Questions about VFR's

I don't currently have a VFR, but am considering getting one later this year - or at least by Spring of '11. Anyway, I ride a 2006 Ninja 650R, and it runs just fine - but I like a lot of things about the VFR 800. Not interested in the 1200 at all, but the 800 looks to be a good fit for me.

Looking for a bike with:
-fully faired - check
-under-tail exhaust - check
-decent gas mileage - check
-power when you need it - check
-looks awesome - check
-sounds good - check
-low-end torque - check
-hardbags - check
-quality craftsmanship - check

So basically the bike has everything I want, but it's a little heavy (I think). This bike (or style of bike) may be the last bike I ever own, so I want it to be a pretty good one. I'm 60 yo, so I don't ride as fast as the knee-draggers (and NEVER will), but I ride faster than the cruisers (well - most of them anyway - excludes Yellow Wolf). :)

The VFR is ~125-150 lbs heavier than my bike, so I have concerns about cornering when the curves are pretty tight. My little 650R seems to handle those pretty well, but the extra weight might be a problem (since I'm not that great of a rider). Any thoughts on how the VFR corners?

I've only sat on one VFR so far, and the weight seems to be focused LOWER on the bike (than my 650R). It seems to make the bike have a lower center of gravity - does anyone agree with that? Or was that bike possibly lowered and maybe all VFR's don't feel that way.

I think I'm really going to like the VFR if/when I make the plunge (and pony up the $$$$).

Looking forwards to getting the VFR 800 and asking you guys a bunch of questions.

TIA for everyone's help.

I personally think the VFR corners extremely well. My wife rides a SV650 which would be close to what you have (I would think). The VFR is way better when the roads get tight, this could be due to the suspension, but with both being in stock form, I would go with the VFR. You won't know until you throw a leg over and try it for yourself.
Each bike has it's own personality.

There is much more to the feeling of "good cornering" than the weight of the bike....how the weight is carried, tires, geometry of the bike. I have several different styles of bikes and find the vfr handles extremely well in the twisties (of San Diego, so we have a few good ones :) ).

Take a test ride if you can.

Mine corners pretty well...


http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1215247999/gallery_5444_3979_26810.jpg
Railin 421 in Shady Valley Hey look, sparkles!

Welcome to the forum! :smile:

Most VFR owners will tell you honestly that yes, the VFR corners well but isn't as flickable as a dedicated sportbike. Still, plenty of people can drag a knee on a VFR.

As you noticed, the VFR's weight is concentrated a little lower than on most heavier bikes. (And a bit of that can be negated with lighter aftermarket exhaust cans.) Fortunately, most of that weight disappears once you start moving. Even parking lot maneuvers are pretty easy on these.

In my mind the VFR's positives far outweight its negatives. And they last forever, so depending on how much longer you plan to ride it could very well work out to be your last bike. :wink:

TheSlowDude, on 28 September 2010 - 08:30 AM, said: Any thoughts on how the VFR corners? hondalover told me that VFRs handle like shit: http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1285274499/med_gallery_10736_5608_5161510.jpg But that's because he usually rides like this:

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 28 September 2010 - 09:00 AM, said:

Mine corners pretty well...


http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1215247999/gallery_5444_3979_26810.jpg
Railin 421 in Shady Valley Hey look, sparkles!


LOL - Yep - I think that tells me what I need to know. I'll never lean that far (on purpose), so I should be good.

Thanks for the SV650 reply - yes, from everything I've read/heard, the SV650 is very similar to my 650R - so that all sounds great.

Thanks for the responses - makes me feel a little better about my choice for a newer bike.

I have been riding my VFR (2003) for seven years. Yes....it is a bit heavy but one underway the bike handles very well.

[image: View Post]unkjj, on 28 September 2010 - 08:50 AM, said:

I personally think the VFR corners extremely well. My wife rides a SV650 which would be close to what you have (I would think). The VFR is way better when the roads get tight, this could be due to the suspension, but with both being in stock form, I would go with the VFR. You won't know until you throw a leg over and try it for yourself.
Each bike has it's own personality.


So you think a VFR corners better than an SV650? I see a lot more SV's at track days than VFR's. I know I can carry waaaaaaaay more corner speed on my SV than I can on the VFR, mostly because of the weight difference. I have only had the VFR on the track a couple of times but its a pig compared to the SV.

[image: View Post]TheSlowDude, on 28 September 2010 - 08:30 AM, said:

I don't currently have a VFR, but am considering getting one later this year - or at least by Spring of '11. Anyway, I ride a 2006 Ninja 650R, and it runs just fine - but I like a lot of things about the VFR 800. Not interested in the 1200 at all, but the 800 looks to be a good fit for me.

