Hi everyone, I want to purchase a bike for me and my wife and the VFR 800 is the top choice right now, but I have a few questions.
I lived in quebec Canada, so for anyone who has riden here, the quality of the road are awefull, pothole, bump, suspenssion is important
Also if you want to recommand another bike than the VFR, keep in mind that we have to pay an extra 1k$ per year for "RR" bike, the vfr is not considered in that group.
Here's the bike I have owned and riden in my life and comments on it :
Owned Yamaha R6 03 (owned for 25000 miles) : fast nimble, uncomfortable, need more torque especialy for a passenger.
Rented Yamaha V-star 1100 (rented for 5000 miles) : fast for a custom, uncomfortable for long period, bad passenger seat
Rented Honda VTR-1000 (rented for a 100 miles) : fun torque, confortable position, don't know for passenger seat
Owned Suzuki GSX-R 1000 (owned for 10000 miles) : really fun torque, uncomfortable, plenty of torque for a passenger, ridiculous passenger seat.
Owned Honda CX650 E (owned for 15000 miles) : good torque under 60mph, comfortable, need more torque for a passenger, good comfort for the passenger.
I like spirited riding, I really like a lot of torque, I want a comfortable bike for long ride with a passenger. I really like powerfull acceleration, I dont't really care for a top speed over 120mph.
I also want hard luggage with lock, so if the bike come with it, it's a big plus.
My budget is 5k$ for a used bike.
So far the bike I like are the following :
Yamaha FZ6
Yamaha FZ1
honda cbr1100xx
honda VFR 800
Suzuki SV 1000
Honda VTR 1000
Suzuki bandit 1200
Kawasaki Z750
Yamaha FJR 1300
Honda ST1300
I know the VFR 800 would be great bike for me, the question is, would it be a great bike for me and my wife? Does the VFR 800 has enough torque to still have a fun ride with a passenger?
I'm 6'1 180 pound and my wife is 5'6 120 pound, I've been riding for the last 10 years.
How does the vfr compare to an R6 or GSX-R 1000 as far as comfort goes?
[image: View Post]Jack, on 11 April 2011 - 02:39 PM, said:
How does the vfr compare to an R6 or GSX-R 1000 as far as comfort goes?
Hi Jack,
There is no comparison between the R6 and the VFR. I had an 04 R6 (same model as your 03) before I bought the VFR. I doubt I could pay my wife to get on the back of the R6 again.
What kind of time frame are you talking about riding 2 up? Are you talking day trips or multi-day trips? For your sizes, I think the VFR has plenty of power/torque to do the job. My wife doesn't feel the VFR is all that comfy for an all day ride, but she's new to riding. And It all comes down to pillion comfort and something like the FJR or ST offer a lot more in that respect.
[image: View Post]Jack, on 11 April 2011 - 02:39 PM, said:
Hi everyone, I want to purchase a bike for me and my wife and the VFR 800 is the top choice right now, but I have a few questions.
I know the VFR 800 would be great bike for me, the question is, would it be a great bike for me and my wife? Does the VFR 800 has enough torque to still have a fun ride with a passenger?
I'm 6'1 180 pound and my wife is 5'6 120 pound, I've been riding for the last 10 years.
How does the vfr compare to an R6 or GSX-R 1000 as far as comfort goes?
Others may differ, but I don't see the VFR as a good two-up bike, though it can be done. It's 500+ pounds, 800cc, and 54 ft pounds of torque. Passenger seating is tight unless your passenger runs 105 pounds, 5'3", etc. You say you want torque, but in your place, I'd consider the Suzuki Bandit 1250. Big torque and lots of room, pretty good handling, and cheap. Can be had with some weather protection and bags.
I see you already listed the 1200 Bandit, which is fine. ST 1300 and FJR are also excellent choices, though they'll feel "big" when you're alone. ST 1300 isn't very exciting.
My wife been own mine and loves it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Were about the same size as you are .
[image: View Post]Jack, on 11 April 2011 - 02:39 PM, said:
Hi everyone, I want to purchase a bike for me and my wife and the VFR 800 is the top choice right now, but I have a few questions.
I lived in quebec Canada, so for anyone who has riden here, the quality of the road are awefull, pothole, bump, suspenssion is important
So far the bike I like are the following :
Yamaha FZ6
Yamaha FZ1
honda cbr1100xx
honda VFR 800
Suzuki SV 1000
Honda VTR 1000
Suzuki bandit 1200
Kawasaki Z750
Yamaha FJR 1300
Honda ST1300
I know the VFR 800 would be great bike for me, the question is, would it be a great bike for me and my wife? Does the VFR 800 has enough torque to still have a fun ride with a passenger?
