Suggestions?.........stubborn but curious :)

[Kokane516]

Wussup interceptor heads.....

I've had my bike for a couple of months and am glad I was stubborn enough to pick the V4.....I have pics comin up soon 4 u guys (reg71....lol). I just wanna know if anyone has any suggestions as far as control, speed, braking etc.......Any tips or anything i should know, look out for, this being my first 4............RIDE SAFE

Kane516

[NYMBYSS]

welcome just use common sense and good judgment ,did you take the motorcycle safety course yet,if not you should ... soon.

[WhiteKnight]

Take the time to learn the characteristics of the bike. For instance, take corners easy until you learn how the weight of the bike feels when its leaned over, pay attention to what ths suspension does while in different turns. Does it feel stiff or soft? Do the tires feel like they are slipping or do you feel like you can lay it ove a little more? As you spend more time on the bike you will learn its limits (and yours). I can get pretty low on some corners, but I am not dragging knees or pegs yet. For braking, learn how the brakes react to different pressure. My front brake, for instance, had a spot in it where it felt like it went from light brake contact ot full on. Almost like it hit a point of resistance, then pushed beyond that point. I bled the front brakes a couple of weeks ago and that little resistance point is now gone.

I agree with the MSF couse suggestion as this will teach you the basics of riding and control, even if you already know them. A refresher never hurts.

Biggest tip I can give is to ride within your limits. Don't feel like you need to keep up with the Freddie Spencers, Mat Mladins, or any rider who is faster than you and maybe more experienced. Ride at your comfort level. Everyone has a different learning curve. Enjoy the ride. It's the biggest reason why we have a bike right?

[reg71]

Originally Posted by Kokane516

Wussup interceptor heads.....

I've had my bike for a couple of months and am glad I was stubborn enough to pick the V4.....I have pics comin up soon 4 u guys (reg71....lol). I just wanna know if anyone has any suggestions as far as control, speed, braking etc.......Any tips or anything i should know, look out for, this being my first 4............RIDE SAFE

Kane516

I forgot what bike you were coming from... If it was a cruiser, don't let the sitting posture of the VFR fool you, it's a real sportbike and if you give it a big enough drink she can put you on your ass. Biggest improvement I've made in performance was tires. I'll never let them get as bad as they were again. Slow down to the speed you want to take a corner at before going into the corner because the bike will really feel heavy if you try doing it in the turn. You can slow down in the turn, but it's better to do it before then accelerate a little in the turn. I usually downshift then that brings the revs up and slows me a litte, but you can use the brakes, too. I've heard from some people that the VFR has a back brake also...Supposedly it's by your right boot.

[reg71]

Originally Posted by vman38

Biggest tip I can give is to ride within your limits. Don't feel like you need to keep up with the Freddie Spencers, Mat Mladins, or any rider who is faster than you and maybe more experienced. Ride at your comfort level. Everyone has a different learning curve. Enjoy the ride. It's the biggest reason why we have a bike right?

My buddy Chris always tells new riders with us to ride their own bike. We'll wait at the next turn or wherever.

[WhiteKnight]

Originally Posted by reg71

I've heard from some people that the VFR has a back brake also...Supposedly it's by your right boot.

Is that what that is? I thought it was the flux capacitor that goes to my warp drive. lol.

[hotwheels]

We have a similar saying. Ride your own ride. Just take it easy at first. I had been riding for 18 years before getting the vfr. Everyone asked why I was slower on the new vfr than my 81 silverwing. I took it real easy for several months to get to know the bike. Baby steps, you dont get a trophy for making it to the rest stop first.

[R.W.]

Judging by where you live and some of the city riding with heavy population that you must go through, the best advice I can give you is always imagine the car is not going to see you, that way you are ready for all situations.