Blackbird to a VFR – a daily, performance riding and touring perspective

[two4one]

First and foremost, hello everyone! I’m new to the Viffer world having purchased a used non-ABS 2003 with only 2500 miles on it 5/26/07. I’ve nearly doubled the mileage on it in three weeks thus far and so far I'm loving it. I waited until I experienced all the various kinds of riding before giving my feedback on both the XX and VFR…both great bikes! Sorry for the long read, didn't realize how carried away I got until I was finished.

A little background first. I have been doing a lot of riding since I started on the street nearly 4 years ago. I logged 61,000 or so miles based on my records. A Honda Shadow ACE 750, a CBR1000RR, an XX and now a VFR. After riding the crap out of the Shadow, I purchased a 1000RR with the FULL intention on hitting the track, which I did. I would eventually buy an F3 for track duty as well. I made it to the “A” group with NESBA while dealing with some bumps, breaks and various other track related pain! Anyway, without sounding like a wannabe, I can ride at a pretty good clip. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed the touring aspect of riding which I began to take seriously when I bought the XX. I took trips through Virginia, upstate NY, down to Florida, Myrtle Beach…pretty much the east coast! My long touring usually consists of 1,500-2,500 mile jaunts (round trip) with a lot of smaller tours in between. Nothing better than taking off and getting lost!

After 30,000 miles on the XX in 1.5 years, I grew weary of the suspension, or lack of I should say. As I progressed in my riding abilities with NESBA, I understood more what a bike should feel like under certain conditions. In all honesty, I have a, shall we say, more aggressive street riding approach. I’m not squidish, but when and only when the conditions warrant, I tend to let it rip. The Cadillac-esque feel of the Blackbird started to feel unsettled during these situations. Over the winter, I upgraded the front and rear springs which unfortunately came nowhere near to my expectations. I was however lucky enough to test the new setup at Deal’s Gap in early April. I was also evaluating my upcoming track day attendance which I planned to drastically reduce since I’ve pretty much been there, done that at this point. I have no more to prove to myself so I’ll go to the track on occasion when some friends are going or when I feel I need to freshen up on my skills. Having sold the F3, I was looking for a “do-it-all” bike. I wanted to have one bike in the garage again. The XX was an EXCELLENT bike, but the track day stuff, even on a limited schedule would not meet my expectations. I sold the Blackbird a little over a month ago now.

After a brief bout of insanity in which I was considering the new BMW F800S, I turned my attention to a VFR. Having ridden a friends 2003, I thought it would be the best choice for versatility…and I got to keep my beloved Honda reliability!

Now to the good stuff, thanks for being patient! I’ll cover three areas, touring, sport and daily living.

VFR

Daily Living
Since this was the first of the three categories I got to experience, I’ll cover it first. I commute to work every day when conditions permit of course. Thus far, the VFR has proven to be more user friendly from several aspects. First and foremost, the weight or “perceived” weight. Based on my manuals, The VFR is 20lbs lighter and 1.5 inches shorter. I have been on a kick with all my vehicles going from larger to smaller for the ease of use and maneuverability. I have never been a person who thinks bigger is better, the VFR proving that once again. Dealing with slow speed parking lot maneuvers are a breeze on the VFR. The Blackbird tends to get a bit “sloppy” and show it’s girth with the small stuff like parking, turning and moving the bike around with your feet to park or something. You can whip the VFR around a lot without a hint of concern about tipping the bike over.

Pros:

• Tires - less weight, less power, less wear…period.
• MPG – So far, I’m averaging 45-47 MPG on the VFR vs. 36 on the XX
• Cheaper Insurance – slight reduction for me.
• Has a cool factor to it. More inquiries like “what is it” in comparison the Blackbird
• Honda – change the oil, lube the chain….see you in 16,000 miles for the valves
• Doesn’t have the same old I4 engine sound that annoys everyone.

Cons:

• Choppy fuel injection is a little annoying if stuck in stop-and-go traffic.
• Heat! This baby like to run hot and it’s more prevalent due to engine design
• The tranny feels a little on the notchy side to me
• Not a “con” really but it needs to be ridden like a 600. Keep the revs up
• No under seat storage area
• Keeping it spotless is a lot harder than the Blackbird was. Simply more nooks and crannies mostly the swingarm area.

Touring
This was honestly my ONLY concern going from the XX to the VFR. I wasn’t sure the smaller bike would work out as well during the longer days but I found the VFR was a more than willing companion this past weekend while traveling up to Americade in NY. I put on 1075 miles in three days with a variety of riding conditions from slabbing to knee draggin’. The big XX may very well be suited to the slab a little better only because of the additional power and much smoother operation. The XX had ZERO vibrations! The Viffer on the other would give me a case of “numb thumb” on occasion if I couldn’t set the cruise for a while. I also experienced varying levels of vibration through the rearsets depending on the gear and RPM. The VFR is simply more touchy when it comes to finding a happy gear/RPM. The Blackbird didn’t care….at all! I had the Throttlemeister on the XX and also installed one on the VFR before the NY trip. On either bike you can set the cruise, put your hands on the tank bag for countless miles and not even think about it.

