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Need your Feedback, should I get a new VFR?


66Flash

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Hi All,

 

I have been toying with the idea of buying a new 2014 VFR...  

 

I currently own 2 other bikes, a 2006 Harley Street Rod (V-Rod that sits like a standard rather than a cruzer) and my 2013 KTM RC8R.  With two awesome bikes already, my wife thinks I'm crazy for looking at getting a third... and I somewhat agree.  The problem is that the Harley is great in town and good on the back roads and twisties, it sucks doing any real distance on the freeway.  At 80MPH it wants to rip you off the bike.  The KTM is AWESOME on the freeway, back roads and twisties... but get stuck in town or a long set of super tight corners and it is painful... the bike is so high strung at low speeds that without constant perfect throttle control it puts a lot of stress on ones hands, neck and shoulders.  This leaves me with two bikes that are perfect for specific activities, but aren't very good when you want to do both freeway and in town on one trip.  This brings me to the VFR... I have been looking for an easy to ride, but really fun bike for the last month.  I was originally looking at some of the more relaxed sport bikes, the Honda and Ninja 650s... I also looked at the KTM RC 390 for a while, and the Triumph 675 (just because I love triumphs and want to get another someday).  Then as i was searching for a Honda CBR650F on a dealer's site... I came across the VFR... on sale for $6500.00 NEW.  So I have been reading, and watching reviews on the bike and it seams that most agree it is a great do everything (on-road) bike.  Some of the negatives were in regards to the lack of power... but if I need that kind of thrill, I can just play with one of my other toys.  The other was that the position on the bike was quite forward like a sport bike... Looking at how high the clipons are it has to be better than what I'm used to, and I have done 600 miles on the KTM in a day.  But some questions that I haven't really seen an answer to are...

 

1. Is this a bike that people generally do distance rides with?  I live in the flattest, most boring place to ride... to find a good twisty road I must travel at least 1.5 hours first.  I have thoughts of riding out to the Rockies and earn my iron butt... anyone done that kind of distance?

2. How is the pillion?  My daughter likes to ride with me and I would like it to be at least rather comfortable.

3. Are there any big watch outs with this bike?  Common issues?

4. Anyone know why the are selling so cheap?

5. Would you get one if you had the means, or is my wife right and I should stick with the two bike I have?

 

 

Thanks so much,

66Flash

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I take it you are referring to what we call the 8th gen, 014 version?     From that if you can, I'd take it for a spin see how it feels for you,  no telling if you'll like it or not.  Yea Honda has dropped the price on the 014 quiet a bit from the original sticker shock price.  hard to go wrong though it is a do most everything really well,  but again,  it's your Butt.  If interested, you might look for a used 5th gen, 98-01

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1. Yes.

2. Maybe. My wife was OK with the seat on my 5th gen.

3. Dunno.

4. Not the latest gixxer, cbr, crossplane crank race replica.

5. The only reason I am thinking of reducing from 3 bikes is the maintenance,

and fact I can only ride 1 bike at a time. And maybe to free up space for something newer. OK, 3 reasons.

 

If you buy it, maybe one of the others will ask to be traded to a more active rider after a while. YMMV.

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Yes, I am referring to the 8th Gen (2014 or 2015)... I hope to get out to ride one, but the ones that are priced right are 2 hrs away... I'm trying to get as much info before I ride as I can, if I ride it and like it I want to be ready to buy it.  I forgot to mention that I'm 6'2" and 'bout 200 lbs.  As for the 5th gen, I'm really just interested in the 8th gen.

 

After doing more reading on the forums, it looks like others are doing some good distance rides on the 8th gen bikes.

 

Thanks,

Steve

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15 minutes ago, 66Flash said:

 I forgot to mention that I'm 6'2" and 'bout 200 lbs.

 

Guessing you will fit OK. I reference the 5th gen cuz that's what I have.

The 8th gen looks fairly similar to me, but I guess I should see one in person. :wink:

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The VFR is a great bike, and a great one-bike solution, but I think the previous poster hit it dead on. It may be too close to your other bikes to be much of a difference. You can do long rides on them, but it depends on how it fits you. Try looking at the Versys and V-Stroms as they will be more comfy especially two-up on a long trip - they make both 650 and 1000's of each. 

 

OR............

 

Sell all your bikes and get the 1290 Super Duke GT - I rode one and it's like the seating position of a V-Strom with the power of my VFR1200 (175 hp) and side bags, cornering ABS, wheelie control, etc....(did a 3rd gear wheelie on the test ride - WOW!) the only downsides are the $22K price and it's not a good looking bike.....but it would be a killer one bike solouton - I was laughing out loud inside my helmet the whole test ride!

 

I hope you find something that works for you!

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You don't really need 3 bikes but if you can then why not. You can always sell one later at a good price and no rush. The vfr is a great all rounder, sporty with no luggage, tourer with luggage. I have the top box with back rest which makes it comfy for my daughter when she comes. Your price is a bargain but if u can get the Honda luggage they are brilliant. I'm 65 and recently did 1000 kms over 2 days and found riding position ok but I have some bar risers if I decide to use them. Your taller than me so your legs may be a bit squashed up. It's a beautifully made good looking all rounder bike for city and country. Just what I needed. Good luck.