Looking for a bike with:
-fully faired - check
-under-tail exhaust - check
-decent gas mileage - check
-power when you need it - check
-looks awesome - check
-sounds good - check
-low-end torque - check
-hardbags - check
-quality craftsmanship - check

So basically the bike has everything I want, but it's a little heavy (I think). This bike (or style of bike) may be the last bike I ever own, so I want it to be a pretty good one. I'm 60 yo, so I don't ride as fast as the knee-draggers (and NEVER will), but I ride faster than the cruisers (well - most of them anyway - excludes Yellow Wolf). :)

The VFR is ~125-150 lbs heavier than my bike, so I have concerns about cornering when the curves are pretty tight. My little 650R seems to handle those pretty well, but the extra weight might be a problem (since I'm not that great of a rider). Any thoughts on how the VFR corners?

I've only sat on one VFR so far, and the weight seems to be focused LOWER on the bike (than my 650R). It seems to make the bike have a lower center of gravity - does anyone agree with that? Or was that bike possibly lowered and maybe all VFR's don't feel that way.

I think I'm really going to like the VFR if/when I make the plunge (and pony up the $$$$).

Looking forwards to getting the VFR 800 and asking you guys a bunch of questions.

TIA for everyone's help.



Made the switch to VFR 800 this year, a 2005 silver one. The more I ride it, the more I love it. Not only is this a great machine, it is so stable on the freeway and in winds and the rain you have to believe it. I am 55 yo MSF instructor and will do all in my power to keep this machine for many years.

Reliable, easy to maintain (just completed my first service).

You will love it.

[image: View Post]mechdziner714, on 28 September 2010 - 10:50 AM, said:

[image: View Post]unkjj, on 28 September 2010 - 08:50 AM, said:

I personally think the VFR corners extremely well. My wife rides a SV650 which would be close to what you have (I would think). The VFR is way better when the roads get tight, this could be due to the suspension, but with both being in stock form, I would go with the VFR. You won't know until you throw a leg over and try it for yourself.
Each bike has it's own personality.


So you think a VFR corners better than an SV650? I see a lot more SV's at track days than VFR's. I know I can carry waaaaaaaay more corner speed on my SV than I can on the VFR, mostly because of the weight difference. I have only had the VFR on the track a couple of times but its a pig compared to the SV.


Maybe need to start another thread, but I've been toying with getting a dedicated track bike...you like the SV650 for that? Do you have to pour a ton of money into it to make it fast?

I came over to the VFR from a Ninja 650, and pretty much had the same concerns as you. Don't worry at all about the weight difference! I am so glad I made the move, and actually embrace the heavier VFR as it is more stable, and IMO, corners a lot better than the 650. Not to mention, I love the ABS!

I couldn't go more than 120-150 miles on the 650 without some neck/arm pain (I'm 46). I just did a 300+ mile ride on the VFR last week without a cramp! I do have a Sargeant seat but no bar risers as of yet.

The VFR is the last word for true sporty sport touring goodness and all weather commuting, the thing does it all - You won't be dissapointed

I am in the sexagenarian dance class too!

I think you are right ....in the really tight stuff the VFR will be less agile than the 650R. This is more about ease of transition than ultimate cornering grip. You will work more with the VFR to really dance in the super tight stuff but the VFR does just fine. Anywhere else and the VFR will waltz away.

THe VFR rocks as it is a more versatile bike.................and wait till you tour!

I too owned a Ninja 650r before the VFR and I agree with what most others have said. When I first got on it at the dealership I was surprised at how light and stable it felt. To me, it's more intuitive going into a corner depending on the speed. In slow turns I would definitely give the advantage to the 65or. Now where the weight is really noticeable is when you drop it. Once it's past the point of no return forget it. But I am very happy with the VFR. It just feels so much more solid and stable at highway speeds and is great around town also. A great bike.
t

the limiting factor in this cornering situation is not the VFR.
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm313/timmythecop/rfk3.jpg

[image: View Post]mechdziner714, on 28 September 2010 - 10:50 AM, said:

[image: View Post]unkjj, on 28 September 2010 - 08:50 AM, said:

I personally think the VFR corners extremely well. My wife rides a SV650 which would be close to what you have (I would think). The VFR is way better when the roads get tight, this could be due to the suspension, but with both being in stock form, I would go with the VFR. You won't know until you throw a leg over and try it for yourself.
Each bike has it's own personality.


So you think a VFR corners better than an SV650? I see a lot more SV's at track days than VFR's. I know I can carry waaaaaaaay more corner speed on my SV than I can on the VFR, mostly because of the weight difference. I have only had the VFR on the track a couple of times but its a pig compared to the SV.


Note that I said in STOCK FORM. I agree that the SV with massaged suspension, would me much faster in the tight stuff, but in stock form I prefer the VFR as I am way faster on it. This could be my weight factor but lets not get into fat jokes. :cool: