trmoyer Posted November 11, 2021 Share Posted November 11, 2021 For us, it’s that time of the year and our riding season has ended. When I bought the VFR I didn’t really know how things were going to work out as the previous fall (Sept 18’) we’d been involved in a really bad accident. This was our “get back on and see if the wife will be comfy riding again” bike. Three seasons in, nearly 11k miles and things have gone very well! I didn’t have intentions to keep the VFR long term and if things went well with my wife we’d jump back up to a Gen 2 Busa (we’ve had 2 in the past) or maybe another GSA (had a new one in 2015 & loved it). But my dilemma is do I sell the VFR and reinvest the money into a new bike or keep the old gal which would narrow the purchase options for a new bike. New bike prices are climbing and it seems buying well under MSRP like in the past isn’t an option in my area. Used prices on what we’d like to move up to are high. To sell or not to sell, that is the question. I know I know, only we can make this decision…… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer bmart Posted November 11, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 11, 2021 Never give up. Never surrender. 🙂 Keep it and enjoy it until you don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Wald Posted November 12, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 12, 2021 The bike looks appetizing! I am on the verge to look for one, do not give me any bad ideas by putting it up for sale! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer St. Stephen Posted November 12, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 12, 2021 6 hours ago, bmart said: Never give up. Never surrender. 🙂 "By Grabthar's hammer, you shall be avenged." Obscure reference but this movie is on my top 10. Sorry for the digression. trmoyer, if I lived near you, I'd make an offer immediately! But, since I do not, my advice is to hang onto that VFR, which is working for you and your spouse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer FromMaine Posted November 12, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 12, 2021 A Busa, a GSA, and a VFR is a very wide and tall Motorcycle triangle. Obviously each brought a different aspect to your biking enjoyment. Its corny, but what I have done in the past is just close my eyes and think about what I have enjoyed about my bikes. It may take weeks, but eventually an answer will become self evident. Look at what you value by riding. Another thing to consider is cost of ownership, it may not be a deal breaker for you, but with a family and 9 motorcycles I have to factor that in. Cost, I have paid between $250 - $2200 for my 83 VF750F 2, 85 V1000R's ,85 VF11000S, 86 VFR750, 90VFR750, and 97 VFR750. My 90 and 97 accounted for the top price, the rest half or quarter of that, so no monthly payment or interest. Insurance, my 97 in 2021 with full collision coverage, $100 deductible, full towing, full trip interruption @$250 a day and $5000 medical and a few other things was $127 for 12 months, and I had points on my license. Consumables, have to have special tires or mounting? I can get a pair of S-22 radials for $180 delivered to my door and mount them myself. I know guys who are dropping $500-$600 plus mounting on theirs. Registration/ Excise tax if you have it. About $75-$85 a year on anything but my AT. I don't fret every penny, but look at the big picture, if my VFR's are delivering what I need at a family friendly price and putting a smile on my face, well that's it then. You look to have a great example VFR, I would give it a think before letting it go. Full disclosure, I have certainly made some bad choices. In 1976 I bought a CB400F' put 41K in 2 years on it as I did not have a car. It was a back breaker, trips to New Orleans, Key West,, North Carolina and the Gaspe in Quebec cured me for life. in 2018 I bought a 2016 Africa Twin. I really wanted the original 700 which was not sold in the US. despite working on ships in Europe for 20 years and having space in the ships hold if I did find one there. In the end I bought a 2016 CRL1000, at 5'7"145lbs. I should have known better. Tall, heavy up top and with a 4.8 Gallon gas tank I could easily outride, and finding myself at a stop light having to tip from my left foot to my right so I did not tip over I admitted I had made a mistake. In the end, I found every time I threw a dart at the motorcycle dart board and hit V4 Honda I was happy. Just my humble opinion. Good luck! In Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trmoyer Posted November 12, 2021 Author Share Posted November 12, 2021 Yes, the Busa, GSA & VFR are all quite different but each has served well in its own way. With five previous Ducati (906 Paso, two 900SS, 748 & Moster S4R), MV 1090 Brutale and an Indian Cheiftain LTD along with two Busa, the GSA and the current VFR we’ve been fortunate to have experienced a fair range of bikes. Getting older (49), two major accidents and maybe being a little wiser I’m making some choices with greater thought and care. Well I’m trying anyway. Payments, insurance and maintenance are all very strong considerations when narrowing our field. I’m not in a hurry to turn the VFR lose, she’s still a good looker for the age / mileage, runs good, has lived a pampered life, not abused, always stored indoors and been maintained. Ergonomics is what’s pushing for a change. Some might question the Busa but for us it was our Swiss Army Knife of street bikes. With hard bags and fully kitted out for traveling