Hardcore Biker
Im coming home to do a 3-4 week tour of the south island in March next year.
Considered a new VFR800 but with luggage and my fat arse....
Will probably end up keeping whatever I buy to use as a tourer when I get back permanantly.
Bandit 1250...
What do they go / handle like? Fuel economy etc?
Any help / info or other recommendations would be appreciated.
Cheers!
Best Frenemy you could have!
They are quite heavy, and if you can live with the size, the blackbird probably makes more sense, at least regarding weight, and the extras you get cc wise etc.
Don't know anything else specific to the VFR
Originally Posted by Jane Omorogbe from UK MSN on the KTM990SM
Moped rider
Hey,
Got a '02 VFR, love it to bits. I have a Ventura rack and soft luggage and regularly do Auckland - Palmerston north. I have to stop every hour and a half to stretch as the riding position is 'semi-sporty'. It goes great around the Coromandel loop and I get fairly decent fuel economy (5-7l/100k). It feels a lot more 'sporty' than some other similar displacement/hp bikes (a CB900 for example) and it's a 6 speed and has that cool V4 sound. Which is all good.
If you do lots of two-up, give the Bandit a look as I find that with the VFR it's a bit gutless (relatively speaking) when it's not in the VTEC range and you really have to ring it out with a pillion. Also, I'd say the Bandit probably has a slightly better (more upright) riding position if you were doing a longer tour (not having ridden one myself).
Overall I like the VFR because it looks good (especially in red), I can still hammer through the twisty bits and at the end of the day I don't feel too stiff and sore.
(and it's not an old man's bike like the Bandit!)
I thought I thought that
go on --- do it
I rode a 1250 and compared to my 1200 it's not a lot different;
lovely torque, cheap as chips, the injection model is well worth it I would think.
Down side is I thought I was more exposed to the wind, too many gear changes with the 6 speed (didn't need six gears) and the brakes would take a bit of getting use to not lock them up all the time.
Bandits need a bit more clearance if you like to lean them over a bit, especially if you're on the larger size like I am.
Bandits are a fun bike
Lifes Just one big ride - buckle up or hang on
Forum whore
What sorta budget Mate?
"If you haven't grown up by the time you turn 50, you don't have to!"
Forum whore
See my ride report on the BAndit...
You don't get to be an old dog without learning a few tricks.
Shorai Powersports batteries are very trick!
Rest In Peace
Test them both hehe.
Bandit is good ride position,average for all else according to some,i.e brakes,suspension,comfort.Mine is fine for me albeit maybe looking at the pillion seat to make more comfy,the touring version has full fairing and panniers and great price new,which will be the clincher for you,both the VFR and Bandit (touring model) are similar new price wise.
Hello officer put it on my tab
Don't steal the government hates competition.
BogOff-Cant you see I'm busy?
The 1250SAT is a great bike. No better value for money anywhere else (for what it is). It has ABS and all the luggage, plus a really grunty fuel injected modern power unit. I almost bought one until the missus got pregnant, which meant I could get my first choice!
IMO - The weight isn't really an issue. There is bags of power to play with and it seemed really good at all speeds. Cornering is pretty smooth and effortless. ABS brakes are brilliant. A great tourer and quite happy to be pushed faster.
PHEW.....JUST MADE IT............................. UP"
she said she would !!
[QUOTE=Gremlin;1916794] the blackbird probably makes more sense, at least regarding weight, and the extras you get cc wise etc.
I go with what he say's big fella.....
I Used to jog but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass
stormrider
The VFR will haul your luggage & fat arse round no problem, bandits are heavy & a lot slower through the corners than a VFR.
Im coming home to do a 3-4 week tour of the south island in March next year.
Considered a new VFR800 but with luggage and my fat arse....
Will probably end up keeping whatever I buy to use as a tourer when I get back permanantly.
Bandit 1250...
What do they go / handle like? Fuel economy etc?
Any help / info or other recommendations would be appreciated.
Cheers!
The Bandit would be 1st choice if your intending to do a lot of distance with a pillion, if your riding solo then the 800 cc VFR will be plenty.
bikes and babes are best naked
I found I had a fluffy seam when my crotch got wet.
Geriatric hoon
I'll vote VFR, but then I would.
When I bought my VFR two years ago I was told Blue Wing didn't import the Honda hard luggage because it was too expensive. Then a year or so later they had a special deal going on the Honda luggage if purchased with a new bike. What the current situation is God knows.
I bought Givi hard boxes with the inner bags, all good except that the bike is pretty wide with the boxes on. I haven't seen a VFR with the Honda boxes to compare width.
The Ventura racks are good too , I had one on the Hornet - liked it. Compared to the hard luggage it's swings and roundabouts, both have advantages.
There is a grey blur, and a green blur. I try to stay on the grey one. - Joey Dunlop
Buller gorge Rocks
I ride a concours but brought my wife a VFR 800 with givi panniers and its farkin awesome
If you dont want it too heavy then a VFR will do what you want no problems and they are quick when needed An awesome all round bike thats big enough for serious touring and light enough to blat around the back blocks on Sunday,s
McNoob
vote blackbird
Hardcore Biker
Vote Bandit
They have an almost fanatical cult following for a reason. Excellent bikes.
Hardcore Biker
Ha ha... I had forgotten about my thread in this forum...
Thanks everyone for your advice!
However... There has been a change of plan in my absence....
I have now 100% decided on one of these....
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