First Ride on NTM 2014 VFR800

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by Zeta, Dec 11, 2017.

  1. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Good day all,
    Just picked up my new to me VFR and this is my first ride impressions, jaded as all new owners will be so I'll apologize first by saying this will be a biased report.
    *****First time ever riding a VFR******
    Background:
    Bike: 2014 800 deluxe ~5000 miles bought sight unseen from Hoppers Motoplex, Mckinney Tx seamless transition and very professional staff
    mods: bar risers and frame sliders
    purchase price $6500 + $500 florida tags and registration, total ~$7000

    age: 63 (next month)
    ht: 5'11'', wt: 195, inseam 30" on a strong moon
    years riding: 50
    last bike: 2007 Moto Guzzi Norge (50k miles when sold)
    current bikes: 2014 VFR, 1981 SR500, 1965 Honda CT200
    Bike pref: sport tourers
    VFR Usage: 1000+ mile trips

    Today's ride: Canyon Lake Texas area
    miles: 80
    time: 2 hrs
    weather: 68-74 degrees, little wind and clouds (beautiful day)
    Roads: tight turns, sweepers, when some long straight sections, and one section of freshly oiled surface, but went slow until oil was rubbed off.

    Impressions:

    Idle: bike idles~1000 rpms and is quiet and smooth
    clutch: pull, very easy with good grab about 1/2 way out
    gauges: very easy to read and beautiful dash IMO
    turn signals: although I have read stories of these not functioning properly, mine worked as advertised and I did not hit the horn once
    traction control: N/A
    brakes: again read negative stories on these but I felt they were strong and had great feel and power
    engine: smooth, no vibration noted and had some character
    power: more than enough for me and the V-tech hit was nowhere near what I had read
    seat: for my body and 2 hrs in the saddle--very comfortable with room to move around if need be--tank full to empty seat time no problem I imagine.
    pegs: height very good for my short legs
    handlebar: never ridden in standard position as risers came with bike but zero wrist pain, but I do not put a lot of pressure on bars or lock elbow..grip tank with legs
    fit and finish: even though used, it could have come off showroom floor
    tires: are continental and a new set will be coming soon, these have miles left in them but I do not care for the drop in feel of worn tires; however the bike did hold her line and handled the tar snakes better than any bike I've ever owned (but then again road was not 140 degrees)
    suspension: great on smooth roads, somewhat firm on less than idea conditions--i will be tinkering with this
    wind protection: I like the way the wind holds up my torso and at anything less than 80 mph, i can live with it. Helmet buffeting was sound only, no jerking helmet around.
    exhaust: note is very nice, much more so in person and on bike than videos...i'll probably keep original muffler.

    My impression is this bike is refined, probably more so than any bike I've ever owned, and although she is new to me and I'm going to be jaded as with the Moto Guzzi, I can see this motorcycle getting better with age.
    This bike fits me very well.

    Thank you for your time--Mike
     
    V45mikie, GatorGreg, Viffer J and 2 others like this.
  2. Ro Dento

    Ro Dento New Member

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    Mike,

    Well said. Sorry to hear you let the Guzzi go, I have an Eldorado and enjoy it as much as my VFR (2014 as well). Like different tools in the drawer different bikes in the garage. Each for its own use. Unfortunately my bikes are snug in the garage under blankets with tenders attached as there is snow on the ground and the missus wont let me ride...

    Ro
     
  3. Ennsync

    Ennsync New Member

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    HI mike,happy ride ,and congratulation on new ride.
     
  4. thtanner

    thtanner New Member

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    This sums up my experience. I sold a Street Triple R to get my viffer. Some call it a "better" bike but I could not stand it vs the viffer!
     
  5. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    Welcome and excellent first report Zeta Mike (except for the lack of pics!). What part of Fla are you in? If you're in central Fla some of us Veefers like to go to the bike nite on Thursday's at the Ace Cafe, here's a thread if interested:
    http://vfrworld.com/threads/ace-cafe-in-orlando.53710/
     
  6. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Hi Greg, I spend my time between Jax Fl, Murrells Inlet SC and a month at Christmas in Tx. Thanks for the invite--maybe when I'm down in the Kingdom.
     
  7. V45mikie

    V45mikie New Member

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    Hey Zeta!! I ride around the Canyon Lake, Sattler area and River road all the time. Its a good place to ride been riding around here for years Ill keep a eye open for you, what's your Bikes color?? If you see a White 8 gen VFR playing tag with a Repsol CBR that's me. I'm out that way on Sundays or Mondays. BTW congrats on your new ride. I would suggest a rad guard for that upper radiator, lots of stuff on the roads around here.
    They have been repaving the roads south of river road and its a big mess FYI.
    Be safe Have fun!!


    Mike
     
  8. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Thanks Mike, Will keep an eye out for you....I'm off pheasant hunting this weekend, but I'm in the area till January, come here every year for a month for Xmas. Bike color red with frame sliders with original can and i'll source out rad guard soon...thanks for the tip. Mike
     
  9. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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    Pheasants Forever?
     
  10. VFR_Mike

    VFR_Mike New Member

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    Congrats Mike - I think your assessment is spot on.
     
  11. ArrowFrost

    ArrowFrost New Member

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    Solid post.
     
  12. vfrrfv

    vfrrfv New Member

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    Congrats Zeta on your new VFR. You scored a great price on the Deluxe. How do you like the LED lighting? Traction control?
     
  13. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Morning vfrrfv, Haven't had a chance to use either yet. i plan on riding three twisted sisters tomorrow if the weather breaks, about a 350mile round trip for me and i anticipate arriving back after dark as to check lighting and hope i don't have a need to experience TC, but may experiment with it.
     
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