I'm 6'1 180 pound and my wife is 5'6 120 pound, I've been riding for the last 10 years.
How does the vfr compare to an R6 or GSX-R 1000 as far as comfort goes?
I live here in Montreal and regarding suspension the VFR is fine, in spite of our horrible roads. I have toured a bit with my wife as passenger (180 + 120 lbs) and the bike is plenty strong to deal with the weight (+50 lbs of baggage). She is undisputedly the best passenger I've ever ridden with, and we could really rail the twisties, when I could convince her to come along. Make no mistake, the VFR leans toward a sport bike, and in the end she gave up on riding pillion due to comfort.
The rear seat is a high, so your passenger will definitely feel the wind. Also, without at top case (for a back rest), she'll be swaying back and forth as you accelerate and brake. If you plan to do a LOT of 2UP touring the FJR or the ST1300 would be better suited. They are big heavy bikes, fling around well (for their weight) but are really meant for longer somewhat leisurely touring.
The first two Hondas will offer the sportiest ride, with the Bandit close behind. THe others are more 'standard' ergonomics.
In the end, my wife lost what little interest she had in biking, not necessarily due to the VFR, but let's just say it didn't help prolong her participation.
If you will be 2UP less that 20% go with the sporty bike :biggrin: , over 60% go with the tourers (FJR, ST) :dry: . In between those two...go with your heart... :wub:
Good luck choosing, it is difficult due to pillion considerations.
Brian
PS, the superbike plate prices are coming down in 2012... :cheerleader:
My wife has ridden with me a few times but says it's not that comfortable for more than 2 hours. The VFR is a bit down on power for two up but since I am 275lbs and it hauls my bum around just fine i don't thing it'll notice 25 more lbs that much. Also I have had the suspension gone through to match my weight.
I'll add a +1 for a Suzuki Bandit 1250S '07-09. Great bike. If I were to need to buy a different bike that would be it. You can get Givi V35 side cases for it. And if you lust for more power they are easily modified to uncork that motor.
I own a Honda ST1300,VFR gen6, and a Triumph Sprint ST955.
You solution is the same as mine was..... "if your going your riding your own bike" cost me the VFR that Lisa now rides but it was worth it.
We take the ST1300 for longer trips "over 500 miles" and ride two up. otherwise I ride the Sprint 955 and Lisa rides the VFR.
Two bikes can pack a lot of camping gear and we have had more fun and together time with the bikes than we ever did with the kids. :blink:
Dave
I agree with some of what has been said except for those that say with two people your size the VFR's suspension is up to the task stock...no way. My suspension is stock and last fall my girlfriend and I went for a very "spirited" ride in the twisties. The group leader is a great rider and he was on his old Kawi Concours. The guy following him was on an older nighthawk and I was third in line on my 6th gen VFR. I am about 170 lbs with gear and my gf is about 120 lbs with gear, so about a 300lb payload. In downhill, tight, and decreasing radius turns the front end gave me trouble sometimes to the point of being a little scarry...when the front end starts "wallowing" in one of those downhill tight turns it doesn't make me feel good...On level ground or in uphill turns she was solid.
So my recommendation would be to get a sport tourer that is more set up for a heavier payload. My ST1300 is a dream two up...and most importantly I don't get head slaps, and she is very comfortable for the whole ride. She has never been comfortable on the VFR for anything but short rides. How would you like supporting yourself on your hands thrust forward resting against the tank to counteract braking/decelleration forces? It takes a very skilled pillion IMO to use the hand holds only on a spirited ride...
ST 1300 isn't very exciting.
[/quote]
That realy hurt my ST1300's feelings :(
I go everywhere with my g/f with LOTS of luggage as you would expect, I've done 500 miles days in the past and my VFR has been brilliant.. I do use my bike though as my everything, my car, so if it doesn't shine as a dedicated anything, but perfect as a do it all (very well) machine... it has good power and torque but you DO need to stir that gear box and get that V4 spinning on overtakes - something I enjoy doing over a lazy scooter-power up and down in one gear kinda thing yaaaaawn :D
Quote: "That realy hurt my ST1300's feelings :( "
Yeah...me too! Guess I'm just more easily excited!
How important to you is your marriage?
I have a 2000 VFR lovely bike for one person touring.
My 2000 Blackbird is a sporty two up bike that won't disappoint, cross the country with the mrs.
The St, FJR and 1400 Concourse are big heavy and although best suited to two touring .....not sporty....not my sporty.
I owned a 1200 hopped up Bandit and did lots of touring miles, great motor.....but not a Blackbird.
