Newbie in the corner taking notes

Looking to pick up a VFR in the spring, 2006-2009 model (mostly, because I hear that's when the vtec issues were all ironed out?) . Ready to be schooled to the contrary though! I am here to learn as much as I can about the bike in general before the time comes.. Surfing WoW's inventory makes me think it might happen sooner than Spring though.. New to riding (bikes with engines that is) and am taking my waiver course (2 1/2 day session) to get my license next month. Guess I started late but I figure there's no time like the present to live life how you want!

 

The VFR is a solid, well built machine that will last a long time but it isn't really a good machine to learn on in my opinion. I would advise getting something a little lighter and more maneuverable and less costly to repair if damaged. If you truly insist on getting a VFR I would look for one with some minor cosmetic issues since alot of new riders tend to drop them at some point. Most of these drops happen in parking lots while at a stand still or very slow speed which sucks even worst. I would never discourage someone from getting something they truly have their heart set on but be realistic and know that there is a good chance this may happen to you as a new rider. I know many people who have been riding for years who have managed to drop their VFR's so don't be cocky and think it can't happen to you. As far as the VTEC goes most people either love it or hate it. You'll have to try it out first and make up your own mind before buying the bike. I have an 07 VFR and still find the VTEC transition to be abrupt and a little annoying. Not a deal breaker for me but I personally wished it didn't have the VTEC.

Are you in the Atlanta area since you are checking out the bikes at WOW?

Rollin

 

the VFR isn't like other bikes, i've only rode it since spring and it's going to be replaced before next spring. the vtec isn't like other bikes, look at some 600s, i'm looking at 06/07 cbr1000s but mostly for the size of bike not size of motor, 08 is nicer but smaller. look for a 600 that isn't top speed racing one to start out on, they are lighter and easier to learn how to ride smooth on, VFR jerks around allot, doesn't coast well cause engine breaking seems extreme and if you ride around the 7k rpm range you go over and under it as you shift it jerks the bike even more. it's a fun bike to fly thru the gears on for sure and great for longer rides but all around mess around town learner you'd be better off on something else. my 2 cents.

if you are buying from private sellers, take the cash, most will let you ride it if you have the cash to pay for it if you wreck it, try to ride a few diff bikes, make a good decision. dealers might not be so willing since you are just getting license but money talks.

 

Welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:

Whether that bike will be right for you - only you can tell. Taller riders will have little problem handling a bike weighing a quarter tonne, lighter/shorter riders can find it a handful especially when stopped or at very low speeds when it can suddenly adopt horizontal parking mode. Quality frame sliders are a worthwhile investment to protect the expensive bits - but even so you may still end up with some cosmetic damage to wing mirrors etc in a tip over. Buying one which already has minor cosmetic damage could save you some cash and be less painful to your pride if the bike does tip over.

Its perhaps worth mentioning that the later Vtecs still have a substantial power gain as the second set of valves cut in and the bike takes a lunge at the horizon. The transition is most pronounced with the throttle fully open. The revisions in 2006 basically mean the transition happens at higher revs, so an unexpected boost in power is rather less likely to occur riding around town at slow speeds in traffic. The main benefit of vtec is emissions and economy especially on long distance highway runs - where in 6th gear you can cruise along barely sipping fuel at 80mph with the engine just below the vtec cut in, and yet always have power to blast past slower traffic by dropping a gear or two. If that's the sort of riding which you plan to use the bike for, then it may be the best bike you will ever own. PS Red is definitely the fastest otstir:.



SkiMad

 

Perhaps if you tell us what kind of riding you intend to enjoy, we may be able to help you identify the features of the 6th gen VFR that will work well or hinder your enjoyment of the bike.

Not knowing you, your natural abilities, physical strength or limitations, I hesitate to say whether the bike is a good choice. Some people are naturals and rise to the challenge of motorcycling very quickly while others need to take a more reserved approach out of the gate.

The instructors you meet on your course will probably be the best prepared to make recomendations for you after they have seen you in action. I've instructed students from both camps and all points in between. Some had natural ability but poor judgement and should never ride a performance motorcycle while others struggled with basic maneuvers but posessed the mental maturity to be in control of almost anything. The latter group impossed their own limitations while the former had to be discouraged to go out and buy a rocket till they grew a few chest hairs (or equivalent) and learned that they weren't immortal.

Keep all you options open, have fun and hopefully your choice will result in years of riding pleasure!

