i want to buy a vfr 400 as my first bike. any advice?

hello everyone! i am 20 years old and soon i'll be getting my drivers permit. i want to buy a vfr 400 as my first bike but i am hesitating because am 6'0-6'1 feet and 200 lbs and i'm afraid i would ridiculous on it + the loss of comfort. what do you think? would you recommend it or not? thanks a lot. cheers guys

[image: View Post]rhadoo14, on 07 April 2011 - 05:45 AM, said:

hello everyone! i am 20 years old and soon i'll be getting my drivers permit. i want to buy a vfr 400 as my first bike but i am hesitating because am 6'0-6'1 feet and 200 lbs and i'm afraid i would ridiculous on it + the loss of comfort. what do you think? would you recommend it or not? thanks a lot. cheers guys

at 5'10" and 230 lbs, I can ride my all day in the twisties, but the highway SUCKS. My neck aches, and my legs are a bit cramped. I trailer it to the back roads, ride and then drive home.

It's fun, but not comfortable. At 6'1" it might be too small for you to fit on comfortably.


--jeff

[image: View Post]cb1, on 07 April 2011 - 01:42 PM, said:

[image: View Post]rhadoo14, on 07 April 2011 - 05:45 AM, said:

hello everyone! i am 20 years old and soon i'll be getting my drivers permit. i want to buy a vfr 400 as my first bike but i am hesitating because am 6'0-6'1 feet and 200 lbs and i'm afraid i would ridiculous on it + the loss of comfort. what do you think? would you recommend it or not? thanks a lot. cheers guys

at 5'10" and 230 lbs, I can ride my all day in the twisties, but the highway SUCKS. My neck aches, and my legs are a bit cramped. I trailer it to the back roads, ride and then drive home.

It's fun, but not comfortable. At 6'1" it might be too small for you to fit on comfortably.


--jeff

i wont't be driving it on the highway. i'll be doing 30-40 km a day on national roads..

[image: View Post]rhadoo14, on 07 April 2011 - 02:04 PM, said:

[image: View Post]cb1, on 07 April 2011 - 01:42 PM, said:

[image: View Post]rhadoo14, on 07 April 2011 - 05:45 AM, said:

hello everyone! i am 20 years old and soon i'll be getting my drivers permit. i want to buy a vfr 400 as my first bike but i am hesitating because am 6'0-6'1 feet and 200 lbs and i'm afraid i would ridiculous on it + the loss of comfort. what do you think? would you recommend it or not? thanks a lot. cheers guys

at 5'10" and 230 lbs, I can ride my all day in the twisties, but the highway SUCKS. My neck aches, and my legs are a bit cramped. I trailer it to the back roads, ride and then drive home.

It's fun, but not comfortable. At 6'1" it might be too small for you to fit on comfortably.


--jeff

i wont't be driving it on the highway. i'll be doing 30-40 km a day on national roads..


I'm 6-ft and 190lbs, the bike feels tiny, even compared to my last bike a CBR600RR. It makes a great track, around town, twisty road bike, but not a great tourer for someone in our size range!

After riding dirt bikes as a kid, my first road bike was a '95 VFR 750. If you take a riding a course(s) you'll do fine with a 750 if you keep your wits about you. I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs and never considered a 400. IMO you'll outgrow the 400 very quickly and be looking to upgrade. You'll be a lot more comfortable on the bigger bike.

[image: View Post]Cogswell, on 07 April 2011 - 10:29 PM, said:

After riding dirt bikes as a kid, my first road bike was a '95 VFR 750. If you take a riding a course(s) you'll do fine with a 750 if you keep your wits about you. I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs and never considered a 400. IMO you'll outgrow the 400 very quickly and be looking to upgrade. You'll be a lot more comfortable on the bigger bike.


I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that rhadoo is from the UK where they have a restricted license program. If thats the case then a 750 probably isn't even an option at this point. The 400 might need to be restricted to 33hp as well, I'm not entirely familiar with the licensing laws there though.

