Hello, Please help me...

Hello Everyone...

I'm getting into riding again after a 15-year layoff, use to ride the FZR600 and I'm considering the 2006 VFR800, good choice or bad choice? I know the bike is sweet, but I'm wondering if it's too much bike for me. I'm concerned with the weight of the bike but I like the seat height since I'm 5'-7" 180lbs...should I be looking at the CBR600RR?


Thanks for suggestions and comments

Mitch

 

The VFR may be more forgiving than the CBR. The CBR will be peaky, delivering it's torque and power at much higher revs. The VFR will have a more flat torque curve and smoother power delivery across a greater span of revs. Also, the VFR will have a bit more conservative steering geometry meaning it'll take a little more effort to get it into a turn, but some more stability once there.
As far as fit goes, you'll have to try them both and see. All the stats and geometry don't mean squat if you aren't comfortable on the bike.

 

Hi Mitch,

Just like you I returned to MC riding after a long absence. I rode a very old EX500 for a while and then upgraded. Comments on the VFR, I doubt that there is a more forgiving or easier bike to ride out there than the VFR (mine is a 2005 basically the same as the 06). I like the fact that at lower revs it has enough power but not enough to get you into trouble. It is very easy to ride and I don't notice the weight much. I find the brakes excellent much as the purists don't tend to like them. I believe they are very forgiving and hard to get in trouble with. They also stop you very quickly in real world riding. Before I bought mine I tried lots of different bikes and in the end I figured the VFR had the overall best combination of everything for real world riding. I don't think you can go wrong with the VFR. By the way I am about 5' 11" and weigh 200 lbs. If you go with the VFR make sure that the shop sets up the suspension for you. The standard settings are a bit soft and if you are like me and don't have a clue how to set them up its better that the shop does it.

Enjoy and keep the rubber on the road.

 

I am a suspicious dude.
I take my license drive in 2002.
Since there i never drive a bike again.
In April i buy a 750 VFR and i did not found any problem.

 

Thanks for the replies everybody...

I went to the shop and sat on a few different bikes <chills from my fingertips to my shoulders>, i.e. ZX-14, VFR800, CBR600RR, etc...I love the riding position of the VFR, it's everything I read and thought it would be.


Grinder - I talked to the salesman about suspension adjustments and they assured me they would suit to fit when I buy. This is very important to me because I'll prob commute to work once in a while (90-miles roundtrip) Thanks for the advice.

 

VladImpaler - Good point about the CBR...I like the smooth throttle/response of the VFR for daily commute.

 

Reg71 - Thanks for the post...I would imagine it feels much heavier. I also was considering a "sportier" bike (CBR600RR) but I want to use it for an occassional commute to work.

 

Ha, Reg sorta beat me to it was waiting to see what others had to say. that said, time to chime in. Can't go wrong with any VFR But and this is IMO. as Reg stated the 05-06 is a tad more tour than sport over the 98-01 version as in the 94-97 is even a tad more sporty yet. back then the VFR and the f3-4 where neck-n-neck for the sport catagory. in that displacement range. then Honda went on a tour it up mode instead of sport up the touring , it's more sport than say a FJ but not as sport as say a SV, 600rr is a whole different animal, not even close to a VFR. Now a F4i is a close one and is a sporty fun model, thing is the V4 is what really sets it apart from all other bikes. So to really do this right you'd need to go check out, ride if ya can, each model .each one has it 's good and bad points just up to you to see which it is that will make you the happest. Good luck

 

RVFR - yep did that...went to the dealership and checked 'em out, sat on 'em, and compared the return on the $$. I like the VFR. I guess the fact I've been out of riding so long is scaring me from buying a big powerful bike.

 

Hi Mitch, like you I had a break from bikes of about 15 years. When the itch just got too bad to ignore I put my arse on just about everything from 750cc up (except cruisers - not that old yet!). Just love my viffer - enough power without being silly and all the other reasons already stated.

So do yourself a favour and grab the bike and then sign yourself up for the very next rider training course available. Not that you'll need it for enjoying the viffer I'm sure but you do end up being a tad rusty on a few things...

Cheers!

 

Thanks again for everybody's input - it really helps.

Skidvicious - I think you're right, I have to just put my arse back on the bike. I was an average rider back then meaning I didn't race on the track but I was confident and safe so I'm sure it will all come back to me. I've been checking out the schedules and locations for the MSF classes in the area (heard they were good) and I promised my wife I wouldn't ride until I completed the course (I'll do anything to get the bike :tongue: )

Mitch

 

There's alot of drivers out there who do not respect rider's take the coarse you will need all the defensive and offensive skills out there... I took the coarse here and what was taught to me help me alot....

 

I took the MSF course.....

I think it's silly not to.... Here in NH if you take the course you takes the test at the end of the course and they hand you the certificate that you can then got to the DMV and hand them your certificate and they update your license.... Otherwise you have to schedule the test and take it on your bike....

But the course is really good.... For me it was very reasuring to have the instructers critique, coach, and advise, on how to improve and to even do some of the most basic things in motorcycle riding.

For NH, that supposedly has the highest "per capita" percentage of motorcycles on the street, the statistic is of the 9 motorcycle fatalities none had taken the MSF course. Take the course...

Oh and welcome I'm new as well... LOL Oh and I'm lusting to graduate from my VF700F to a VFR.... It's the best Bike hands down....

 

I believe Press is the word they use in the test. You press the handle bar in the direction you want to turn reg. Left press left. Right press right.

 

I signed up for the MSF course and went to the shop...guess who ordered their '06 VFR800 in black?! :biggrin: I can't wait!!!!

 

Awesome, take it easy at first. The vfr is not as fast on paper as some other bikes. It is very powerful and fast. Remeber it still goes o-60 in like 3.5 seconds. You have to buy a $300,000 car to get that performance. Enjoy and welcome.

 

A good thing about the VFR is that it helps you a little if you have poor self control. What I mean is, if you want to go fast and crank the throttle you aren't going to just flip over like some of the sportier bikes and you also aren't goin to go 180 mph on it. You can get the front wheel off the ground on power wheelie, but it's very mellow and only a few inches. I came from a 70's 400cc bike and it was an easy, comfortable and rewarding transition. Happy Hunting!