Couple of questions

I'm fairly new to bikes, but have decided on a new or nearly new
VFR800

A few of them come with some extras, hence my questions.

What exactly is a hugger?
Why would I need a "power commander"?
Do heated handlebars make much difference through thick gloves?
What's the point in an aftermarket exhaust - does 2-3 bhp give a
noticeable improvement?
Do saddlebags or a top box affect handling - which one affects
it least?

 

Cane emerged from their own little world to say

IMO a topbox affects handling more than saddlebags[1]. I owned a VFR750
and used a topbox to begin with. I also tried a GIVI wingrack with hard
panniers.

In windy conditions the topbox provides a nice lever for the wind to
catch which can give a few interesting moments, especially in a cross-
wind on the Old Severn Bridge.

In normal riding conditions a loaded topbox affects the way a bike tips
into corners. You get used to it but it does make the bike tip into
corners suddenly rather than progressively.

I was also surprised at how much better the bike handled after removing
the GIVI wingrack. Even without any boxes fitted it affected the
handling quite a bit.

On a long journey I preferred to use canvas saddlebags and a tank bag.
These are less secure than hard luggage but affect the handling less as
the weight is better distributed. Also, hard panniers restrict your
ability to filter more.

I generally ride solo. If you will be riding 2 up then do consider the
hard luggage option. It provides more storage and you will notice the
extra weight less. The better weatherproofing would be a bonus too.

On my current R1150GS I do use a topbox as it affects handling less on
this bike. I don't use hard paniers for the filtering reason.


[1] I think of saddlebags as soft, canvas type

 

Not to mention are usually smaller, prettier and better sounding.

I used soft panniers on the VS800 - hated their flimsyness.

I've used an oxford tailpack on all my bikes except the B12 - it's fine,
just make sure you use more than enough bungees.

The ZZR has a wingrack style affair - two side boxes and a top box. When
evenly and securely loaded, the handling isn't compromised too much -
certainly not enough to worry about on road use.

IIRC there's plenty of pics out there featuring fully loaded sprot bikes
with pegs scraping and knees on the tarmac.




--
Dnc

B1200 - +30bhp ~|~ ZZR1100 - faster when upright
V2300 - flat cap and rug ~|~ VS800 - borked

MIB#26 two#54(soiled) UKRMMA#26 BOTAFOT#153 X-FOT#003