Looking At The Vfr...hmmm

Hey everyone,
I started looking at the VFR800 recently and I think I am interested in buying one.
I currently ride a CBR 600rr. This is the 2nd one I have owned but now that I commute over 1000 miles a week to work and I am looking for something a bit more comfatable...

OK so now, how is the VFR power wise and handling? Looking for something that I can have fun with on weekends but can also handle the 1000 mile commute I do during the week.
Also I am 5'3" 130lbs and can't flat foot the CBR. Will this be a problem for me to peg leg this bike till I get it lowered? Wish I could find one to take for a test spin :blink:

Err, I am sure there are more questions but none that I can think of at the moment :biggrin:

one of my best friends has an 07 600rr. it has a 2bros slip on fender eliminator and flush mounts.
powerwise we are dead even on roll ons from 60-120mph, ive got a lot more bottom end than him with about the same on the top, but ive modded mine a bit.
handling wise ill put a half mile him after about 15 miles of twisties, but hes pretty new to bikes and takes it pretty easy.
vfr800 vs cbr600rr is always going to come down to rider skill.
i personally dont feel as comfortable flinging his bike around as i do on mine. sorry he hasnt driven mine yet, im sure his perspective would be much more help to you.
but anyways you would be much more comfortable on a vfr for long hauls.
it holds a lot more gas.
it has better wind and weather protection.
and you will LOVE the sound it makes with open pipes!

Agreed, all you need to do is ease into the VFR's handling (it will feel portly and heavy after the CBR) and let it work its magic on you, and you'll soon love it. One brief test ride will certainly not show up its best attributes.

For what you are proposing to do with it there's no better bike and you already know how good Hondas are.

The VFR is more than 100 pounds heavier than the CBR and you will definately notice the weight difference. The VFR is obviously not as flickable as the smaller, lighter CBR but as you become more and more aclimated with the VFR you will be able to push it's limits more and more. You will soon discover that this is one very comfy bike that is fully capable in the twisties. I never really saw the need for any more power since I rarely get to use all of it. As a bonus VFR's are very solid bikes and will last a long long time.

Regards,
Rollin

[image: View Post]Boomarang, on Sep 17 2009, 01:36 AM, said:

Hey everyone,
I started looking at the VFR800 recently and I think I am interested in buying one.
I currently ride a CBR 600rr. This is the 2nd one I have owned but now that I commute over 1000 miles a week to work and I am looking for something a bit more comfatable...

OK so now, how is the VFR power wise and handling? Looking for something that I can have fun with on weekends but can also handle the 1000 mile commute I do during the week.
Also I am 5'3" 130lbs and can't flat foot the CBR. Will this be a problem for me to peg leg this bike till I get it lowered? Wish I could find one to take for a test spin :blink:

Err, I am sure there are more questions but none that I can think of at the moment :biggrin:
I bought my VFR this spring, the guy I purchased it from had a 1" lowering kit put on it, I'm 5'9" 180 lbs and can flat foot it easily. Comfort wise, it also had Heli bars, so I don't know how it would have felt with the standard bars. Other than my butt getting a little sore at times... there has been days where I've could have rode continuously through a tank of gas (averaging about 42 mpg). This winter I'm getting myself an aftermarket seat, probably Sargent, get that and I think I have all the creature comforts I need. As for power and handling comparisons, can't offer anything there. I think you'd be satisfied with the VFR.

Most of it already has been said, and said well.

Last year I made the jump from a 08 CBR600rr to a 06 VFR. At first I was VERY disappointed. The added weight, the power loss. I was pissed. IIRC the weight difference is closer to 150lbs & a loss of 5-10 horsepower. The VFR is wider & fatter & slower.

BUT! And this is a huge but. After one riding season, two track days (well, more like one and a half;) and riding across six states, my season will be totaling 9000 miles, I would offer a much different opinion.
The VFR is a damned good bike. The major thing I like is in a period of one week I can commute to work daily, then come the weekend load the sucker up with luggage & ride 300+ miles to meet some friends, tear thru the twisties with any other sportbike, then ride home. You will be hard pressed to find a more versatile machine.
My only complaint, and you will find this true of many bikes, is that I feel some modding is necessary for the VFR to really shine. Suspension, fuel/exhaust & comfort mods can make this bike 100% better. Others will disagree, this is only my worthless opinion on the matter. And because its not as popular as say a CBR, mods are limited & costly at times. Again, YMMV.