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49 minutes ago, RC1237V said:

It may be too close to your other bikes to be much of a difference.

I might not have been clear, I love my bikes and would like something like them.  I'm really hoping for something that will be fun in the corners, easy to ride in town, and protect me from the wind on the freeway.  By accomplishing these things, I will have a bike that I can travel on... and maybe replace the Harley if it works out well. 

 

1 hour ago, Tiutis said:

Id look into versys 650 based on your size

Is the VFR a small bike?  If it is any smaller than my old GSX-R600 that could be a concern. 

 

58 minutes ago, RC1237V said:

more comfy especially two-up on a long trip

Sorry, should have been more clear... My daughter and I go for 20 mile rides to get ice cream. She is 9 years old and I wouldn't take her on a distance trip... I wouldn't take anyone on a distance trip, they need to get their own bike for that.

 

1 hour ago, RC1237V said:

did a 3rd gear wheelie on the test ride - WOW!

Sounds like my RC8R, I'm not looking for another bike with that kind of power... it is more than I will ever be able to use.  That torque actually gets scary with a twitching throttle while leaned in to a corner.  One thing I would like from the next bike I get is to help get me comfortable again by being easier to ride... I had a bad "get off" on the track 7 years ago... got out of bikes completely for 5 years then slowly got back into it with the Harley, and wanted more... got the RC8R which was too much more, I haven't laid it down, but have had a scary moment or two last year.  Unfortunately I love every inch of that bike, so I can't get rid of it.  looking at it moves my soul.

 

Thank you much for your responses, they are giving me good things to think about.

--Steve

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39 minutes ago, Pjcliffo said:

Your taller than me so your legs may be a bit squashed up

I'll really need to try this out, thanks.

 

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Hi 66Flash.

ONLY a good test ride is going to answer all your questions. However what I can say is that the 2014 onwards VFR is a much refined machine from the previous model, frying stators and regulator/rectifiers seem to be a thing of the past. Reliability, looks and build quality are all great with this bike, it's an excellent all rounder. There is a wealth of info on this forum you can wade through.

BUT it needs to be a good fit for you and your pillion - TEST RIDE.

Good Luck.

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1. Yes. I've done 500 mile days.

2. My girlfriend's limit on it is about 3 hours.

3. None that I know of yet.

4. They didn't sell well so there are lots of leftovers.

5. That's really up to your situation.

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I thought I would chime in since we might be about the same build. I am 6'1" and 220lbs. I've owned a 5th gen (99), 6th gen (07), and now a 7th gen 1200 (2010). There is no comparing the 7 gen to the other 800's, it's just a completely different animal. The 6th gen is going to be very similar to the 8th gen since it is the same frame and engine. There has been some computer enhancements for fueling and VTEC engagement, but it sould still be very similar.

 

My 6th gen was a competent bike in every way. It was a jack of all trades and master of none. I have back & knee issues, but I only had lowered pegs on my '07 and I was comfortable for longer rides, say 300 miles or more. Commuting and joy riding were easily accomplished. If I had never owned my '99 5th gen I may have even loved that bike. But the in my opinion, compared to the 5th gen the 6th gen was uninspired. Everything about the 6th gen is better, except the visceral feeling of that motor.

 

I have not heard a bad thing yet about the 8th gen, only what many of us who are passionate about the VFR line wish it would have had. If it is anything like the previous generations, passenger comfort for such a short distance will be great. The bike is a little heavy, but once moving it is not an issue. If you are used to the Street Rod though, it will not be an issue. At the price you mentioned, I would not hesitate to drive the 2 hours and test ride it as a final straw before making up my mind. 

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11 hours ago, lazyeye said:

1. Yes. I've done 500 mile days.

2. My girlfriend's limit on it is about 3 hours.

3. None that I know of yet.

4. They didn't sell well so there are lots of leftovers.

5. That's really up to your situation.

Thank you, This is what I was looking for... All of the dealers around me (4 different dealers) have a 3/31 date on the sale.  Is anyone aware of a specific dealer kick back that ends on that date?

 

1 hour ago, marriedman said:

I have back & knee issues

I have severe back issues, my dr. constantly tells me that I need surgery... but I'm not ready for that yet.  The funny thing is when my back is bad, I'm only comfortable on a sport bike... having my knees up high with my feet under me, with my back in a forward lean position is my comfortable position.  With my legs out and my back curved, like in my Vette is where I'm in the most pain.  I can't even ride my Harley on days where my back is acting up, which is why I can only do 250 - 300 miles a day on it yet I have done 500+ twice on the KTM.

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That's me exactly! A cruiser position is especially painful even now after I've lost 100lbs. I'll eventually need back surgery, but just doing that weight bought me at least another 10 years.

Sent from my phone. Please forgive brevity and spelling.

