Calculon

I gave one of these a go a few years ago at a demo event in Laconia. Loved it! Such a great ride in every way. I’m not a fan of the design but you could say that about all Yamahas these days from my point of view but the bike was great. Talking with one of the Yamaha reps that owned one and his only negative comment was the range as you mentioned. It’s shockingly small to use as a tourer.

Yes, it’s the latest model. Don’t misunderstand me, it was a fun and engaging bike and I needed to do two demo loops just to adjust to it and had far more fun the second try when I knew the route and bike better. The 900RS felt more torquey and responsive (more like a VFR) while the 1000SX was super smooth, maybe even a bit detached from road feel. My thoughts after the demo rides were wishing Kawasaki would make the 900RS into a retro or neo-retro sport tourer, similar to the Guzzi posted above with the nice touring features of the 1000SX.

Agree about that black fairing, doesn’t help the looks at all. For years I had been trying to find a Kawasaki demo near me that I could attend to try the Ninja 1000. Finally did a few weeks ago. Other than the tech and a bit more comfort it didn’t wow me liked I hoped it would. What I did get a big kick from was the 900RS.

Very nice Suzuki! Love the bright blue and even the mocked up candy red. I would like a metal flake deep yellow myself. Really any color, just so very tired of black, grey, silver, gunmetal, white bikes and cars. Really like that Guzzi too, just wish it had factory luggage.

I really like this new Guzzi but I don’t see any hardware or attachment points for luggage.

I don’t hate it and would like to give it a test ride but it doesn’t excite me too much.

I’ve been watching her for a few years now. Agree with your assessment of her content. Worth watching, had family visiting over the holidays and many became fans that aren’t even interested in motorcycles.

The reason I haven’t considered the VFR 1200 is simply that it’s too big for my liking. I would have added a Concours and an FJR if that was on my radar. I’ve test rode an R1200RS as well as an R1200R in the past but never a Ninja 1000 of any generation. I have sat on one a few times and think the latest version has a more comfortable ergo compared to the RS. I also agree that the boxer motors have great character as was mentioned earlier. In fact, between the R and the RS I find the R more comfortable and had better handling in the twisties. I would consider the R decked out in touring gear. We shall see, I have plenty of time to think about. Would be happy just keeping my VFR if it were more comfortable.

If you were to choose between these two bikes and price wasn't a factor which would you prefer and if you're feeling chatty, why? A BMW R1250RS or A Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

In all my previous bikes I checked and calculated MPG but I didn't really do that for my Gen 6 VFR. However, I was very surprised that I could get 200 miles out of a tank without trying too hard. It's a surprisingly efficient bike and that's great. I rode my buddies Gen 8 all over the Tucson area and beyond and was equally pleased with the efficiency. It's just nice to know when you are out on a tour that you got the legs to go the distance. Another big plus is that it only requires 87 octane fuel.

In the end I didn’t go through with it but I thought the Delkevic exhaust was a real good choice. Gobs of excellent YouTube videos, just search vfr800 Gen six exhaust.

Thanks! The Cycle Shell is 45 inches wide so it should work. And she's not fat, just full figured.

Could someone do me a favor and measure their sixth gen's width with factory luggage? I would do it myself but my bike is tucked away for the winter and hard to access, plus the luggage is removed. Need to find out to see if it will fit inside a Cycle Shell this summer. Thanks!

Has anyone ever used a Cycle Shell four outdoor storage? Looking to keep my bikes in one during the summer. Wonder first if the VFR (6th Gen) with luggage fits. Next curious about the quality. Anyone with experience let me know. In case you are not familiar you can view here: http://www.cycleshell.com/

Have not seen this kit but sure am curious about either. Love my VFR but it’s tough for me on long multi day trips.

I haven’t watched this guys videos in years as I generally find him annoying but this was actually funny and well done. My VFR is actually the cool bike in my garage as the other is a Versys 650.

This looks great so far. So wish Honda would make a streetfighter/standard with the V4.

Me too!

View File Scan of 6th Gen Grabrail Spacer for 3D Printing This is a two part file for a hard to find part for the OEM luggage kit of a 6th Gen VFR. The official Honda part numbers are, 08L41-MCW-80012 and 08L41-MCW-800123. The file provided is a 3D scan of an original piece and duplicated/mirrored so a left and right can be created. The printer I contracted with used an elastomer plastic that is very flexible and a bit soft which is required otherwise the piece won't seat and mold correctly. You can view the thread in detail here: 6genrailspacer3D.zip Submitter Calculon Submitted 05/07/20 Category Owners Manuals and other

The evolution of my fleets, started with the Reflex, added the Grand Vista for Serena, technically not mine but it was in my garage and I got to ride it. - Added the venerable Nighthawk 650 to the fleet. Believe it or not I was able to pack those three motorbikes, two kayaks, three bicycles, my lawnmower plus my car into that 1-1/2 car garage. Plus there was a workbench in there. - The next fleet iteration, after selling off the Reflex and Grand Vista I rode the Nighthawk for a few years before adding the Ninja 650 - For some crazy reason I sold my Nighthawk 650 and just rode the Ninja 650 for a few years before I added a Nighthawk 750 as I needed another bike for a visiting friend and planned road trip. The Nighthawk 750 was sold after a mere four or five months of ownership. Not because it was a bad bike I just didn't have room to store it. Added the Versys 650 as I wanted a touring bike with hard luggage. How did I resolve my storage problems... I purchased a smaller car! The pinnacle of the fleet, 2012 Ninja 650, 2016 Versys 650 and the newest addition, the 2007 Honda Interceptor. Today it's only Versys 650 and the Interceptor and an honorary designation for the snowblower. I was planning on adding a third bike last fall with contenders being a Honda Hawk GT, Honda 919, Suzuki SV650 and a Suzuki Intruder. I regret not getting that 919.

Sorta related question, is there a gear position indicator that someone would recommend that fits this circular opening?

No, that was the highway that leads into the Salt River Canyon.