Looks like I am buying!

[stewartj239]

Like I said, I have the RWB, but I really, really, really like the red. Havcar is right. Make sure you get the seat cowl and the plastic covers for the grab rails. When I picked mine up, I had to ask for them as well. They went back and eventually found them. Enjoy your new ride!

[rexbaum]

Well I picked her up and had time for a nice 100 mile ride. Coming from a cruiser (HD) it took a little getting use to, but once I did, I had a blast. I actually headed for some of my favorite roads and - crap! I got stuck behind a pack of cruisers! Ha! Once I lost them I discovered how well this bike will handle the winding road!!! Actually took one curve that I usually would take at about 50 on my last Harley and when I was coming out, I glanced down and saw I was doing 65!

My ONLY complaint: I believe I would be more comfortable with bars that were an inch higher. Perhaps I will get use to the stockers, after all, this was my first day on her. Oh, and wow, the weight transfer to your arms when you break is crazy! I gotta hit the gym I guess. I am 6'2", 215, and one time when I was breaking (for an idiot), it felt like I was benching 300 pounds! Ok, I may be stretching it a bit, but you know what I mean!

Very pleased!!!!

[CandyRedRC46]

yes being in shape will help. going to the gym and stretching will as well. but mainly you will get used to it and slowly build up those muscles in time.

but here's the shortcut... lol

Honda VFR 800 Heli Bars Handlebar 02-08 VFR800 Helibar:eBay Motors (item 380122997722 end time Dec-04-09 08:34:13 PST)

i purchased them during a group buy, for i believe $229, which happens every few months or so.

helibars + throttlemeiser + sargent seat = the ultimate sport touring bike !!!

[rexbaum]

CandyRedRC46,

"yes being in shape will help. going to the gym and stretching will as well. but mainly you will get used to it and slowly build up those muscles in time."

I am not really out of shape. Actually, I am in very good shape for a 50 year old dude! I guess my weight is my enemy (although not the least bit fat!).

I looked at the thread detailing the install of the helibars..... Holly crap, what a nightmare!

I am sure I will get use to it. Keep in mind, I am use to my legs being out in front of me, and small ape hangers! All of my weight was on my butt, which would tend to get sore as well!

[CandyRedRC46]

i did the helis. it really isnt that hard...
definitely worth the effort.

[rexbaum]

Okay, listen up!

To all you guys that gave me advice, grip too tight, relax, squeeze on tank with thighs, etc., I am so very thankful!

Did about 120 miles today, followed your advice and the discomfort I had on day one was GONE!!!! I had also spent a lot of time reading the "advice" threads and learned how different it was to ride a bike like the VFR. Remember, I come from the HD family.

Well, I met my wife for dinner and when we were done, I told her I would be home in about an hour. I needed to get some more riding in!

This bike is so much fun to ride that I am actually kinda pissed that I had not made the change earlier in my life! This bike sure knows how to stir your soul!!

[CandyRedRC46]

thats awesome! im glad to hear your getting used to her. i knew youd love the bike!

[Maggot]

Rex, I bought my '07 RWB September 2008. The bike I rode before the VFR was a 1972 CB 750 K2. I rode it for over 30 years. It had handlebars like a Texas Longhorn and I sat upright behind a Vetter Windjammer fairing. People thought I was nuts going to the VFR. They were wrong. I love the twisties and I like to get lost for a few days or a week here and there. The VFR is perfect for me. Everybody said I would soon be buying the Helis. A few people also said it would be wise to ride it for a while to see if I got used to it. I now have 5,800 miles on the VFR. I bought it with the blue hardbags and have added a Nep cruise control. The Sargent seat I ordered two days ago from Motorcycle Superstore is on its way. I put on about 120 miles this past Sunday in the upper 40's and thought the bike felt perfect.

My point is, I don't think I'll be adding the Helis. I am also 6' 2" and weigh quite a few pounds more than you. I think the engineers did a good job here and put the bars in the right spot for a sport tourer. Ride it a while and see how you like the bars later. Like mine, I think your past experience will stick with you for a long time. Don't let the old bike influence you on the new one. When you ride the VFR be open minded and learn the new bike. I think each day you will like it even more.

Maggot

[rexbaum]

Well, one week and 400 miles later (only limited riding available this time of year), I am HOOKED!!!

Went for a ride with a couple of my riding buddies, and they both loved the looks of the VFR, and how could they not?