+1 on all the comments above.

I haven't owned a CBR, but I think power will be about the same though I bet the VFR will feel slower due to its higher weight. It's not as flickable either, but still very capable in the twisties. The VFR is heavier but still pretty nimble IMO.

Commuting should be much more comfortable on the VFR, plus range should be better on a tank of fuel, too. You can also add the OEM hard bags for your commute and/or trips.

You may need to lower the bike depending on your inseam length, but you'll probably be able to flatfoot it with one leg or the other until you lower it. With both feet down I'm guessing you'll be on your toes.

One nice thing is the VFR should be much cheaper to insure than your CBR, no matter what year of VFR you buy. And since VFRs don't command top dollar, hopefully you'd have some dough left over for any desired mods.

Give us an idea of your location, Boomarang. There might be at least one forum member who lives close to you who is willing to ride with and swap bikes with you for an hour or two. That would give you a much better idea of whether the VFR is for you.

I owned a 05 gsxr-750 & 2001 r6 before the vfr800, and the honda is much more heavy in ever thing it does. You for sure feel the weight of the bike alot when you have to move it around in the garage. Im fairly tall so I don't have much experience with not being able to touch. Just go set on one at the dealership and see what you think. R6 was faster and the 750 was alot faster, and handled much better, but less comfy. I like the vfr and it has plenty of power for me. If your riding two up alot then it could use a bit more power in my opinion. The on/off throttle response of the vfr is my only real complaint. Good luck..

[image: View Post]Boomarang, on Sep 17 2009, 02:36 AM, said:

Also I am 5'3" 130lbs and can't flat foot the CBR. Will this be a problem for me to peg leg this bike till I get it lowered?I would have to say yes, it will likely be a problem for you. At 5'9", I'm 6" taller and on my toes. I've dealt with it till now, but I really need to get a lowering kit like Knute has. Personally, I don't think she feels as heavy as she is while riding, and that's great, but it's a completely different story when stopped. She can be quite heavy on top, especially with a full tank of gas. In stock form, she's just built for a bigger rider, but all will be well once you take care of that.

Lots of good information. I live in Yucaipa CA, but work in LA, so meeting soeone wouldn't be an issue. I heard a VFR with 2bros exhaust last night and I think that one pretty much sold me.

I'm going to go look at some at a few dealerships today before work :)

The VFR is one fabulous bike. However, you will absolutely need to lower the bike. I am 5'10" with a 30" inseam and am on my toes all the time when stopped. I just ordered a lowering kit from Sigma Cycles as I had a drop of the bike a little over a week ago due to being on my toes. It was a not too expensive and includes a new side stand as well. You can order it with or without bar risers. I have HeliBars so I got just the kit, no risers. I have yet to receive it but will post a review once it is installed. Good luck!
BTW, you can get a new left over VFR at some really good prices! Shop till you find one. Then buy the estended warranty from Honda Direct Line Parts at a SUPER discount availble to VFRD members.

[image: View Post]TimC, on Sep 17 2009, 10:29 AM, said:

One nice thing is the VFR should be much cheaper to insure than your CBR, no matter what year of VFR you buy. And since VFRs don't command top dollar, hopefully you'd have some dough left over for any desired mods.

Ha! Good luck with that. Most of the insurance places I called considered the VFR a 781cc sport bike with an MSRP a few thousand above a CBR600rr. The premiums were higher for the VFR than my CBR! Its one of the reasons I went used vs new. YMMV tho. Every insurance company is different & they all suck ;p

[image: View Post]Boomarang, on Sep 17 2009, 06:36 PM, said:

I started looking at the VFR800 recently
:blink:

Don't look too hard (especially not at the 6th Gen) - you'll go blind! :ohmy:

Well so far I have found the 2007 ABS red for 9100 out the door... Seems a tad high to me. Time to start looking at used ones.

[image: View Post]Boomarang, on Sep 17 2009, 03:36 PM, said:

Well so far I have found the 2007 ABS red for 9100 out the door... Seems a tad high to me. Time to start looking at used ones.


How about a 2007 Anniversary w/ ABS ? I live in Monrovia (east of Pasadena) Send me a PM if you want to come look at it. There's some more pictures of it in my gallery.

