First time rider?

[Edag]

Originally Posted by V_to.the.fifth

I keep seeing people say the VFR is a heavy bike, and it has me confused. To me a heavy bike is something like an ST1100. I see the VFR 5th and 6th Gen coming in only about 24-35 lbs heavier than my Nighhawk, and I have never really thought of it as heavy. Help me out here, when people say it is heavy is that because everything is compared back to a 600 class?

2000 CBR600F4 - 374 lbs.
1985 Nighthawk 650 - 434 lbs.
2000 VFR - 458 lbs.
2004 VFR - 469 lbs.
2000 ST1100 - 655 lbs.

I think everyone is talking relative terms. The bike IS heavy compared to the ~300 to 350lbs bikes on the market that are geared to learn on. I think we can all agree the ST is a much bigger bike; and something you wouldn't think of trying to just get on and learn.

My alternative to picking up a bike of my own is to learn on my father-in-law's BMW K1200 ST; but I haven't even considered that to be a smart move in the slightest.

[Edag]

Well I have to share some amazing news =)

The wife and I headed to the local Harley / Honda shop to look at gear. With my 26th birthday coming up, as I had mentioned all I'm looking for is some riding gear. Long story short while I was sitting on a Viffer talking with the sales rep, the wife headed over to the Harley side. I didn't pay much attention. Anywho after chatting with the sales rep, getting my sizes and trying to find out when I can get into the Motorcycle Safety course we left. I was pretty sad to hear they didn't have any openings until October - when on the way home my cell rang. It wasn't a number I was familiar with.

Ends up the wife went over and talked with the instructor and low and behold a spot opened up later this week =) Thursday through Monday I'll be taking the course, and with any luck I'll be endorsed =) No I just have to pick up some gloves and boots.

[KC-10 FE]

When I said heavy, I was comparing the VFR to the average super sport. The VFR IS NOT a super sport but lots of people like to pretend it is. By sport touring standards, the Concours 14, FJR 1300, ST 1300 & BMW 12's, the VFR is a light heavy weight. Climb off a Yamaha R6 & onto a VFR & it feels like getting out of a Civic & into a Sedan De Ville.

KC-10 FE out...

[jeff8478]

I got my license the day I turned 16 (40 years ago next month) had a Honda 90 and then a BSA Meteor (250, I think) until age about 23 or 24. I hadn't ridden since then unless I count a couple of hours on a scooter in Vietnam with my wife on the back a few years ago.

Then, last year, at age 55, I took the course as a refresher and to get my insurance rates down. I had to get my license back because it had lapsed when I was overseas. Spent a weekend doing the course on a Honda 125 made in Brazil.

Omitting five minutes in the dark just before the snow fell last November, I've been riding the 06 since early this year, with snow still on the ground though not on the roads, and tonight have exactly 5600 km on it. I took it very very easy at first and gradually added power and lean angle. This evening, I went for a one hour tour and found a few opportunities to spend some time in the 7000 to 10000 rpm range. Diving into corners is a blast, though I don't go anywhere near what you would do on the track. Besides, I have to remember my balance and refexes are not what they used to be.

This is an awesome machine but it has to be treated with respect. It's forgiving but the rider has to stay well within his/her limitations and skill level. Having said that, it has to be handled with confidence i.e., make it do what you want it to do. Timidity can get you into just as much trouble as over-confidence.

The eight years of early riding body memory was still there, though dormant, when I got the Interceptor. Without that experience I would not recommend the VFR as a first bike, definitely not, no way, never.

Just an opinion...

[squirrelman]

Unless you can easily shrug off cracked or scratched plastic, ride for one full season on a smaller bike, a 500 or 600.

most riders have GRADUATED to a VFR , not started there and learned lessons which carry over.

For reasons mentioned above, i would never recommed a VFR as a first bike.

[34468 Randy]

My first ride was and still is an 06 VFR. The course is a no brainer. As far as the bike goes, it is the rider that gets into trouble, not the bike. Just realize you are new, and don't ride beyond the abilities you KNOW you have. Simply put, no common sense, no prolonged life expectancy.

