Why did you choose the VFR over....

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by Sako, Jul 30, 2008.

  1. Sako

    Sako New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2008
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Salt Lake City
    ....other sport touring bikes? Specifically the FJR and the Concours. HP is really the only thing holding me back. Can I get some support on why I should choose the VFR over these others? Thanks.

    I want to be certain I didn't miss something in my evaluation.
     
  2. Y2Kviffer

    Y2Kviffer Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    May 12, 2008
    Messages:
    1,204
    Likes Received:
    31
    Trophy Points:
    78
    Location:
    RALEIGH, NC
    Map
    Ask and ye shall receive...... a list:
    (1) it's a Honda
    (2) price...the VFR is expensive, but costs less than the other two
    (3) weight: while the other two might be faster (FJR) in a straight line but they aren't gonna corner with the viffer.
    (4) V4's just sound cool
     
  3. terry

    terry New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2007
    Messages:
    38
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    From an engineering point of view... it is one of the smartest designed bikes.

    •best riding position
    •long service intervals
    •barely any maintenance required
    •chain tightening takes less than 20 seconds, start to finish
    •police in Japan use them because of their versatility
    •build quality: high quality parts used on all internals and fasteners that tend to break or crack on other bikes (my Kawasaki had very flimsy clasps and brackets (ie. tail-light holder) that would crack and would require epoxy or bondo.
    •details: every part on the bike has been well thought out and makes sense.

    To me, buying a VFR is like buying a Mac computer. It is ready to go, right out of the box. No upgrades or extras needed. Reliable and smooth operating. And in the end... you usually end up keeping it much longer than your friends have kept their models.
     
  4. Longerfellow

    Longerfellow New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2007
    Messages:
    402
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Pollock Pines, CA
    Map
    I made my decision while working as a tech at a Honda/Suzuki dealer then confirmed my decision when we took on Kawasaki. I had seen two friends put 100,000 miles on VFRs. I'm 6'6" tall and my VFR fits me as good as any other bike of this body style. I finally got a 96 back in 99 and sold it some time later and regretted it. So now I have another and I'm keeping it. Of course this is in addition to what the other posters have said.
     
  5. Michael D

    Michael D New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2008
    Messages:
    105
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Gotta go along with Y2Kviffer on the points that this is a Honda and the handling. I just bought mine (a 2004) and purposely targeted a "smaller" (used to be a day when 750cc was the biggest you could get!!) engine displacement to get a better handling bike. Have a friend that has an FJR and it does not come close to changing direction as quick as the VFR.

    Nothing against the FJR or the Concourse. I am sure that they will provide a much better experience in a relatively straight line, but for me the fun is in the twisties and its more than a worthwhile tradeoff. Can't see my FJR friend wanting to switch with me because he's a lot more laid back a rider then I am, and in that case the easier-to-access power and the greater overall level of comfort (maybe I need a Sargent seat) are what is important to him.
     
  6. Molsan

    Molsan New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2006
    Messages:
    532
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Red Deer Alberta
    Map
    Simple, i liked it.
    I went to a motorcycle show when i was looking for bikes. I sat on as many bkes as i could to get afeel for what i may like. I wanted a fun bike that i could ride all day and be comfortable.
    I sat on the VFR and it was THE bike. Nothing else matched up except a ducati ST4 and the BMW.
    so went more reaserched them and seems like the vfr was a good reliable fun bike. I waited 2 years before i bought(did not even have my licence when i looked, then putzed around on dads cruisers and goldwing till i could afford it.)
    Every year i would sit on the vfr, and it was the stick that all others where measured. I chose the vfr over the ducati and bmw for price, reliability and well i just liked it and all reviewes where positive. Been very happy.
    I don't crave any other bike atm..(cept maybe a dual sport)
     
  7. cynyc

    cynyc New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    Messages:
    53
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Corydon, IN.
    Map
    My list why:...

    1. It is extremely rare that I ever see one around here. Matter of fact, VFourBear is a guy I work with and besides his, I can't remember seeing a 5th or 6th gen around here.
    2. It's a Honda.
    3. It has a V4 and the sound is so refreshing compared to the inline 4
    4. Style. I picked the 6th gen because of the razor sharp lines in the front and back.
    5. Dual undertail pipes
    6. Single sided swing arm.
    7. Services intervals are few and far between.
    8. They are reliable.
    9. Seating position is pretty comfortable.
    10. I just plain like the looks of it better than anything out there.
     
  8. Rollin_Again

    Rollin_Again Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    May 15, 2008
    Messages:
    2,317
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    Duluth, GA
    You guys forgot to metion that the chicks really dig them too! Especially the RWB ones which happen to be the fastest color.

    Regards,
    Rollin
     
  9. ZonaMan

    ZonaMan New Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2006
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Tucson
    Single sided swing-arm is dead sexy and she whines when you ride her(fifth gen).

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Molsan

    Molsan New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2006
    Messages:
    532
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Red Deer Alberta
    Map
    I do have to admite that the single side is awsome.
    I have had comments on my 6th gen such as "WHAT IS THAT!" and it is bone stock.
    also asked what exotic it was...guy fell over when i said honda.
     
  11. RVFR

    RVFR Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2006
    Messages:
    8,006
    Likes Received:
    265
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    Olympia Wa.
    Map
    I can agree with all that's been said, especially the whine part.
     
  12. Mac

    Mac New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2007
    Messages:
    291
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    NC High Country
    I rode one, and still have the grin on my face to show for it.

    Mac
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2008
  13. John451

    John451 Member

    Country:
    Australia
    Joined:
    May 21, 2004
    Messages:
    2,859
    Likes Received:
    50
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Sydneys South, 8 minutes from the RNP
    I bought mine because when looking around at something better at everything than my then SV650S my workmate who had a brand new '01 Gen 5 kept answering my questions with " you need a VFR "

    Me: I'd like a motorcycle that will is ergonomically comfortable to do higher day distances than my SVS easy limit of 200 miles on.
    Him: You need a VFR.

    Me: I'd still like the motorcycle that handles as quickly and easily as the SV did.
    Him: You need a VFR.

    Me: I'd like a motorcycle with more grunt than the SV with a good mid range but not stupid fast.
    Him: You need a VFR.

    Me: I'd still like the motorcycle to sound as fantastic as my Yoshie equiped SV did.
    Him: You need a VFR.

    Me: I'd like an interesting motorcycle that just feels cool to own and ride.
    Him: You need a VFR.

    He backed his answers up with Magazine reviews with covers like " VFR THE BEST BIKE ON THE PLANET ", he was of course right I needed and got a VFR. Since owning 2 over the last 5 years have found it ticked all boxes and have wanted for nothing else since. :thumbsup:
     
  14. Greenviffer

    Greenviffer New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Kirkland, Washington
    Map
    I think my reasons are the same as most:

    • It has Honda reliability
    • I did 800 miles onthe FJR and it is great but too big/heavy
    • The VFR fit me right
    • Sounds great
    • Best all-around bike (commute, tour, play) IMHO
    Thanks
     
  15. ZonaMan

    ZonaMan New Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2006
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Tucson
    No doubt on this. A VFR is fairly unique in the sea of straight four repliracers.

    I have been asked several times if my bike has a supercharger on it. :shocked:
     
  16. Raro

    Raro New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    Messages:
    141
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Powell River BC
    Map
    My reasons:

    1. I have always thought that it was a great looking bike (Regardless of year).
    2. I get young and old stopping me and asking about it.
    3. Its been around along time and they have worked out all the bugs.
    4. Yes there are faster...Yes there are better handling.....these bikes do everything well.
    5. Every time I look at my bike it puts a smile on my face
    6. I rode from Victoria BC to Eureka CA and back along the coast...I had a smile wrapped right around my head...there and back!
     
  17. Phuqet

    Phuqet New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2008
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I came over from the "dark" side; my last 2 bikes were Harley's. I chose the VFR because it looks great, and is the best all-around bike I found, and I looked A LOT.

    As has been said, there are faster, and better handling, but not a better all around bike.

    Look at the details and build quality of the VFR compared to almost everything else, and there is no comparison.

    Phuqet
     
  18. junktionfet

    junktionfet New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2007
    Messages:
    198
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Raleigh, NC
    1. It's a Honda--I like their stuff in general. It's reliable and has a good resale value.

    2. I imagine the VFR handles better than the FJR or the Concours... more emphasis on Sport than Touring

    3. I like the engine--it's unique, clean, sounds great, and I like the novelty and practicality of VTEC

    4. The frame is relatively slender even up front thanks to the design of the engine.

    5. Fantastic ABS system

    6. Ergonomics really are the best of both worlds

    7. I fit great on it. I have tons of room so I know it would work for people much taller than me. However I can still flat foot it at a stoplight.

    8. You're asking a VFR enthusiast forum! :)
     
  19. skivfr1

    skivfr1 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2007
    Messages:
    161
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Northern Wisconsin
    Wow, great post! I bought my '04 in the fall of '07 from a guy going through a divorce. It was like showroom new and only had 400 miles on the clock and I picked it up for $6,000! It was a no brainer! I've had numerous CBR's ( 929, 954, '04 1krr, '06 1krr and now an '08 1krr ) but it's the Viffer that sings to my soul!
     
  20. chomper

    chomper New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2007
    Messages:
    949
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver Area B.C
    Map
    that statement in a nut shell describes a vfr. thats why i decided on one as well.:smile:
     
Related Topics

Share This Page