VFR as a second bike?

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by Coyote Chris, Jul 30, 2019.

  1. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Greetings. For years now, the VFR has spoken to me....After 54 years of riding and camping, I am nearing the end of my riding life. I tour on a 2014 FJR, a 2017 650 Vstrom, and a 2010 Honda NT700v(nice bike but getting old and not exactly exciting) . The FJR is a fine bike, but it is also big and heavy. I am tall, physically fit and active at 70 but it sure would be nice to have a lighter FJR to play with. The 8th Gen VFR speaks to me. It says, "Buy me, put on nice looking bags, handlebar risers, taller wind screen, throttle lock and a luggage rack and cruise the back roads of the American west and go camping."
    I am going to test ride a 2014 tomorrow. Used. Dealer wants way too much but at least I can get a flavor of the bike. Anyone have some advice as to risers, panniers, rear seats, luggage racks and wind screens?

    I bought my dealer leftover FJR purely as an art object but love the beast. I just want something I can move around a gas pump without having to worry.... ;)
    bike small.JPG
     
  2. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    I rode a gen 8 stock for three days straight and I thought it could use risers. Matter of fact, the next time I visit my friend in AZ he said he will pick up a pair of risers just to check it out. Apparently they go in and out quite easily as you don't have to fuss with any of the cables. The owner also changed out the seat to a Corbin. I've had bad luck with Corbin seats in the past but the one made for his VFR was all day comfortable.

    In regards to second bike status I currently have a gen 6 that I use for local riding. I've not done any tours on it... yet but think I might in the future as long as they are somewhat local. It's not nearly as comfortable or practical as my Versys 650LT so I don't look at it as a touring machine.

    Having said all that above I think the VFR is a bike that has gobs of charm and character, enjoy your test ride, that should at least tell you if you like the bike.
     
  3. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Thanks, Zapp. I think you are correct. Usually, the test ride lets me know quickly if I really want that bike. My NT700v is very comfortable and the Suzuki XT 650 V strom was a good fit for me. The entire Versys series bikes are interesting, but not me. Though the 300 feels like it it could be a bike for my old age. Someone last year at the Honda Sport touring rally in Spearfish had a tricked out earlier gen VFR. Wish I would have spent more time with them. If I like the bike, I will check here about someone who will discuss options. Will report back.
     
  4. sudolea

    sudolea New Member

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    I'm coming from a K1300S. As BMW is not making them new any longer, I considered the FJR too. That it's too heavy was only one of the lesser concerns to me: I didn't buy an FJR because of the model's age (a quite personal reflection of mine).

    Then the VFR got my interest (8th generation, second hand). Having toured with it in the Dolomites last summer, I can say it's a quite valuable replacement. Of course, not comparable to the K1300S and the FJR in many aspects, but still a sporty tourer. And light, way more handleble at lower speeds than my former K (and I assume also the FJR).

    This said, you should indeed realise that it has a pretty much sporty seat position. I can't compare to the FJR, but in this seat position aspect, it's quite comparable to the K1300S. I myself like it, but you may want the handlebar risers indeed, depending on your preferences.

    Being aged 58 myself, and before buying the VFR800F, I wondered if I wouldn't maybe dislike it's lesser performance figures (HP, torque). Now I can say this is not an issue. Just so you know, in case of doubt. Only if you'd be touring quite regularly with a pillion, then it could maybe be an issue (but this is not my case, so I can't help you with information on this).
     
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  5. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Hi Chris and welcome to the MadHouse:Welcome:

    I think you will find the VFR800F is a great alternative to the FJR.

    But do some homework there is a heap of 2014+ models in the USA especially basic models which are only just starting to be depleted following some very aggressive price cutting. Just realise the basic model is not the one to go with - if you can try and track down a deal on the deluxe model with all the extra goodies.

    As you are talking touring, then push the vendor to do a package deal to include the panniers and top box which at list price are EXPENSIVE. Personally the after market stuff just looks wrong on the 8th Gens even if it is cheaper.

