VFR 800 AS A FIRST BIKE??

[TAFF-FINN]

Hopefully posting in right section as a newie.

I am looking at purchasing a VFR 800i as my first road bike. I am a Squaddie out in Iraq so can't really get into the showroom and try one out. Used to riding the Army Harley's but never taken the plunge and bought my own road bike before. (I am 37 and 5'8" tall just for info).

I want a bike capable of doing a 500 mile round trip every other weekend - year round in comfort.

I am not bothered about the technical aspects of the bike, just the basics, suitability for a relatively inexperienced road rider (who will definately be riding it with respect). sport 600's as an alternative? etc.


Any advice greatly appreciated.

[map]

FWIW have a look at this thread (click here) as it's about VFR750 as first big bike.

IMO whilst it's good to get some road sense on smaller machines providing you're sensible then there shouldn't be a problem. Again IMO what it would be worth doing is signing up for some advanced training. However, some courses assume you already have the basics (have ridden for a few years) so won't address any basic errors. I guess shouldn't be a problem as you know the basics. Should sort out things like positioning, observation, etc. that you'll need though.

If you're thinking of the big VFR then it is the benchmark all rounder. Will get you to your destination, then take off the luggage and have a play as if it were a sports machine. So why waste your money (and time) with anything smaller (again IMO, 600 owners may disagree, but then have they owned a big VFR too?).

For alternatives there has been this thread. However, contains many comments about just getting the VFR800 anyhow. Might be worth you having a look through it.

HTH

P.S. Remember that any advice given in an on-line forum sometimes is golden and worth every penny you didn't spend on it. Other times isn't worth the paper it's obviously not written on
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[TAFF-FINN]

Many thanks Map, that was exactly what I was looking for.

[JonB]

I think a good choice as a new rider would be to look at a cheap 500cc commuter bike for the 500 mile round trip as these are quite comfortable, last for ages, cheap and they won't catch you out very easily. Keep it for about 3 months, sell it on for the same price or at a profit then go for a VFR800, they are fantastic bikes, although I cannot testify to riding one. But they do long journeys well and efficiently.

I wouldn't get a sports 600 as it would be quite cramped for a 500 mile round trip, but for fun it would be good once you have some experience.

Stay safe out in Iraq as well.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.