Jon

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1252940236/gallery_11529_3041_121512.jpg
Farewell Ride

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1207156112/gallery_11529_3041_215430.jpg
DSC00008.JPG

I�ve had my VFR for a few weeks. I�m 5�9�, 145lbs.

My thoughts are that for your size you should think of the VFR the way averaged sized guys think of the FJR, C14, etc� It handles very well but lighter guys aren�t going to be able to throw it around too easily. I�m not sure about bar reach but otherwise it should be very comfortable for you. For my size I am very comfortable. Plenty of power for me but more important its very smooth. At an indicated 70mph I can barely feel the engine vibration. My only complaint about the VFR is the less than great mpg but I knew that would be an issue when I bought it.

The biggest dislike I think you would have would be when it comes to moving it around during parking, etc� Besides the fact that its going to be tall for you even with a lowering kit your light weight and the heaviness of the VFR will combine for a hassle I would think. I know it can be a little annoying for me. I�m strong for my weight but sometimes mass means more. Even if you can�t test ride one I would try to let someone let you sit on it and try to move it around a bit.

I don�t understand about the need or want to be able to stand/sit flat footed on a motorcycle. I never stand like that when stopped or at any other time. I can barely do it on the VFR but like I said, it�s a non-issue. When I am stopped at a light I always have one foot on one peg and the other on the ground.

Was able to test ride one finally. Not bad, but i can't get both feet to touch the ground at same time...even on tip toe.
Not usually a problem if I peg leg, but it would have to be lowered for sure when moving it/ backing it up in parking spots.


Thanks for the offer Jon. If I find time, I'll set up a time to come look. As it is, I work nights and commute very far =(

[image: View Post]Boomarang, on Sep 18 2009, 11:41 AM, said:

Was able to test ride one finally. Not bad, but i can't get both feet to touch the ground at same time...even on tip toe.
Not usually a problem if I peg leg, but it would have to be lowered for sure when moving it/ backing it up in parking spots.


Thanks for the offer Jon. If I find time, I'll set up a time to come look. As it is, I work nights and commute very far =(


No worries, I'm in no particular rush to sell it. It's a great bike I just don't ride it anymore.

FYI; It has the extended warranty until June of 2011, 28k miles on the odometer, choice of stock or modified exhaust, and I'm in including soft saddlebags, tail bag, and a small tank bag.

Sorry about your work schedule that doesn't sound fun :(

[image: View Post]CandyRedRC46, on Sep 17 2009, 06:54 AM, said:

one of my best friends has an 07 600rr. it has a 2bros slip on fender eliminator and flush mounts.
powerwise we are dead even on roll ons from 60-120mph, ive got a lot more bottom end than him with about the same on the top, but ive modded mine a bit.
handling wise ill put a half mile him after about 15 miles of twisties, but hes pretty new to bikes and takes it pretty easy.
vfr800 vs cbr600rr is always going to come down to rider skill.
i personally dont feel as comfortable flinging his bike around as i do on mine. sorry he hasnt driven mine yet, im sure his perspective would be much more help to you.
but anyways you would be much more comfortable on a vfr for long hauls.
it holds a lot more gas.
it has better wind and weather protection.
and you will LOVE the sound it makes with open pipes!

You must have one unusually fast VFR. I own a 2003 VFR which has an exhaust and custom map, and is up two teeth on the rear sprocket. I also own a stock 2007 CBR 600 RR. The 600 is faster than the VFR in all respects, from a stop, during roll on and top speed as well. The 600 is over 100 pounds lighter and has about five more horsepower. The VFR does make a bit more torque.

The VFR is still my favorite of the two bikes.

[image: View Post]johnmark101, on Sep 19 2009, 12:10 AM, said:

[image: View Post]CandyRedRC46, on Sep 17 2009, 06:54 AM, said:

one of my best friends has an 07 600rr. it has a 2bros slip on fender eliminator and flush mounts.
powerwise we are dead even on roll ons from 60-120mph, ive got a lot more bottom end than him with about the same on the top, but ive modded mine a bit.
handling wise ill put a half mile him after about 15 miles of twisties, but hes pretty new to bikes and takes it pretty easy.
vfr800 vs cbr600rr is always going to come down to rider skill.
i personally dont feel as comfortable flinging his bike around as i do on mine. sorry he hasnt driven mine yet, im sure his perspective would be much more help to you.
but anyways you would be much more comfortable on a vfr for long hauls.
it holds a lot more gas.
it has better wind and weather protection.
and you will LOVE the sound it makes with open pipes!