We went for a long ride to a place in Labadie, Mo for some incredible sandwiches only to find that they were closed! Oh yes, I guess this is a long weekend even for the small business owners. CRAP!

We made the ride longer and got something to eat, followed by more riding. The lunch ride turned into an all day ride. We stopped at a "water hole" on the way back and when we left, we warned each other about the deer. I took the lead because everyone raved about the headlight on the VFR and I had not experienced that yet.

She lit the road up well enough that I spotted 6 DEER standing at the side of the roadway. They backed away a little bit and we passed safely. By this time, it was dark and my bike told me the temp was 42 degrees. I felt just fine behind the fairing.

Ya know, after getting use to how this bike is ridden, there is really nothing I can say that I would like changed..........even the bars!

[stewartj239]

Have you had the RPM up high enough yet where you've had the VTEC engaged? Since you're new to the bike, I'm curious as to your thoughts on it. Personally, I like it. I wouldn't say it was necessary, but I view it as a trait of the bike, much like the gear driven cams in my '86 750 and 1000.

[rexbaum]

Have you had the RPM up high enough yet where you've had the VTEC engaged? Since you're new to the bike, I'm curious as to your thoughts on it. Personally, I like it. I wouldn't say it was necessary, but I view it as a trait of the bike, much like the gear driven cams in my '86 750 and 1000.

Yes I have. At one of the stops, I intentionally let my two buddies get in front of me because I knew that in about 15 miles I would have a long straight away. Well, when the time came, I kicked it down a couple and opened it up. I flew by both of them with the VTEC screaming. We stopped at the next little stop and they both told me I scared the crap of of them! Then both also said it sounded cool!

As for like/dislike, I LIKE it! It is a characteristic of the bike; something that reminds you are riding something different! Nothing wrong with that!!!

[rexbaum]

With 7 days owning the VFR and three outings (can't wait for spring), I have racked up a total of 576 miles.

Bottom line.......

Initial issues are long gone. I am truly enjoying this bike! Maybe a Sargent seat to be explored, but the bars are fine. Now if I could only fill the tank and get the whole gauge to light up. The last bar never lights....... Guess I am not filling it enough.

What a machine! Love the VTEC surprise at 6500+ RPM!!

[stewartj239]

Now if I could only fill the tank and get the whole gauge to light up. The last bar never lights....... Guess I am not filling it enough.

I fill my tank to the brim. Even then, the last bar stays lit for maybe 5-10 miles after that.

[rexbaum]

Time for my first service. The dealer told me the break-in service was $325, "we change the oil and filter and go over everything...."

WTF! I think I am more than capable of changing my own oil and going over everything. Keep the rest of the money for myself!

[chomper]

Well I picked her up and had time for a nice 100 mile ride. Coming from a cruiser (HD) it took a little getting use to, but once I did, I had a blast. I actually headed for some of my favorite roads and - crap! I got stuck behind a pack of cruisers! Ha! Once I lost them I discovered how well this bike will handle the winding road!!! Actually took one curve that I usually would take at about 50 on my last Harley and when I was coming out, I glanced down and saw I was doing 65!

My ONLY complaint: I believe I would be more comfortable with bars that were an inch higher. Perhaps I will get use to the stockers, after all, this was my first day on her. Oh, and wow, the weight transfer to your arms when you break is crazy! I gotta hit the gym I guess. I am 6'2", 215, and one time when I was breaking (for an idiot), it felt like I was benching 300 pounds! Ok, I may be stretching it a bit, but you know what I mean!

Very pleased!!!!

congrats on your new ride!! dont rush into buying heli bars you may not need them. u will find after you get used to your new ride and totally relax you have little weight transfered through your arms . use your legs against tank to take most of the weight jurying braking.riding a sport bike is a little different than a HD or cruiser give it some time to adjust.

[rexbaum]

Thanks Chomper!

The long ride yesterday was NOTHING like my first ride. I am getting use to the different ride style. Also, with regard to the bars, I spotted a picture in another thread with OEM sitting next to the HELIBARS. The inside of the bars are higher, but the end of the bars appear the same height at OEM. Maybe it was just the angle of the photo.

Nonetheless, I do not think I will be changing the bars. They seem fine to me!



PS. Great pics in your album! Nice looking bike!

