Any VFR or RC51 owners out there?

[run-tmc_imp]

I’ve been obsessing over adding another Honda to my garage for awhile now as I’m concerned my CB is a little lonely out there. The two bikes I’m thinking about are the RC51 and the 5th or 6th gen VFR.

Do any of you have experience with either machine? How did it compare to your time with the CB?

Thanks! Tom


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[Houtman_imp]

For a few years I owned a new 2004 RC 51 (Nicky Haydn Edition ) beautiful bikes but the bikes ergonomics were too radical for my older body. I put Heli bars on but my back still killed me after an hour. Sold it when we moved from NY to NC as the roads in NC were not good for this bike. In NY it was no problem with the faster speeds on the less twisty roads.

[run-tmc_imp]

Thanks for sharing Houtman. The RC51 sure is a gorgeous bike but no doubt, the less practical of the two I’m thinking of adding and unlikely to be enjoyable for riding long distances.


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[Roper_imp]

I rode a buddy's 6th gen VFR for about an hour, once. I liked everything about that bike, except that my legs felt pretty camped after about 30 minutes. I have a 34" inseam. He said that his butt got hot in the summer from the under seat exhaust (this was Texas) but that he really liked it during cooler weather. He had sold a fifth gen when he bought his 6th gen, and said he missed the whine of gear driven cams.

[run-tmc_imp]

Thanks Roper. I’m about a 32” inseam so hopefully wouldn’t be too cramped on a VFR, as part of the appeal of the 6th gen is having that well liked OEM locking luggage for longer trips.


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[CB1100DLX_imp]

This might be a little controversial but I've always liked the 7th generation VFR 1200F. Many people hate it but true designers have defended it. I think it it speaks to the Honda-ness design philosophy.
Underseat exhaust of previous generations make it top heavy, makes the seat hot, and makes the back of your jacket smell like gas.

[RLS_imp]

I am looking at buying a 2017 VFR1200X new for $9k. I think this is the perfect compliment to the CB1100.

[Frulk_imp]

I’ve looked at a couple of used VFR1200’s. Was always put off by the fact the previous owners had modded something. Mostly the exhausts. I really like the way they look and the Tupperware plastic wouldn’t be a problem for me as the maintenance would be fine by a mechanic. We used to have someone on our forum whose wife had one done up in Captain America colors. Very cool looking bike.

Just for FYI in price comparison:

http://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/61168995

[Jfro5687_imp]

I've got a DCT Crosstourer. Did loads of reading up and forum searching beforehand. Great bikes. Owners have racked up mega miles (one has over 305,000 miles on it) and reliability is excellent. Servicing is a bit more of a faff (plugs and valve setting) but it's not often needed and most owners do it themselves. Nothing fancy. Like the CB. Very different to ride. Much higher and more commanding position, more poke, handles very very well IMHO. I think the CB engine is sweeter though and sounds nicer, again, to me. It's also limited to 112 mph but I never go anywhere near that anyway. Magazine journo types diss it as too basic and too heavy. Ignore that. Owners really rate them.

[teamvisegrip_imp]

I have a 1986 Honda VFR 750 that I bought new and still looks new. I love it. If I start to sell it is the one I will keep till last just so I can stare at it. I think it is just a beautiful looking bike. When I bought it I was on very good terms with the Dealer. I got a bunch of dealer only items with it plus the dealer posters.

When I road the CB1100 for the first time I felt the VFR had a lot more power and the Specs supported that. That is why I modified the CB1100. But I get off topic here.

I know this generation bike was not on your list. As I have gotten older the ergonomics are getting to me. The hands will tend to go numb and that is about it. If I take my wife for a ride for old times sakes the weight is a lot to handle on the back and hands but well worth the trip down memory lane. LOL!

I bought the VFR back in 86 because I loved Hondas even back then. It was also voted the best 750 Sportbike back then too I think. It also won the SuperBike race that year. I did not like the extreme racer feel of the Suzuki nor did I like the others offered that year. I fell in love with the looks and loved the fit for me. I will never regret getting it nor will I ever sell it.