2007 VFR800 Interceptor as first bike
10-16-2006, 09:45 AM
#22
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Oh kwa tan zen wan
Posts: 3,867
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Chris S,Oct 15 2006, 08:54 PM
Wrong bike IMO, esp. if you plan on it seeing any sig. track time. Buy a used SV 650 - it will be more fun, a better platform to learn on, and MUCH cheaper to crash. Buy it right, and you s/b able to sell it w/ little or no depreciation.
I should get commission from KTM too, since that's by far my favorite brand...I'll recommend a KTM to anyone looking for the ultimate off-road bike!
10-16-2006, 04:24 PM
#25
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i dunno, as being in the same shoes as you (aiming to get my first bike too!). I don't know how much previous bike experience you have (especially with sportbikes) but as a first bike having a lot of fairing and nearly 100 hp could spell disaster as a first bike for learning on. Personally if you want to stay in the honda family, look up a cbr250rr, they are a fantastic bike (only about 45ish hp) but they are a great bike (though it would be bought used). Just my opinion on buying bikes, with all I have read it seems to be a lot easier to learn on a good standard bike w/o much hp to get the basics down, then move up to the big guns once you are ready. You just have to remember, this isn't going to be your only bike!
10-16-2006, 07:40 PM
#28
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The VFR will be an ok choice regardless of experience as long as you are able to exercise self control and after a short time go thinking you can ride like Nicky. If you want a tourer and to do some lapping days it will be great for that too. If you are looking to go to the track and learn to be fast it may be a poor choice. While it is a good bike and certainly in the right hands very capable (yes I too have had Fast Freddy follow me and lead at his school on one) it isn't as easy to learn on as many others (pick any 3+ year old 600 sport bike). Learning at the track to be fast is really different from a car in that a small error in judgement and the odds are very high you will be spending a lot of money repairing your bike vs. in a car you typically spin or have an off track excursion- no harm no foul. If the track is a priority for you, seriously consider somthing small and cheap you can toss without worry of finacial exposure. Another advantage is you will learn at an accelerated rate with the smaller, easier to ride bike too. Just my opinion.
10-18-2006, 04:22 PM
#30
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Marblehead
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're at least 5'8" tall I say go for it. I have 8 other bikes, but this bike is smooth, comfortable and works great 2 up. It is well balenced, the center of gravity is decent, the V4 engine is remarkable after all these years, and you can ride it all day. Did I say it is a lightweight sportstourer with a cery sporting look that you can ride all day? If I only could have one motorcycle to do it all, the VFR is the one and I'm far from alone in this judgement.