Greetings All!
I am new to this Forum, and I am new to forums in general, so bear with me please.
I am considering buying a very clean, 10,000 mile old 2004 VFR800 here in Australia.
My problem is that I have to convince my current girlfriend that it will be as comfortable for her as my current 1987 BMW K75C when we take off on our annual 3,000 mile Christmas holiday jaunt.
She is about 5'8 and weighs 110 lbs.
She has a very strong opinion about riding on the back of my Kawasaki ZX7R, and 100 miles is her limit.
The Beemer keeps her quiet though.
Can anyone give me some feedback on how much grumbling you get from a passenger sitting on the back of one of these bikes?
Should I consider looking for a new girlfriend and buy the bike anyway?
[image: View Post]Backonthebike, on Jul 21 2009, 01:08 AM, said:
Should I consider looking for a new girlfriend and buy the bike anyway?
You're going to fit in here just fine! Welcome!
My experience is that the VFR is NOT an ideal touring bike from a passenger's perspective, unless she's under 5'5 (my being 6'1 and 250 pounds probably doesn't help the situation at all either though). I'm sure the other guys will chime in soon as well.
If she only rides with you once a year for 3k miles, you're going to have this problem with pretty much any bike. Seat time/muscle conditioning is key. Even 3k miles in a car can be tough.
[image: View Post]ECX585, on Jul 21 2009, 03:48 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Backonthebike, on Jul 21 2009, 01:08 AM, said:
Should I consider looking for a new girlfriend and buy the bike anyway?
You're going to fit in here just fine! Welcome!
My experience is that the VFR is NOT an ideal touring bike from a passenger's perspective, unless she's under 5'5 (my being 6'1 and 250 pounds probably doesn't help the situation at all either though). I'm sure the other guys will chime in soon as well.
Thanks for that!
As I said, very new to this and din't expect a reply so quickly. As we are both 6'1", do you reccomend Helibars?
[image: View Post]wera803, on Jul 21 2009, 08:07 AM, said:
An aftermarket seat and backrest makes a world of difference for a passenger.
:+1:
My fiancee rides with me quite often. The only thing she'd like is a back rest. We used to ride on my GSXR alot and the main difference is a more comfortable seat and she's not able to hug up close to me while riding. The VFR puts her further back from me. Still close enough to hold on, but not hug up on. We routinely do 400 mile days with little discomfort to her, but that is also due to her back troubles. We just make it a point to stop every hour or so and she can stretch out. She's only 4'10" though, so I can't say what it'd do to a 6'1" passenger.
Backonthebike said:
As we are both 6'1", do you reccomend Helibars?
I'm 6'1" and find the stock bar position very comfortable, although I like the sport bike feel more than a touring feel. If I make it more relaxed I might as well have bought a ST1300. But that's just one man's opinion.
I'm 6foot4 205lbs, girl friend is 5foot6 130lbs I've added a Sargent seat and lowerd the drivers pegs. My girl friend has no issues on the back of my 07 and can easily out last me between stops. I think this is because she loves riding on the bike, she says its very calming to her, nothing but the sound of the wind, and the odd scream of the V-Tec. Some people just don't like bikes and let you know it 100km or so in to your ride.
For day trips now-and-then the VFR will be ok for 2-up. For multi-day trips look for more of a true touring bike (hard luggage, stronger suspension, more seat / backrest options, etc). ST1300, Kawasaki Concours 1400, Yamaha FJR.
I love my VFR, but for much 2-up riding your taxing her comfort and the bikes suspension.
Gday mate,
I'm in Adelaide too. Small world.
I'm on my 3rd VFR, other bikes have been Blackbirds, VTR 1000, etc and my wife says the VFR is the most comfortable bike in this size range,
But I dont think its very good for 2 up touring long distances, its fine solo, but I find the passenger cramps the rider somehow, plus the engine is too small for
all that extra weight, especially if you add luggage.
Its OK if like me you dont do it very often, and its way more comfortable than a sports bike.