Glad you joined us!

 

Thanks everyone for the welcomes! I hear the concern for the 'first bike' and if I were 20 years younger, a half foot shorter, and 30-50 lbs lighter - I would keep myself in the 600-650 range honestly. Unfortunately I was planted in fertilizer when I was young, and am tipping 6'5" and 250 lbs (and erm, won't mention how many times around the Sun I've seen).

My first bike of consideration 'was' a Katana 650. However a friend owns one (foot shorter and easily 60 lbs less than me), and let me scoot around on it some (I have ridden tons of dirt bikes in my teenage years, I know how they work at least, but nothing on pavement and not in over 25 years - hence I still consider myself a 'newbie'). The Katana seemed to have a little lower stance (the bike isn't lowered, it just 'is') and seemed to really labor with me on it at low RPM's. Pretty much all my friends ride, and have been egging me for years to 'get with it'.. They also kept me in the 600 range until my experience with the Katana got around in the circle. Now they all are saying 'VFR 800' which I was ahead of them by looking at as well.

I've sat on the ones currently at WoW (Yep Rollin I am in the ATL area, WoW is just a few miles down the road from where I work across from the Cobb airport), and they 'really' seem best suited to my frame. I'm not young anymore so I think I can easily 'grow' into this bike instead of it being more of a 'danger' to me at first.

Skimad - yep frame sliders are my very first consideration with a PC behind that, to 'smooth' out the vtec action (I've been lurking for a little while here taking notes) Actually, one of the 2 bikes at WoW that I'm looking at already has sliders.. Not holding my breath that it will still be there for me when the time comes tho. All of my riding friends have said 'expect to put the bike down - everyone does' and I am taking the advice seriously. As a prime example, a good bud of mine with a lifetime of riding, put down his FJR 1300 like a week after purchase (NEW!) due to some lady cutting him off for a parking space (That's ATL For ya..).

That all said - I will be test riding a few at WoW and will consider the alternatives, but this feels 'right' (I think we all know that feeling). I want it to cruise, but be a decent handler in the mtns, with good mileage for long hauls. My buds are already planning out my first Dragon run for us (I'm like, let me get it and ride it some before I go up there!).

Thanks for keeping it real and making good points on the first purchase, I appreciate a community that is more about the person, than the 'machine'. I'd say it's a 95% certainty for me tho - but leaving options open!

Skimad - the 2 at WoW that I'm staring at every day are indeed red.. Well.. One is burgundy but it's darn sweet.. Wonder how hard it would to pdip or get it painted an Orky Red..

Jethro - I think I fall into the latter category, but with the 'confidence' factor up some from first timers due to my life experiences with dirt bikes, and I'd guesstimate 700k mtn bike miles on my butt. (All my bike buds 'migrated' from mtn bikes, and I got left behind).

Thanks everyone!

 

Just my $0.02 - I am 6'2" 300lbs and I started off on a 250 then a Nighthawk 750 before owning my VFR. Difference being I had zero experience with motorcycles. The power may be more than you are used to, but it you truly have a level head you will most likely be fine.

I tink the biggest hurdle for you will be the ergo's of the VFR. At your height, it will be uncomfortable at best. You can get Helibars and peg lowering blocks and it will help.

 

:welcome: to the madness Jay :wave:
Good luck hunting and kudo for taking the riding course.

 

welcome aboard.

I'm only 6' 2'", but had no issues with the ergonomics. I don't have heli bars or pegs lowered, and I'm fine.

The VFR is heavy, but other than that, I see no reason not to get one as a newbie. Bottom line is that as long as you understand and respect what it is you have, then that's good enough. Use your head, show some common sense, ALWAYS ride your own ride, and you'll be fine.

Are you hell bent on a 6th Gen? Would you consider a 5th Gen? No VTEC to "deal" with.

 

There is a '97 VFR 750 at WoW that I also hope to ride and test out as well, if it's still there in a month after I take my waiver class/get license. (I swear that bike has been there for 2-3 years since I first started to look into getting a bike). Not to upset any owners or previous owners but the faring seems 'dated' to me on the '97. That isn't a deal breaker - it's on my list to try out 'to be sure' and to ensure I don't end up with more than I can handle out of the box. I did sit on it 2-3 years ago on my first walk through WoW (if it's not the same bike it sure looks like it), and did prefer it to the Katana 750 I was checking at the time. The VFR just seems to 'fit' me better than the Katana line, which I do like for aesthetic reasons.

