Moving on from VFR

[Ted31]

Hi Folks,

I'm new to this site so a big HI to all.

Currently riding a VFR800 VTEC for the last 4 years and thinking about my next step in the world of fun on 2 wheels. I'd be very interested in people's opinions on what to aim for next.

I use the bike everyday in and out of work (city riding) but on the odd occasion I take it out on a good spin. Dublin to London last summer.

I found that after the 6 hours in the saddle the muscles between my shoulder blades started seizing up (anyone else find this problem when leaning forward in the saddle for a while or am I just a freak?).

I love the sound music of a sporty V-twin but this isn't a necessity in my next purchase.

So to sum up, I'm looking for something sporty and small enough to get through traffic,  sound great, comfortable to go touring and maybe a more upright seating position than VFR (possibly even just a bike with handle bars replaced for higher bars). Oh and it has to look good. Don't think i'm asking too much!!!!

Over to you guys.....Any ideas?


 

[coho]

8V Norge.

[Frankienuckles]

Convertibars for your VFR?
 http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/33224-convertibars-on-your-bike/

[kyzrex]

Bought a 02 VFR late last fall.  I am in total agreement with what you are saying about yours.....love the engine, can't get used to the riding position even after lowering the pegs and raising the bars.  So I will be probably selling it in the spring.  I will possibly try a set of helibars first, but maybe not.  See, I also have an 07 FZ6, and find it to be exactly what the VFR isn't.  Lighter and more maneuverable than the VFR and MUCH more comfortable as well.  Although it does not have the same amount of power as the VFR, nor the same feel and sound, it does have plenty of power for 1 up touring and riding.  50+ MPG is another plus.  IMO it should be on your short list of replacement bikes.

[Kneescrubber]

I found that after the 6 hours in the saddle the muscles between my shoulder blades started seizing up (anyone else find this problem when leaning forward in the saddle for a while or am I just a freak?).

Yes, it happens to me every time I do a long ride. Tell me a situation where a basically static position for 6+ hours doesn't affect some part of the body.    I just deal with it.



That wasn't really helpful, was it?

[ray916mn]

Ninja 1000.

Almost 50 lbs. lighter than the VFR, significantly more torque, more horsepower, lower center of gravity for better handling, hard bags and top case are available.

[Kamzilla]

I'm almost in the same situation.  I've got a 99 VFR, and have found that it gets uncomfortable after a few hours in the saddle.  I'm on the fence on whether to go from a Corbin seat to a Sargent, and install a set of helibars, or whether to just go to something else.  Without a doubt, the VFR is a great bike, but many of the newer bikes offer compelling arguments to make the switch.  

I went to the IMS this past Friday and sat on a few bikes I've been interested in, mainly the VStrom and Versys.  Both seem very comfortable, and I wouldn't hesitate to get either of them.  The Ninja 1000 was great also, but I'm thinking I want a little more weather protection that it can offer.  

[Kneescrubber]

.....Any ideas?

How about properly introducing yourself, Ted?

[SummerLove]

Moto Guzzi Norge or previous gen Multistrada.

[Orson]

on longer trips, people on inline fours have been known to be lulled to sleep by their engines.

and I wouldn't recommend riding outside the city limits without a shaft drive.

The prudent choice would be to find a manufacturer who makes a V twin with a shaft drive.

That would be my opinion.

[Justin]

I get the sore shoulder myself, much more-so when the temps are colder. The best thing for me is an exercise routine when on long trips. I have a rhythm of different movements I do when riding at scheduled times. Not only does it greatly reduce soreness, but kills time when long distance riding. Every half hour or so, I'll click on the throttle lock when safe, and do some stretches on the throttle arm.

[Rogue]

I think the VFR800 is pretty close to being the ideal between sporty, great daily commuter, and sport-tourer in one single platform.  The only other bike that does it as good is the BMW F800ST.  

Unless you just want something new and different, my suggestion is to improve your physical condition so that you don't get so fatigued on long rides (or any ride for that matter).  Regular excercise of your upper body, being in an ideal weight for your height, etc., will come a long way in making riding not just your VFR800, but any sporty bike more comfortable and/or easier to tolerate for long periods.  

A lot of riders go for the more upright riding position to compensate for a less than healthy body because it's easier to buy a new bike.  Unfortunately, most (if not all) bikes that meet your criteria of sportiness, good commuter, and sport-tourer, are rare because a bike that is all that and comfortable no longer exist.  It's either going to be great at one thing, and not so good at the other.  Your choices are going to be naked sports or dedicated sport-tourers, or adventure tourers.  

[Kootenanny]

The prudent choice would be to find a manufacturer who makes a V twin with a shaft drive.

That would be my opinion.

You're recommending another Honda???

[Davy F.]