[eddievalleytrailer]

The 6gen VFR may only weigh 469 pounds, but it feels much heavier. My ACE weighs in at 505 (dry), but feels a lot lighter than my RWB. The VFR is a TALL bike with a high center of gravity adding to the heavy feel.
As much as I love my RWB VFR, I'd start with something smaller, lighter for a beginner.

[Edag]

A quick reply before I head up to the bike shop for day 4 of my course.

I'm taking the Harley Rider's Edge / MSF course; using the Buell Blast 500cc single cylinder and its really been an eye opener. Yesterday I spent about 8 hours putting 15 miles on the bike in the course parking lot, learning to manuvers at those speeds, with special attention on good braking and cornering. I'm happy with my performance thus far (I haven't dumped the bike or quit like several other students.)
My instructors tell me that the VFR is one of the better options if I plan to ride sport-touring due to its weight in the ST class. The only other bike they stated would bea "good start" is a BMW F800 ST (something I've looked at and decided is not for me.)
Their opinion is that this course is all the "training wheels" I'll need to know how to ride safely without any "good" probability I'll dump the bike. Something we've agreed on thus far is that the sooner I get on a Sport Touring bike the safer I'll be. Applying the "good habits" I learn on the course is much easier if I take them right to the bike I plan on keeping; as opposed to learning how to handle a lighter, more forward leaning or "laid back" riding position. Some food for thought. I want to hear what you guys think.

[AKmik]

I work with about 220 people and there are about 40-50 riders who ride everything from 250 DP bikes to big HDs to R1s. I think the guys who have the hardest time learning and lots of issues laying bikes down, are the guys who start off on 600cc race bikes. R is not beginner friendly. Race bikes are much less forgiving than anything going, experience is a must. we have one guy who has just crashed his CBR600 a second time in its first month and now has zero confidence on the bike.

The course is a great refresher and tune up of all the skills needed, most anyway. I have been running down after work on my bike and practicing all the techniques I can remember from the course. where I work they have a truck driving school on the other side of the complex , so big parking lots and cones. I am very comfortable on my 06, and have been using it as a daily commuter since the class.

I am sure there are much better starter bikes, but my buddy said it well.He told me make sure you are going to still want that bike when you get comfortable riding it. He also advised practicing everything you learn in the class on whatever you end up buying. I am really happy with my 06.

[geronpg]

KC-10 and the rest of the guys who said start with something smaller and less powerful are right. I started on a CB360, then a CB400F, then a v45 Sabre, now a 04 VFR, w/ a CBX thrown in there in between. You learn the coordination, skills and judgement incrementally - few of us are gifted enough to to straight to a high-performance bike like the VFR, although all bikes are high-performance, compared to autos. There are too many things happening both with you on the bike, and with traffic around you. Your ability to take it all in and make good decisions can only get faster and better with practice. A faster bike speeds all of that up, and you want to make sure you can stay ahead of it.

[Edag]

Thanks to everyone -again =) I'm happy to report I completed my MSF course on that Buell Blast just a few hours ago. The training and examination have left me feeling confident about moving forward with a VFR purchase. AKmik raised some points that were brought up by my instructor earlier in the day. It's difficult to find a good "starter" bike because a lot of the 500s and 600s out there are geared to be on the track. I feel that 800cc's isn't going to be intimidating if handled with a lot of respect, and think that it fulfills all of my requirements:
Long Term: My finances aren't in the best shape. If I buy a bike I have to make sure I can have fun with it for several years while I make my adjustments.
Proper Riding Stance: I haven't found another bike which suits my riding position quite like the Interceptor. I do not want to be on a "different" style of motorcycle while I'm creating the muscle memory which I'll be using for the rest of my riding career.
Proper Tuning: Anything which fits into my riding style is either a "Race" type of motorcycle, or a heavy (and usually expensive) full featured sport touring bike I.E. Honda ST, Yamaha FJR, etc.

[bbwong]

Congrats on passing the course! Interesting comments from your instructors about transferring what you learned in the course to your bike ASAP. I had a 6-7 week break between the MSF course and getting my VFR. It took a few minutes to remember all I learned, but it all came back. My first trip was to an empty parking lot to get a feel for the low speed handling and to see if I could do the figure 8 in a box.

