An ST1100 owner compares my new '05 VFR

I just picked up my new '05 VFR. This is the first time I have ridden one. Other than the couple mile test drive at the dealership. I have ridden a '97 ST1100 for many years.

Weather Protection:
It was in the low 40's on the ride home. And I was surprised that I wasn't really getting cold. I expected to get a chilly ride home with the increased airflow. The only place I really got a little cold was on the tip of my nose. I wear a Shuberth S1 helmet that I've had for years. And I had my Hein Gericke pants and my First Gear riding jacket on. My normal attire. On a day in the low 40's I probably would have put my electric's on just in case. Since I wasn't feeling particularly cold I took a little 1 hour "detour". The VFR does have a Zero Gravity SR style windshield. I'm not sure if that makes a difference. It's no surprise the ST gets the nod in the weather protection. The ST just keeps more of the wind off of you.

Gearing:
I had to play with the gear choice for what I thought was best. I still haven't quite figured that one out. It seems like 4k was about right for putting along. BTW, that's the optimum rpm that I run on my ST. After I read the manual it stated a shift from 5th to 6th at 37mph! I played with shifting to 6th at around 40mph and the motor didn't seem to like it. The slightest twist of the throttle caused the motor to bog down. So, even on a flat road running at a constant speed I wouldn't do it.

Seat:
The first thing I noticed was that the VFR stock seat is much better than the ST stock seat. The ST seat should come with a disclaimer stating that, "this seat will cause severe pain after 100 miles of travel." I found the stock VFR seat to be acceptable. Now this was only an hour ride so my opinion will surely change after several hours in the saddle. My ST currently has a Corbin seat on it. And it is hard as a board. But, I've found I can sit in it until I just get tired of riding. And no more butt pain than sitting in a car for that long. Anyway, the VFR has a good factory seat.

Riding Position:
I didn't find the leg or riding position to be particularly cramped compared to my ST. The major difference was just a little more forward lean. My legs were tucked a little more than on the ST. But, not uncomfortably so. I ride with the pads of my feet centered over the pegs. And this foot placement worked just as well on the VFR. The thing that stood out most to me was ride height. The VFR makes me feel like I'm up higher and on top of the bike. The ST has more of a feel of sitting low and into the bike.

Power:
Big surprise the VFR has the ST beat in this category. But, the engines are totally different animals. The ST is very linear. The power comes on smooth and stays that way to redline. The torque and HP on the ST strikes a very good balances. The VFR is definitely geared more toward the HP than torque. It makes for a much more exciting ride. But at the same time behaves very civil when kept under 6k. That really surprised me. This makes for a great daily driver. I've had turbocharged cars for about the last 15 years. What I like is the power is on tap when you need it. And so is the fun!

Handling:
No comparison. The VFR has the ST beat hands down. It is lighter, turns in better, counter-steers better, and pretty much anything else you could put under handling. The VFR's brakes are a world apart from the ST. I find the ST brakes to be a little mushy. But then again, it's stopping a lot more weight. I've heard it said that, "riding a ST is like dancing with a fat lady." "She knows all the moves, you just have to move with her." The VFR is more like, "you better control the bike or it will control you!"

Conclusion:
No big surprise here. The bikes do exactly what they are suppose to do. The ST1100 is right between a touring bike and a sport bike. With the emphasis towards touring. The VFR is a sport bike that is comfortable enough for touring. I don't know if it was ever the intent of Honda to make the VFR a true touring bike. Maybe a more comfortable sport bike? Anyway, at least for me they compliment each other very well. I will take the ST when I either have to eat up a lot of pavement to get somewhere. Or make a several thousand mile multi day ride. I will use the VFR for the bulk of my riding. Around town, or on a 200 mile day ride through the mountains.

 

Thanks for the report!

That's the way I've always found seats to work whether in cars or on bikes.
The ones that feel plush and cushy to start have no support at all in the long run.
Those that start out feeling kinda' firm are still bearable many hours later.

I'd like to get the stock saddle on my 4th gen redone, it's way too forward sloped... always end up riding on my gonads with a wedgie round the other side!!
Too much weight on my wrists as well even with Gen-Mar risers.
Hopefully can get this resolved without turning it into an ass-buster.

Thanks again for a good comparo! :thumb:

 

I am surprised, I thought the VFR would have taken a bit of a beating in at least a couple of those categories.

 

I rented an ST for a week about a month ago and did 1200 miles around Reno, NV. I found the ST to be much more comfortable over distance (did 475 miles on the second day). The seat was kind of flat, but the riding position was more comfortable. Weather protection - no comparison. I loved the ST's adjustable windscreen and mirrors that protected my hands some. Handling and power - no comparison. The ST feels overweight and underpowered. Gearing - not certain. I always had to downshift the ST and it never felt like it had enough power. I guess it does the job. But coming from a VFR, I felt like I had to hunt for the right gear.

At the end of the day, they both do what they're supposed to. I went from a VFR to an ST, and as expected it felt slower, heavier, underpowered, but a lot more comfortable over distance. Ironically, my biggest complaint about the ST is the sound. I just like to hear the engine. I'm glad I rented the ST in Reno, but I wouldn't buy one. Just isn't for me. I'd like to see Honda put the VFR1200 engine in it and see how that turned out

 

Your last sentence there is exactly what I think the VFR is all about. Just add "for the average Joe" to the end of it and that about sums it up. I'm glad you're liking your new ride.

 

The VFR has the Honda quality that I've come to expect. It has a dual nature that I admire. When cruising around in the 6000 rpm range it is very well behaved. And I have to be honest this is the RPM range where I will spend most of my time. Everyone has to hover around the speed limit sooner or later. I'm not real ham-fisted on the throttle. And I'm definitely no Squid. I love to hit the technical stuff in the hills. But, I also love the nice sweepers that allow me to enjoy the scenery without having to think about hitting every apex. I know my VFR will love Lolo Pass The Lolo Pass | Idaho Motorcycle Roads and Rides | MotorcycleRoads.com . I have ridden old Hwy 12 many times and it never gets old. I see the VFR as being my work horse for a majority of my riding.

 

I've had a little more saddle time with the VFR. I'm really starting to compare the size of the ST. The VFR seems very, very light when compared to my ST. Which is really nice except in one area; the wind! Today the wind was in the 15 to 20mph range. Riding directly into the wind was pretty rough considering it was gusting. The speed limit is 75mph so most folks run at least 80mph. So, it's like accelerating from 80 to 100mph but randomly and from various different angles. I took the ST out as a comparison. The added wind protection and weight sure made a difference. I've hit some serious gusty side winds across the Nevada and New Mexico desert on the ST. The kind that your forearms and jaw hurts from a death grip on the handle bars. I can only imagine that a ride on the VFR in high, gusty winds would not be a fun experience. It's just something I would have to take into account when considering a fairly long ride across some open desert or when the weather is not ideal. It sure is hard to beat the VFR for it's visceral excitement. But, I don't see the VFR as a lot of fun droning down the Interstate. Not that droning down the Interstate is particularly fun in any vehicle.

 

I definitely agree that the VFR is intended to be a comfortable sport bike, able to be ridden by anyone. It is easily the most comfortable (from stock) bike I've owned and certainly the easiest to ride.

Suse, I'm coming to the VFR from a Hayabusa, and I know what you mean about the wind affecting you. My Busa stayed wherever I pointed it; the VFR doesn't. But I'll put up with that in exchange for the lighter handling, better balance, better fuel economy and Honda reliability.

 

Anybody here that can do a comparo/shootout with any VFR and a Combat Wombat? Dudes from OZ are welcome to chime in.

Any faired bike in a crosswind doesn't handle worth a shit. Nor does any rear engine Porsche. Wind blew a semi over on a bridge in my neck of the woods yesterday.

 

And you got rid of it for a viffer? Just curious. If you wana talk about a pig, dah W gixxer was a porker compared to the air/oil bikes...

 

My Lab did the same, unless he spotted his favorite fire hydrant.

 

My ST1100 is a little over 700 lbs. wet not including accessories. And I always have a first aid kit, rain gear, heated gear and assorted carry items in the side and Givi top case. I pull up on a truck scale every once in a while. One time when I was packed for camping I weighted in at over 1000 lbs! And there have been times I know I was over 1300 lbs. And it is rock solid on the Highway and Interstates. But, it sure is a pain wrestling it around in a parking lot.
I think the VFR is something like 500 lbs. I've haven't had the VFR up on a scale yet. Yesterday I was trying to figure out how to attach a pumpkin pie. I never could figure out how to bungee it on so I had to give up. Maybe I will have to break down and buy a Givi mounting plate for the VFR. I've seen Givi top cases mounted on the VFR and it sure looks like it sits high. Top heavy = Very bad! I will pick up a tank bag pretty soon.

 

I'm almost sure that Walmart has those pumpkin pie mounts.

I hear that if one fills one of those top cases about half full of mercury some really spectacular wheelies can be done.

STs are good bikes. Had he use of one for parts chasing for and rode one over Washington Highway 20 from Concrete to Winthrop. A bit large for my taste and the stock bars are kind of Texas Longhornish, but not a slouch. I think one would take to some customizing . Stockers suck anyway!

 

Hey, I was running an errand for my wife for Thanksgiving. I hate shopping and I figured I would at least get something out of the trip. I have all kinds of bungees and netting. But, I couldn't find any good places to put the hooks. Since the tail comes to a point everything slides off the rear of the bike. And I had no intention of scratching the paint. The hand holds are just to angular to make good attachment points.

 

Yes and yes. My W was quick but handled like crap. The Busa handles well for such a big bike but it still has nothing on the VFR. - I can ride the VFR much faster than I could ride the Busa. (Not on the straights, obviously.)

 

Honda VFR 800 luggage, motorcycle luggage, racks, touring | Ventura

/problem

 

Hey, the manual for my CBR954 says to shift into 6th gear at 37mph too. Yeah, right...

Glad you are enjoying the VFR. I think of it as a more comfortable sport bike as well. Although the 954 isn't that bad. I have done 400+ mile days on that beast.

 

Yeah, I've done some long days on the Busa, too. It certainly has it's plusses, e.g. the enormous power means you can be incredibly lazy about gear changes. But it just doesn't handle like the VFR does. I mean, I know a few guys who can ride the hell out their Busas, even in the twisties, but I never felt comfortable with it.