VFR 800 Comparison and Understanding to Make Purchase Decision?

Hello All,

First post to try to gain some wisdom from experienced VFR owners to help me make a decision about getting into the VFR world.

So I grew up on dirt bikes racing motorcross. Now days, as a 53 yr old, I own and ride a 2006 Honda CBR 600RR that I bought new. I LOVE carving canyons, doing focused twisties and track events. The 600RR is about perfect for this function and I intend to keep this bike indefinately.

What I'm looking at a VFR 800 for is to facilitate 2 up riding with my lady who loves to be on the back of a bike - and doesn't mind the 600RR even, but it's way too hard on me to ride with her on there due to the aggressive lean on the forearms supporting both of our weight.

Also, a VFR 800 is a superior longer distance touring machine to the 600RR obviously even though I'm known to strap on my Courtech Sport Bags and head out for a week on my 600RR!:biggrin:

So I would like to hear input on the VFR riding 2 up (she weighs only about 110), and how well the VFR performs over some serious touring distances?

I am NOT a Gold Wing candidate whatsoever, so I'm not going there or anywhere close to there. I'm much more interested in pushing a capable sport bike into a touring and 2 up situation than ever considering a luxo-barge like a Gold Wing, etc.

Thanks in advance guys! I've got a 2009 located that has very few miles. I like the black 09 looks and it seems timeless.

 

Having an 09 I can say that it would be a good choice. My wife and I have been doing some pretty decent time on the road together now that I have the VFR, she loves being on the back of it, but refuses to get on the back of my Ducati 900SS now. My wife is around the same weight as yours and I can say that I hardly notice her, unless the road gets really twisty or I stop quickly so I think you'll fit right in together. I bought mine mainly for commuting but will do the canyons every now and then and it performs well for both types of riding.

A few things that I added to my VFR...Heli-bars, Sargent Seat, VFR800ABS Shock (Modified by Daugherty Motorsports, revalved and resprung), Front fork springs and valving (Provided by Daugherty Motorsports), Power Commander V, GIVI touring wind screen, GIVI Tanklock tank bag and GIVI top case with the backrest cushion. I bought it used last year and it came with Two Bros Slip-ons, so that is the only mod I have that I personally didn't add.

With that, a few comments:
1. The Heli-bars helped with the longer runs that I was doing and can say that I really like them. They help bring your riding posture more upright.
2. Although the Sargent seat is more comfortable for me, the wife says that it's an improvement over the stock seat but by no means "extra comfy". You might want to look into a local upholsterer who can do a custom seat for you if you plan on doing some long haul rides two up.
3. I bought a VFR800ABS shock and had it "rebuilt" mainly because I didn't have the funding for a completely new after market shock, plus the ABS version of shock has the remote preload adjuster. Being that I have different weight on the bike, Solo for "play", Solo for work and two up riding, I wanted the ability to adjust preload easier than with the spanner type shock that was on my 09 (Non ABS version). I also got new valving and springs for the forks to balance out the suspension. The VFR isn't known for having the best suspension, but is relatively inexpensive to correct. A side note here, I have yet to put on the new suspension components as I just got them last week and have not had time to install them yet. That being said, Jamie Daugherty did come highly recommended and is a member of the VFR World forum. I am looking forward to getting the gear he provided put on and will post my comments after I've lived with it for a while.
4. In case you're not familiar with some of the short comings of the VFR, the later models have a low speed throttle "issue" and the Power Commander helps smooth the throttle response out. It is also tunable and can actually run either two maps or one map and their "Auto Tune" device. (This currently only applies to the PCV). This is highly recommended add on!
5. The GIVI wind screen helped place the wind flow a little higher than the stock wind screen but I can't really compare the difference between this and the stock because I replaced it early on but I can say I like the way it performs. For reference, I'm 5'8".
6. The GIV Tanklock tank bags (I have two. T480: 14L-22L capacity; TPH02: 4L capacity) work great and doesn't actually touch the gas tank due to it's special quick release, "Tanklock", mounting system. For the most part these are used daily, the small one when I'm solo and just need a little storage and the larger one for work gear or when going two up. Although both have a cutout or pocket for a GPS or iPhone, the way the plastic covers the "pocket" it creates a "greenhouse" affect and has caused my iPhone to over heat on a few occasions.
7. The GIVI Top case (E55. 55L capacity) comes in real handy when traveling two up. With the back rest pad on there it really helped keep my wife more comfortable and she feels more secure now that she can lean back against something. The other is the amount of storage, we can actually fit two full face helmets and a few clothing items in there when we stop and walk around.
8. The Two Bros slip-ons, as mentioned, came with the bike when I bought it, but I can say that I really like the sound of the bike with them on. This would really be a personal preference IMO, but I'm keeping them on!

I hope this helps.

Cheers!

 

Hi JetJockey, I just bought a new leftover '09 last summer, best all-around bike I've had! As for 2 up, it is very capable. My wife weighs about 130 and I hardly notice her back there. IMO, you should not hesitate to buy it, ya'll should enjoy riding 2 up on it! Good luck and keep us informed. Robert.

 

As long as you travel light vtec VFRs make a very competent two up tourer. If you are not careful its easy to officially overload the bike - although it still seems to handle fine when carrying way over what Honda recommends. If you can get a 2006+ model with ABS and the full OEM luggage option, then this bike is brilliant for two up riding as it only takes a few seconds to tweek the rear preload so its happy for solo or 2 up riding. I note the tyre (tire your side of the pond) pressures for solo and full load are officially the same, but I found adding an extra 2 lbs to the rear does help when riding 2 up especially on fully laden and high speed runs - and helps stop the headlights lighting the underside of overbridges. For the pillion the OEM top box acts as a back rest - so no worries about falling off if you decide to boot past a line of traffic However if you intend to routinely carry a pillion, you may want to replace the stock seat, as under sharp braking you can find you are both piled up on the tank - I now have a dent in my tank to prove it

Skimad4x4
Proud Member - 6th Gen Militia #218 - European 1st Division

 

Excellent info and extremely helpful OOTVS! THANKS!!:smile:

 

Helpful to hear your point of view. What sort of bikes are you comparing the VFR with as you make this assessment?

 

I appreciate the input very much. Adding 2 psi to the rear wheel is a good idea on most bikes ridden 2 up. I've thought about the OEM luggage. I like the idea, but figure I can use soft sided sport bags, etc, cheaper and less obtrusive, even if it is just strapping them on a rack out back.

 

If i was looking for a two up ride that still had some scoot and i had a 600rr in the garage, i'd head in the direction of an st1300/fjr1300/r1200rt/concours14... definitely worth a look if your considering serious two up mileage.

 

Davis. Those are good bikes no question. I'm just not into that much size & bulk. I enjoy a nimble feel and quicker response to input. Also, I've got a sizeable garage, but it's already quite full, so a VFR 800 will be the most I want to add to it.

 

OOTVS has offered some solid advice, but some of the additions/mods can be pricey. For example, the Power Commander rules, but doing the P.A.I.R. mod might be a cheaper option. It's not as comprehensive as the PC, but works well. Check this forum for detailed instructions.

Give your self and your other half another 1.5" of comfort. Larry Lovisone sells peg extenders. The passenger set will need to be shaved off some. Larry Lovisone's Home Page.

One more thing you might want to consider are the VIBRANATOR. I know, funky name, but they make for a comfy ride. All CBR; ALL Goldwings; VFR800; Blackbird; CB900F/919

After a few choiced mods, the VFR becomes a serious long distance sport TOURER.

 

You might want to look at the Ninja 1000 as well. I know it's not a Honda, but I really like that bike.