[image: View Post]rhadoo14, on 07 April 2011 - 05:45 AM, said:

hello everyone! i am 20 years old and soon i'll be getting my drivers permit. i want to buy a vfr 400 as my first bike but i am hesitating because am 6'0-6'1 feet and 200 lbs and i'm afraid i would ridiculous on it + the loss of comfort. what do you think? would you recommend it or not? thanks a lot. cheers guys

I don't know where RO is, so I don't know the size bike you can start with, But I'd say get at least a 600 for your size, but if money has anything to do with why you want a 400 then go ahead and get it, all the comp'fy things won't matter for the time it takes you to learn to ride. If you want to ride now, just do it. You can trade in later for something your size when you're ready. Being tall is an advantage when learning the slow parking lot moves.

I think you would be ok using it for what you want to use it for. You can always get bigger/taller handlebars/clipons etc. Its a fun little bike, I have seen a few around here. I am 6 foot and about 110-115kg and I use a 220 cc Bajaj Pulsar and it does pretty good for here Where I live. IMO The 4oo will do you fine, and the power is enough for the kind of roads you will be using + it is very nimble.

I firmly believe a 400 - 650cc bike is ideal for a 1st bike. (for the ladies perhaps a 250-350cc. it's an upper body strength thing). If you've not been riding dirt for a few years there is much to learn and very different challenges on the street. You can always trade up. Bikes that fit? I've found bikes I love always 'fit' me. Even on longer rides. Twisties . . .someone said? I have the extremes. a Guzzi Daytona. ~435#, 97hp, 94ft.# and an Aprilia RS125. ~310#, ~30hp. and a few others in between. I'm 6' 190#. I'm also 76. Wear good gear. Take an MSF course and every track day you can afford. Good fortune, R~

Could someone explain this notion of "outgrowing" a motorcycle to me?

Is there some kind of ladder climbing thing that I'm, after 25 years of doing this not aware of?

What do you outgrow?

What causes this?

I'm sarcastic and confused. But I really would like someone to attempt an answer. I keep hearing this outgrowing noise, and I really want to understand what the hell is meant by it.

--jeff

I have a 400 a 750 and an 1100. They're just bikes, not levels. AFAIC.

My first bike was my 1984 VF500 Interceptor. It was great to learn on and was more than enough bike for me at 6'1" and 200 lbs.
Plenty of pep, fun to ride, good on gas and relatively comfy to ride.
I disagree with the theory of outgrowing a bike. I've ridden a few 125 and 250 bikes since getting my VFR 800 - I still love the small bikes - you have to RIDE them. The bigger bikes have crazy power but don't have the same personality IMHO.
Buy what will work for you. The VFR400 would be a ton of fun to ride.

[image: View Post]cb1, on 08 April 2011 - 09:28 AM, said:

Could someone explain this notion of "outgrowing" a motorcycle to me?

Is there some kind of ladder climbing thing that I'm, after 25 years of doing this not aware of?

What do you outgrow?

What causes this?

I'm sarcastic and confused. But I really would like someone to attempt an answer. I keep hearing this outgrowing noise, and I really want to understand what the hell is meant by it.

--jeff

I have a 400 a 750 and an 1100. They're just bikes, not levels. AFAIC.

[image: View Post]cb1, on 08 April 2011 - 09:28 AM, said:

Could someone explain this notion of "outgrowing" a motorcycle to me?

Is there some kind of ladder climbing thing that I'm, after 25 years of doing this not aware of?

What do you outgrow?

What causes this?

I'm sarcastic and confused. But I really would like someone to attempt an answer. I keep hearing this outgrowing noise, and I really want to understand what the hell is meant by it.

--jeff

I have a 400 a 750 and an 1100. They're just bikes, not levels. AFAIC.

Jeff, when I was younger, I rode small (haha) bikes like the GPz550. I bought a 1985 Suzuki GS 700 ESF, because the salesman said I would outgrow the 550 model. I would have, too. The 550 would not have gone fast enough to put me in the hospital (the 700 did). I would have wanted more destructive power. He was right. In April of 1990, I bought a VFR750. I have outgrown it now. I want my wife's old Rebel back. As much as I love the VFR (I currently ride a 98, while the 90, broken, awaits the love and affection she once had, and richly deserved). But i want a Rebel to ride around. I was never tempted to do wheelies on it. Ever. It got 60mpg. It was fairly comfy, with the Corbin saddle, and was just sooooo light.
But seriously. Tastes change. What you want from a motorcycle, car or woman when you are sixteen (or 20) is very different from what you want when you are older (25). And if you have to have only one bike, then your criteria for choice is narrower. While you may want the flashy R6 for what you can afford, if you will be spending serious commuter time, you will outgrow it, as it is smallish, racy, and excellent at carving tracks, but not so excellent at putting 100 miles a day on. You will outgrow your desire to have the fastest/flashiest.
Tastes change. Sweet milky coffee when you first start drinking it. Black and strong after you have been out to sea for awhile. Budweiser in High School, Michelob or Sam Adams later when it's not just about getting drunk for cheap. Bar tramps when you are younger, etc. Posted Image

I hope that about explains it? Cheers!

