First time rider?

[Bubba Zanetti]

Buckwheat:

The box is twenty feet wide and sixty feet long and YES you can do it on a VFR...with practice its not hard.

BZ

[34468 Randy]

Originally Posted by Buckwheat

Congrats Edag!
Where in PA is the bike from?

Quick question on the figure eights... Can they be done on a VFR within a 18' box? Not sure which box is standard, 18' or 24'.

Back when I got my license ('93?), I watched the guy in front of me drop his liter bike on the figure eights. I had a Kawi EX500 that I had practiced the figure eights extensively so I aced the test however the VFR certainly doesn't turn as sharp as the 'ole EX. I haven't measured out a box yet but I was thinking about trying it.

Check out this police officer. Talk about precision & control!
YouTube - Police Motorcycle Competiton Good Solo Run

Yeah! but try doing that with a stubborn horse!

[Buckwheat]

Originally Posted by 34468 Randy

Yeah! but try doing that with a stubborn horse!

You calling the Viffer a stubborn horse? Or my real equine?

[Edag]

Haha the bike is coming out of New Stanton, up 76 and up into northeast Ohio. I'm not sure exactly how easy the figure 8s will be, but the bike is a lot heavier than the Buell I was riding for my endorsement.

A pickup truck is likley how we'll accomplish the task. That, or a friend of a friend has a bike trailer we might be able to use.

[15dollar]

Shortly after taking the MSF course, a few friends and I took a 2000 mile road tour on rented Harleys. Being built close to the Earth, I rode a Sportster 1200L. Although it's the smallest HD, that is a heavy bike. It also came very close to scraping pegs through many curves.
I've also put some miles on a '72 Yamaha 2-stroke twin. Good riding position, fine handling. But there was either no power or you were 'on the pipe' and trying to keep the front wheel down.
The VFR is a heavy bike to start out on. But it does have the advantages of a very linear power curve, a fairly standard riding position and good ground clearance.

[34468 Randy]

Originally Posted by Buckwheat

You calling the Viffer a stubborn horse? Or my real equine?

No. The VFR is grand. Those who know my background will know what I was getting at.. PM coming your way with explanation

[NJA Pilot]

My VFR is my first bike and not one problem at all. Never laid it down either.

YOU will know when you finish your class if you are ready for a bigger bike like a VFR. Like many said before, respect the bike, know your limitations and wear gear. I have had my bike since February 08, now I have 4,000 miles and I feel it is underpowered. But that's me. Probably my own fault for riding a friend's Hayabusa for a day... (Don't worry guys, I won't sell the VFR, my wife agrees for me to buy a second bike)

Good luck

[mmcinnis1]

Ok. Here goes.

I bought an 07 as my first bike and had ridden harley's (rental) here and there.

1) I weigh 140 lbs. 5' 10. The bike has me on my tippy toes even after lowering the front 3/4", Sargent seat and flipping the rear triangles.

The bike is top heavy at low speeds and standing still! A full tank of gas makes it even worse. Keep at 1/2 tank for a while. Moving- it handles like a dream.

2) Two up is awesome!

3) Learn it. Ride it somewhere in the middle. Too gentle and it falters. Too aggressive and you'll get in trouble. Ride assertively. I dropped mine twice the first week parking it.

4) Respect it. I can power wheelie in first gear with no effort at at all (stock). It is not a cruiser or goldwing. It is forgiving but only to a point and it'll bitch slap you back.

5) Love it. It is a piece of art.

GEAR UP!
SMILE!

[34468 Randy]

[quote=NJA Pilot;119785]My VFR is my first bike and not one problem at all. Never laid it down either.

YOU will know when you finish your class if you are ready for a bigger bike like a VFR. Like many said before, respect the bike, know your limitations and wear gear. I have had my bike since February 08, now I have 4,000 miles and I feel it is underpowered. But that's me. Probably my own fault for riding a friend's Hayabusa for a day... (Don't worry guys, I won't sell the VFR, my wife agrees for me to buy a second bike)

Good luck[/QUOTE

How did you get that picture of me for your avtar?

And BTW I didn't know Florida and Canada had the same flag!

[xShadowrider]

Welcome to riding! You're going to love it!

I heartily agree with everyone that has recommended starting off small and building experience through saddle time. I started riding in 1964 on a Suzook 50 and went from there to a 500 twin, a 400-four a couple of 750's and an 1100.

The VFR is in my opinion the best all round motorcycle on the planet. But a bike for a beginner it is certainly not for all the reasons already well articulated here.

My Tier 2 passion is flying single-engine airplanes and after obtaining my private licence I was no where near ready for anything beyond a 172 until many, many more hours had been acquired. Motorcycle riding is very similar.

My personal fabvourite "starter" is the Honda CBR125 just based on the great reviews it has received in the motorcycle press.

[Edag]

Well its taken some time, but I have my bike. I put about 50 miles on it today, and I'm loving it. I made the right choice. My 1990 VFR750 is smooth and sounds great. Fresh coat of paint, powder coated rims and a corbin seat. Check out the pics in my album. Almost can't tell the bike is 18 years old ;)

[geronpg]

Congratulations!
I always thought that the '90-'91 bikes were some of the best-looking.

[ewryly]

Looks great, Edag!

[whenindoubt01]

Edag, Nice looking and very clean bike. I'm impressed! I also think you have made the right decision for yourself based on the knowledge you have gained from the friends on VFR forum and the MSF class you have just taken. You Have Done Your Research! Well done.

[RVFR]

I've got to comment here , VFRs like many said is probably not a good place to start off on when there is so many models that fit the bill better. But I also know the VFR ain't all that bad if you do chose to go that way, just need to go in knowing whats what. Which brings me to the weight question, that I'll post in a new thread.