as far as Florida from NY and other trips into the south were done with ease. She was well tuned and soooo freaky fast when you wanted it to be. I had the MV & GSA at the same time as the white Busa. The GSA, total polar opposite but was an absolute dream to just get on and go but obviously she was no sport bike. The MV, lol well it was a total hooligan wheelie machine that put a grin on your face from ear to ear but only fun for short trips. We’re not looking to re-enter the bagger/cruiser arena, they can be very nice but it’s just not high enough on our list to entertain another one. The 906 was totaled in a head on collision, white Busa lost in a garage fire and the Indian totaled after hitting a deer. The 748 and earlier SS were from when we lived in the UK. Everything else has come and gone as many things in life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer FromMaine Posted November 12, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 12, 2021 8 hours ago, trmoyer said: Yes, the Busa, GSA & VFR are all quite different but each has served well in its own way. With five previous Ducati (906 Paso, two 900SS, 748 & Moster S4R), MV 1090 Brutale and an Indian Cheiftain LTD along with two Busa, the GSA and the current VFR we’ve been fortunate to have experienced a fair range of bikes. Getting older (49), two major accidents and maybe being a little wiser I’m making some choices with greater thought and care. Well I’m trying anyway. Payments, insurance and maintenance are all very strong considerations when narrowing our field. I’m not in a hurry to turn the VFR lose, she’s still a good looker for the age / mileage, runs good, has lived a pampered life, not abused, always stored indoors and been maintained. Ergonomics is what’s pushing for a change. Some might question the Busa but for us it was our Swiss Army Knife of street bikes. With hard bags and fully kitted out for traveling as far as Florida from NY and other trips into the south were done with ease. She was well tuned and soooo freaky fast when you wanted it to be. I had the MV & GSA at the same time as the white Busa. The GSA, total polar opposite but was an absolute dream to just get on and go but obviously she was no sport bike. The MV, lol well it was a total hooligan wheelie machine that put a grin on your face from ear to ear but only fun for short trips. We’re not looking to re-enter the bagger/cruiser arena, they can be very nice but it’s just not high enough on our list to entertain another one. The 906 was totaled in a head on collision, white Busa lost in a garage fire and the Indian totaled after hitting a deer. The 748 and earlier SS were from when we lived in the UK. Everything else has come and gone as many things in life. Well thought out and spoken. Thanks for the pics, that is an interesting timeline of motorcycles you have there. Had to look twice as I had never seen a Busa with hard bags. Guess I have now. 🙂 BTW, I have crashed hard twice, once in western NC on my VF700F, totaled, foot completely dislocated, 4 days in the hospital, lots of metal in leg and a flight home to my nurse wife who worked in the local ICU. It was a long year....the other was in 2012 in the mountains of Wales UK, I high sided a friends pristine 97 Ducati 750 Super Sport and turned into, quote "a 100+ foot long yard sale" It too, was totaled. Ouch. Ended paying for a rebuild as the frame was still in spec. But I guess both put some much needed perspective in my life. Sounds like you have a handle on this given your experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Wald Posted November 13, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 13, 2021 17 hours ago, FromMaine said: A Busa, a GSA, and a VFR is a very wide and tall Motorcycle triangle. Obviously each brought a different aspect to your biking enjoyment. Its corny, but what I have done in the past is just close my eyes and think about what I have enjoyed about my bikes. It may take weeks, but eventually an answer will become self evident. Look at what you value by riding. Another thing to consider is cost of ownership, it may not be a deal breaker for you, but with a family and 9 motorcycles I have to factor that in. Cost, I have paid between $250 - $2200 for my 83 VF750F 2, 85 V1000R's ,85 VF11000S, 86 VFR750, 90VFR750, and 97 VFR750. My 90 and 97 accounted for the top price, the rest half or quarter of that, so no monthly payment or interest. Insurance, my 97 in 2021 with full collision coverage, $100 deductible, full towing, full trip interruption @$250 a day and $5000 medical and a few other things was $127 for 12 months, and I had points on my license. Consumables, have to have special tires or mounting? I can get a pair of S-22 radials for $180 delivered to my door and mount them myself. I know guys who are dropping $500-$600 plus mounting on theirs. Registration/ Excise tax if you have it. About $75-$85 a year on anything but my AT. I don't fret every penny, but look at the big picture, if my VFR's are delivering what I need at a family friendly price and putting a smile on my face, well that's it then. You look to have a great example VFR, I would give it a think before letting it go. Full disclosure, I have certainly made some bad choices. In 1976 I bought a CB400F' put 41K in 2 years on it as I did not have a car. It was a back breaker, trips to New Orleans, Key West,, North Carolina and the Gaspe in Quebec cured me for life. in 2018 I bought a 2016 Africa Twin. I really wanted the original 700 which was not sold in the US. despite working