of your feet (just behind the toes) on the pegs, and gripping the tank with your legs. It makes a surprising difference.

[iPepper]

Thanks for all the great advice,

After riding to and from work for 4 days (unfortunately I didn't get to ride on the weekend) I am feeling better about the riding position. I guess my hands just were not used to having that weight on them. I think I have been sport bikeless for 6 years.

Three questions on the heli bars. Do they have the same finish as the stock clip ons and will the wires, brake, and clutch lines all still reach? Also, I assume there won't be any problem with anything hitting the fairing, tank, and windshield...assuming I put them on right :)