Teach her to ride and buy two VFR's.....that's the best idea.
Hi,
VFR is a great bike!!!
You both should have one!!!!
I found a black 08 bandit 1250 abs for 5600.00 new here in washington last month
Wife and I weigh more than you two do and with a sargent seat we'd go 400 mile days easy
Mine dynoed at 92ftlbs of torque from 3400 rpm to 7100 and made a peak hp of a 108 with a bos slip on
though mine is now a memory (totaled by a cage in a parking lot)
Just about any Suzuki dealer will let you test ride one and bring your wife too ride w/o her first then come back and get her
I had sw motech racks and factory Suzuki hard bags .
Good Luck!!!
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I agree with everyone's posts. My wife gets back on my VFR and so far no complaints with short rides. My previous FZ6 was also good for two up - both of these bikes have passenger pegs that are fairly low. I can't really say that the VFR is a torque monster like the Bandit, but then I really think that it has plenty of power. Heck, even my 600cc, R6 based engine, had plenty of power just not a lot of torque. If you push your bike with your wife I doubt she would want to be your pillon for long...8-) If you do a lot of long weekend rides with your wife the FJR is a nice compromise as well between sports and touring and is physically smaller than the ST1300 or Concours. On your budget, check out also the Triumph ST1050 - similar to the VFR just with a much more usable power band.
Hi Jack, I toured a lot long distance on a VFR 5th generation (FiW) with my wife and once for a fortnight including camping gear.
The VFR makes a great biek if it's the only bike you have and want to ride alone/sporty at times. Two-up and loaded VFR is still very good and very safe however fully laden the 800 does need the gears changed for the most rapid progress. If you don't ever want to change gear then the Pan, Blackbird or Triumph Sprint will suit more. In good condition the standard suspension is fine for most situations however the OEM rear spring needs to be set on maximum preload to obtain necessary ride height - on the 5th gen anything less than maximum or one-off maximum rear spring preload and the bike can bottom out, which is reported to be painful.
Tony
I started my wife on the back of an R6. She is 5'2" and 120lbs. I am 5'7" and 145lbs. It wasn't fun to ride two up on a sport bike so I started looking around and ended up with my 02 VFR. It was a significant improvement for both of us and the torque definitely made her additional weight invisible to the bike but in the end she ended up riding her own motorcycle. This was definitely the better solution for us.
You can 2 up on a VFR but it depends on your SO's opinion of comfort. For a nice day ride you could pull it off but for multi-day rides it really falls to her. If you are looking for a dedicated 2 up machine then I would look at what the others have all ready recommended (ST1300, FJ, Bandit, etc) and then buy yourself a fun bike for the solo trips. You can find 600cc sport bikes relatively cheap used in this economy.
Well over 10,000 miles with the wife on the back of mine. With many 8 hour days and she is just fine. Some people will never be comfy unless they are in a car with a/c and a roof over there head. As for the bikes performance, It has plenty of get up and go and us being two up we can keep up to most singles. I have to say replacing the rear shock is a BIG wish list but not nessassary to tour around,
:musik20:
You know, as a guy who weighs just over 300 lbs (and that's down from somewhere around 330), i don't know if a wholeheartedly agree with the comments regarding that much weight being too much for the VFR. Granted, it may be different when you distribute that weight over more of the bike (as you do in 2-up riding), but I've always thought the bike does just fine handling my large frame. Acceleration is more than adequate, although I will admit the low-end can leave something to be desired. And as far as suspension is concerned, mine is still 100% stock. Granted, I have nearly every adjustment maxed out, but I don't really notice a whole lot off see-sawing or anything else that would suggest it's horribly over-burdened. Then again, that may be because a) the linked brake kicks in and helps negate any excessive front end dip and b) I've ridden it this way for so long I don't know what 'right' is (not that I've ever ridden a bike with suspension set up for someone my size).
No experience with 2-up riding, though, for obvious reasons.
Mike
My wife loves riding on the VFR with me - she's good for a few hundred miles a day with the Sargent seat and the top box backrest.
If I were going to take her on a longer tour(more than a few days), I'd want something more comfortable for her. ST1300 is a consideration for sure in our retirement plans...
I will drive with the wife around 2-3 hours max and she will be on around 30% of the time.
I think the FJR and ST are out of the question because of the price.
