I was around for a long time, having purchased a 1998 in Lewiston, Maine 3 weeks before the dealership burned flat. I rode it everywhere including track days at the Poconos and Loudon. I packed my camping gear and my dog and rode all over New England. The more races I went to and the more track days I did, the more I thought that this was something I wanted to do bigtime. Call me a fool! I bought a ZX10R Kawasaki 3 years ago and put my 800Fi in storage, not quite ready to sell. I am very lucky that those I offered it to didn't take me up on it. I rode the 10R for 3 years, many track days and it was fun. It had almost double the horsepower of my 800Fi, weighed 100 lbs less and wore sticky tires. In short, it was a rocket. Every time I would open up the throttle, it made me hold my breath and pucker. I've had one bike or another for 44 years and have never experienced anything like the acceleration of the ZX10R. The ride without Helibars was uncomfortable. I had to pay attention every second, because it was so easy to get the bike in trouble. I could ride for 45 minutes or so and I was mentally exhausted from the work I was doing. It is true that I could have taken it easy, but the bike begged constantly to be used. Every turn, every straight became a challenge. 2 months ago I crashed my EX500 at Loudon. I got banged up pretty good and it made me reconsider my priorities. I guess I figured out that I am much more of an 800Fi guy than a 10R guy. I sold the 10R to a young Marine and got the 800Fi out again and have been riding the hell out of it. It turns without twitching, it's stable, fast and accurate. I can ride and ride and I'm not tired anymore. I occasionally miss the "Oh my God!" acceleration at about 8000 RPM with the 10R, but I am really glad to be back.
welcome back! its good to ride other bikes. its helps put the VFR into perspective so you can see that it is a truly awesome all rounder and genuinely fun bike to ride. at least you survived your ZX10, plenty dont! its ironic that it was the EX that bit you tho. RT
Oh my that is so nice. I am touched at this sentiment. I am going to go fix myself an Earl Grey tea and sit by the fire with my wife to enjoy her romance novel with her. Then I think I will go out a kick the Sh&* out of the neighbours yappy dog. Welcome Newbie. Good to have you back in the ranks of the ELITE!
