Finally a VFR owner, and loving it

Just realized that 6 months have passed since I picked up my 2010 VFR1200, new non-current out of Ottawa. Loving it. Here's why...

I always wanted a VFR, came real close in 2000 on a 5th generation. Bought a CBR929RR instead back then, still have it, fulfilling my need for a stoopid fast trackday bike though coming up real short as an everyday street bike. I've always said, give me a VFR with real beans and I'll buy it, as even the 600 that I was riding at the time was faster.

Fast forward 10 years and that bike appears - the VFR1200 - same perfect riding position, with an extra 50 whp. Took one of the first ones for a Honda-led test ride, loved the seated-in feel of it, but truthfully found the exhaust sound and the lower end power uninspiring at the speeds were were riding at. Coupled with some real mediocre reviews (hello MCN & VFR forums!), I passed.

Instead I came close to buying a K1300S, but didn't because it wasn't quite VFR comfy and the bags were awful. Anything sportier was too uncomfortable, anything more comfortable (Concourse, FJR) was not sporty enough. Only the Multistrada came close, but the office chair riding position made no sense on something that quick, and its sportbike on stilts feeling just felt plain weird. So I remained unfulfilled, having ridden everything the market has to offer (thanks Americade!), though my CBR, R1150R, Harley Road King, and DRZ400SM/S kept me reasonably happy, all for different reasons.

That was until on a whim I sold my very competent "everyday bike", a R1150R, which often bored me to tears. Upon searching a replacement, I stumbled upon news of z-bombs and exhaust flap removals and the like, which reopened the VFR world again. Then I saw the discounts on the new bikes...

All this leads up to where I am today, loving my VFR12 (manual shift with bags, opened exhaust and z-bomb). The power delivery is sublime, the sounds are sexy, everything is smooth and confidence inspiring. Haven't taken it to a track day yet, but it certainly wouldn't be out of its element. But what I love most is the details - the way the inside of your elbow hugs the ridge of the tank shroud when leaned over, the flawless throttle pick up when you're pilling the power on out of a corner (though it could be better under 4000rpm), the complete lack of heat soak from the fairing on hotter days (though the right foot does get warm), the huge weather protection from the relatively small fairing, the fact that it's still narrow enough to slice through traffic openings with the bags on, I could go on. Handling wise it's no CBR, but compared to what's called sport-touring bikes nowadays, it's in another league!

No bike is perfect, but this is the best "everyday bike" I've ever rode. This from a guy who never believed that a "do-it-all" bike exists, but this one come closest. Anyways, nice to be a vifferman, finally.:biggrin:

 

Welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy the commentary from this place as much as I do:wink:.(you have take a few guys with a grain of salt) There is an official greeter he will be along soon. Probably humping a raptor somewhere with another in the back ground cheering him on...:smile:...sorry scuba could pass up the opportunity.... it sounds like you found your perfect bike. Enjoy it for years to come and you might even find a few neighbors willing to ride with you up there in the great white north. There are lots of Canadians in the forum.

 

:welcome: to the madness :wave:
Glad you find the bike that make you :biggrin:

 

Thanks for the welcome, it certainly took a while to get here - I must of had a dozen new bikes over the years but not one had this riding position - what was I thinking!

 

Has anyone else here had a CBR929RR?

Would love a detailed comparison between the '00-'01 929 and a 5th gen VFR.

Considering a clean local 929 for general street/twisty duty. No track days. No highway speeding. Just a weekend rider, and maybe an occasional commute. It would be my only bike, then - no VFR , just the 929.