[chomper]

should of read all the posts LOL. i see you already figured it out. heli bars raise about 1" and are back toward rider slightly so it does give u a little more upright seating. i see from you picture your buddies are on cruisers just let them take that vfr for spin and they might be looking for one to
Cheers

[rexbaum]

should of read all the posts LOL. i see you already figured it out. heli bars raise about 1" and are back toward rider slightly so it does give u a little more upright seating. i see from you picture your buddies are on cruisers just let them take that vfr for spin and they might be looking for one to
Cheers

That is exactly what I told them! They are hard core HD fans, and after riding with me, they admit that the VFR is pretty cool! I buzzed ahead of them so I could live'n up my ride a little (slow a$$ harley's) and when we met up at a stop, they both agreed that "that looked like fun!"

[havcar]

The dealer told me the break-in service was $325, "we change the oil and filter and go over everything...."

I don't know Rex, you got a great bike at a good price, but I am liking this dealership less and less. First the fairing issue and now this. The only thing that is actually neccasary is the oil/filter change. About $75-$90 depending on oil selection and the labor. Then there is the inspection of nuts, bolts, and steering bearings, non of which are really required but of course Honda suggested. Even if you decide to have those inspections done for piece of mind (which I did) the extra $250 is obscene. No more than one hour of labor is needed to accomplish everything. I think that a more realistic number for everything, incl. oil/filter, and inspections is closer to $175. I paid $165 for my break-in. $80 for the oil and $85 for 1hr labor to complete all of the "suggested inspections." You could ask how much they plan on charging you for "going over everything" and explaining to you in detail, the intricate nature of an oil change or the ever fascinating "we tightened the bolt to the right."

Again, it's no big deal but pretty soon this sh!t is gonna start to cost you some real money.

Other than that, I'm glad to hear you're lovin the new ride! Now just get to Beaver Creek so you can take mine for a ride and see if you want to start doing any mods!

[pjm204]

I bought my 07 leftover in June while at Fort Leonardwood. I know mine had been sitting in the showroom since 07 and had all of the original fluids. I received the bike with an empty gas tank(which pissed me off). I also had to ask for the handle covers..Most dealers will try to screw you whenever they can.

As far as the first service. Do it yourself. Changing the oil is pretty easy and I assume you will be doing it yourself anyway, might as well do the first one.

[rexbaum]

I bought my 07 leftover in June while at Fort Leonardwood. I know mine had been sitting in the showroom since 07 and had all of the original fluids. I received the bike with an empty gas tank(which pissed me off). I also had to ask for the handle covers..Most dealers will try to screw you whenever they can.

As far as the first service. Do it yourself. Changing the oil is pretty easy and I assume you will be doing it yourself anyway, might as well do the first one.

I have been doing most all of the work on my past bikes, Pipes, carb work, fluids, and even some painting. I know that I will give the bike a more attentive fluid change than the service department where some hung over 22 yr old will.

Now if I need some warranty work done, that is another story. Basic stuff, EXCEPT valve adjustment, I will do it myself.

[rexbaum]

Now just get to Beaver Creek so you can take mine for a ride and see if you want to start doing any mods!

Are you suggesting that your bike will have a bit more jump to her?

As for Beaver Creek.......

I can't wait!!!

[Deadsmiley]

I have Helibars for a 98 sitting in the box.

I bought them and have never had the desire to put them on. <shrug>

[havcar]

Are you suggesting that your bike will have a bit more jump to her?

I would never....

[pjm204]

I have been doing most all of the work on my past bikes, Pipes, carb work, fluids, and even some painting. I know that I will give the bike a more attentive fluid change than the service department where some hung over 22 yr old will.

Now if I need some warranty work done, that is another story. Basic stuff, EXCEPT valve adjustment, I will do it myself.

So far my experience with warranty work has been a joke. My bike has the cam chain noise that seems to inflict some VFR's and they couldnt hear it...weird, I hear it every time I ride. Oh well i guess I have it on file that I took it in for an issue.

[rexbaum]

Update:

I got a call from the dealership yesterday advising that my seat cowl came in. I stopped by there today and they handed me a package with a foam wrapped, brand new seat cowl!

Glad I got it! They assured me I would; actually think that it was left out of the crate from the factory. Maybe not......

Anyway, still loving the bike!! Gonna get up to mid 40's on Sunday, so I am gonna try to do another 100 on her.

Thanks for the feedback, guys!

Later!

[cebuVFR]

Glad you're lovin' it!