I hope that about explains it? Cheers!
[/quote]

See Jimmy, that I understand. You can change what you want, and it's fine. That's not "outgrowing" that's just the march of time. We all need/want different things at different times.

But all this "Don't buy an X bike, buy a bigger one 'cause you'll outgrow it" is the explanation I'm after.

What is "OUTGROW"?

--jeff
{Yes, I'm being pedantic.}

That is too easy my petite bike favoring pedantic friend....

You "outgrow" a bike when your (or your immediate family's) fear of falling and getting injured is overcome.

Usually around 7-10 thousand miles of riding on the street without a serious mishap is enough "experience" for someone to "outgrow" a perfect bike like a VFR400 or an SV650.

Then you move "up" to a liter bike (no one makes a 750 anymore anyway). This additional power that you have "grown" into allows you to mask your poor cornering skillz by twisiting the grip on the straights to stay up with your buddies. This rubberband riding technique is not something that is noticable to you but the poor schmo stuck behind you as you perform your patented "twist and park" with each passing straight and subsequent curve makes your group of riders diminish.

Finally one day when you are riding alone (no one has the balls to suggest tips for improving your skill anymore - you might take offence) you find yourself in a situation where the 160 hp of your literbike or it's additional weight to handle that 2 fold increase in power over a "beginners" bike is not what you need to prevent an impactful mishap.

While you are on the side of the road, collecting your belongings, muttering to yourself about the cause of the accident, trying to figure out you are going A) explain it to your SO or B) tell the guys at Starbucks how through your skill you narrowly cheated death, you outgrow motorcycles altogether.

Now, guys like me only hear from guys like you when you see us get off our bike to fuel up or carry our helmet into the bank. Having "outgrown" bikes you offer "friendly" advice such as:

1) I had a bike once, almost died when this dog/deer/car/van ran out of nowhere....

2) Those things are so dangerous, I can't believe your wife/mom/husband/brother/dad let's you ride that thing....

3) one day you will grow out of it like i did...

btw...I have been trying to import a trio of RVF400's from Japan for the past 2 years, two to sell and one to keep. :fing02:

Quote:
That is too easy my petite bike favoring pedantic friend....


Look, you're supposed to let them fall into the pit before you start making fun of them.

Hopefully they'll still answer.


--jeff

[image: View Post]cb1, on 08 April 2011 - 09:28 AM, said:

Could someone explain this notion of "outgrowing" a motorcycle to me?

Is there some kind of ladder climbing thing that I'm, after 25 years of doing this not aware of?

What do you outgrow?

What causes this?

I'm sarcastic and confused. But I really would like someone to attempt an answer. I keep hearing this outgrowing noise, and I really want to understand what the hell is meant by it.

--jeff

I have a 400 a 750 and an 1100. They're just bikes, not levels. AFAIC.


I have another (opposite) question to all of you guys than. There's a very widespread opinion that a first bike shouldn't be bigger that 400-450cc. Some people suggest even to go for 125-250cc.
Please, explain me where is difference if you crash on a highway at 150km/h on your 250cc or on Hayabusa at the same speed (or even higher)? As to me, the outcome will be more or less the same (depending on circumstances). Is there any danger having more HP's?
IMO having an excess (to be more precise a reserve of HP's :biggrin: ) is always good. If one is an idiot he / she can kill him- / herself even riding a scooter on a bike path in a park.
Everyone has to figure out speed he / she feels comfortable at. I know, that 300+ km/h might be kind a too fast for me (I know my riding skills) and I wouldn't buy bike only because it goes that fast. My first bike was a GSXR 750. I loved it from my very first ride and still do and may be one day I'll get another one. :fing02:

[image: View Post]justsky, on 08 April 2011 - 01:44 PM, said:

[image: View Post]cb1, on 08 April 2011 - 09:28 AM, said:

Could someone explain this notion of "outgrowing" a motorcycle to me?