I maintained the stock windscreen on the Blackbird after trying two aftermarket ones which didn’t improve anything. I ordered a Dubble Bubble for the VFR but it didn’t arrive in time. The stock one worked OK up to about 75mph. After that it was pretty turbulent for me (5’10”, 195ish).

Pros:

• High tank range and MPG
• happy on the highway or back roads with luggage
• Of course, the center stand make chain maintenance a breeze
• Seating position is very friendly for touring and sporting once you hit the twisties.

Cons:

• A little buzzy for me. Coming from one of the smoothest bike ever doesn’t make the comparison easy for the VFR. Still by no means a total negative
• Stock seat is a little rough. I use a sheepskin piece whenever I tour which I couldn’t live without on either bike for high mileage.
• My Nelson Riggs luggage isn’t as easy to attach plus the undertail exhaust tends to limit the mounting options.
• Stock windscreen will blast you at higher speeds causing some fatigue.

Sport Riding
This is the one area where I was looking for the upgrade over the Blackbird. I wanted something that I could flick around more like my F3…mission accomplished! For me, this bike is easy as pie to lean over and trail brake into a corner without a concern in the world. The suspension is loads better stock for stock in comparison. I haven’t touched any of the settings just yet either, I’ll wait until I hit the track to get carried away with it. The stock Bridgestone tires have to go but they’ve proven to be more than capable. I’ll be mounting Pirelli Strada’s ASAP which are without a doubt the best sport-touring tire I’ve used. The only thing I’m slightly unhappy with is the mushy feeling from the front brakes. They don’t have the initial “bite” that I prefer to have. I have a set of EBC HH pads ready to go on which might help out. I’ve had the rear wheel off the ground enough to lock up the rear causing a screech that took me a minute to figure out what it was! Never did that on the Blackbird that’s for sure. Made me laugh when I figured it out though.

Pros:

• Acts like a 600, very nimble.
• The weight hides itself very well in my opinion.
• Plenty strong motor, the VTEC doesn’t register as a pain or a plus in my mind…it’s just there.
• It’s a sleeper! Lots of bite with minimal bark.
• Plenty of ground clearance with stock equipment provided you are accustomed to "getting off" the bike.

Cons

• Previously mentioned mushy front brakes.
• Linked system – I go back and forth on this one.
• Doesn’t stand a chance on the long straights on the track which I knew full-well before purchasing.
• Track situations WILL cause brake fade. The stock lines simply can't handle the heat.
• Suspension will prove soft at the track, however, the stock boingers will get any rider well into an Intermediate level without much issue.

Overall, the VFR is an excellent bike! Looking back at my list, it appears there are too many negatives but in actuality, there more “observations” than anything. I honestly love this bike and wouldn’t think twice about recommending one to anyone who is a serious rider who is looking for everything in a nice, livable package. I recently described it as simply a more sporty Blackbird. Both bikes are very potent and capable in their own way. I’d own another Blackbird in a second if I knew the track was no longer an option at all.

I know the fuel injection issue and flat spots plague this bike. Even so, I will not be changing the pipes (see update below) or adding a Power Commander. I may however do the PAIR mod. I can’t justify the cost/gain and would rather upgrade the suspension instead.

I’m looking forward to meeting some of you whether it be on rides or simply via the board.

<All opinions and views expressed are just that, opinions. Just ride!/>

Wooohoooo!

[RE-Agent]

Nice write-up!
So, what track is pictured in that photo?
; )

[two4one]

AIR - Americade International Raceway

[keeena]

Thanks for the detailed writeup. I'm considering going the other direction... 6th Gen VFR to '02 or '03 Blackbird.

[chomper]

that was a great write up, thanks for making such a detailed comparison

[xShadowrider]

Great write up & never apologize for being long winded. Reading about viffering is all I will get to do for at least the next couple of months!

[Bobbybrit]

Great write up, I just glad the viffer came out on top! It did come out on top Right?

[drewl]

Wow. There are always people wanting to compare bikes on here for one reason or another. This is an excellent referrence. Thanks for an educated effort.

[two4one]

Wow I wrote this months ago and now it's getting replies! Glad someone found it useful.

Couple adendums. On the vibration issue, I installed a set of BMW touring grips and I don't even notice the vibrations anymore. I've also installed a Sargeant seat which was a great upgrade over the stock seat. I didn't mind the stock Blackbird seat as much but the VFR version flat out sucked the more I used it.

I'm overall very happy with the VFR. After taking it to the track in Ocrober, it's lack of "racing" equipment became apparent pretty quick but overall it'll serve fine for occasional track action. First thing I would like to change for the track is the brake lines. If you've never experienced rubber lines expanding under heat, you're lucky! Not a good feeling. It's a shame a front kit is $500 bones!

I might put some heaver fluid in the forks before my next track event in March. Not sure yet.

Oh I'm also not sure the VFR comes out on top. Ask me after I ride a Blackbird again

[Taz]

Yea, thanks for confirming most what I've been telling the 6th gen guy's all along.

I replaced the rotors & calipers with Brembo's & of course delinked that debacle of a brake system & added stainless brake lines.
I added the race tech springs up front for my same as you height & weight(5'10"/195 lbs), & a penske rear shock, & PC, 2 Bro's exhaust, Scott's SD, & Corbin seat.

It was comfortable & nimble (for a sport tourer) but not enough !

The problem was that nagging useless V-tec (I like power from bottom to top & smoothly), & it still had no balls, so I went looking for a bike that was like my XX I had & the vfr, & the only bike that I found that was the best of both those worlds & still reliable like the Honda's was the '06 Sprint ST.

& after owning it for 1.5 years, I have to say hands down it's better than both put together.

Now if Honda can match or better that (& I hope so soon ) I can p/u that, & the VFR that I gave to my daughter who also likes the Sprint better, can have the Sprint & I'll give to my sister or sell the '04 VFR.
Because every 2 years I buy a new ST, & right now ( & I've Riden the ST1300, the Big Kawi, & Yamaha, with nice power, but waaaaay to much weight) there isn't a bike out that surpasses the Sprint in flick-able, awesome brakes, comfortable, with the "HP".

So MR. Honda, send your ghost to scare the sheeit out of those pussy/political correct non performance passioned management & engineers to build us a performance ST !

Honda Builds It, They will come & purchase it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chesthing]

On my 40 mile test, I found the Sprint's ergos really comfortable but I didn't see any big power difference from my 5th gen VFR. I could tell a difference, it just didnt feel anywhere near 30 hp. I also didnt feel nearly as comfortable hitting turns hard, as the bike felt bigger, taller and heavier. I really wanted to like it alot better than my VFR - I have the cash for the trade, but to be honest I like my bike better at even money.

With my topcase purchase, I think I'm finally over the absense of acceptable hardbags for my bike - I won't be looking at anymore bikes unless Honda comes out with something better.

[RVFR]

Nice write up. Funny as in interesting, I have a firend here that I ride with when the timing works out and he has a 1100xx and has been looking at the VFR too. After we switched rides, he was just jaw dropped just how well my smaller bike did, and mines a 4th gen.

[keeena]

Originally Posted by RVFR

Nice write up. Funny as in interesting, I have a firend here that I ride with when the timing works out and he has a 1100xx and has been looking at the VFR too. After we switched rides, he was just jaw dropped just how well my smaller bike did, and mines a 4th gen.

Grass seems greener on the other side? Maybe we look for reasons to justify trying new machines.

My #1 issue w/ the VFR is the vtec engagement...my '02 is obnoxious. That is the last I'll say; I don't want this to turn into a vtec discussion... To bad, because otherwise I love the VFR.

But for that reason I'm interested in moving to another bike. I like the Blackbird's w/ Corbin/Sargent, side bags and heli-bars...seems like a competent sport-tour. Not as much character maybe, but that doesn't matter to me as much. I have no saddle time in the Blackbird, so the writeup was very useful. Also raised some potential concerns re: comment on weight/handling vs. VFR.

I like the newer Sprint ST...so Taz, your comment is especially noted.

[two4one]

Originally Posted by keeena

raised some potential concerns re: comment on weight/handling vs. VFR.

Don't let my comment on the handling fool you. IT IS NOT a total, useless pig in the handling department. I rode that bike really hard and it handles just fine, BUT, for a track environment the weight would wear on you quickly. Street conditions are altogether different. I personally don't feel that the weight is the biggest culprit, the length of the bike is what you notice as much as anything in my opinion.

[lear 31a]

"Stock seat is a little rough. I use a sheepskin piece whenever I tour which I couldn’t live without on either bike for high mileage."

Where did you get the sheepskin piece? This sounds like a viable option til I can get my mod budget built back up.

[killerkingdon]

Wow...old post..interesting stuff though. I went from a RR to the VFR. So no complaints on comfort here. Only issue I have with V-Tech is: the thought of when its on, how much gas am I using up??? God bless HONDA!!!

[Gears]

Originally Posted by two4one

AIR - Americade International Raceway

AIR ?? My guess is Route 9 around Lake George in New York.