bane
1st December 2007, 11:50
Took the su-ki in for new rubber this morning, through Boyds Honda in Hams.
(see John in parts for the best prices in Hamilton - just remember to ask "is there a John price on this?") :2thumbsup
Greg was kind enough to let me try a VFR800 they have for sale, while I was waiting. It's a 2006 facelift model in wine (very "mature"), with 14000km, priced at $14k.
Wont bore you with how it looks, the current shape has been around for 5 years+, suffice to say, it's distinctive.
Ergo's:
Surprised just how upright the seating position is (more upright than my GSXF). Found the seat a lot firmer than my bike, but wouldnt be surprised if it's more supportive than mine over the long haul. Excellent screen, which actually directed most air over your helmet (as opposed to at your visor on my bike).
Clutch effort surprised, probably half as much again than the GSXF.
Engine/suspension/brakes:
What a great noise! - standard exhaust, but just the right amount for my liking - fitting after market wouldnt be necessary unless you were trying to shed a few kilos :whocares:
Its more cultured than a twin, with a wider repertoire than an IL4.
As for VTEC... I can see why test reports have been mixed. I just dont see the point - it gives the impression that the engine is flat under 6600rpm (not actually true), and though the noise hardens appreciably at the switch, doesnt feel like it is adding that much pace to the acceleration. Also felt slightly embarrassing passing at low speed with noise going vrrrrooom to wahhh (at <70kph).
There are vibes, but my GSXF is hardly the last word in smoothness!
Best description of the suspension is plush. It felt so much more planted than my GSXF (which I have to run pretty hard to avoid the wallowing my weight causes). No wallow with the VFR. Weight felt pretty similar to the GSXF (both ~230kg wet) - i.e. used to it so doesnt worry me. Didnt go too hard, but cornering felt easy and stable - i.e. no worries.
Brakes: think would take so time to get used to the linked brakes. Front alone felt a bit disappointing (no better than my GSXF), and front and rear together had me over braking - I dont usually use much rear brake on the GSXF (it's basically useless), - just think that the VFR doesnt need a linked system.
On a personal preference note, dont like the 020's fitted. Every time I ride a bike with 020's the rear just doesnt inspire confidence - something the fitting of Diablo's fixed on my GSXF.
Overall, I can see why the roadtest reviews are mixed. It can come across as having technology for techologies sake. But (as backed up by owners I met today), Id suggest once your used to the quirks, it's a japanese bike with real character, a Honda you could be emotionally attached to, rather than just respect.
do they come in pink? :whistle:
(see John in parts for the best prices in Hamilton - just remember to ask "is there a John price on this?") :2thumbsup
Greg was kind enough to let me try a VFR800 they have for sale, while I was waiting. It's a 2006 facelift model in wine (very "mature"), with 14000km, priced at $14k.
Wont bore you with how it looks, the current shape has been around for 5 years+, suffice to say, it's distinctive.
Ergo's:
Surprised just how upright the seating position is (more upright than my GSXF). Found the seat a lot firmer than my bike, but wouldnt be surprised if it's more supportive than mine over the long haul. Excellent screen, which actually directed most air over your helmet (as opposed to at your visor on my bike).
Clutch effort surprised, probably half as much again than the GSXF.
Engine/suspension/brakes:
What a great noise! - standard exhaust, but just the right amount for my liking - fitting after market wouldnt be necessary unless you were trying to shed a few kilos :whocares:
Its more cultured than a twin, with a wider repertoire than an IL4.
As for VTEC... I can see why test reports have been mixed. I just dont see the point - it gives the impression that the engine is flat under 6600rpm (not actually true), and though the noise hardens appreciably at the switch, doesnt feel like it is adding that much pace to the acceleration. Also felt slightly embarrassing passing at low speed with noise going vrrrrooom to wahhh (at <70kph).
There are vibes, but my GSXF is hardly the last word in smoothness!
Best description of the suspension is plush. It felt so much more planted than my GSXF (which I have to run pretty hard to avoid the wallowing my weight causes). No wallow with the VFR. Weight felt pretty similar to the GSXF (both ~230kg wet) - i.e. used to it so doesnt worry me. Didnt go too hard, but cornering felt easy and stable - i.e. no worries.
Brakes: think would take so time to get used to the linked brakes. Front alone felt a bit disappointing (no better than my GSXF), and front and rear together had me over braking - I dont usually use much rear brake on the GSXF (it's basically useless), - just think that the VFR doesnt need a linked system.
On a personal preference note, dont like the 020's fitted. Every time I ride a bike with 020's the rear just doesnt inspire confidence - something the fitting of Diablo's fixed on my GSXF.
Overall, I can see why the roadtest reviews are mixed. It can come across as having technology for techologies sake. But (as backed up by owners I met today), Id suggest once your used to the quirks, it's a japanese bike with real character, a Honda you could be emotionally attached to, rather than just respect.
do they come in pink? :whistle: