First impressions at the showroom

Although the 7th-gen has of course been out for some time now, this weekend is the first time I had given it a real close look. This is primarily due to my "home dealer" typically never having any in stock. Took a drive about 20 minutes from here and was in luck.

I've been looking to get back into riding, after the last 5 years or so without a bike (when I sold my sweet '79 KZ1000). Will do primarily local stuff: commuting some, local boppin' around, some day rides. Having the ability for longer rides is a plus, but not a primary use. Have been looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and the Yamaha FZ1 very closely, with a few more being considered on the short-list.

All that being said, I was very, very impressed after looking at the VFR. I know the looks of the bike are a polarizing issue, but I love it, and have since the first photos appeared right around the original introduction. The whole bike just has an air of quality about it which I enjoy. The fit for me was excellent. I wish the center-stand came as standard equipment, but at least one can be installed. The fuel range "issue" is not a problem for me, considering I won't really be looking to high-mileage days, plus by 150 miles I definitely have been ready to stop and stretch my legs anyway (i.e. at a gas station...).

I'm not 100% decided yet (there are a couple of others I'll take a look at), plus buy-time is not quite here, but I can say this is the first bike where I've left the dealership thinking "that bike is the ONE!".

The fact that some dealers are offering discounts certainly helps for me, as obviously this is a premium-priced bike.

If all goes right, I'm really looking forward to first bringing a VFR home to my garage, but then hitting the road on it!

[image: View Post]aks801, on 01 May 2011 - 09:32 PM, said:

Although the 7th-gen has of course been out for some time now, this weekend is the first time I had given it a real close look. This is primarily due to my "home dealer" typically never having any in stock. Took a drive about 20 minutes from here and was in luck.

I've been looking to get back into riding, after the last 5 years or so without a bike (when I sold my sweet '79 KZ1000). Will do primarily local stuff: commuting some, local boppin' around, some day rides. Having the ability for longer rides is a plus, but not a primary use. Have been looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and the Yamaha FZ1 very closely, with a few more being considered on the short-list.

All that being said, I was very, very impressed after looking at the VFR. I know the looks of the bike are a polarizing issue, but I love it, and have since the first photos appeared right around the original introduction. The whole bike just has an air of quality about it which I enjoy. The fit for me was excellent. I wish the center-stand came as standard equipment, but at least one can be installed. The fuel range "issue" is not a problem for me, considering I won't really be looking to high-mileage days, plus by 150 miles I definitely have been ready to stop and stretch my legs anyway (i.e. at a gas station...).

I'm not 100% decided yet (there are a couple of others I'll take a look at), plus buy-time is not quite here, but I can say this is the first bike where I've left the dealership thinking "that bike is the ONE!".

The fact that some dealers are offering discounts certainly helps for me, as obviously this is a premium-priced bike.

If all goes right, I'm really looking forward to first bringing a VFR home to my garage, but then hitting the road on it!


I got to take a demo out for only about 10 miles. I loved it. I thought it had great power and the brakes are awesome. But others on here who are use to riding litre bikes say its has no power in first and second gear compared to other litre bikes. They also state that that beautiful paint is not very good. Make sure its what you want before you drop that much coin.

[image: View Post]Coastie, on 01 May 2011 - 09:57 PM, said:

I got to take a demo out for only about 10 miles. I loved it. I thought it had great power and the brakes are awesome. But others on here who are use to riding litre bikes say its has no power in first and second gear compared to other litre bikes. They also state that that beautiful paint is not very good. Make sure its what you want before you drop that much coin.


I hear you. BUT.... I feel no need to compare it with other litre bikes in terms of power, I'm sure it has plenty. Have heard of the soft paint issue. In fact, the bike on the showroom floor had a pretty fair number of tiny scratches on the front of the tank, when I don't typically notice that on showroom bikes. Will add a tank protector.

This dealer does offer demo rides on the DCT bike. I don't want the DCT, but wouldn't mind getting out on one just to get a feel for the bike as a whole. You are correct that, discounts or not, it will be a lot of coin.

Just curious, have you moved on from lusting over a 6th generation?

[image: View Post]motormike, on 02 May 2011 - 09:07 AM, said:

Just curious, have you moved on from lusting over a 6th generation?


Hey, I ran across that thread myself!

I do still love those RWB bikes, but the last time I sat on a 6th-gen it felt just a little too cramped. 7th-gen feels just a touch roomier.

[image: View Post]aks801, on 02 May 2011 - 10:54 AM, said:

[image: View Post]motormike, on 02 May 2011 - 09:07 AM, said:

Just curious, have you moved on from lusting over a 6th generation?


Hey, I ran across that thread myself!

I do still love those RWB bikes, but the last time I sat on a 6th-gen it felt just a little too cramped. 7th-gen feels just a touch roomier.


Here is a side by side for you.

http://www.vfrdiscus...719#entry768719

they are awful purty in the showroom
[image: Posted Image]

When I bought my 1200F last year, some people called her beautifully ugly. I had nothing nice to say to them in response.
This year at the same location, people are stepping over other people to compliment her looks and I have nice things to say in response to them.
I love my VFR1200F even if she is retarded a bit in 1st & 2nd gears but, she was not designed to be an interstellar, light speed starship like my Blackbird was and I don't ride her like I rode my Blackbird, she was designed for civilized fun and I have a lot of civilized fun with her.

[image: View Post]fasterspider, on 03 May 2011 - 05:37 PM, said:

When I bought my 1200F last year, some people called her beautifully ugly. I had nothing nice to say to them in response.
This year at the same location, people are stepping over other people to compliment her looks and I have nice things to say in response to them.
I love my VFR1200F even if she is retarded a bit in 1st & 2nd gears but, she was not designed to be an interstellar, light speed starship like my Blackbird was and I don't ride her like I rode my Blackbird, she was designed for civilized fun and I have a lot of civilized fun with her.


Nicely stated, Fasterspider.

[image: View Post]rubbersidedown, on 03 May 2011 - 11:43 PM, said:

Nicely stated, Fasterspider.


Giggity

[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 04 May 2011 - 12:51 AM, said:

[image: View Post]rubbersidedown, on 03 May 2011 - 11:43 PM, said:

Nicely stated, Fasterspider.


Giggity

I'd swear it was Maroni who was deported to Sweden for being a fargain icehole and said he was not from there but, it is possible that bird in your avatar bird was deported and claimed he was not from Maryland.


rubbersidedown, I do appreciate the compliment for my last statement, it took a lot of thought for me to word it like that because I am usually a rude, crude SOB.

Giggity giggity goo.