Sport Tourers - are they really tourers? (Honda VFR)

[mark83]

Hi guys. New to this, so be nice!

I've just bought a Kawasaki ER6n and use it to commute to london every day.
Good bike, lots of fun, but not an ounce of wind protection (obviously)

I was planning to go on long trips, maybe to Europe, but after going to Birmingham, I think I need a tourer. But I still wanna have fun and commute.

I want a new VFR800 but...

1.) Does it really offer good wind protection (without having to lean over the tank for the whole journey?
2.) Has anybody heard anything of the rumour of a new model? When is it coming out?
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Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[Keen]

the er6 will take you to europe, stop being a big jessy and learn to embrace the windblast- once your neck muscles adapt there'll be no stopping you
..... or, just buy a good screen? I'm sure there must be some decent aftermarket items available
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"he who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"- Dr. Johnson

[8316]

The VFR is possibly one of the greatest bikes ever made, as its so versatile. it can do everything.
just make sure you avoid the VTEC model. its pants. best is 1998 model.

and anyway, do as Keen says and get a good screen-you can tour on any bike nowadays if you want to-just don't be a wuss!
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Now own a Fireblade!! Speed Limits? Bah!

[map]

To answer quickly
1) Yes. It's ok. Although you'd have to try it for size (and/or swap screens).
2) No news. However, 2nd hand the VFR750 is still ok as is the non-VTEC 800.

The VFR was/is regarded as the benchmark sports tourer. Considering how long it's being around there's only now just one or two bikes around that can be considered as better, and that's very subjective anyhow.

If you get a VFR750/800 and do your own servicing then you'll have to learn the tricks of removing the plastic. A very long reach is needed for the plugs as well

HTH
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[Spoonman]

[markandmindy]

I've got a 2003 VFR800 VTec and earlier this year did a Tour of Scotland from down here in Cornwall !!!!! Did Truro to Moffat in a day (500 miles) and had no problems with wind noise or arse fatigue. Was in the company of 2 GS1150's and they had no end of grief in the arse ache stakes! Went M5/M6 and did't hang around so if you want a good sports tourer you could do a lot worse than a VFR800. going to try Europe next year with a possible trip up to NordKapp so will be keeping hold of the Vfr until then.

[mark83]

Thanks a lot guys.

I think I'm gonna be bold and go for a trip in europe before the winter sets in.

Then I'm gonna buy a VFR!
____________________
Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[krebsy]

My ZZR has an extended screen and it just shoves all the air up over my head. I generally don't feel headwind resistance.. .. Sidewinds are another thing, Two up down the M1 on the gustiest day of the year a few weeks ago was not fun... .

K.
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1280 x 1024.

[natv4]

I've got the 01 vfr. Standard screen is ok for sitting up long distance up to around 80mph (more than 4 hours)

I put on a flick up (which looks a little ugly) and it now makes 120 comfy (I can turn my head to look in mirrors without feeling the wind pushing me etc).

Any bike will tour, the vfr is one of the easier ones to live with if you are covering distance.

It certainly is a nice compromise, allowing easy distance and good fun.
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Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
Bike: Blue Honda VFR800fi (*NEW*) Mileage: 22k Countries visited: GB/F/D/CZ/PL/E/I/B/A/HR/H/Rus/E/MA
West Europe...2004, East Europe...2005, Russia/France...2006, Morocco...2007

[Itchy]

Bah you can tour on anything it is just a compromise between comfort / range / speed and luggage capacity.


with a screenless bike you may want to buy new shirts when you come back though...
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[natv4]

I had to use the bandit this year, so I would agree. That said, it would have been much easier making Russia if I wasn't limited to around 70-80 mph due to windblast.
____________________
Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
Bike: Blue Honda VFR800fi (*NEW*) Mileage: 22k Countries visited: GB/F/D/CZ/PL/E/I/B/A/HR/H/Rus/E/MA
West Europe...2004, East Europe...2005, Russia/France...2006, Morocco...2007

[mark83]

Hey guys, thank a lot for your advice.

Thanks to you, here's the result of my trip......


https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=97828
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Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[woodyfjr]

VFR's any model are very good touring bikes but only when solo really if you want to tour with pillion & full luggage (tent etc..) only a large bike will do.

ZZR11-12's, BMW R1200GT, PanEuro11-13, Fj11-12 & Fjr1300 etc big mile munchers with speed handling and good fuel economy.

Some have adjustable screens and shaft drive, also have a large fuel capacity 250 miles none stop if you want.

So if real long distance 2up touring is what you want to do get a big engine with high torque figures.

Ps: When solo these bikes do really move as well.
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[feef]

[mark83]

[feef]

[mark83]

[mark83]

[quote="feefThe VFR has a more sporty riding position, so you're leant forward more than on a tourer, so not needing such a tall screen

a[/quote]


Oooooooooooooo , now I get it!

Thanks a lot.

I guess there's no substitute for experience!
____________________
Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[feef]

[mark83]

[feef]

[mark83]

Anyway, thanks a lot for the advice guys.

If you want to see my trip round europe on a naked bike (that's right, after me bitching about the size of screens! - hehehe).....


https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=97828

Hope you like the pics!
____________________
Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[natv4]

[Dave_ZedDragen]

I agree with all these comments....yes you really can tour on anything. I tour on my Kawasaki Z1000 so stop whinging

Ive tried the VFR Vtec and it is a very capable bike and will tour very well and I didnt think the Vtec was as bad as everyone says it is. Servicing costs have been capped by Honda to reduce everyones fears and the fueling problem has been resolved as far as I am aware.

Next years VFR will be the same model but will have some minor tweaking to the injection and the VTEC system to smooth it out so it doesnt "kick in" so much.

Also you may wish to consider something like a fazer 600/1000 or faired Bandit 600/1200 which may be more the riding position you are used to but will add wind protection, alternatively just get an aftermarket taller screen for your ER6. I got a Zero Gravity screen for my Zed.

Personally for some serious touring I would look at a trailie type of bike as I think they are the most suitable and I am looking into these for myself. I'm looking at the possibilities of maybe getting either a used Aprilia Caponord, Africa Twin or BMW 1150 GS in about a years time and hopefully still keep the zed.

Good luck Mark 83, and happy choosing:D

I'd recommend you get out there and try all these bikes before you make any decisions
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Dave_ZedDragen - (2005)Z1000

https://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt306/zeddragen/zeddragensig-1.jpg