VFR newbie questions.. your prompt reply would be appreciated

Tuffguy #2 · 03-15-2006, 10:40 PM

All, I am looking for a good sport cruiser for longer rides. The F4i is a great bike but i can't bring the gf along on 1hr + rides and frankly anything over 200miles is pretty rough on myself. So, i'm a red rider, so the VFR is a no brainer!!! On to the questions!

This is the bike i'm looking at this saturday, let me know what you think. 1999 VFR 800 w/14k miles. Asking 4800 w/power commander.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

1) How comfortable is the seat for long trips? The bike i am looking at has a 300 dollar Sargent seat. How does that stack up?

2) How comfortable is the passenger seat for longer trips? I know it can't be really comfy.. How is in in compairison to the SS bikes?

3) Why do i see some with a cowl (no handles on the sides of the rear seat) and others with the bananna seat and handles on the side? Are the handles removable? Are these cowles stock? I would assume that the cowles come with the bike and they fit over the bananna seat!?

I know these are all pretty boring questions, but its the little stuff that can get you. My Q's are all comfort related because thats what i'm looking for.

Many thanks!!!!

hawglet · 03-18-2006, 02:10 AM

Seat comfort leaves something to be desired to many other Sport touring bikes however with the Sargent seat you'll be in good shape. They are supposed to be better than a Cobin for comfort plus they don't hold the rider shape so you won't have someone's butt print in your seat.

It has a ton of add-ons that would surely be nice, although I'ld say some of the prices are a bit inflated of what he actually paid (ie Y2K mirror shouldn't be more than $100). Heated grips, carbon fender, tinted screen, PCIII, Horns, voltmeter, pipe, and new RR you should be in like flin!!!!

My girlfriend is good for about a 150 miles or so before she needs a strech, as do I on any bike. I'ld say the VFR has a great ergo for the pass. seat and the driver, although you may want some bar risers with a pass. instead of having added stress on your back.

The pass. seat does have handles and yes they are removable. They did come factory with the seat cowl although I think it was an option but you can find them on eBay if he doesn't have them any longer.

Although I'm kinda partial to the bike I'ld say this is a great buy at 4800 or even as high as 54-5500-ish with all the acc. on it. It looks good to me. Give her a whirl a bit, you'll either be in LOVE or HATE it, there isn't really a middle ground unless you've never rode anything else. Good luck with the sale and let us know how you came out on it!!! Be sure the valve check was done, i'ld guess it was by the sounds of it. The RR has been replaced and CPU fan added so you shouldn't have any foreseeable probs. from what I know of that particulare bike which isn't much. I love my 98 and a buddy just bought a 2000 a matter of days ago which is great too. Good luck.

Tuffguy #2 · 03-18-2006, 06:23 PM

Thanks for all the input!!!

Well i got the bike.

Saw it and gave him a depost today.

Things to note...
Awesome condition. I couldn't have taken better care of it myself. It really is in excellent condition. Its had mobil 1 in it most of its life. Here is what i got for $5025.

-'00 mirrors
-sargent seat and stock cowl with stock handles
-power commander
-luggage rack and one piece of custom luggage for it
-gps mount, if i ever need it
-tank bra
-cool led running lights in the rear tail. They give the whole tail section a glow at night. This guy clearly liked electronics. The voltage meter is a nice touch.

All in all i'm very happy with the bike. I almost didn't want to take it from him. He clearly is still in love with the bike and hates to sell but needs cash for his new house hes buying. Really cool guy. Very technical, like myself and professional. So much nicer then buying a bike from some loser or shop that doesn't know anything about the bike.

I think this was a great deal for the condition and accessories. Just the add ons would have run me at least 1200 bones.

This bike will be awesome for my ride trip in May when i ride the parkway from DC to NC.

hawglet · 03-19-2006, 10:52 PM

Congrats on the VFR. It's really an understated bike that doesn't really get the attention it should. It s a bit heavy but handles better than many low 400 lb bikes with good power and great comfort. There are many things that you'lll find that you will find very unique to the bike. Check out www.vfrdiscussion.com for more infomation about anything regarding any realm of the VFR. Keep it on two man, or at least one!!!