Member Contributer JZH Posted August 7, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted August 7, 2013 Obviously, he's gonna buy the bike (or one like it). In other contexts, this phenomenon is known as "beer goggles"... But is it objectively a "good idea" to buy a 4th-gen VFR as a first bike? Not really. As has been mentioned, it's a fairly top-heavy bike, so it will catch out the inexperienced--almost guaranteed. It also may be very discouraging for a new rider when his "new" bike's electrical gremlins rear their ugly little heads--which is a near certainty on a 4th-gen unless someone has already addressed all of the potential issues. People often don't...which is one reason why they sell their 4th gens! We've seen this very scenario (newbie buys somebody's headache) play out numerous times right here on this forum. Hard to watch...but certainly harder to experience first hand! I'd also add that, while the VFR750 can certainly do run-around-town duty, that's not its strength. There are other bikes that will do a better job at that. Get a VFR if you want to get your motor runnin', head out on the highway, lookin' for adventure and whatever comes your way... Ciao, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 Thanks again guys, Even though it may seem like I was jet-set on buying a VFR, if its not a good bike to learn on or it has known problems, then no matter the price its not for me. I have been doing some more reserch, and although I started my reserch at 2500cc range, I think for my weight and so that I do not out grow something to quickly a 300cc+ would be better for me. I now Have my eye on a new CBR500R or a Ninja 300 ... Both seem like a perfect balances between learner and super sport. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted August 10, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted August 10, 2013 The CBR has ABS, a great plus in my book. Not just for a learner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MBrane Posted August 10, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted August 10, 2013 Thanks again guys, Even though it may seem like I was jet-set on buying a VFR, if its not a good bike to learn on or it has known problems, then no matter the price its not for me. I have been doing some more reserch, and although I started my reserch at 2500cc range, I think for my weight and so that I do not out grow something to quickly a 300cc+ would be better for me. I now Have my eye on a new CBR500R or a Ninja 300 ... Both seem like a perfect balances between learner and super sport. Thoughts? Don't buy a new bike. There are plenty of used bikes to be had, and the previous owners have already taken the depreciation hit for you. I'm 6' 210, and I started on a ZX600A. It was pretty much perfect IMHO. That old bike taught me a lot about how to be smooth. I then moved to a very top-heavy, and low-end-torquey litre bike which I lowsided, and totaled. I then got the VFR which was the bike I wanted originally. I am thankful that I had the experience of the other bikes because now I know what to do with the VFR, and I didn't have to destroy one to get there. As for the commute anything under 10 miles one way is going to be very hard on any vehicle. Either drive something you don't care about or ride a bicycle. The latter will be better for your overall health, and your wallet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskan Posted August 10, 2013 Share Posted August 10, 2013 A used 250 cc to a 500 cc starter bike is the way to go. I don't recommend a 600 Supersport, but I am a huge fan of the Suzuki 650 v-twin, which has more torque. The naked Suzuki 650- not the SV650S, which has an extreme riding position. But the smaller Ninja is a great bike, too. I think you are making a good decision. You can get in and get out on a used small bike without any financial loss. And these smaller lightweight bikes are much easier to ride for the MSF course and your endorsement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer gll429 Posted August 10, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted August 10, 2013 i stand by my original statement.. get the vfr. take off the body.. add some frame sliders and a round head light.. put a 1000 or 2 miles on it.. if you still like it. and haven't dropped it in the last 800 miles. put the body on and love it for life, you already know how to ride .ssheeeshh you just have to get used to the the bike on the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabio222 Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 gll429 is right, take the body panels off and see how you find it. Or just go ahead and throw some frame sliders on to it. You can get them from R&G and they'll protect it pretty well along with a set of levers that can bend back if you drop them, they're available on ebay for peanuts from China and the quality is decent. The VFR engine is pretty powerful for someone's first bike so do take it easy. I learned to ride on a 125 for a year because that teaches you a lot about keeping the speed up and spotting every opportunity and every danger very quickly. That all makes for a more enjoyable experience on the bigger bikes cos if you can do well on the small ones then the big ones ain't gonna be a problem! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dalesvfr Posted August 28, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted August 28, 2013 Did he buy the bike yet? It's three weeks since original post...One thing to consider - motorcycles are not 'economical.' If you look at prices of them vs. a car even a hundred years ago they never really were. A Prius carrying four people and luggage gets better mileage. VFRs are class 14 in insurance (up there). If you want economy get a bicycle or CRF230L or a Corolla or the same vintage as the used VFR. If you want to learn to ride and go out on weekends and build skills and meet people and have fun get the VFR (and some riding gear) - but be mentally prepared to drop/dent/fold/spindle/mutilate it. It's kinda inevitable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabio222 Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 I agree and disagree on the economy issue... THe way I see it is that a Prius would get better mileage but the VFR, for relatively similar mileage, has the performance of a Porsche or Ferrari, quite literally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MBrane Posted August 29, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted August 29, 2013 It's not just about mileage. There are many other expenses involved in motorcycling that eclipse any money saved on fuel consumption. If my commute was straight, and boring I'd just drive my truck at 15MPG, and save money in the long run while sipping my coffee, and listening to the stereo safe in my cage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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