So I rode a VFR yesterday

[Bonster]

I agree about the VFR not exactly, stirring the soul.  Can't really fault them, they're versatile, just a little under exciting.  And that V-tec is just plain weird to ride, with this buzzy sound when it kicks in.  I had a good long swap ride on an '05 VFR during an Alaska tour.  Felt almost as heavy as my Blackbird without the thrust.

VFR's have a huge, loyal following, but so do V-stroms.  Some guys just value comfort, reliability and practicality more than others.   I think the S2RK is perfect for a  3 - 400 mile day, beyond that, well, it can be done, but so can a lot of painful things.  And we all know Monsters suck 2 up.

I want a Pike's Peak Multi some day.  If my pillion wants more comfort than that she can take her car while I ride.       

[koko64]

I reckon a Cagiva Gran Canyon or Elefant would be a good mix of soul and comfort if you like older desmodues. Air cooled Multistrada could be a more recent option.

[Twizted]

I had the same experience as the OP. Had as ride on a 2011 VFR as I had heard a lot of people talking them up. How do you say that when a bike is to perfect to ride that is kinda boring? Sterile? Geat bike but it just lacked the soul of my Monster.

[zooom]

I reckon a Cagiva Gran Canyon or Elefant would be a good mix of soul and comfort if you like older desmodues. Air cooled Multistrada could be a more recent option.

feel free to purchase my Gran Canyon and find out!!!!

[jrswanson1]

Ah, a Honda V4.  I have one, a first generation Magna V45.  Nothing like smoking a Corvette with a cruiser that's 30 years old.  The stock seat is okay, you can get a more comfy aftermarket seat and ride 2 up with no problems.  Or get the V65 version and have some serious fun.  Sadly, people who bought these when they first came out rode them like cruisers, so the cam wear problem reared its ugly head.  Keep it at 4000 and above and everything is oiled properly.

[koko64]

I raced Honda V4s for awhile, VFR400/NC30. Beautiful little bikes with great motors (360° big bang). They had character, as do the VFR750s. Two mates own 1995 VFR750s. A mate raced an RC30 and regretted ever selling it.

Honda refined too much character out of the 800s imo.

[reverus]

I actually just sold my vfr800 , 06 vtech to get a monster s2r for this very reason. I spent a year and a half on that Vfr and over 8k miles. Fantastic bike! Fun, nimble, really cool v4 noise, and fast. But you are correct.. There is something missing. There is no connection to the bike. No soul.

[koko64]

Welcome rev.
Cheers.

[twolanefun]

If you want the brilliance of the MTS 1200 but not the seat height buy a Diavel, it is absolutely not what you might think it is. I admit to not having put any miles on one because getting my leg over it is almost impossible, Hyperstrada too for that matter. But I do have 56K miles on my ST3, which is pretty special with the mods I've made. I have 50K+ on my M900 and it still puts a smile on my face when I ride it. I sold my S2R1000 with about 15K miles, it was great on the track but I liked my M900 better on the street. But trust me the Diavel is better than any of those bikes, way better. Only issue is luggage, I'm working on a luggage option, probably go with the Ventura system. The tank bag that Ducati sells is good enough for 2-3 day trip, 1 up. Just my thoughts. - Gene

[Howie]

Any experience with a 2012 or newer VFR 800?

[reverus]

I haven't been on one myself but I was told by a friend that was shopping for one, it's a similar set up. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with the VFR platform. I'm sure the new one is every bit as capable as the prevoius. It's an extreemly well sorted out bike with no true flaws to speak of other than it's lack of distinctive personality and that's totally subjective. I'd say ride one and see what you think. It's a great machine really.

[twolanefun]

Some added weight, but jury is out if it really matters. - Gene

[SDRider]

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 love my Multi, and I mean LOVE IT!!!  But I'm 5'11" and I can't flat foot the bike.  One of the easiest bikes to ride and turns so easily.  I could do a U turn on a narrow two lane road with no shoulder easily.

[mdgore]

Check out a Triumph Sprint ST or RS.  I bought my 2001 Triumph Sprint RS new, and it's never left the garage as many other bikes have come and gone.  The 955r triple motor is bullet proof and a torque beast.  The few recalls the bike had (all minor quibbles) should be done by now and they can be had super cheap.  The 1050 motor has it's fans (later models), but I prefer the 955. The ST has a SSSA, and the last year of the RS also has the SSSA.  If the bike is not going to be the primary bike, then save some $$$$ and get a nicely sorted all rounder like Triumph ST or RS.  It can easily handle a pillion (with luggage) and it will do any road with ease.  The bike delivers 40+ mpg no matter how I ride it and 45K miles later (mind you I have 4 bikes in the garage right now) I've had no problems.  You can pick one up cheap, leave it in the garage for when you need it, and it will do whatever you want it to do. I've also ridden the VFR's, and they left me feeling the same as you.  The Triumph does not, as the triple has a unique note and the engine grunts and hums.

[SpikeC]

 I have come sooo close to pulling the trigger on one of those Triumphs! Like that yellow one.
Cricumstanses led me to a 2000 BMW K1200RS, but that triumph was always lurking in the back of my head.......