Talk me into a VFR....

Hello everyone.  I'm selling my modded  '08 FZ1 in a month to my brother, and I've got the itch for another bike.  I'm going on 25, but stand 6'5" and weigh around 250lbs.  I would love an R1 or 1000RR...but I physically can't fit on them comfortably (which led me to the FZ1 in the first place). I would also like to start taking longer rides with my father...perhaps visiting the surrounding states, or weekend trips.  My FZ isn't very comfortable after 2 hours.

I was looking at the KTM 990SM-R over the winter...but the nearest KTM dealer is over 2 hours from me.  No time to even go sit on one.
Now, the VFR has caught my eye.  It seems like it's everything I want...except for the price tag.  I haven't sat on one yet though (local dealer has a '10 DCT model, but it was blocked in last week)

So what do ya'll think? Lets say I can get a 2010 for about $10k shipped to me.  Would the 2012 be worth the added cost?  I don't care for TC, but the revised ECU/mapping, better seat, and the new color are a plus.

I think the knee angle will be pretty severe. Go here:

Ergos

You can compare other bikes to your fzr. Just keep adding bikes and use the mouse wheel to cyclle between them.

While I haven't ridden one, I sat on one at the motorcycle show and it felt very similar to my 5th gen.  I agree that for a man your size it would feel pretty cramped.  What about one of the bigger sport/touring bikes like a Concours or FJR?

Skip the talk.  Go for a test ride.  That's the only way you are truley going to know for sure as everyone's opinion will be different.   :fing02:

From what I have read though you definitely want the 2012 for the upgraded ECU mapping if you are going to get one.

I would say get the 2010 and if you want the better mapping get a bazzaz z-bomb, which fixes the mapping in first and second gear. You'lll just have to get used to 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6 on the gear indicator. Then you will still have the cash left to mod the vfr how ever you want for performance or fit, and still have cash left to spare.

If you want something even a little bigger then get the Concourse 14, cost the same as the 2012 vfr but comes with more standard and and has more room.

I've had both an 07 fz1 and an 08 concourse. I just got my VFR1200 a month ago and it sits kind of in the middle of both bikes. Great bike, but it does need some adjustments to fit taller or bigger guys. The concourse will need its adjustments too though. Nothing out there made for a 6'5" guy to jump on and ride right away.

[image: View Post]vanion2, on 20 March 2012 - 08:20 AM, said:

Skip the talk.  Go for a test ride.  That's the only way you are truley going to know for sure as everyone's opinion will be different.   :fing02:
So true.
Since you seem to be somewhat interested in the long distance touring comfort, you might want to try riding the ST1300. Two of my friends have ST1300s and love them. Never measured either of the guys, but I would guess both are 6'-3" or taller and in the 220 lb range.

[image: View Post]jugornot, on 20 March 2012 - 05:21 AM, said:

I think the knee angle will be pretty severe. Go here:

Ergos

You can compare other bikes to your fzr. Just keep adding bikes and use the mouse wheel to cyclle between them.

That is such an awesome tool!

Hi ATC.

I am 6'6", 210 lb. I love my VFR1200 (2010). I also a recommend a test ride, but in it's absence, here is my experience after 9 months.

My bike hasn't had any mods yet, like helibars, or lowered pegs. Obviously I'm aware that both are available, but I just haven't been compelled to get either yet despite all the great reviews.

My friends tell me that my knees are higher, but I don't notice it. It's an appearance thing (which being tall I've gotten used to being 'different'). I do many 'long' rides (500 mile days) for days at a time and I get off at the end no worse for wear.

This bike is the best compromise of sport and tourer, emphasis on sport. The thing I have noticed even with my height/size is that the bike seems perfectly balanced which makes a world of difference. The weight is not too high on the bike.

My jacket collects more bugs now from the smaller windscreen (add-ons also available), but I don't mind the wind hitting my chest, to be honest I don't really notice it. Only minor deficit I have found so far, and this is really nit-picking, is that my neck aches a little from keeping my face upright, but I have got used to it.

For what it's worth, my housemate has a Kawasaki GTR1400/Concourse. It's a big beast. While it has great power, it is most definitely a tourer; not in the Goldwing sense, but tourer nonetheless. Whenever I've ridden it, I come back wanting the nimbleness of my VFR compared to the big size of the Kwaka. When we go riding, he seems to have more pain than I do. I would agree with the comparisons of the ergo tool above (great by the way), the Kwaka is definitely a more upright ride, but I don't think that's necessarily better.

Long story short, I love my bike. I will probably replace it with another whenever that time comes. Rambled a bit, sorry. I hope it helps.

6'5" and 250lbs here and I fit on one just fine. That doesnt mean that everyone like me will fit on one. You should test ride. My needs are different than a lot of tall guys that ride this bike though. Most raise bars up and bring pegs down to fit. I lowered my bars and lay on the tank on most long rides. Its just more comfortable for me with the compressed disks in my back.

My 08 concours was ok for my height too but the higher amount of input required wore me down after a while along with the extra 100 lbs when the turns got tight and frequent.

[image: View Post]jugornot, on 20 March 2012 - 05:21 AM, said:

I think the knee angle will be pretty severe. Go here:

Ergos

You can compare other bikes to your fzr. Just keep adding bikes and use the mouse wheel to cyclle between them.

That's a neat site!  Thanks for that.  Looks like the VFR would give me a greater lean forward angle....however the knee angle is only 3* difference.  My knees/legs don't bother me on my FZ1...just my butt and hands going to sleep.  Both would be easy fixes, but I was more interested in go-fast parts instead of comfort parts :rolleyes:

[image: View Post]Earthshake, on 20 March 2012 - 06:18 AM, said:

While I haven't ridden one, I sat on one at the motorcycle show and it felt very similar to my 5th gen.  I agree that for a man your size it would feel pretty cramped.  What about one of the bigger sport/touring bikes like a Concours or FJR?

To tell you the truth, I am much more interested in the "sport" side of riding.  The VFR is as far as I would want to go into the "touring" category.  I'm only 24....I don't want to get an "old mans bike" so soon! :laughing6-hehe:

[image: View Post]vanion2, on 20 March 2012 - 08:20 AM, said:

Skip the talk.  Go for a test ride.  That's the only way you are truley going to know for sure as everyone's opinion will be different.   :fing02:

From what I have read though you definitely want the 2012 for the upgraded ECU mapping if you are going to get one.


I would love to ride one.  Our dealer has a DCT model (leftover demo w/ 300-some miles)....which I am in no way, shape, or form interested in.  It would give me the feel of the seat/bar position...but no way to get a feel for the 6-spd.

I like the 1200VFR for me anyway it's about the balance, Great breaking, love the sound of the mighty V4, I'm comfotable with the stock ridding position but I'm 5'8.5" thick bodied ok I'm fat and 55.[image: Posted Image]

"I would love to ride one. Our dealer has a DCT model (leftover demo w/ 300-some miles)....which I am in no way, shape, or form interested in. It would give me the feel of the seat/bar position...but no way to get a feel for the 6-spd."

That is true - you would get to experience paddle shifting this rocket ship through the gears without ever letting off the throttle even for a millisecond, which is no way to get a feel for the 6-spd. Just sayin'... :smile:

ATC-

I bought mine sight unseen and after taking it 3 miles reached this decision: Best bike for me, the end.

I'm 6'1" and fat, very long of arm and leg, stock ergos are great.

Like everyone says, ride one. While there are a lot of machines with 2 wheels and an engine, there is truly nothing like the 1200. Not to mention, with the new 2010's still available, it's a steal. I stole mine. :-D