So no not hell-bent, I do like the 6th gen's lines tho.

The '97 - WOW Motorcycles - 30860 1997 HONDA VFR750 INTERCEPTOR
The '05 w/ sliders already - WOW Motorcycles - 31209 2005 HONDA VFR800 INTERCEPTOR
The '07 that I really dig - WOW Motorcycles - 30781 2007 HONDA VFR800 INTERCEPTOR

 

Is WOW over on Cobb parkway?? If it's the place I'm thinking of, it used to be Marietta Motorsports.
Paul Wright owned it back then, don't know if he still does. He also owns Highland Park, the motorsports park in Northwest Georgia, for dirt bikes and quads.

 

My Vote is for the Candy Red. Get it. Get it now and then you can drool at it in your own garage for a month before riding it.
This can be justified to the Mrs (if required) as taking safety as your number 1 concern. You are getting the bike now to kit it out with frame sliders and any other protective gear you may require!

 

Jethro - that makes sense, indeed. Maybe a ride out on it just to compare might be in order tho. So that would make that a 4th gen? (I will have the years for the gens sorted out in my head soon!) Time for a quick google search..

FTL - Yep that's the WOW I'm talkin' about! There's also a 'Mountain Motorsports' in the same area with a nice black 2006 which appears somewhat 'modified' for the same price as the 2 red 6th gens at WoW I'm considering. That 'strip' on Cobb parkway is bike heaven for buyers (lots of shops).

rainman - Yep the Mrs is 'aware' of my plans, for better or worse eh? I think if this were in the garage so soon, I might have papers served... If that one disappears before my time, I'm sure I can latch on to the right one after the fact. Wow seems to have 2-3 6th gen in stock at all times. Guess veteran viffer folks are moving up to the new 1200 now?

 

JayyVee your attitude and thought process are PERFECT! Keep heading in the direction you are going and you will find the perfect ride. I am 6' 2" and 260 and did 1780 miles last week just in Wisconsin and the UP in Michigan. Great fun, no issues with my 6th gen. Completely stock with factory bags. Currently 18K on the 2007 RWB. 42.1 MPG average. I think a VFR will be perfect for you. Oh I forgot to mention I am 62 and did this ride by myself. Six Days! Keep your eyes open for Randy he might be one of the mileage champs on a single VFR and he is about my age as well!

Good Choice! Go for it!

 

Thanks bud I appreciate the shoulder slap there. I can see getting this bike and keeping it for a good long while.. Will keep an eye as some have mentioned on the height (my height that is) and possible need for 'Helibars' (something else I need to go check out and understand). Glad to hear there are quite a few tall fellas on this bike without much issue.

 

Any particular reason you would buy from WOW as opposed to a private sale? Their prices like most dealerships are over-inflated and you should be able to get a comparable VFR from a private seller for $500 to $1000 less than what they advertise plus you get the piece of mind of meeting the previous owner to get a better idea of the bike's history.

Rollin

 

I was wondering the same thing... I bought my 2000 VFR a year ago for $3200 from a private seller, and it's even the faster yellow color!
I think their prices are easily $1000 over what you might find on Craigslist or other private buyer venues.

 

Actually Rollin and FTL, both bikes at WoW (And the black one at Mtn Motorsports) are about 500-1000 less than comparable bikes from private sellers that I'm seeing on Cycletrader. I haven't looked at Craigslist yet, I try to stay off that site honestly but I will take a look if you guys think there are comparable pricings going on there?

Mostly the 'eye shopping' is what is also pulling me to WoW. And their huge inventory.. When I go in to test ride in a few weeks, I will literally be able to ride 'everything' that will be in my range the same day; The VFR, a Katana, a FZ6 - with color options to boot.

I would not rule out a private seller as I will be coming to the table with cash, and you guys make good points (I know the same points from car buying over the years). Just from my looking so far tho, WoW has had the better pricing? Time to browse Craigslist some to see what's up!


Err I just noticed.. Is that an invite to check out your bike?

edit: I checked craigslist, and I see what you mean there are some a bit off of WoW's prices on there. Appreciate the advice to check there as well.

 

The other interesting thing about CL is watching bikes over a period of time. You'll frequently see the same bike drop in price 2 or 3 times, from an okay deal to a really good deal.
Of course, the flip side of that is a bike you're interested gets bought by someone else. Oh well... like women and trains, if you missed that one, there will be another one along in a moment.