Crotch rockets, eh? Yeah, I dig 'em.
As many of you know, I sold my BA and got a VFR...it was the best series of transactions I've ever made when it comes to bikes.
My VFR, does it go over 150 mph? Yes. Have I had it over 150 mph? Yes. Can it wheelie? Yes. Have I had it on one wheel? Yes. Do I consider it a crotch rocket? No...it's my touring bike, although it is definitely leaning further towards the sport bike world than sport touring bike world. Would I someday like to get a proper crotch rocket? Of course I would.
I'm thrilled to finally have what I consider to be a CAPABLE bike. (Yes, we'll get this out of the way right now...I never considered the America or Thruxton to be fully capable bikes...I love each one for what they are, but am indeed thrilled to have a bike that fits my needs.) One that handles well, accelerates well, stops well, has suspension which actually does its job...the America was livable, my Thruxton is better, but the VFR is excellent. I've ridden 1200 miles on it in a day, which I'd never be able to do on the America or Thruxton. I can navigate twisty roads much more proficiently than the America. I always wear a full face helmet, armored gloves and armored jacket. I'm in the market for a good pair of riding pants as well. I think it's a gross oversight when you mention the flipflop/tanktop wearing squids. Per capita, the cruiserbike riders without gear (wearing a skullcap or no helmet, no gloves, and no jacket) vastly outnumber the sportbike riders. If anyone doesn't believe me, I'd be thrilled to sit with a cooler of beer with ya and count the bikes go by and prove my point.
How do I ride the VFR? Well...quicker than the Thruxton or America, of course. But otherwise, no different when I'm in traffic or on the highway. Do I lane split in town? Yes. Do I weave thru traffic on the highway? Yes. Is it because I'm on a certain type of bike? No. I break 100 mph on a regular basis regardless of the bike I ride. Is it because I'm 26 years old? Maybe, but I know and ride with MANY 30somethings 40somethings and 50somethings who ride even faster. I learned how to ride in and around NYC, where it's a necessity to ride how you guys would describe as asinine. I consider myself an excellent rider with exceptional awareness because of my riding history.
