My wife took my VFR for a spin today. Normally she rides a 599. I put my stock seat back on so she could touch with both feet. She did really well and was completely "happy" with the extra torque. The bike is really too big for her but she really liked the extra power. I think we'll be looking for a F4i that she can make into a sport tourer. The 599 has it's place but you really have to whoop it to get the power out of it. Here's a little video of the event. Yea that's me on the "pink" 599. http://www.youtube.c...h?v=rK-Ql1S6Ku4
[image: View Post]dnossirb, on Aug 23 2009, 05:17 PM, said:
My wife took my VFR for a spin today. Normally she rides a 599. I put my stock seat back on so she could touch with both feet. She did really well and was completely "happy" with the extra torque. The bike is really too big for her but she really liked the extra power. I think we'll be looking for a F4i that she can make into a sport tourer. The 599 has it's place but you really have to whoop it to get the power out of it. Here's a little video of the event. Yea that's me on the "pink" 599. http://www.youtube.c...h?v=rK-Ql1S6Ku4
Ummmmm, Isn't the 599 "tuned for torque" and the F4I "tuned for horsepower?" Meaning she'll really, really have to whoop it to get the power out of it?
No offense, but it seems like you're going the wrong way. I could be wrong, but my understanding was the 599 doesn't have to rev as high as the F4's to make the same torque, it loses high end horsepower, but has more low-end torque...
I haven't actually ridden any of the current 600's but that was my impression too.
You have to wring it out to some degree to get much power out of it at all.
Those 15,000 RPM redlines are that high for a reason. Nothing happens under about 6 or 8,000. :blush:
I haven't tried an SV650 either, but hear and have seen they move along nicely and have good torque for a midsize engine.
But, I can verify 100% that a 1,000 cc Rotax V twin has a great deal of torque.
I know, it's not a Honda, don't shoot me. :goofy:
Torque is muy mas bitchen! :beer:
The 599 is just underpowered!! Not powered for torque. I had a CBR f3, which has the same engine as in the 599 and I can say the 599 is lame in comparison. The f3 is nothing compared to todays 600's but it can still tromp. The 599 is just plain down on power. It makes a great beginner bike though, it will make enough power to pull it's own, you just have to really beg for it. Honda gave the media this "retuned for midrange" thing. I just don't see the increased midrange part in the 599 engine.
The f4i is the only Honda choice with a full fairing and moderate "wrist to ass" ratio, which is more important than the power but any additional power makes her smile. And really all that matters is making her smile!!
[image: View Post]RE-Agent, on Aug 23 2009, 10:59 PM, said:
Cool!
What seat are you using that is higher than stock? Did you have it custom made or is it a standard aftermarket?
My Corbin is wider and more dished which makes it harder to reach the ground. The stock seat is more tapered and narrower.
Just traded in my 2004 SV650S for my VFR. I would say the SV is torquie and great in the twisties. Light weight, center balance is assume, great starter bike for someone learning to ride or for someone who loves the canyons. No way is it as fast as the VFR or as comfortable as the VFR and the S model is noway made for long distance. I would pull over constintly (100 miles) to stretch out, shake my arms and fingers to get blood serculating again. Maybe the Naked model would be better or the new gladius? I can tell you top speed is 132 mph and they wheelie great!
My F3 was 2mm overbore to 637cc and had a ported head and cams dialed and barely eeked out the VFR in HP (101 vs 98). I can imagine a detuned version for the 599 would be pretty weak. Even if it is "tuned for torque".
I love my F4i for touring. I use grip puppies and throttle miesters to get the bar buzz out of the bike. It runs down the rode great and doesn't need to be wound tight to move.
[image: View Post]VFR4Lee, on Aug 23 2009, 04:32 PM, said:
I haven't actually ridden any of the current 600's but that was my impression too.
You have to wring it out to some degree to get much power out of it at all.
Those 15,000 RPM redlines are that high for a reason. Nothing happens under about 6 or 8,000. :blush:
I haven't tried an SV650 either, but hear and have seen they move along nicely and have good torque for a midsize engine.
But, I can verify 100% that a 1,000 cc Rotax V twin has a great deal of torque.
I know, it's not a Honda, don't shoot me. :goofy:
Torque is muy mas bitchen! :beer:
Rotax. HAH. they make lawn mower engines. Oh, wait so does honda. :goofy:
*ahem*
I put 120 miles on an SV650 over one of my favorite twisty roads and I wasn't impressed with the power. The only other '600' I've ridden was an '06 R6 and it seemed faster, but you do rev it to the sky.
:excl: But nevermind all that! If she can reach the ground on both sides then the VFR is not too big for her. When I've got my armored leathers on I can just get my toes down on each side. AND I only weighed 130 lbs when I first got my VFR. I would say get her a VFR but this is a great opportunity to have some variety. She can ride the VFR when she comes along and you could get any number of second bikes. ... a Sprint, a Duc or a BMW if you've got the cash and Sport Touring together is your goal. Seems to be a lot of cheaper options as well. With the economy down its a buyers market out there for used bikes.
End of thread · 19 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 10 Apr 2010