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How's passenger comfort on a VFR?

VP1

VP1

.
Joined
Dec 24, 2008
Location
CA
Moto(s)
'79 RD400
'71 CL450
'62 Li150
Hi all,
I'm going to be in the market for a used bike pretty soon. I really want a new 650 V-strom however I can only really afford a used bike and not many used V-stroms are in my price range. I've got around $3-4k to spend. I've been looking at some late 90's VFR's and they are in my price range.

The thing is this- I ride 2-up about 80% of the time. Passenger comfort is just as important as my comfort so obviously I need something my girlfriend is going to be comfortable on. I'm not big on twistys and I don't need a rocket ship. Don't need huge CC's. Just want something I can do some light touring and commuting with.

Think a late 90's VFR would fit the bill?

Thanks :)
 
I think so.

I would also like to recommend a Katana 750 as an option as well... sounds like for your purposes, it may be a very good option... the 600 is good, but if you do two up, the 750 will be much better... and you may find a later model for the same price as the VFR.
 
If you want to exponentially improve passenger comfort, put a back rest ( or top box ) on the back.
It has nothing to do with "back rest" and everything to do with "feeling safer = relaxing more = feeling better."
 
And please consider a Bandit 1200. Ignore the "big cc's", and instead consider it as an incredible bargain for light sport-touring with lots of space for you and passenger.
 
What's with sticking the passenger way up in the air on that perch like they do nowdays? Seems like the older bikes with the flat saddle would be so much more comfortable for passengers... Katana 750 looks pretty nice, it's just got that forward slanting, highly perched passenger seat which doesn't seem to comfortable... Guess we'll just have to go sit on it and see how it is though :)
 
+1 on the Bandit. Even my 600 is great for riding 2-up. Plus its a very solid, reliable bike.
 
Wow, just looked on Craigslist and found some pretty inexpensive Katanas. Look like they would be pretty comfy. I'll definitely be considering one of these
 
CuriousMike said:
If you want to exponentially improve passenger comfort, put a back rest ( or top box ) on the back.
It has nothing to do with "back rest" and everything to do with "feeling safer = relaxing more = feeling better."
Click to expand...

^Or get aftermarket seats.

I've ridden two-up on the 800 with sargent seats through the twisties, and it's not uncomfortable. The seating for the VFR is not as aggressive where the passenger has to lean over the rider and put his/her hands on the tank. But, at the same time, it's not as comfortable as, say, a cruiser with a sissy bar.

But for me, I think it's more comfortable being the rider. :p :ride
 
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While a 750 Katana is certainly comfortable for a passenger, and has enough power for two-up riding, it is all-around a cheaper made bike than the VFR. I just sold my 2000 Kat to buy a '98 VFR and the Honda is a better bike in every way: power, suspension, fit and finish, longevity, sound. If you pay over $3k for a used Katana, you're paying too much. Unless it's practically new.

There are a few great deals on VFRs right now on Craigslist for under $4k.
 
CuriousMike said:
And please consider a Bandit 1200. Ignore the "big cc's", and instead consider it as an incredible bargain for light sport-touring with lots of space for you and passenger.
Click to expand...

Good idea.

My S/O never had a problem with my VFR. And the hand grabbers work well for passengers and they make good sliders (don't ask me how I know that)
 
My girlfriend loves the back of my 95' VFR. I got a corbin seat with butt warmers and she digs it so much.

Her only complaint is that when out on a long trip her thighs get tired but that is easily fixed at home :cool

I enjoy having a passenger on the VFR because they do not have to put their hands on the tank to stop or brace themselves to much to hold on. There are many spots for the passenger to hang on.
 
I have a tall (5'8" ish) pillion rider, and the pillion position on my VFR folds her legs up too much to be comfy for more than 1/2 hour or so. She much prefers the standards. The VFR is still far better than a split-seat sportbike for pillion comfort, though, and you may be able to get a passenger-peg lowering kit.
 
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