So I rode a VFR yesterday

[Kabulpostie]

And was completely underwhelmed. I've liked this bike since I first saw it years ago and had a chance to test drive a 2003  VFR 800. It was smooth, planted, had good wind protection and is quite a bit faster than my S2R1k. But, it was just boring I didn't smile at all, there was no leap forward from initial throttle opening no sounds that made me laugh etc.
I do think however that the four cylinder bikes are much easier to ride. an ill time downshift does not result in sudden nut crushing deceleration, but just more revs. It would be far easier for me to ride smoothly with a passenger on that bike...but I don't know. I guess at the end of the day there were no grins to be had for me
Which sort of disappointing to me as I was sort of looking for a bike that might be a shade more comfortable  on long rides and with the potential for a pillion that was still fun. Any suggestions from the peanut gallery?
The good news is that it cemented my love for my bike!  

[zooom]

I actually like the non V-Tec 800 VFR's. Particularly the 2000 that came in the Chiquita banana yellow with pearl metalflake in it.

[Speeddog]

Have you ridden an ST?
Not the Honda ST....

[Kabulpostie]

I have not, I'm sort of thinking of the Hyperstrada, as I would like a lighter shorter bike, since I am only 5'4", otherwise the Muti might be on my radar.

[The Architect]

I have not, I'm sort of thinking of the Hyperstrada, as I would like a lighter shorter bike, since I am only 5'4", otherwise the Muti might be on my radar.

I'm 5'-8" and the Multi was too tall for me.  You need an ST4.   

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=65253.0

[The Don]

The bloke across the road from me had a vfr 800 with a pipe on it, that v4 sounded sweet when he was coming down the street.
Is it that the bike you road had the factory pipe on it?

[Speeddog]

I have not, I'm sort of thinking of the Hyperstrada, as I would like a lighter shorter bike, since I am only 5'4", otherwise the Muti might be on my radar.

The Hyperstrada?

I've had a regular and an S version in the shop.
I rode both, I'm 6'1" and could barely flat-foot them.

[DRKWNG]

The Hyperstrada?

[koko64]

Clearly Ducati dont give a rats arse about customers under six foot. Bugger, I'm 5'8.
I can tip toe on a Elefant though.

My brother sold his VFR800. He was lucky to ride once a year. I convinced him to come out for a ride and when we swapped bikes he didnt want to give my Monster back. Most fun on a bike he had in years, he said. He sold the VFR and got a 2001 900S ie.
He loves riding again.

[DRKWNG]

I'd actually get one of these



over a Hyperstrada any day of the week.

[Speeddog]

I didn't spend a long time studying the ones I saw, but I don't see any good reason why they're so freaking tall.

[koko64]

I reckon I would get a Hyper evo or Hyper DS1100 and fit a CCW tank before buying
that 4 valver. I would trade top end power for more mid range grunt anyday (for street riding).

Was there a packaging issue that caused such a high seat? There is an extra frame/sidecover layer under the seat. Really ruins the look too.

[Speeddog]

I looked at the parts catalogue, looks like it's fuel tank running under the seat that's driven it up.

[GK]

My brother sold his VFR800. He was lucky to ride once a year. I convinced him to come out for a ride and when we swapped bikes he didnt want to give my Monster back. Most fun on a bike he had in years, he said. He sold the VFR and got a 2001 900S ie.
He loves riding again.

I AM that brother! Check my sig.

It was too heavy, had average brakes, average front forks, too tall for my 5.6" height and the reach to the bars was a little long for me.

It also didn't ignite the passion that the Monster did and does!

GK

[zooom]

I'd actually get one of these



over a Hyperstrada any day of the week.