Comparing VFR and Concours

[Jayhawk Ken]

Hey all - me again.  I mentioned in my post about gear selection that I have started the shopping process, and have quickly resolved down to these 2 machines. From what I have gathered over the years (as a dirt bike rider, but I generally have always kept tabs on my street riding brethren as well  ), both of these are about as reliable as an anvil. And some poking around on the web leads me to believe I can find a 2003 to 2004 with < 15k miles and in the mid $4k range, depending on location and condition of course.

Intended use is for my wife and I to enjoy some extended backroads day-tours, and perhaps some 2-day weekends. Down the road I could see those extended to short 3 or 4 day regional trips, but I doubt we are ever going to strap on a tent and sleeping bags for a 2 week cycling vacation.

We might break 300 lbs fully geared up, and I would consider myself a fairly experienced cyclist, albeit with a lot of rust to knock off to regain my cycling radar. Key point is we are a couple of 50 years olds, and I have been riding since age 12, so no worries on the throttle control issues of most "beginners".

In particular, I want this to be an enjoyable experience for my wife in hopes she wants to stick with it. I want to maximize comfort and a feeling of security for her.

So what are your comparison thoughts on these bikes?

Thanks!

[MikesBlackbird]

Hey all - me again.  I mentioned in my post about gear selection that I have started the shopping process, and have quickly resolved down to these 2 machines. From what I have gathered over the years (as a dirt bike rider, but I generally have always kept tabs on my street riding brethren as well  ), both of these are about as reliable as an anvil. And some poking around on the web leads me to believe I can find a 2003 to 2004 with < 15k miles and in the mid $4k range, depending on location and condition of course.

Intended use is for my wife and I to enjoy some extended backroads day-tours, and perhaps some 2-day weekends. Down the road I could see those extended to short 3 or 4 day regional trips, but I doubt we are ever going to strap on a tent and sleeping bags for a 2 week cycling vacation.

We might break 300 lbs fully geared up, and I would consider myself a fairly experienced cyclist, albeit with a lot of rust to knock off to regain my cycling radar. Key point is we are a couple of 50 years olds, and I have been riding since age 12, so no worries on the throttle control issues of most "beginners".

In particular, I want this to be an enjoyable experience for my wife in hopes she wants to stick with it. I want to maximize comfort and a feeling of security for her.

So what are your comparison thoughts on these bikes?

Thanks!

I owned a Concours for a couple of years and given a $4000 budget I would look at a used Honda ST1100 in that price range before the Connie or the VFR. I now have an ST1300. I was happy with the Concours while I had it, but the technology on the Connie was early 1990's. Of the 2, the VFR would be my choice for one-up riding but adding another passenger and possibly doing an overnighter, I would go with the ST1100.

[chornbe]

I was happy with the Concours while I had it, but the technology on the Connie was early 1990' mid-70s.

Very accurately fixed that for you.

[mcrider007]

I owned a Concours for a couple of years and given a $4000 budget I would look at a used Honda ST1100 in that price range before the Connie or the VFR.

I agree, the ST1100 was one of the best bikes ever made for 2 up touring and about 2 generations of technology beyond the Connie.  Its not easy to find a low mileage ST1100, the engine will last forever but the  suspension will need to be refreshed after 50K miles.

[flips21]

I had a 91 Connie and a 99 VFR (Am I a generation too old to answer this question?)  My favorite riding is twisty two lane riding.  When presented with the option of Connie vs. VFR, the Connie would be preferred only when two up.  For all other riding, the VFR is hands down the winner.  I thought the Connie really showed it's weight at low speed.  I didn't even have to think about it with the VFR.  The Connie had great bags and the VFR is a little limited in that regard but I would never get a Connie again.  I was tempted to get another VFR.  

(Even the C14 feels top heavy to me.)

[MikesBlackbird]

I would make a run at this one if it fits your budget and your geography:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-honda-st1100-/110558825911?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item19bdd1cdb7#ht_500wt_1182

[Jayhawk Ken]

Well this does not make it easy - pretty much confirms what I thought regarding the dated design of the Connie.  However, the whole purpose of the bike is 2-up riding - just estimating, I would say 90% of the miles will be with a passenger. So I could at least optimize spring rates for our load, though that does little for the high rpm buzz that I have read they suffer from.

Baggage size is not that critical - if I went the VFR route, I would likely add the top case in order to have a backrest for my wife. Don't really see the need for much more space.

How cramped is it in back on the VFR?  My wife is 5'5" - from the few pictures I have found of 2-up riding on that bike, it looks a bit better than the typical coil-spring look of a sport bike. But from those who have actually ridden pillion on a Viffer - how appealing is a 400 mile day back there?

I had thought of the ST's, but honestly thought there was no way of finding anything decent for less than $6,000 unless I am willing to wait months and pick one up over the winter. Would prefer to get some riding in by the end of this summer and through the fall.

Thanks again - great site!

[MikesBlackbird]

Well this does not make it easy - pretty much confirms what I thought regarding the dated design of the Connie.  However, the whole purpose of the bike is 2-up riding - just estimating, I would say 90% of the miles will be with a passenger. So I could at least optimize spring rates for our load, though that does little for the high rpm buzz that I have read they suffer from.