I went from a VFR750 to a Vtec. Lovely bike, but as yourself Ted, the riding position really was getting to me (ok, we're all getting older  ) and I bought a set of Gilles VarioBars to help take the weight off my upper body which were kinda expensive (I had tried GenMar risers, thanks Rogue old pal). Ultimately, they didn't do quite what I needed and I ended up selling the Vtec and buying a R1200GS. Terrific bike, but the only bike I've ever owned which I worried about going (expensively) wrong. A brief flirtation with another VFR750 really put paid to me ever having another sports tourer and I sold the VFR to buy a Yamaha Fazer 1000. Again, another good bike, but (there's always a but), I just didn't gell with it. The inline four engine, although both tractable and powerful, had no character. The bike was just not exciting, fast yes, but exciting, no.
So I ended up buying my current steed, a Kawasaki Versys. Powerful enough for my needs and most importantly, fun fun fun ! I don't agree with Orson's recommendation that you need a shaftie to ride any long distances, especially as I have a weeks trip round Ireland coming up as well as a European tour in the summer. In fact, I actually liken the Versys to being a mini 12GS. It has a comfy riding position, gives great fuel economy, but is pretty inexpensive to buy and run but maybe doesn't have the looks that you desire. Anyway, that's my take on what you've asked and I'm sure you'll get other great advice from the peeps about here.  

The pics were taken somewhere in Donegal.  

[Ulynut]

Street Triple.

[Davy F.]

Street Triple.

Another nice machine.........

[Rogue]

I went from a VFR750 to a Vtec. Lovely bike, but as yourself Ted, the riding position really was getting to me (ok, we're all getting older  ) and I bought a set of Gilles VarioBars to help take the weight off my upper body which were kinda expensive (I had tried GenMar risers, thanks Rogue old pal).

Smeggy!  You're back!  

What have you been up to besides buying all kinds of different bikes?

I ended up getting an '01 VFR800, then moved on to a VTEC VFR in '08.  So far, I just can't think if any other bike out there that balances the sport, commuter, and tourer so well, along with a dose of sleek looks and a sophisticated engine that can generate music to the ears.  The Sprint ST is a right up there (along with the F800ST), but the Sprint ST is no longer available in the US market as it has been replaced by the Sprint GT.  I commute regularly on the VFR800 and its narrow profile make it very easy to split lanes in (filtering to you).  It also makes for a great sportbike thanks to its stout chassis and pretty good OEM suspension.  Also love the convenience of the Single Sided Swingarm, the standard centerstand, and the complete instrumentation.  The wind protection is icing on the cake.  The VFR800’s riding position is not a problem for me as I have a good back (so far so good), and I fixed my “weight problem”.  The latter one was making it difficult to ride sport bikes.  I’m sure bikes with more upright riding positions would be more comfortable but those are going to be nakeds, adventure sports (like your Versys), or dedicated sport-tourers (like the ST1300; C14; etc).  

[X1Glider]

I'm rather fond of the Ninja 1000 I bought back in October.  Looks better without the bags, but not bad with.  I use the quick release Givi rack so they're easy to remove, although I always leave the rack on anyway.  I commute on it 5 days a week.  503 lbs wet, 56.7" wheelbase, radial brakes, adjustable windscreen.  It is the size of a sportbike but can tour well.  Did a 4000 mile trip last November with zero issues, including a monster 1480 mile day from San Diego to Houston in one sitting.  (I was anxious to get the hell outta there!)  Did a great job drifting on the 40 mile dirt road through Death Valley too.

My only dislikes are lack of centerstand and the miles per gallon are not as good as the Beemer it replaces.  But the 5 gallon tank has gotten me a max range of 210 miles on the superslab and a low of 150 riding like a twat.  I do miss the shaft drive too.  All in all, it's a good bike.  I just prefer a bike that's more sport than tour but need it to do both.

[mustang28027]

Ninja 650,  Versys 650, WeeStrom 650. Torque. Light. Tourable.

[Ted31]

Well certainly a lot to think about. Thanks for all the responses.

I hadn't looked into the back problem issue before so wasn't aware of the vario bars. I might certainly look into getting a set of those and a double bubble screen. Did the new handles reduce the back problem enough to justify getting them? Is  there any handles which are better/worse than the competition.

Although the VFR is a cracking bike and pretty much has the all round package, the other half of me is saying it wouldn't mind a change of scenery. This is my first big bike (NSR75, CBR250, CB400super four...all Hondas, I know, but this was by chance) which I've had for 4 years now. I had FJR1300 in mind as a posiibility (powerful, comfortable, looks good, shaft drive) but that'll hardly float through the gaps in traffic.

SV1000 is another option but while it sounds fantastic with its big V twin, the riding position is a bit more sports than tourer (back to the original problem again).

While there are some great adventure tourers out there, I'm just not that won over by them. However, does anyone know how big supermotos are for long range comfort ie. KTM 990 Supermoto or similar? Slim, torquey, upright seating position, (obvious and biggest downfall of the SM is limited tank).


One thing that can't go without mentioning........X1Glider, 1480 miles in ONE SITTING????  What kind of local anaesthetic were you injecting before you set off? That's some feat. I know the Ninja 1000 is fast but....