Is there some kind of ladder climbing thing that I'm, after 25 years of doing this not aware of?

What do you outgrow?

What causes this?

I'm sarcastic and confused. But I really would like someone to attempt an answer. I keep hearing this outgrowing noise, and I really want to understand what the hell is meant by it.

--jeff

I have a 400 a 750 and an 1100. They're just bikes, not levels. AFAIC.


I have another (opposite) question to all of you guys than. There's a very widespread opinion that a first bike shouldn't be bigger that 400-450cc. Some people suggest even to go for 125-250cc.
Please, explain me where is difference if you crash on a highway at 150km/h on your 250cc or on Hayabusa at the same speed (or even higher)? As to me, the outcome will be more or less the same (depending on circumstances). Is there any danger having more HP's?
IMO having an excess (to be more precise a reserve of HP's :biggrin: ) is always good. If one is an idiot he / she can kill him- / herself even riding a scooter on a bike path in a park.
Everyone has to figure out speed he / she feels comfortable at. I know, that 300+ km/h might be kind a too fast for me (I know my riding skills) and I wouldn't buy bike only because it goes that fast. My first bike was a GSXR 750. I loved it from my very first ride and still do and may be one day I'll get another one. :fing02:


I think the answer to that is that it all depends on the person. There are some people who just can't control themselves when they get on a motorcycle for the first time. Obviously you can get yourself into more trouble on a Hayabusa much quicker than an RS125 if you have no experience riding a motorcyle and decide to pin the throttle. If however you're a responsible careful person to begin with, you'll probably do fine on a jet engined powered drag bike.

As for me, I started on a VFR800, then went to a CBR600RR, and now I own a VFR400, so I guess I'm going backwards from what should be considered the norm! The main reason I bought my 400 to be honest, is because it looks like an RC30. I doubt there are many VFR400 owners that wouldn't agree even though they might not admit it. The next most important reason I bought the bike was so that I could use it as a track bike to learn how to improve my cornering skills. My logic was that since the bike has half the horsepower of my CBR, I will be forced to learn how to improve my cornering speed and not focus on the acceleration and power. This is probably the same reason why someone who is just learning to ride should start with a lower horsepower bike, I believe it will make them a better rider as a result.

[quote name='justsky' timestamp='1302288276' post='771574']



Please, explain me where is difference if you crash on a highway at 150km/h on your 250cc or on Hayabusa at the same speed (or even higher)? As to me, the outcome will be more or less the same (depending on circumstances). Is there any danger having more HP's?

_

Obviously, there is little difference to the above questions.

However, let me put it this way. You can make the argument that, if someone is sufficiently level headed, they could start out on any bike. And plenty of people have, and survived to tell the tale without a scratch. What a smaller HP bike gives you (and it's important to make the difference between HP and not simply displacement) is time to process. What I mean is, as a new rider, or even a low mileage rider, it's easy for the process of riding to be a bit overwhelming at times, with high horsepower bikes so friendly to ride, it's very very easy to find ones speed well over what one thought. What can take a smaller bike 5 seconds, can be done on a larger one in 2 or less.

Giving a new rider more time to process what's going on underneath him is good, and a smaller HP bike can help.
Trying to panic stop from the 85 mph your 50 mph cruise turned into can be an eye opener.


The thing people forget, is that learning to "ride" a motorcycle is far, far more than learning what control does what. Any monkey can learn how to go, and stop and turn (and possibly two of those things together). Again smaller (weight now) bikes help riders smooth out their inputs, since the lighter weight shows up any hamfistedness quickly. The process of judgement is what takes time to learn.. How fast is fast, how smooth is smooth. Smaller bikes put more feel in the hands of the rider, and give him more time to think as he makes inputs to the machine. Any machine can catch you out of you're not paying attention, but again you can make much larger throttle mistake on my VFR400R than I could on my friends CBR1000RR. Think of what dumping the clutch inadvertently on the CBR1000 as a new rider might do to a newbie launch. Not that same as on a 400.

Lower weight and displacement gives the rider more time, and more feedback, IMHO, YMMV etc etc.

--jeff


















What I'll put back to you is, why is the HP of the bike you ride so important? Each bike, large or small has it's virtues.