It sounds like you are set on a VFR, as I was. Just remember and practice the riding habits you've learned and be respectful of the power of the bike beneath you. It sounds like you are well aware of both these things. "Ride your own ride and within your abilities and you should be ok." A quote from one of my instructors.

Good luck and keep us posted on your purchase.

[Edag]

That figure 8 was where I lost my points. The Buell Blast that I was using at the time (it was the third one I used during my course - not a "low-maintenance" bike) didn't idle the way I wanted and ended up having to roll on the throttle more than I needed. I over-shot the second turn =(
I too plan on practicing many of the maneuvers before I get out on the road. I'm particularly interested in seeing how touchy the front brake is. I know the Buell uses a unique braking system, and even with all of the people I've talked to, I was really surprised at how little play there was in lever. I will certainly keep posting. Hopefully I'll have a few pics after graduation tomorrow. =)

[bbwong]

That's where I lost points too. I am still having trouble. Good maybe 25% of the time. I can't shift my weight fast enough...

[eros88]

EDAG-

I was in your shoes not that long ago. I had taken and passed the MSF course, learning on a little Yamaha TW200.

I shopped around for bikes for what seemed to be ages, was set on getting a Ninja 500 or 650, or maybe a Suzuki GS500, which everyone told me were sensible bikes (and they are). To make a long story short, what did I bring home from the dealership? A used 2000 VFR. So much for a "beginner bike", right?

I completely agree with other posters and more experienced riders that a powerful bike can be deadly with the wrong kind of beginner. Knowing this, I took my time getting to know the viffer, took it very, very easy for the first few months, getting the feel of the throttle, the power band, adjusting to different traffic situations (emergency braking!). I obeyed the limits of both road, machine and rider, and I always, always wear full gear when I ride.

If you don't think you can restrain yourself, get another bike. But if you are an adult, responsible rider who isn't afraid to take it safe and slow for a while, you can learn on a VFR. They are a bit heavy compared to 250's, sure, but they are very "neutral" bikes- they do what they're told, no surprises.

Good luck!

[Nungboy]

Well stated, Eros!
The equipment between your ears is the most important equipment that should be discussed around here. Trouble and fun both begin and end there.

[ewryly]

Yes, I think Eros is on the mark.

[barleymashers]

Lots of posts. My 2003 VFR is my first bike ever. I took the MSF course last year. Rode some friends/relatives bike a few times over the yeaar and decided to actually get a bike this year. I just lucked into the bike as a friend needed to sell and gave me a great deal. The bike just seem to fit me well, I am 6' and 205lbs.

With that said, I am still learning to ride so I take it very easy. My first few rides were to parking lots to do slow speed circles at first and then speeding them up when I got comfortable. I also did some of the drills from the MSF class over and over again to just get the feel of the bike and how I could make it respond. I have gone on a couple medium length rides, but only put about 800 miles on it since May - too much time at the beach. I try to avoid highways if I can, and I always ride with full gear (ok, only the jeans are non-specific to riding) even in the heat and humidity.

I don't know why some of the others are saying it is not a good starter. Maybe it is because I am still a newbie and I don't know what I should be afraid of yet. But I am sure their reasons are valid from their perspective, and I am just offering another view from mine. So far it has done everything I have asked it to do, which has been limited I will admit. But that is my whole point, take it slow, practice and stay within your limits and I think a beginner would be fine with a VFR.

[V_to.the.fifth]

Originally Posted by Edag

I think everyone is talking relative terms. The bike IS heavy compared to the ~300 to 350lbs bikes on the market that are geared to learn on. I think we can all agree the ST is a much bigger bike; and something you wouldn't think of trying to just get on and learn.

Got it. Indeed a VFR is heavy compared to a 600 class sport bike. For me the constant reference to it being heavy was more a reaction of concern for myself. It was not until I looked up all the weights that I realized it was only about 25 pounds heavier than what I'm riding now. So although it may be considered "heavy", it is not really heavier than what I'm used to so it's all good because I don't want something way heavier that what I have now, I'm just a little guy...