I would really like to pay in the 4500$ range with the 3 givi cases
I'm deciding between in the FZ1 and VFR 800
[image: View Post]Axel_7, on 12 April 2011 - 08:36 AM, said:
Well over 10,000 miles with the wife on the back of mine. With many 8 hour days and she is just fine. Some people will never be comfy unless they are in a car with a/c and a roof over there head. As for the bikes performance, It has plenty of get up and go and us being two up we can keep up to most singles. I have to say replacing the rear shock is a BIG wish list but not nessassary to tour around,
:musik20:
I might have answered your way 10 years ago...Age has a funny way of changing your perspective on lots of things, especially comfort.
I answered the way I did because the OP said he owned lots of sport bikes...I was assuming his riding style fit the bikes he chose. I still believe that when riding the VFR with a stock suspension on twisty roads, two up, pushing the bike (ie. having fun!), the handling can be less than desirable in certain situations as I described. I also admit that my level of expertise may not be up to the level of the OP or others here as far as braking control...I have yet to be taught or learned how to use the rear brake when riding fast in the twisties...that's probably where my opinion is coming from more than anything? Apart from that, how many here have ridden as pillion on a VFR taking high speed corners? I wonder what we would say then...
If comfort is not a question, I would still recommend upgrading the suspension if he chooses a VFR.
P.S. I have the Sargent seat BTW
[image: View Post]Jack, on 12 April 2011 - 08:59 AM, said:
I will drive with the wife around 2-3 hours max and she will be on around 30% of the time.
I think the FJR and ST are out of the question because of the price.
I would really like to pay in the 4500$ range with the 3 givi cases
I'm deciding between in the FZ1 and VFR 800
OK Jack
There was a post in Seattle for a VTEC VFR with bags for $4200.00 just last week.
Also give consideration to the Triumph Sprint ST 955, I paid $3200 for an 2000 with low, low miles and factory hard bags.
The VFR and Sprint are about the same size. Sprint has a much quieter cockpit and the VFR is smoother.
Sprint is much stronger at lower RPM's but it's been re-mapped with K&N and two brothers pipe.
Also give consideration of your mechanical skills as you wont find an ST1300 or FJR in your price range.
Lots of ST1100's out there and have a really strong following for 2 up Sport Tour riders.
Sorry but in poor weather the 500 pound sport tours will be miserable for the passenger.
The VFR is more than capable of two up riding. However, with that in mind it is not the best choice for doing so as the VFR is a much better bike for riding solo. The best choices out of the bikes you mentioned are as follows, only my opinion though;
1. FJR...bags motor and comfort.
2. ST 1300...bags, comfort and Honda fit and finish.
3. Bandit 1200...cheap, torquey, versatile.
4. FZ 1...great motor and handling, also versatile.
5. VFR...great all around bike, versatile, does most things better than most other bikes, but short on passenger comfort compared to the FJR and the ST.
6. CBR 1100XX...limited to what you can do to make it more comfy...but great bike.
7. Z 750...With the half fairing its a good versatile starting point for people on a budget...engine is a tad buzzy though.
8. FZ 6...a tad small for two up stuff with luggage...although it can be done.
9. SV 1000...great bike but similar to the CBR 1100XX for your purpose...IMHO.
10. VTR 1000...Short on passenger accomodations and the killer is...way too small of a gas tank and a bit too thirsty for touring.
Good luck in your choice
A couple of bikes that I would add to the list are the BMW R 1100S and the BMW R 1100ST...IMHO they would have slotted in to the list above at 3 and 4.
[image: View Post]Flightar, on 12 April 2011 - 11:33 AM, said:
The VFR is more than capable of two up riding. However, with that in mind it is not the best choice for doing so as the VFR is a much better bike for riding solo. The best choices out of the bikes you mentioned are as follows, only my opinion though;
1. FJR...bags motor and comfort.
2. ST 1300...bags, comfort and Honda fit and finish.
3. Bandit 1200...cheap, torquey, versatile.
4. FZ 1...great motor and handling, also versatile.
5. VFR...great all around bike, versatile, does most things better than most other bikes, but short on passenger comfort compared to the FJR and the ST.
6. CBR 1100XX...limited to what you can do to make it more comfy...but great bike.
7. Z 750...With the half fairing its a good versatile starting point for people on a budget...engine is a tad buzzy though.
8. FZ 6...a tad small for two up stuff with luggage...although it can be done.
9. SV 1000...great bike but similar to the CBR 1100XX for your purpose...IMHO.
10. VTR 1000...Short on passenger accomodations and the killer is...way too small of a gas tank and a bit too thirsty for touring.
Good luck in your choice
A couple of bikes that I would add to the list are the BMW R 1100S and the BMW R 1100ST...IMHO they would have slotted in to the list above at 3 and 4.
I will add one serious contender, the suzuki v-strom 1000, seem like an interesting choice.
The only problems with the FJR and the ST, is when you are solo you are stuck with a FJR and or a ST.
