The great VFR expirement is over. I traded it for a DL1000, and I'm much happier now. The VFR was a great bike, but I put less than 1500 miles on it in the year I had it, and never really looked forward to riding like I do with the DL. It's been fun guys! Hugely different bikes, and this one fits my riding style much better.
whodat
Great bike - was the 650 not enough? Seems most people opt for that one.
Nice bike...did you get a new one? Post up a photo?
Great choice. if I ever go for a V-Strom, the 1000 it is!!! There is no substitute for CC's...
Rode the granddaddy of that engine (the TL1000) in '97. What a beast! Fan Tas Tic (but went for the VFR750 instead....)
The bike I had (and crashed) just before the VFR was a DL650. Loved it, after the fact. It was low power, handled pretty poorly, and did nothing outstandingly well. However, it did everything adequately, never complained, and never broke, and I could cane the thing as hard as I wanted and never break the speed limit. I got the DL1K this time because it was available and a good deal. Traded straight across for a 2005 with 53,000 miles. The 1000 is definitely even less refined, and feels a lot like a 450lb dirt bike compared to the VFR. Makes me grin everytime I ride it though! 50ft/lbs of tq by 3Krpm, 60+ from 4K till 8K makes this easy to ride. I'll take some 'glamour' shots later today, but honestly it's an ugly motorcycle. Not as bad as a KTM, but still has a remarkable 'seagull flew into a window' look.
Never had the opportunity to ride an DL but I've seen a lot of them around. I feel the same way you do every time I step off of my VFR or my Duc, but different reasons for each. But when I was in my teens, my XL125 was the funnest bike I rode, even amongst the CB650, V45 Magna and the 750 Shadow we owned. She finally gave up the ghost and that's when I bought my 95 900SS.
Cheers, enjoy your new ride!
I heard DL1000s blow up in a blazing ball of glory! Just kiddin - I'm the guy that traded bikes with whodat90.
It seems to be working out well for both of us. It seems we both were looking for a change and both bikes better fit our needs (or at least our wants!). They're definitely very different rides, but each have their own high points. I definitely miss the comfort of the DL, but continue to be amazed at what a refined bike the VFR is. I definitely appreciate the knowledge in this forum and appreciate how well whodat90 took care of his VFR.
I test rode the TL1000 when it 1st came out & thought then that the motor was awesome, huge amounts of usable grunt. When I was looking into getting a new bike, was disappointed that they had dropped the 1000cc motor from the SV's line up. Glad to see the motor still lives on in the S'trom's. Most of the guys I know that ride the DL's (& there are a few) opt for road tyres. Good luck with the new bike.
Welcome Aboard HCorn...all the best to you Whodat.
I test rode the TL1000, Triumph Daytona, and Buell White Lightning... ended up with the 101hp buell. It was a fun second bike for a few years, but just a total hooligan. I was getting in too much trouble, so I sold it. I should have bought the TL.