Baggage size is not that critical - if I went the VFR route, I would likely add the top case in order to have a backrest for my wife. Don't really see the need for much more space.

How cramped is it in back on the VFR?  My wife is 5'5" - from the few pictures I have found of 2-up riding on that bike, it looks a bit better than the typical coil-spring look of a sport bike. But from those who have actually ridden pillion on a Viffer - how appealing is a 400 mile day back there?

I had thought of the ST's, but honestly thought there was no way of finding anything decent for less than $6,000 unless I am willing to wait months and pick one up over the winter. Would prefer to get some riding in by the end of this summer and through the fall.

Thanks again - great site!

Buy the one in Ohio for no more than $5000 and fly out and ride it back. At 48,000 miles it has plenty of life left. It looks as though it was well maintained. Before buying my ST I thought of a VFR but on the occasion I ride 2-up I am happy to have the room and the power. Also, check the ST Owners site (ST-Owners.com). They have a number of ST11's for sale in their classified section and they are a very knowledgeable group and very helpful. That's where I bought my ST and have been very satisfied.

[Bryan217]

Well this does not make it easy - pretty much confirms what I thought regarding the dated design of the Connie.  However, the whole purpose of the bike is 2-up riding - just estimating, I would say 90% of the miles will be with a passenger. So I could at least optimize spring rates for our load, though that does little for the high rpm buzz that I have read they suffer from.

Baggage size is not that critical - if I went the VFR route, I would likely add the top case in order to have a backrest for my wife. Don't really see the need for much more space.

How cramped is it in back on the VFR?  My wife is 5'5" - from the few pictures I have found of 2-up riding on that bike, it looks a bit better than the typical coil-spring look of a sport bike. But from those who have actually ridden pillion on a Viffer - how appealing is a 400 mile day back there?

I had thought of the ST's, but honestly thought there was no way of finding anything decent for less than $6,000 unless I am willing to wait months and pick one up over the winter. Would prefer to get some riding in by the end of this summer and through the fall.

Thanks again - great site!

My fiance is 5'3" and says she's got no lack of room on the back of the VFR. I put on the Corbin seat with backrest when she rides. I have the OEM hard cases for traveling.

I'd say with that size people, the VFR shouldn't be a problem. But you should at least try to sit on whatever bike you're considering, with your wife on it also, to get an idea for the amount of room/comfort.

[bassjones]

Try the VFR for the rest of the summer. You're paying cash, so if you find it's not that comfortable for two-up, sell it this coming spring and get something a little more two-up oriented.  At $6000 cash, you're getting into the range of an early FJR too... which would be my preference over anything else for doing a lot of two-up.

[bassjones]

matter of fact - http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,54189.0.html

do it. now.

[Jayhawk Ken]

So many bikes, so little garage space...  

The FJR is probably the ideal bike for the kind of riding I envision for the next couple years. May have to re-think the budget constraints a bit more - after all, retirement: who needs it, right?  

One limitation I am definitely going to impose on myself is to get back into this with some solo rides on local backroads that I know in my sleep from several years of cycling (the pedaling kind) before I take off with my wife on the back. And by the same token, I should probably not do the fly & ride purchase - much as I like to think my riding skills and traffic awareness are still sharp, reason tells me different. So I am likely going to be looking at bikes within a short distance of home.

BTW, this is a cool forum!

[bassjones]

I would definitely recommend the VFR then.  Get it, ride it solo this summer to get your street chops back, then sell it in the Spring and go get an FJR.

[nantahala]

I would definitely recommend the VFR then.  Get it, ride it solo this summer to get your street chops back, then sell it in the Spring and go get an FJR.

x2

Also, the wife and I did a lot of riding on the '99VFR and she was comfortable (she's about 5'7"-ish, and there is a top case on it), although I just wouldn't say the VFR is a great 2-up tourer for long rides.  We ran into a couple in Nova Scotia that were also on a '99VFR touring the whole east coast - that VFR had top and side cases and the guy said it didn't feel too loaded down, but it seems to me that the VFR wouldn't be happy that loaded down.

[MikesBlackbird]

matter of fact - http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,54189.0.html

do it. now.

Ditto times two on this deal. You can keep the FJR for a couple of years, learn whether you really like "sport touring" and overnight trips, and if you decide you want something else probably sell it without losing too much. Definitely, a good choice for. More "sport" than my ST13 or ST11 and plenty of power and room for a 2-up bike. Maybe the owner would be willing to deliver it for airfare back home and covering his expenses.

[jadziadax8]

In fact, this exact comparison has come up before.

[coryg]

For two up the VFR is a little small if you are of the bigger size.  However, a lot of that will also depend on the type of riding and where you are riding.  For slabbing or long shots, VFR will start to get cramped, but for twistie roads it is a good size.    VFR may also be a little down on power if there are substantial baggage or inclines.

Also, the rear supsension on the VFR is on the weak side for two up if you are pushing hard.  A better rear shock will really help in comfort there.

For $4k, you can pick up a good used VFR if you can live with two up compromises.

[ConPilot1]

matter of fact - http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,54189.0.html

do it. now.

Oh god yeah, that's a f*cking No-brainer if you've got $6k in hand cash ready to go.