No more lurking the time in near...

[1407]

for me to finally get my own bike.

Hello all, been lurking here for a year, reading up, listening, learning ever so slowly.

I have not ridden in quite some time, back in my days of riding (late 80's early 90's) I rode several bikes, mostly my roomates, honda enduro, the old interceptor 500 - was a great bike at the time, and alot of a honda CB750?

I live in the Northwest where we have a long wet winter, however from May to the end of October is wonderful for riding.

Sold on the sport bikes (always have, always will), but turning 40, yikes!, I'm looking at the Honda VFR. Has the sport look I like, more than adequate perfomance -sorry no stoppies or >100mph for me. And from what I've sat on, its comfortable to me.

I'm entered into a Motorcycle Riding class next month for a start to knock the rust off, and hope to get a used bike for the rest of our riding season here. With the hope of taking my hard earned taxes and just possibly getting that 08 VFR.

Before I pin anything down, does anyone have any suggestions at other bikes that compare to the VFR for me? ABS is nice for us older guys, but not a requirement. What I dont want is wrist cramps on a 3/4 hour ride.

)

Excellent information all the time on this site, your input is appreciated and valued.

Regards,

[Bredebee]

WELCOME ABOARD ! great people here with great input I'm sure you'llfind the answers your looking for here

[Oni]

Welcome. Plenty of bikes that might suit what you're looking for.

Suzuki SV650 N/S
Suzuki VStrom
Kawasaki Z750

for starters.

Definitely consider an MSF before you get back into things.

[hondajunkie]

Hi and to SBN!!! (official greeting)
If you can afford it, yeah get the ABS VFR.
Be safe out there, the new bike these days are WAAYY more capable then the bikes a decade ago so taking the riders course is the way to go.

Good luck!

[1407]

yes I respect them a whole lot more than the bike respects me. lol

I witnessed a friends son, who bought a 954RR for his first bike last summer. He managed to ride it for 5 days, then left the paved driveway and completely dumped it with a slight twist of the wrist. He had zero business even being near that bike. Just the torque dumped him.

He invited me to ride it, nope, thanks.

From what I read, the 600's (Not R's), are much more than I ever rode. Friend has a 06 SV650 that he keeps tempting me ride around the neighborhood. Think I'll take him up on that. Seems light and very nimble.

=P

[21 natas]

hello and welcome to SBN, glad to hear you're going to start riding again.

[meanstrk]

The VFR is an absolutely wonderful bike, and one I am still struggling with myself trying to put off buying one!

Question is, a newer one or older? The older ones have the gear driven cams that make wonderful music while the newer VTEC models are not quite as endearing to most. The VTEC models are pricey to do the valves as well. Either way though, you can't go wrong. I have done quite a bit of tiime on both the older version (1998) and newer (2005) and enjoy both, but the VTEC model just seems like I have to keep it in the VTEC range when two up to go anywhere. Probably just me really, but there is a LARGE noticable difference in power when the VTEC kicks in. Handling is wonderful with both and the ergonomics are great either way. BTW, I am 41 myself.

I really don't think you can go wrong with a VFR. Not so much power to worry you and the power delivery is linear, so no real "power band" unless you are talking VTEC again. Just a wonderful bike all around!

[650r]

welcome

[1407]