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Since nobody has mentioned it yet, I guess I will....Standard or Deluxe.  I'm guessing that one for $6500 is a Standard and not a Deluxe.  If it actually is a Deluxe, BUY IT NOW!!! as that would be the cheapest price ever seen.  If it's a standard, you better think long and hard about what you don't get on the standard.  There are some that are happy with their standard, but probably more that regret getting it instead of the Deluxe.

In case you don't know, here is what the Deluxe has that the Standard does not:

- ABS/Traction Control.

- Centerstand.

- Preload/rebound adjustment on forks (standard has zero adjustment).

- Remote preload adjustment for rear shock.

- Heated grips.

- Self cancelling turn signals that actually work pretty well.

Obviously, I highly recommend the Deluxe...for me, the ABS alone is worth it.

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I'm 6'3 and 225lbs and I've made 500 mile days on my '03 VFR with no real issues with stock bars and pegs because I like the sportier look of it. But I'm also 25 years old. Never had a rider for long distance though so I can't answer that question. But I love every other aspect of it. It's no drag bike by any means but still plenty of power and great on the twisties with some getting used to the vtech sweet spot and shifting accordingly.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

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54 minutes ago, DriverDave said:

Since nobody has mentioned it yet, I guess I will....Standard or Deluxe.  I'm guessing that one for $6500 is a Standard and not a Deluxe.  If it actually is a Deluxe, BUY IT NOW!!! as that would be the cheapest price ever seen.  If it's a standard, you better think long and hard about what you don't get on the standard.  There are some that are happy with their standard, but probably more that regret getting it instead of the Deluxe.

In case you don't know, here is what the Deluxe has that the Standard does not:

- ABS/Traction Control.

- Centerstand.

- Preload/rebound adjustment on forks (standard has zero adjustment).

- Remote preload adjustment for rear shock.

- Heated grips.

- Self cancelling turn signals that actually work pretty well.

Obviously, I highly recommend the Deluxe...for me, the ABS alone is worth it.

 

The Deluxe offers a lot and I'm glad I spent the money.

 

But I would argue about how well the self-cancelling turn signals work.

 

They seem about as well thought-out as the Traction Control.  :unsure:

 

But yeah, the ABS alone is totally worth it.

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21 hours ago, 66Flash said:

 

Is the VFR a small bike?  If it is any smaller than my old GSX-R600 that could be a concern. 

 

--Steve

No, VFR is bigger and roomier but still on a sport side. I just think a bike like Versyss/Strom is a better option for around town and relaxed touring. What VFR excels at is corners and sweepers but if you live in flatlands, you would missing out by getting a VFR. But if it's a Deluxe, buy it anyways:)

I bought my bike in NE and rode back to CO thinking I would never own a VFR in NE or live for there that matter. Wrong bike for wrong purposes.

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Should you get a new VFR?  The answer is yes!  How can I be so sure you ask?  The fact you're even here and asking the question tells me you're obviously already smitten!   Here's some 8th gen porn (both professional and amateur) to get you by until you can get your own - LOL

 

 

 

 

 

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On 3/27/2017 at 6:38 PM, Tiutis said:

What VFR excels at is corners and sweepers

This is the main thing I like on a bike... Well the track as well (but my wife wont let me do it anymore)... but I need to travel through the flatlands to get there.  

 

2 minutes ago, GatorGreg said:

you're obviously already smitten!

I love the look of them... the red ones are especially sexy.

 

 

I had an opportunity to take a quick ride on a VFR today and decided its not for me.  I also had a chance to sit on the Ninja 1000, and a used Strom 1000... they were much worse.  I think I need to go back to looking a the 600 supersports.

 

I really appreciate the feedback, messages and support. Thanks so much for the help,

66Flash

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35 minutes ago, 66Flash said:

This is the main thing I like on a bike... Well the track as well (but my wife wont let me do it anymore)... but I need to travel through the flatlands to get there.  

 

I love the look of them... the red ones are especially sexy.

 

 

I had an opportunity to take a quick ride on a VFR today and decided its not for me.  I also had a chance to sit on the Ninja 1000, and a used Strom 1000... they were much worse.  I think I need to go back to looking a the 600 supersports.

 

I really appreciate the feedback, messages and support. Thanks so much for the help,

66Flash

 

Back to looking at 600 supersports?  I'm confused - don't get me wrong - I love me some 600 Supersport, but based on the first two of your five questions in your original post I would think the 600 supersports would be the last type of bike you would be looking at.  It almost pains me to say this, but you might want to wait for the new Ducati Supersport to arrive - supposed to be out any day now.  It looks quite a bit like the VFR but is significantly lighter than the VFR and is supposed to have a more upright riding position than the VFR.  There's an entire thread on this forum devoted to it if you haven't already seen it.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Just out of curiosity, what didn't you like about it?

 

...and a little reminder that the VFR works well for touring...myself and Tiutis on a 2 day romp around Colorado.

 

IMG_20160724_083323520_HDR - Copy.jpg

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Now look at that,  a VFR and an Interceptor in the same photo,  I've heard they are hard to catch together.

 

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13 minutes ago, RVFR said:

Now look at that,  a VFR and an Interceptor in the same photo,  I've heard they are hard to catch together.

 

 

Mine must be their love child ?

 

IMG_1230.JPG

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