Its a great solo tourer though, I've done Sydney-Adelaide twice non stop.
[image: View Post]dogman, on Jul 22 2009, 12:46 PM, said:
Gday mate,
I'm in Adelaide too. Small world.
I'm on my 3rd VFR, other bikes have been Blackbirds, VTR 1000, etc and my wife says the VFR is the most comfortable bike in this size range,
But I dont think its very good for 2 up touring long distances, its fine solo, but I find the passenger cramps the rider somehow, plus the engine is too small for
all that extra weight, especially if you add luggage.
Its OK if like me you dont do it very often, and its way more comfortable than a sports bike.
Its a great solo tourer though, I've done Sydney-Adelaide twice non stop.
Thanks for that Dogman.
I'm really torn: I know I should be looking at a Blackbird for her comfort, but the VFR looks like a better choice for Lobethal and Strathalbyn Roads (I've turned the ZX7R into a Mac Park track bike)
I was hoping that someone would pop up and say they are the best tourer since the Gold Wing, but I guess I'll just have to make some sacrifices.
I am about to go Interweb crising for a price on a Corbin seat; that might help.............
Hey mate, I'm in Brisbane, so only a short ride away, haha!
I ride my 6th gen more with my girl on the back than without. I'm 6ft and she's a bit shorter. I've raised my bars a bit for my comfort, whereas the girl usually only starts grumbeling because of the seat comfort. And our Queensland heat in summar). The stock seat's foam runs out of give after a few hours, so an aftermarket one is the best solution, they say, but I've still got the stock.
For extra long trips I've bought her an Airhawk blow-up seat pad, which is pretty good, but a bit restrictive for moving around. (link: http://www.airhawkguy.com.au/ )
By no means is the VFR the ideal long distance tourer, and certainly not a Gold Wing substitute. But there are very few bikes which can carve up the twistries as well as a Viffer AND take a pillion on extended rides in relative comfort. I've added factory hard side-cases and a ventura rack/bag, so no lack of luggage space, especially with the tank-bag. I've caught the girl asleep leaning against the rack!
Regarding power, sure, you stir the gearbox a little harder when loaded up that much, but I'll still keep up with most of my mates on their sports bikes. Try that on a Blackbird or ST1300 in the twisties!
The biggest limitation is the suspension. Under extended hard riding fully loaded 2-up, the back shock heats up and fades, and comfort and handling suffers. Plenty of after market solutions for that too, but I've yet to go there.
In the end, its about personal riding style and tastes, but i've thought long and hard about these same things, and save for a $40,000 K1300S or ST, which I cant aford, the VFR is still my choice.
I have to agree with all that's said - I'm 6ft and so is my girlfriend but once or twice a year we regulary do 1000-2000 mile trips up to Wales, Lake District (soon) and beyond. Not to mention weekend trips all year round. Usually I'm complaining before her and that's with the stock seat but that's after say 150 miles or so in which case you have to stop for fuel, quick stretch and I'm fine - just like if you were in a car I guess. Of course though you gain agility, intoxicating V4 engine that's completely unique to anything else out there, drop dead gorgeous looks and solid reliablility.
The power thing is quite subjective and when you really think about it 100 horses is still plenty when you consider speed limits, suicide drivers, road condition etc.. - just wind up that VTEC and you have plenty to keep you amused, plus the drama and urgency is so much more fun than power that you never really use...
plus, I use my VFR in sun, rain and snow as I commute and use it to get to gigs.. its a VFR!! Find one and go for a test ride :fing02:
[image: View Post]Backonthebike, on Jul 22 2009, 03:48 PM, said:
[image: View Post]dogman, on Jul 22 2009, 12:46 PM, said:
Gday mate,
I'm in Adelaide too. Small world.
I'm on my 3rd VFR, other bikes have been Blackbirds, VTR 1000, etc and my wife says the VFR is the most comfortable bike in this size range,
But I dont think its very good for 2 up touring long distances, its fine solo, but I find the passenger cramps the rider somehow, plus the engine is too small for
all that extra weight, especially if you add luggage.