Dont be looking for sporty bike and buying a staight on touring bike.. The VFR setup correctly will do the job great.
the R1100 s and R1100 ST are better choices but you will never get anything in that price range.
[image: View Post]Axel_7, on 12 April 2011 - 03:17 PM, said:
The only problems with the FJR and the ST, is when you are solo you are stuck with a FJR and or a ST.
Dont be looking for sporty bike and buying a staight on touring bike.. The VFR setup correctly will do the job great.
the R1100 s and R1100 ST are better choices but you will never get anything in that price range.
I agree with you there...I can't really afford the multiple bikes I have, but I'm not gonna give up my VFR, and the ST is sweet two up, so what's a guy to do? :mellow: Sooooooo, bottom line Jack, is that you need two bikes. Just tell the missus that you cleared it with us so it's OK... :laughing6-hehe:
I know this has nothing to do with your question, but........$1,000 extra for an "RR" bike. What kinda crap is that?
[image: View Post]jmundy, on 12 April 2011 - 06:49 PM, said:
I know this has nothing to do with your question, but........$1,000 extra for an "RR" bike. What kinda crap is that?
In Quebec, Canada, we have to pay a fee per year for the imatriculation plate which is 650$ for a standard bike and 1600$ for a sport bike, we also have to pay 150$ for the license per year and also the insurance.
The insurance are not that expensive, around 300$ for full coverage for a VFR 800, I'm 29 with 10 years experiance.
They consider sport bike almost anything that has full fearing and no center stand with some exception, like the VFR 800, CBR 1100xx, concours 14.....
So it's pretty expensive to ride around here since the moto season is barely 6 months
Also the gas cost 5.38$/gal for 87 octane
Another question, how does the VFR 800 handle bumpy road with bits of missing pavement? Is the suspension softer than the majority of the RR bikes?
[image: View Post]Jack, on 11 April 2011 - 02:39 PM, said:
I like spirited riding, I really like a lot of torque, I want a comfortable bike for long ride with a passenger. I really like powerful acceleration, I don't really care for a top speed over 120mph.
I also want hard luggage with lock, so if the bike come with it, it's a big plus.
My budget is 5k$ for a used bike.
Out of all of these, I have to say the Bandit 1200/1250 is the winner and a chicken dinner, given what you are looking for.
There are 15 for sale in Quebec on Kijiji
I tried a bandit 1200 today and it's good, but it just doesn't have any character, I think I'l go with a smaller engine and rev it like there's no tomorrow.
So I'm back to the VFR 800 and the FZ6
I found a VFR800 2002 with 30000 miles for 4500$ with excellent maintenance
I also found a 2004 FZ6 with 15000 miles for 3800$
Both are negociable and they do not have hard luggage :(
ER: buy her her own bike................. :fing02:
a have both the FJR and the VTEC and have found they are both bad bad bikes because you will never want to sell either!
the fjr is more on the touring side, although with a decent rear shock on this bike will shift in the twistes. dawn my better half loves it.
the vtec is a do anything bike but it does not seem to compromise, probably the best all round road bike you can buy, the grin factor is massive. dawn says the vtec is just as good for a pillion as the fjr.
buld quality is top draw on both the fjr and vtec although the vtec does have thinner paint.
you will find the fjr although a fantastic bike too expensive now, i got mine new 5 years ago and paid 8k deal! the new ones in the uk are about 14k now :angry:
kind regards
polar
[image: View Post]Jack, on 13 April 2011 - 10:33 PM, said:
I tried a bandit 1200 today and it's good, but it just doesn't have any character, I think I'l go with a smaller engine and rev it like there's no tomorrow.
So I'm back to the VFR 800 and the FZ6
I found a VFR800 2002 with 30000 miles for 4500$ with excellent maintenance
I also found a 2004 FZ6 with 15000 miles for 3800$
Both are negociable and they do not have hard luggage :(
Forget the FZ6 for 2-up and get the viffer.
Suspension on the FZ6 is not fun with 2 riders.
Move up to the FZ1 (either gen 1 or gen 2) and you have a great bike for 2-up duty.
Check out these links for FZ1 info:
http://www.fz1-forum.../cmps_index.php
http://www.yamahafz1...forum/index.php
My wife and I toured on my '02 VFR with no issues after adding a Corbin seat, but then went to a 2003 ST1300.
We found ourselves without the time to take long trips after moving south 4 years ago, so I sold the ST and bought a 2008 FZ1.
I've owned four VFRs in the past, and I love the FZ1 just as much as my beloved viffers.
End of thread · 36 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 20 Nov 2011