Steering / Handling

Was able to give it another run tonight..and yes it was tire pressure it was down to 26-27 and pumped both ends up to 36
Now it's the complete opposite,, I didn't want to get off the bike.. Slow manuevers,, fast manuevers,, very slow almost dead stop u-turns,, etc....... Bike did it all without a hitch... I could imagine with mew tires and the suspenders set up to my weight...Ahhh the possibilities
*Bike does not feel like 600#
Very stable on the highway even with turbulence from rigs nor crosswinds did not budge it
I see this can be a great long distance runner and still satisfy if there's some twisted stuff on the way

Now the complaints:
I had to give it back.....
I couldn't clutch it up in 2nd (not important, but if anyone has a tip..... Please) I'm not an expert but it's nice to do once in a while
And the reach to the bars was just a bit too much, but I believe there is a cure? Heli bar risers?

Thanks for all your inputs... Now I really have to decide

Glad you were able to sort it out.  Sounds like your friend needs to pay much more attention to his bike(s). :happy:

Ergos is a personal thing.  Yes, the common fixes (helibars, seats, lowering pegs, etc.) are available but they are just tweaks and won't turn the VFR1200 into a GoldWing.  Not that you'd want to anyway.  Point is, the bike needs to be very close to fitting your expectation in stock form.  Last thing you want to do is to start with an agonizing ride and expect to be able to farkle it into submission.  You will be setting yourself up for disappointment.

As much as it sounds like the VFR is tickling your fancy, I would suggestion testing riding a few other ST's for comparison, if you haven't done so already.  K1300S is the closest competitor.  C14/FJR/RT/etc. are worth a try.  Maybe even the adv tourers, which are popular for a reason.  Also, do some research on how you want to set up the VFR1200 - saddlebags, top cases, screens, etc.  Honda OEM accessories aren't all cheap and unlike the more traditional ST's that come stock with luggage, VFR is all a la carte.  You need to factor their cost into your finance equation.

VFR1200 is not for every ST rider.  For those of us who do like it, though, few others offer its particular blend of sport and touring.  The Viffer is literally in a class of its own.

Glad you were able to sort it out.  Sounds like your friend needs to pay much more attention to his bike(s). :happy:
 
Ergos is a personal thing.  Yes, the common fixes (helibars, seats, lowering pegs, etc.) are available but they are just tweaks and won't turn the VFR1200 into a GoldWing.  Not that you'd want to anyway.  Point is, the bike needs to be very close to fitting your expectation in stock form.  Last thing you want to do is to start with an agonizing ride and expect to be able to farkle it into submission.  You will be setting yourself up for disappointment.
 
As much as it sounds like the VFR is tickling your fancy, I would suggestion testing riding a few other ST's for comparison, if you haven't done so already.  K1300S is the closest competitor.  C14/FJR/RT/etc. are worth a try.  Maybe even the adv tourers, which are popular for a reason.  Also, do some research on how you want to set up the VFR1200 - saddlebags, top cases, screens, etc.  Honda OEM accessories aren't all cheap and unlike the more traditional ST's that come stock with luggage, VFR is all a la carte.  You need to factor their cost into your finance equation.
 
VFR1200 is not for every ST rider.  For those of us who do like it, though, few others offer its particular blend of sport and touring.  The Viffer is literally in a class of its own.

Yeah kind of told him..
Yes I've considered other ST's .. Being the K bike was the one I was looking at first.. It didn't appeal to me and that had even a further reach.. And that front suspension just didn't click with me
I understand that if the bike isn't close to being comfy straight from the box.. Farklizing will not do much ... Point and case with my Diavel
As for the other ST's and adv tourers they were just way to upright , and some what sits similar to the diavel And seemed boring, so I guess I'm looking for a more comfortable sports bike that can do some extended duties.... Honestly I don't know what I'm looking for, I tried to get away from the sports bike with the diavel... But the way the pegs are.. Are just way to forward and I believe is a contributor to my back aches.. Don't want to find out $700 later that the rear sets don't help

Tyre pressures, or maybe Bridgestone tyre's, one of the strong points of the VFR1200, is the front end, turns in brilliant for a heavy bike, with plenty of feel, and the brakes are the best, awesome. :smile:   

Known exactly what you mean about the Diavel.  I test rode one when Ducati and CycleWorld hosted an invitation-only Diavel test ride last year at the Sugarland airport.  I like the bike in general and thought that was exactly what Yamaha should've done with the VMax II, instead of the 700 lbs 1700cc monstrosity they came up with.  Only thing I don't like about the Diavel is the ergos.  It is actually reasonably comfortable, but it basically locks you into one position only.  Sportbikes may be punishing on arms and the upper body, but there is usually plenty of room to move you rear end around.  The upright posture also made it difficult to enjoy the Diavel's power.  I had to lean forward more than what feels natural with the handlebars.  I actually enjoy test riding the Monster 1100 EVO much more.

I also agree with your assessment on the K1300S.  Plus I've had my fill of inline4's.

Sometimes, it's not so much about what you want or like, but what you DON'T want or like.  Sounds like you know a lot more than you think.  :laugh:

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Known exactly what you mean about the Diavel.  I test rode one when Ducati and CycleWorld hosted an invitation-only Diavel test ride last year at the Sugarland airport.  I like the bike in general and thought that was exactly what Yamaha should've done with the VMax II, instead of the 700 lbs 1700cc monstrosity they came up with.  Only thing I don't like about the Diavel is the ergos.  It is actually reasonably comfortable, but it basically locks you into one position only.  Sportbikes may be punishing on arms and the upper body, but there is usually plenty of room to move you rear end around.  The upright posture also made it difficult to enjoy the Diavel's power.  I had to lean forward more than what feels natural with the handlebars.  I actually enjoy test riding the Monster 1100 EVO much more.
 
I also agree with your assessment on the K1300S.  Plus I've had my fill of inline4's.
 
Sometimes, it's not so much about what you want or like, but what you DON'T want or like.  Sounds like you know a lot more than you think.  :laugh:
 
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Same here liked the bike in general, actually there is a lot to like about that bike,, it will basically do most what a sport bike can do at will
And sound like the god of thunder while at it
Unfortunately the bike doesn't really absorb road irregularity well.. mainly floats over them, so it is a jarring ride at times.. even with the softest suspension settings
I got it to where it's not taking the back pain to the next level,, but will be going through pegs faster than pain killers
I have alot of past injuries to my vertabrae so the concern for my frame is always there And growing with every mile..... So I need to do something to take that load off my mind, but to invest well into $3500-$4000 for modifications/ upgrades is IMO is a waste of money ttomget a bike to agree with you..Again the diavel is a great bike, just not for me.... I think I need to brush up on my test ride evaluations before I purchase
I think a good replacement ( confirmed last night) is the vfr,, has the same amount of tech as the Ducati .....Just can't wheelie the vfr

Wait, what?

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