on ships in Europe for 20 years and having space in the ships hold if I did find one there. In the end I bought a 2016 CRL1000, at 5'7"145lbs. I should have known better. Tall, heavy up top and with a 4.8 Gallon gas tank I could easily outride, and finding myself at a stop light having to tip from my left foot to my right so I did not tip over I admitted I had made a mistake. In the end, I found every time I threw a dart at the motorcycle dart board and hit V4 Honda I was happy. Just my humble opinion. Good luck! In Wow, could not say it any better! Same thoughts here. Amen to that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Wald Posted November 13, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 13, 2021 11 hours ago, trmoyer said: Yes, the Busa, GSA & VFR are all quite different but each has served well in its own way. With five previous Ducati (906 Paso, two 900SS, 748 & Moster S4R), MV 1090 Brutale and an Indian Cheiftain LTD along with two Busa, the GSA and the current VFR we’ve been fortunate to have experienced a fair range of bikes. Getting older (49), two major accidents and maybe being a little wiser I’m making some choices with greater thought and care. Well I’m trying anyway. Payments, insurance and maintenance are all very strong considerations when narrowing our field. I’m not in a hurry to turn the VFR lose, she’s still a good looker for the age / mileage, runs good, has lived a pampered life, not abused, always stored indoors and been maintained. Ergonomics is what’s pushing for a change. Some might question the Busa but for us it was our Swiss Army Knife of street bikes. With hard bags and fully kitted out for traveling as far as Florida from NY and other trips into the south were done with ease. She was well tuned and soooo freaky fast when you wanted it to be. I had the MV & GSA at the same time as the white Busa. The GSA, total polar opposite but was an absolute dream to just get on and go but obviously she was no sport bike. The MV, lol well it was a total hooligan wheelie machine that put a grin on your face from ear to ear but only fun for short trips. We’re not looking to re-enter the bagger/cruiser arena, they can be very nice but it’s just not high enough on our list to entertain another one. The 906 was totaled in a head on collision, white Busa lost in a garage fire and the Indian totaled after hitting a deer. The 748 and earlier SS were from when we lived in the UK. Everything else has come and gone as many things in life. Pretty impressive riding/bike history, thanks for sharing. BTW, 49 is not even close to getting older. Live it up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted November 13, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 13, 2021 49 old? BAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Try 58 and 80....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trmoyer Posted November 13, 2021 Author Share Posted November 13, 2021 I tend to get a little “wordy” at times when putting thoughts out. At times a disclaimer should be in the title to grab a tea or coffee and have a seat before reading. I figured with my original post and follow up post it was the best way to explain how I’ve gotten to this point and decision process. This gives anyone here that wants to comment a good idea of who I am and what has shaped my riding preferences. It’s easy to get caught up in a post about a nonsense question from a member and post a comment in return without really knowing anything about them. Are they full of BS, a tire kicking time waster with no direction or living in some sort of utopia with unrealistic ideas (Should I buy a Suzuki Boulevard M109 or a Bimota Tesi 3d Final Edition?) Or are they a genuine enthusiast that are setting at a crossroad waffling on a tough decision? I think I am the member at the crossroad lol, I hope anyway. Each bike pictured has had its impression and shaped my. The Paso almost killed me (honestly) all the way down to the Indian that almost killed my wife. They’ve all helped me grow, appreciate the opportunities, rebuild confidence especially after two big offs and enjoy two wheeled life. If you made it this far I applaud you!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted November 13, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 13, 2021 Paso's were cool then and still are A pal of mine has a large shed..... Condor anyone? Loek still makes other riders go W T F when he overtakes them at 160kmh.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer bmart Posted November 13, 2021 Member Contributer Share Posted November 13, 2021 49 isn't at all old... In all fairness, the bikes you're chosen aren't the easiest to ride well leaving a safety margin, especially that Paso. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweeper Posted November 13, 2021 Share Posted November 13, 2021 I thought I was old at 50. I'm a much better rider now at 62. Not only a more skilled and safer rider but a faster one as well. I do listen to my grey hair when it says to slow down. I am enjoying the smaller lighter bikes more these days. I've been spending a lot of my street time on the CB500X. A couple of weeks ago when the new Tiger 660 came out, I read the specs and realized that they are very close except in horse power. I've now put a deposit down in hopes that it will be the same nimble handling with nearly twice the horse power. So, whatever you choose, follow those grey hairs.😛 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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