[image: View Post]cb1, on 08 April 2011 - 02:09 PM, said:

Please, explain me where is difference if you crash on a highway at 150km/h on your 250cc or on Hayabusa at the same speed (or even higher)? As to me, the outcome will be more or less the same (depending on circumstances). Is there any danger having more HP's?

_

Obviously, there is little difference to the above questions.

However, let me put it this way. You can make the argument that, if someone is sufficiently level headed, they could start out on any bike. And plenty of people have, and survived to tell the tale without a scratch. What a smaller HP bike gives you (and it's important to make the difference between HP and not simply displacement) is time to process. What I mean is, as a new rider, or even a low mileage rider, it's easy for the process of riding to be a bit overwhelming at times, with high horsepower bikes so friendly to ride, it's very very easy to find ones speed well over what one thought. What can take a smaller bike 5 seconds, can be done on a larger one in 2 or less.

Giving a new rider more time to process what's going on underneath him is good, and a smaller HP bike can help.
Trying to panic stop from the 85 mph your 50 mph cruise turned into can be an eye opener.


The thing people forget, is that learning to "ride" a motorcycle is far, far more than learning what control does what. Any monkey can learn how to go, and stop and turn (and possibly two of those things together). Again smaller (weight now) bikes help riders smooth out their inputs, since the lighter weight shows up and hamfistedness quickly. The process of judgement is what takes time to learn.. How fast is fast, how smooth is smooth.

What I'll put back to you is, why is the HP of the bike you ride so important? Each bike, large or small has it's virtues.


Well said!

BTW, my NC is practically a twin to yours. Same color combo and its a 92 as well! Its really an awesome bike, especially considering its almost 20 years old!

Hey cb1,

I agree with you on all the points you mentioned. I'd say that the more HPs I have (I'm talking about the city bike now and not the racing ones) the more confident and comfortable I feel dealing with cages on daily basis. If traffic is busy or I spot a potentially unpredictable situation on the road (again, because of the cages) I prefer being able to accelerate aggressively when necessary. If I have some "spare torque" and HPs at every revs I feel happier and safer.
I was involved in a bicycle vs scooter accident just in the city centre riding my sport bike to the sea side last year. The guy riding his scooter wasn't able to maneuver adequately even at 35km/h. As a result, i was pulled from the bicycle and broke my wrist (quite an awful experience).
In a nutshell, my message is: what matters is the rider and not the bike. A "low & safe" engine displacement won't prevent one from an accident if he /she can't act accordingly to the situation on the road (IMHO).

[image: View Post]justsky, on 08 April 2011 - 02:23 PM, said:

Hey cb1,

I agree with you on all the points you mentioned. I'd say that the more HPs I have (I'm talking about the city bike now and not the racing ones) the more confident and comfortable I feel dealing with cages on daily basis. If traffic is busy or I spot a potentially unpredictable situation on the road (again, because of the cages) I prefer being able to accelerate aggressively when necessary. If I have some "spare torque" and HPs at every revs I feel happier and safer.
I was involved in a bicycle vs scooter accident just in the city centre riding my sport bike to the sea side last year. The guy riding his scooter wasn't able to maneuver adequately even at 35km/h. As a result, i was pulled from the bicycle and broke my wrist (quite an awful experience).
In a nutshell, my message is: what matters is the rider and not the bike. A "low & safe" engine displacement won't prevent one from an accident if he /she can't act accordingly to the situation on the road (IMHO).



I agree with what you're saying about extra grunt. That being said, my 400 still has a better power to weight ratio than most cars on the road. As long as you're in the powerband you should be fine. I personally would probably skip a 125 4 stroke for a street bike for that reason, but I think even a Ninja 250 really isn't underpowered for situations like that.

[image: View Post]cb1, on 08 April 2011 - 01:43 PM, said:

Quote:
That is too easy my petite bike favoring pedantic friend....


Look, you're supposed to let them fall into the pit before you start making fun of them.

Hopefully they'll still answer.


--jeff

I'll attempt to fall into the pit. As I usually do...