You must have one unusually fast VFR. I own a 2003 VFR which has an exhaust and custom map, and is up two teeth on the rear sprocket. I also own a stock 2007 CBR 600 RR. The 600 is faster than the VFR in all respects, from a stop, during roll on and top speed as well. The 600 is over 100 pounds lighter and has about five more horsepower. The VFR does make a bit more torque.

The VFR is still my favorite of the two bikes.

well Ive modified mine pretty extensively(look at my signature), so im making quite a bit more power than your average vfr. Ive got thread going where you can see my dyno vs a stock one (you should be able to see it, but some are having trouble). also Ive lightened it up some and i only weigh 160 myself.
anyways i had a chance to run him tonight and i actually walked by him through 1st gear before backing off.

[image: View Post]swimmer, on Sep 18 2009, 12:32 PM, said:

I�ve had my VFR for a few weeks. I�m 5�9�, 145lbs.

I don�t understand about the need or want to be able to stand/sit flat footed on a motorcycle. I never stand like that when stopped or at any other time. I can barely do it on the VFR but like I said, it�s a non-issue. When I am stopped at a light I always have one foot on one peg and the other on the ground.
This thread will explain the need to be flat footed when stopped, stopping etc. It is very important, especially for someone Boomerang's height & size. I am 5' 10" and 210 and over the bike went! Lowering kit is in the mail to me as I type this.

[image: View Post]CandyRedRC46, on Sep 19 2009, 07:39 AM, said:

[image: View Post]johnmark101, on Sep 19 2009, 12:10 AM, said:

[image: View Post]CandyRedRC46, on Sep 17 2009, 06:54 AM, said:

one of my best friends has an 07 600rr. it has a 2bros slip on fender eliminator and flush mounts.
powerwise we are dead even on roll ons from 60-120mph, ive got a lot more bottom end than him with about the same on the top, but ive modded mine a bit.
handling wise ill put a half mile him after about 15 miles of twisties, but hes pretty new to bikes and takes it pretty easy.
vfr800 vs cbr600rr is always going to come down to rider skill.
i personally dont feel as comfortable flinging his bike around as i do on mine. sorry he hasnt driven mine yet, im sure his perspective would be much more help to you.
but anyways you would be much more comfortable on a vfr for long hauls.
it holds a lot more gas.
it has better wind and weather protection.
and you will LOVE the sound it makes with open pipes!

You must have one unusually fast VFR. I own a 2003 VFR which has an exhaust and custom map, and is up two teeth on the rear sprocket. I also own a stock 2007 CBR 600 RR. The 600 is faster than the VFR in all respects, from a stop, during roll on and top speed as well. The 600 is over 100 pounds lighter and has about five more horsepower. The VFR does make a bit more torque.

The VFR is still my favorite of the two bikes.

well Ive modified mine pretty extensively(look at my signature), so im making quite a bit more power than your average vfr. Ive got thread going where you can see my dyno vs a stock one (you should be able to see it, but some are having trouble). also Ive lightened it up some and i only weigh 160 myself.
anyways i had a chance to run him tonight and i actually walked by him through 1st gear before backing off.

I would like to see your dyno results since you have the Motad header.

[image: View Post]motorhead1977, on Sep 19 2009, 07:44 AM, said:

[image: View Post]swimmer, on Sep 18 2009, 12:32 PM, said:

I�ve had my VFR for a few weeks. I�m 5�9�, 145lbs.

I don�t understand about the need or want to be able to stand/sit flat footed on a motorcycle. I never stand like that when stopped or at any other time. I can barely do it on the VFR but like I said, it�s a non-issue. When I am stopped at a light I always have one foot on one peg and the other on the ground.
This thread will explain the need to be flat footed when stopped, stopping etc. It is very important, especially for someone Boomerang's height & size. I am 5' 10" and 210 and over the bike went! Lowering kit is in the mail to me as I type this.
I'm in total agreement with motorhead on this one. I've had a few close calls with mine, and I'm getting tired of it. I'm not thrilled about losing ground clearance, but I want the stability it will bring.