Time for a change....I think

[Greg]

Great site! Look forward to getting a chance to meet some new riders.

Here's the situation: currently riding a '98 VFR 800. The bike is....outstanding. I have had it for 3 yrs now and I'm just looking for a change, something different. I want to stay in the sportbike arena and not get too aggressive in my riding position -- I'll compromise if I have to. What scares me is, if I jump onto something else, I may regret parting with my VFR. The bikes I am eyeballing: CBR1100XX and the VTR1000 Superhawk. Need some feedback/experiences/comments.

Thanks.

[Tourmeister]

Acckk!!

You can't be serious about getting rid of the Viffer! ;-) The CBR1100XX is a very popular sport touring mount. The Superchicken has an extremely limited range. But they sure sound sweet hehe.

Oh, and keep the VFR as a backup bike ;-)

Adios,

[max955]

I recently discovered the CBR954RR. I was skeptical at first, but once I actually plopped my huge posterior on it I immediately recognized what a comfortable bike it really is...especially since it's supposed to be a competitor to the R1 and GSX-R1000. And at 370lbs dry, it's a flyweight compared to your VFR or my Sprint ST. The 1100xx seems like a comfy scooter and is not unattractive in it's Silver paint guise, but I don't like how wide it feels in the tank and to me isn't that much more comfortable than the 954. It's a pig, too, in terms of weight. I'm a pretty beefy guy so I can muscle around a heavy bike pretty well, but why work harder than you have to, you know? In any case, have a sit on the 954 and see what you think. Personally, I like the grey paint scheme over the red.

Another option worth mentioning is the Aprilia Falco-R. The silver and flat black paint job looks like *** in the photos, but in person really complements the bike. My personal fav, though, was the red they used on the 2000.5 Falco. GAWD, that made for a purdy bike!

Good luck!

[VFRinAustin]

:bigokay: Welcome, Welcome, Welome,

I think you will find a good group here. 2 weeks in and it is pretty obvious this was a good idea.

As for your new ride ideas, why not think about keeping the old Viffer and getting yourself a fun, lightwieght 600 class bike like a CBR600F4i or ZX-6R. If not, I aggree with Max on the Falco but you might also look at the new Suzuki SV1000S. That TL engine is one of the best V-Twin engines made, much better than the detuned unit on the Superhawk, and the SV will get you a least 50 more miles down the road per tank of gas.

As for the Blackbird, well its hard to beat in its class, but is the Hayabusa and the ZX-12R. Dont think you could go wrong with any one of them.

Good luck, and look forward to seeing you around here.

[buck000]

Another option worth mentioning is the Aprilia Falco-R. The silver and flat black paint job looks like *** in the photos, but in person really complements the bike. My personal fav, though, was the red they used on the 2000.5 Falco. GAWD, that made for a purdy bike!

Good luck!

Totally agree, I wanted the Red Falco, but by the time I was able to buy, it was 2002, so I decided to slum on a Futura :wink:

http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/rstanim.gif

:dude:

Paul

[brd]

I concur on the Superchicken having no range and the blackbird being kinda porky (though I wouldn't turn one down if given to me).

An obvious alternative is the Sprint (not to start a sprintVSvfr war), but it might be too similar (though you could get the RS for a little more aggressiveness).

Can you better define your objectives? Are you doing long distances on it?

If you're looking at the cbr1100xx, the other obvious alternatives are the Eye-abuser and the ZX-12 (or zzr1200).

Maybe even a beemer? Like the K1200RS or the R1100S (I think that's the real sporty one, comparable to a sprint or vfr).

[max955]

Totally agree, I wanted the Red Falco, but by the time I was able to buy, it was 2002, so I decided to slum on a Futura :wink:

Paul, if a Futura is slumming where you come from, I'm going to have to move to your neighborhood!
:D
I looked at the Futura and it sure was nice, but it just gave the appearance that it was larger and heavier than it really was. My ST is actually bigger, but it doesn't feel or look that way. Go figure. If I were rich, I'd own about twenty bikes, and a Futura would be one of them.

[buck000]

max,

If I hadn't been smitten by this particular red, I very likely would've wound up with a Sprint ST or RS, not only because they seem to work and sound wonderful, but also due to the fantastic dealership (http://www.lonestarcycle.com) in Austin. :bigokay:

It turns out that the Futura and I get along fantastically. It's only my 2nd motorcycle ever, so I can't really compare it to hyperbikes or other STs, but it certainly floats my boat.

Paul

[Frog4aday]

Greg,
I think someone touched on this already, but it needs to be said: what is it about the VFR that has you thinking of a 'change'? Too heavy? Not enough power? Too sporty? Not sporty enough?

If there is a specific thing you're looking for that the VFR doesn't offer, then better advice can be directed your way. Having said all that, you will regret getting rid of the VFR in some way or another, because it is just a great "all around" bike. It doesn't lead in any single category, but it does so MANY things really well. That is what's great about it.

I got rid of a '97 VFR and bought a 929. I love many things about the 929. It is a great bike. But that '97 VFR still stirs my heart and I have moments of nostalgia for it. But then I go ride and realize I wouldn't go back, so I have to concur I did the right thing for me. You have to decide what the right thing for you is. (Blackbird=wide and heavy; Superhawk=stopping for gas A LOT).

Good luck. (Isn't it fun to dream of a new ride? Don't be so quick to dump the one you have though. It's a great bike.)
Pat in Wichita Falls, TX ('00 929 "the big bee")