I learned on a Rebel, which came with the bike school.
It was intimidating at first and even chugging along at idle seemed like as fast as I ever wanted to go.
It also felt like a kid's bike under me. (I'm not that big either @5'11" and 190lb)
Then I bought a Katana 600. It felt like I've mounted a rocket after the Rebel. Exciting and scary as hell at first (what if that front wheel falls off @ 90mph? - Was my usual concern @ 90mph)
Then I learned that some people can actually corner on those things.
I never got comfortable with Katana. Too buzzy at speed and too unstable in the corners (or was that me?)
Any way, in keeping with cornercarver's script I was convinced that I have outgrown the Katana (and in all fairness I don't see myself ever getting back to it). This is how I ended up with the VFR. And of course, I became exposed to all of these :dry: people and started learning things.
I must admit that I no longer feel the need to add more power or to outgrow my bike. I do need a few more quarts of smooth though. If anyone knows where to buy it for cheap, please don't hesitate.

See y'all crazy kids in May :491:

[image: View Post]Rice, on 08 April 2011 - 02:43 PM, said:

[image: View Post]cb1, on 08 April 2011 - 01:43 PM, said:

Quote:
That is too easy my petite bike favoring pedantic friend....


Look, you're supposed to let them fall into the pit before you start making fun of them.

Hopefully they'll still answer.


--jeff

I'll attempt to fall into the pit. As I usually do...

I learned on a Rebel, which came with the bike school.
It was intimidating at first and even chugging along at idle seemed like as fast as I ever wanted to go.
It also felt like a kid's bike under me. (I'm not that big either @5'11" and 190lb)
Then I bought a Katana 600. It felt like I've mounted a rocket after the Rebel. Exciting and scary as hell at first (what if that front wheel falls off @ 90mph? - Was my usual concern @ 90mph)
Then I learned that some people can actually corner on those things.
I never got comfortable with Katana. Too buzzy at speed and too unstable in the corners (or was that me?)
Any way, in keeping with cornercarver's script I was convinced that I have outgrown the Katana (and in all fairness I don't see myself ever getting back to it). This is how I ended up with the VFR. And of course, I became exposed to all of these :dry: people and started learning things.
I must admit that I no longer feel the need to add more power or to outgrow my bike. I do need a few more quarts of smooth though. If anyone knows where to buy it for cheap, please don't hesitate.

See y'all crazy kids in May :491:



OK, the ladder is this way. I guess I'll ask this. Did you ditch the katana simply for power, or you just didn't like it?


Perhaps in your case, outgrow isn't accurate?

--jeff

[image: View Post]cb1, on 08 April 2011 - 03:38 PM, said:

I guess I'll ask this. Did you ditch the katana simply for power, or you just didn't like it?

Perhaps in your case, outgrow isn't accurate?

--jeff

To answer the first question; Yeah. I just didn't like it no more. It also didn't accelerate quite as fast as I wanted to, so maybe "outgrow" can be applicable here.

And whether it is accurate depends on the meaning of the word.
One can outgrow a shoe or a childhood friend.
OTOH, if I have been intimidated by Katana's (ex) acceleration before and now it feels like it's not enough, then I might say that I've outgrown it.
This also depends on ones goals. Not everyone is riding just for the twisties, yaknow.

CB1 asks a good question and I guess the answer is really lost in semantics.

In Australia, learner and provisional (first year) motorcycle riders are pretty much restricted to 250CC and a small number of larger capacity motorcycles that are under a specified power to weight ratio. For that reason, my son bought a CBR250R (not the new one but a 4 pot, 1989 model with 40 - 45hp. It is said to be at the high end of the power to weight ratio and favoured for that reason. Since I had been toying with the idea of getting on a motorcycle for the previous 10 years, I followed with a much more modern 1990 CBR250RR. :biggrin:

That was three years back and my son recently "up graded" to an R1. He skipped the 600CC motorcycles because he thought he would soon become bored with (read out grow) it and would eventually buy a 1000CC motorcycle.

Has my skill set grown to the point where I am bored with my CBR250RR, no way! However, it does not meet all of my wants so I am in the market for a VFR800 and that raises another question - How to keep my CBR, find room in the garage for a VFR and maintain my marriage. :lobby:

I think we maybe got sidetracked on this topic. rhadoo14 asked a reasonable question.
I would say that for a person his height a cb250 hornet or cb600 is a beter option than a vfr 400. You do not out grow your bike you only run out of garage space.

Just get it dude. Its a fun bike , with enough power to have fun and get in trouble, it will help you to develop skills you will need later on in your motorcycling life. just take care of it and it will help take care of you.

Honestly man get the 400. Learn to ride it like theres no tomorrow. You will get much more enjoyment out of bigger/faster bikes later and be a much safer rider if you teach yourself to be fast on that "little' 400. As an example: I started out driving a fairly quick car (Mazda Rx-7 Turbo II) It was a great car even from a beginners perspective, but I learned far more about every aspect of driving and tuning from a geo metro than I have from all 10 of the rx7's I have owned. The smaller and lighter a vehicle is the more pronounced a response you get from every little change you make and you will learn whats good and whats not far quicker. BTW I still love the geo simply because it is much more challenging to be competitive with it than my Rx-7. I really have to let it all hang out with the metro and drive it to its absolute limits to keep up whereas if I slip in the rx I just have to mash it harder on the next straightaway. Also the enjoyment of passing folks on the faster bikes and making them chase you down on the straights will garner much more respect than just twisting the throttle on the next straightaway.

I think this post summarizes things best. Don't let the male 'hero' attitudes influence what you ride. It's a great bike, perfect for twisties and short touring.

[image: View Post]cornercarver, on 08 April 2011 - 01:29 PM, said:

That is too easy my petite bike favoring pedantic friend....

You "outgrow" a bike when your (or your immediate family's) fear of falling and getting injured is overcome.

Usually around 7-10 thousand miles of riding on the street without a serious mishap is enough "experience" for someone to "outgrow" a perfect bike like a VFR400 or an SV650.

Then you move "up" to a liter bike (no one makes a 750 anymore anyway). This additional power that you have "grown" into allows you to mask your poor cornering skillz by twisiting the grip on the straights to stay up with your buddies. This rubberband riding technique is not something that is noticable to you but the poor schmo stuck behind you as you perform your patented "twist and park" with each passing straight and subsequent curve makes your group of riders diminish.

Finally one day when you are riding alone (no one has the balls to suggest tips for improving your skill anymore - you might take offence) you find yourself in a situation where the 160 hp of your literbike or it's additional weight to handle that 2 fold increase in power over a "beginners" bike is not what you need to prevent an impactful mishap.

While you are on the side of the road, collecting your belongings, muttering to yourself about the cause of the accident, trying to figure out you are going A) explain it to your SO or B) tell the guys at Starbucks how through your skill you narrowly cheated death, you outgrow motorcycles altogether.

Now, guys like me only hear from guys like you when you see us get off our bike to fuel up or carry our helmet into the bank. Having "outgrown" bikes you offer "friendly" advice such as:

1) I had a bike once, almost died when this dog/deer/car/van ran out of nowhere....

2) Those things are so dangerous, I can't believe your wife/mom/husband/brother/dad let's you ride that thing....

3) one day you will grow out of it like i did...

btw...I have been trying to import a trio of RVF400's from Japan for the past 2 years, two to sell and one to keep. :fing02:

I picked up a 1991 Japanese import VFR400 last November. It was not running and in rough shape. I have spent the winter cleaning, repairing and tuning it and rode it for the first time Friday.
What a great bike!!!!!!!!
The bike has plenty of power for a solo rider. I did 200 km yesterday around town, the highway and the country and found it to be comfortable enough.
I will use the 400 for fun and around town and the 800 for touring and two up.
With help from the Haynes manual and the internet I really enjoyed repairing and tuning the bike. It is pretty basic and parts are still available from Honda and the internet.
If you do purchase one I would suggest practicing emergency stops as I have been spoiled by the linked and ABS brakes on the 2006 VFR800 and was surprised by the power of the front brakes.
Get training, be careful and HAVE FUN because thats what its all about!!!

Unless you live in Europe or Japan where Honda sold or imported the VFR400 I would get something more commonplace for a first bike.

I got my CBX Honda in 1980, I had moved up from a triumph 650 tiger and an RD 350. In 1988 I got a Vmax and another one a year later after a crash. In 1993 I got an FZR1000. I have kept my RD350 RZ350 and an SR500 Yamahas.

I have always enjoyed riding the smaller bikes. 3 years ago I got a Virago when my wife wanted to start riding. This year I thought I wanted higher performance so I picked up my semi antique VFR. It does what it does real well but is it more fun, not really 100% of the time. In the garage and backing out of my garage on to a fairly off camber approach is more effort than I remember on my vmax. I have friends who enjoy only the heaviest largest fastest bikes.

Bottom line is get a bike that you can afford and enjoy it. I own my bikes an average of about 15 years.