Its OK if like me you dont do it very often, and its way more comfortable than a sports bike.
Its a great solo tourer though, I've done Sydney-Adelaide twice non stop.
Thanks for that Dogman.
I'm really torn: I know I should be looking at a Blackbird for her comfort, but the VFR looks like a better choice for Lobethal and Strathalbyn Roads (I've turned the ZX7R into a Mac Park track bike)
I was hoping that someone would pop up and say they are the best tourer since the Gold Wing, but I guess I'll just have to make some sacrifices.
I am about to go Interweb crising for a price on a Corbin seat; that might help.............
My wife preferred the VFR to the Blackbird.
The Ashbourne road and Bull creek roads are my favourite circuit.
[image: View Post]Backonthebike, on Jul 21 2009, 01:08 AM, said:
Greetings All!
I am new to this Forum, and I am new to forums in general, so bear with me please.
I am considering buying a very clean, 10,000 mile old 2004 VFR800 here in Australia.
My problem is that I have to convince my current girlfriend that it will be as comfortable for her as my current 1987 BMW K75C when we take off on our annual 3,000 mile Christmas holiday jaunt.
She is about 5'8 and weighs 110 lbs.
She has a very strong opinion about riding on the back of my Kawasaki ZX7R, and 100 miles is her limit.
The Beemer keeps her quiet though.
Can anyone give me some feedback on how much grumbling you get from a passenger sitting on the back of one of these bikes?
Should I consider looking for a new girlfriend and buy the bike anyway?
I, personally, would not want to travel 3,000 miles on the back of a VFR. If I were to do that, It'd have to be a Goldwing, ST1300, FJR, Concours, or BMW-tourer. The VFR is a very comfortable sport bike, but it is still a sport bike. For that kind of distances, you really need something that puts the emphasis on touring.
The VFR does not have a lot of torque comparatively (approximately 50-55 lb/ft of torque) it doesn't have a seat designed for passenger comfort, or the wind protection you'd want for those distances.
It is a great bike, but there is no 800 cc sport bike that will have the tourability you want for those distances. It is, however, a lot more nimble than any of the Sport Tourers out there.
[image: View Post]Backonthebike, on Jul 20 2009, 10:08 PM, said:
Greetings All!
I am new to this Forum, and I am new to forums in general, so bear with me please.
I am considering buying a very clean, 10,000 mile old 2004 VFR800 here in Australia.
My problem is that I have to convince my current girlfriend that it will be as comfortable for her as my current 1987 BMW K75C when we take off on our annual 3,000 mile Christmas holiday jaunt.
She is about 5'8 and weighs 110 lbs.
She has a very strong opinion about riding on the back of my Kawasaki ZX7R, and 100 miles is her limit.
The Beemer keeps her quiet though.
Can anyone give me some feedback on how much grumbling you get from a passenger sitting on the back of one of these bikes?
Should I consider looking for a new girlfriend and buy the bike anyway?
Hey,
I had a 1995 K75S that I sold before I got the VFR. it was much more comfortable than the VFR, for the apssenger anyway. It was also much slower and somewhat the seating position was a bit straighter, and it was not nearly as sporty as the VFR is. The vfr is not an ideal touring bike, like most people have said. This being said, adding a Sargent/Corbin and maybe the top box for the back rest will improve comfort. You may still need to stop often and ride less than you would want to each day if you get the VFR, but it is not the most uncomfortable bike either.
I have to agree with what Ryanme17 said about comfort and torque. My 05' VFR has been great for solo touring in the 43K miles I've logged on it so far, but it's not well suited for long haul passenger travel. If your girl is anything like my wife, she isn't going to be a happy camper at the end of your 3000 mile trip!