    Have a search on here as it was only a few months back people were naming dealers who were doing fabulous deals to clear new old stock.

    You may not be aware that there was a gap in the North American Market production after an earthquake completely destroyed the Honda factory where all their larger motorbikes were built. Fortunately for North American customers Honda had just about completed and shipped out a massive batch - which is what has been keeping the US market supplied for several years, meantime supplies in Europe pretty much ran out and in some countries the VFR800F was temporarily dropped from new sales catalogues. Fortunately that factory is once again back in full swing and European dealers are again offering VFR800Fs new to order and spare parts (including OEM risers options can now be obtained from dealers).

    If you are happy with new old stock there are some amazing deals around.

    Have fun shopping and post up some photos if you do snag a VFR.



    SkiMad
     
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  6. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Very well said...see below.
     
  7. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    How do I tell one model from another?
    Here is what I put out today on another of my bike forums.

    "I have always lusted after VFR Interceptors. Guilty pleasure. Well, I talked with a guy who had one of the past generations from the last century at a gas pump in Missoula. Lust lust lust. So Today I went to the dealer locally who I knew had two of them for sale. His and hers bikes but the guy had to go back to Australia in a hurry. First I road a New 650 Ninja new and found it a very nice bike. Few options available but the ergonomics are fine as they are. Then the 2014 8th gen. VFR was ready and oh my gosh....smooth as an electric motor, slickest tranny I ever nudged. Light and fast and very nice seat height...not tall at all. 15k on the clock and they did the 16,000 mile service ($700) and will put on a new set of Michilans and I think I will get it for a bit over $7,000. Even if I just ride it a year and keep it like an art object like my FJR, it might be worth it so I can say I had one.....

    What do you think/ This bike desparately needs risers and bags and a taller screen etc but it has heated grips and I see no scratches and no damage whatso ever. It is speaking to me.....Am I nuts for buying it? I need another bike like a hole in the head...."
    There are a few new VFRs out there (the cheepest being $7,000 but it would cost a bunch to ship it here. ) I am tempted to buy this bike. It needs risers and bags and a small luggage rack. It has a pillion seat but I never take anyone riding. Would you try and find one new for $8,000 delivered with a warrenty or take a change on this bike? After market warrenty maybe and cancel it after three months if the bike is straight????
     
  8. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    OK, there seems to be two trim levels. This bike has heated grips, center stand, screw adjusters on the tops of the front forks, and a knob for the back shock so I assume it is a delux??????
     
  9. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    I used to own a Ninja 650, they are real nice sporty mid-size bike but it's not even close to the refinement of a VFR. And you know what, before vtec kicks in the Ninja 650 will easily hang with the VFR. Matter of fact, my friend from AZ stated after riding my Ninja 650 back home from Americade that it was the most similar in handling compared to all the other bikes he rode that weekend. Then a week later after he got home he bought himself a 2014 VFR 800 Deluxe brand new.

    For fun I went on cycletrader and looked up Honda Interceptor Deluxe (I didn't search under VFR, that may yield more results. Anyway, I found three used bikes that may be a better deal for you, one even comes with bags. Don't know what the shipping costs would be but lots of dealers have resources for that. You may have already searched here but it was a fun exercise for me.

    The first one a 2014 white model with factory side cases. Priced at $7999, more than what's at your shop but it does have bags already and less miles. And who knows, you may be able to negotiate the price down. This one is in CA.

    https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2014-Honda-Interceptor-DLX-5007553813

    The next is a red deluxe model. This one is priced at $7899 but it is brand new. Located in OR so they would have to ship. Possibly the dealer will be motivated to move out a five year old bike from it's floor.

    https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2014-Honda-Interceptor-DLX-5003949813

    The best value is kinda far away from you, it's a red 2014 deluxe at $6750. It has only 5,659 miles on the clock. Still may be worth looking into as they may negotiate the price down when you tell them you need to ship.

    https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2014-Honda-Interceptor---DLX-5003191356

    I don't think you have to worry about a warranty, I mean they are nice and all but I have never had to make a warranty claim on the four new bikes I have owned. I'm riding a 12 year old VFR and the thing is rock solid, I think a 5 year old Honda with few miles would be just fine and an after market warranty isn't worth it to me. Good luck!
     
