QuestionI have just successfully completed a riding skills course as well as an in traffic training course. I am new to riding. I did all my riding on Suzuki GSE 500. I was very comfortable riding this bike. I am now looking for my own. I am considering a 1994 VFR with 80,000KM. I have not test rode the bike but sitting on it feels extremely comfortable and will be suited to the kind of riding I want to do (Sport touring).
Do you think this is too big a bike for me to handle? I am a confident rider and willing to practice with whatever bike I purchase.
As well, is 80,000KM too many miles on a bike like this?
Thanks
Mike
AnswerHi Mike,
Thanks for the question.
The easy answer to this question is “heck, if you feel comfortable on the bike and like to sport tour, then get it!” However, things are rarely that simple.
The fact that you have taken two riding courses and are “willing to practice” is good. It tells me you are serious about being a safe rider, and that you have a certain measure of discipline. That's important, because playing in traffic on a motorcycle is serious business. It has a low tolerance for mistakes or screwing around. Concrete, light poles and cars are unforgiving objects when hit. I hope you are equally as serious about your riding apparel as your training. Always dress for the ride, and practice all the tips you learned in the classes. It will serve you well.
Since you want to ride distance, a GS500E or other smaller bike is obviously not going to cut it. You really do need a bike like that VFR. As a beginner doing distance, I can't really think of a better, more forgiving- and more rewarding- modern bike than a Honda VFR. But make no mistake, it's a BIG step up.
Balanced and good as it is, it is a lot more powerful and demanding to ride than the little Suzuki. You will need to exercise great restraint and caution while you get used to it. It's a true sportbike, and I've seen many a skilled VFR rider smoke a less-skilled rider on the latest-greatest new rocketbike. So in this regard, I have to repeat myself: take it VERY easy in the early going. If you have riding buddies and they want to go out for a tear, be advised that most beginners crash their bikes while trying to keep up with more experienced riders. Take your time, you'll catch up. And you'll get better the more you ride. If you crash, you don't get to ride, right?
Take a lot of time (and go on a LOT of solo rides) to get used to the power characteristics, brakes, riding position and so forth. Once you have several thousand miles on the bike, I recommend you take a racetrack class and get some professional tips on advanced skills and bike setup. Track classes are not about going fast, they are about bike control. You can go fast to be sure, but that is not the point. Once through a track class, you will find your road skills and general understanding of riding greatly improved. Don't be intimidated by a racetrack or think you don't have a “good enough bike”. I've seen plenty of GS500's out there ridden by smooth, controlled riders. A racetrack is the best place to practice pure riding skills (turning and braking) without the aggravation of cops, traffic lights and swerving SUV drivers chatting on cellies.
As for a 94VFR with 80K Km on it: without seeing and riding the bike, it's hard for me to tell. However, 80,000 Km is a lot of miles/km for a VFR, even though they are great distance bikes. If the owner has impeccable service records and a mechanic says the bike is solid, then it might be a go. But if there is any indication the bike has any problems at all, I'd pass on it. There are a lot of VFR's out there (thankfully), so you may want to keep looking for something with about half that number of miles (or km) on it. Unless the bike has a giveaway price on it and is practically perfect, I'd probably keep looking.
Whatever you decide to get, take it easy and keep working on the skills: turning, braking, traffic awareness, and self control. As you get more comfortable on your new bike, you'll discover the great joy of distance riding, just as I have.
Ride smart, have fun.
Bill Roberson
Portland, Oregon, USA