To deal with longer trips and passenger comfort issues, I bought an 07' ST1300 that I set up very similar to the VFR...both have OEM luggage (sidebags and topbox) and both have been fitted with a Sargent seat. I asked my wife is (5'1" and 110lbs) for some feedback on the two bikes and this is what she said:
SEAT (Sargent)
VFR - seat seems to be designed for the rider, passenger portion is narrow and not very well padded
ST - separate rider and passenger seats, much wider and larger, both ergonomically shaped, very comfortable
TOPBOX (OEM Honda)
VFR - top box sits very high which makes it less comfortable on passenger's back, backrest pad is very thin, lots of vibration
ST - top box sits much lower resulting in improved comfort, thicker backrest pad, no real vibration issues
SIDEBAGS (OEM Honda)
VFR - good shape and size, easy to fit belongings into, no real issues with getting in the way of passenger's legs
ST - don't seem to have as much room as VFR, definitely deeper, not a lot of room between passenger heel and front of bag
PROTECTION
VFR - good grabrails, wind blast limited to above neck
ST - adjustable windscreen allows for custom made comfort, very little wind blast in lowest position, no wind blast when raised
TORQUE
For me as a rider, I've found the torque factor to be the most significant issue between the two bikes. Motorcycle.com lists their wet weights at 540lbs and 719lbs respectively...add another 375lbs or so for the weight of a rider (assume 200lbs), passenger (assume 135lbs) and luggage (assume 40lbs) and you get gross vehicle weights of 915lbs for the VFR and 1094lbs for the ST. At these "touring" numbers, the VFR's motor is powering about 16-17% less mass than the ST but it's doing so with a heck of a lot less available torque. Peak torque specs for both bikes are 51 ft lbs at 8750rpm for the VFR and 85 ft lbs at 6000rpm for the ST. The VFR's torque curve shows that at 6000rpm, it's pumping out around 42-43 ft lbs of torque as compared to the ST's 85 ft lbs. It's this gap that I notice most when touring with my wife. The weight differential of my fully loaded VFR compared to my fully loaded ST isn't actually that large when you consider the huge torque differential (50%!) at the more frequently used touring rev ranges.
That said, neither the ST nor the CBR stir up the same emotions I get when I fire up the 800cc V4 on a Sunday morning and listen to the roar of those Leo Vince pipes!
My spouse and I just did a 2,700 kilometre ride together on a 2005 VFR. It was her first multi-day trip and the bike handled both of us just fine. The VFR is not a dedicated touring and two-up bike, but it'll do the job handily. She's in the 140 pound range, we had the bike completely loaded with gear in the top and panniers - no issues at all with handling, buffeting, etc.
I already had the top box with backrest which she said did help her when she was tired and it also provides excellent hand grips.
If it's one long trip every year i think this is a great bike. The rest of the year you can ride it on its sportier side rather than having a full-time 'big' bike.
I've put close to 5k mi on my '02 with a passenger. She's ~5'9" and (I'm guessing here) about 150lbs. She has bad knees from previous injuries. Most of our days have been < 400mi. At that point even I'm getting tired of riding with a passenger. Remove the passenger and I'm good for well over double that mileage.
Seat and pegs are stock on mine. I have added the OEM topcase which she loves. She took to carrying a little travel pillow to sit on and stopped being the one asking for stops after that.
As for the Helibars, I'm 6'2" and I put helibars on after I dumped it and had to replace one bar (heli's were $50 more then replacing a single OEM bar!)
If you're looking for a bike specifically for 2-up riding, get into one of the bigger ST machines.
If you're looking for a bike that will see 2-up sometimes, the VFR is a fine machine for that.
My friend vastly preferred the VFR to another friends SV650S.
I'm trying to work out dates to pop down under and take a spin. If that happens, I'll have to see if I can cross paths with some of you fine gents from down under
My then financee rode pillion on my LeMans and still married me.............
She's still my wife now I have the VFR...
(in fact I did sell the Moto Guzzi for the more comfortable VFR and she's not ridden pillion for 9 years... no regrets..)
Having owned a K100RS as well, I'd say pillion comfort will be similar.
I suspect suspension to be more compliant than K75's
End of thread · 23 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 10 Apr 2010