Help! I'm too young for a VFR800 - Alternatives?

FreshAL · Sir Crashalot Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Karma :

I'm considering changing my SV

Requirements
- Good all year round commuter
- Good 2 up
- Reliable
- Good for weekend blasts
- Comfortable

The SV does all this fine, but I'd like something that did longer trips a little better, especially with luggage/pillion.

Why does that sound so much like I should get a VFR800? Noooo, I'm only 24 - I don't even have a beard!

A CBR600 is a possible, but after 300 miles this weekend my back is still hurting so I'm not sure a sportsbike is the way to go.

Any other ideas?

feef · Energiser Bunny Joined: 11 Feb 2002 Karma :

I'm 33 ( as of yesterday) and I'm on an FJR1300.. and I don't have a beard either..

a VFR is a very capable machine... just because your riding requirements is different from the usual sprot bike, power-ranger doesn't mean you're a sad old fuck.

a
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St0rmer66 · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Karma :

Nothing wrong with VFR800's. To someone who doesn't know anything about bikes they probably look quite sporty anyway. Anyone who knows about bikes will know its a good sports-tourer.
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:: Honda XR 125 L ('53) => Kawasaki GPZ 500S ('02) => Suzuki SV650S ('00) => Aprilia RSV-R ('51) ::

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

cLaTTeReD · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Karma :

my last bike was a zx9r and that was comfy 2 up and plently fast enough

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

CBR600?

TT600?

{edit} The CBR 'F' and 'F Sport' models will easily be as comfy as an SV or more so. I rode to Scotland and back on a TT600 and it was fine - almost identical to a CBR600 '99-'00 and cheaper to buy. {edit}
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Ranger05 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Karma :

KTM 990 adventure is a beast of a bike that is good at all your requirements.

Been tempted to buy one for a while now.
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no_shad · Trackday Trickster Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Karma :

Funny thing is I'm thinking of getting a vfr800 and I also currently have a SV. I'm also 24! Cool

There's a feature on the vfr in the latest 'bike' magazine.

Psychonaut · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Karma :

I had a go on a VFR800 at the bike show, quite liked it. Ride outs didn't really let me test the full capability of it but I liked the low down torque
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Prev CBR600RR (06) Orange/Black
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mr.z · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

Who gives a hariy shit what anyone else thinks? Confused

Bandit 600/1200?
zzr 600/1100/1200?
(dare i say it)busa?

(i'm 24 and ride a shitbox 1980's 500cc shaftdriven lard box and i love it, its not fast compared to many bikes but thats not the point)
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Wooly R6 · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2005 Karma :

wait for the new 2007 fazer 600 S2 - its got 20bhp more this year

i will be waiting for a 0% finance deal i think
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R6 has been sold - 2004 Honda VFR VTEC now sold too - no bike at the moment

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

CBR6, Fazer, maybe even a mid-90s Blade?

Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

'04 Fazer thou.

Just my t'penny's worth Thumbs Up

mark83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Karma :

Get a bloody VFR800 and stop being soft! Thumbs Up

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dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

Had an off duty Copper on a VFR800 give me a run for my money when I was out on the Blade. I was on well known practised roads and he had me spinning up the rear and lifting the back end on the brakes just trying to keep up. I'd have probably had somewhere near 50 bhp on him and an electronic steering damper helping my cause.

The bike's as quick and sporty as you decide to make it.

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

vfr750

'fuzz' off here also has a sv650 and is thinking of getting a vfr800

one thing to be aware of tho, is that while the handling of an sv650 is quite involving, a vfr750 insulates you from the ride more which is great for distance, but not so great for a quick blast for thrills, as you have to go a bit faster for the same thrill

thundercat is also good for this insulation effect, but tt600 is more involving

midrange on a vfr750 is great for overtaking and much better than a 600 even tho the the max power is the same
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fuzz · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Karma :

Yes, tis true, I also want a VFR800. I don't see the bike as an old codgers machine, in fact quite the opposite. I think it has some of the nicest lines and detail outside of pure sports bikes.

Still, I'm also considering the CBR600F Sport as I've always wanted one since before I started biking (that and an '01 R6 in blue.) I think the final decision will be down to cost, with the CBR a cheaper option for the same age bike.

There's also the consideration of VTEC or not? Need to get me on one for comparison. I missed out at the bike show.
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Bikes: '99 NSR125R, '00 SV650S, K1 GSX-R600, '97 CB500, K3 SV1000S, '16 VFR800

Psychonaut · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Karma :

This was the one I took out, looks superb
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Prev CBR600RR (06) Orange/Black
CBR1000RR (09) Repsol
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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

...Plus some believe Honda ruined the VFR with the gimmicky v-tech (which isn't like the car's version).

Out of the Viffers, I'd opt for the last of the 750s.

fredsredhat · Traffic Copper Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Karma :

what about the aprilia falco? from what i can gather they seem to be a well kept secret. Failing that go for a big bandit Smile

mark83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Karma :

I say get an RSV Mille and be done with it!

However undecided, you will never tire or regret it when you ecperience that V-Twin magic!

Anyone with me? Mr. Green

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Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Personally I don't find the CBR600 that comfortable, but do like the older (circa 2000) ZX series.

The ZX9 could be worth considering - it's got decent midrange torque and a kick if you turn the throttle more.
Handling isn't on the edge, but will do what it's told.

Incidentally, as you mentioned TRX in another thread, you're welcome to come and have a play with mine, as I may have mentioned before. Not a massive 'upgrade' from the SV really, though.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Actually here's another vote for an aprilia falco.

Someone described it once (before the SV thou came out) as an SV on steroids.

I believe someone later described it as the bike the SV thou should have been...!

Still, has good handling, is very quick and is supposed to be reasonably comfortable.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.