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  10. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Good info. I was doing another search. The Hillsboro one is an option. Is there a quick and dirty way to tell a delux from a non delux? This bike I am looking at has a center stand (which could have been added) Heated grips (which could have been added) Maybe turn on the on off switch and look for an ABS light? Model number on side of bike?
     
  11. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    The deluxe has integrated heated grips, traction control and probably some other goodies I don't know about. You could look at the bike and see if those features are there or just ask the salesman to show you the paperwork.
     
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  12. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    I figured the safest way would be to have the salesman turn the bike to "on" and look for the ABS light.
    It does have heated grips and center stand but they could have been added. Who knows if someone has found a trick riser for the bars.? The Helibar is high quality but only goes up 3/4 inch. SW motech does sell a luggage rack. Honda I think still sells the bags.
     
  13. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    In the US I believe the deluxe also has adjustable rebound for the forks, so look for the little adjusting screw in the fork caps. An ABS bike will also have the pulser wheels attached to one side of the wheel hub (e.g. front wheel right side), plus the speed sensor that reads it (bolted through the right front brake caliper mount).
     
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  14. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Good point. This has the screws. I found some risers called Motopumps for not alot of money that give me the required 1.25 inches..
     
  15. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    The easiest way to tell if it is a DLX or basic model - just look for the presence of ABS sensor rings which will be very obviously visible on front and rear wheels.

    ABS was only available on DLX models in the North American market. (Over in Europe Honda never offered the cheaper model so we only got DLX spec models - but without the DLX moniker).

    To give you a sense of value - when the revised VFR800 models were launched in 2014s the price difference between the most basic and fully equipped DLX varied significantly but in some places could be in excess of 3,000 dollars extra for a fully kitted out DLX with full OEM luggage.

    It certainly seems that with so many bikes still collecting dust in dealers inventory that difference has shrunk considerably but obviously things may change once dealers only have access to new build inventory.

    Whilst most of the other extras in the DLX option list - like heated grips - could potentially be added later, it would require some major investment and immense hassle to add ABS to a non-DLX model. So I think it is safe to assume if it has ABS then it is a DLX model.
     
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  16. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    I agree. New ones (DLs) are still available for $7,000 -$9,000 here. List was about $13,000. I asked the salesman to check on the availability of the Honda bags and to turn on the ignition switch to look for an ABS light, but he didnt return my call. I may just stop by and check for the ABS ring myself. So, would YOU purchase a used bike, 15,000 miles with no warrenty for $7,000 with a fresh full service, including valves, and new tires, or spring for the new bike for say $9000 including shipping ? With Warrenty.
     
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  17. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    BTW, anyone have a part number for longer brake and clutch hoses? Just in case I have to stack two risers?
     
  18. saceur

    saceur New Member

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    Man I've spent the last 6 months trying to find a red 2014 FJR with low miles and keep sticking out. I settled on a 2015 Concourse and regretted it almost immediately so back to the hunt for my FJR. Anyway, I'm on my 5th VFR and will never give up on them. After I lost my 4he VFR, I found a great deal on a new 2014 and rode her from Texas back to Cali and was no issues. I was able to pre-order MOTOPUMPS Bar Risers that took all of 2 minutes to install and they helped. Givi makes a nice tall screen that kept the wind off my 6'3 frame. Good luck buddy
     
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  19. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Good info! I will look at Givi as I use lots of their stuff. I had a 2003 Connie and had no interest in the new C14. The FJR is a wonderful bike. Dont like the new six speeds so I got a 2014. If Yamaha would make an 800 cc FJR I would be all over it but for a nice light fun tourer, I think the VFR is it.
     
  20. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    OK, went back to the dealer. The bike is definately a delux. If I cant find a new one in three days I will buy it.
     
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