VRSC Questions

[Jeffdag]

I am very interested in getting a VRSC. Love the look and feel of the bike, especially after a test ride. I have two questions:

Can you get the bike without the forward controls? I am short and find it hard to reach the controls.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to having a fat rear tire?

I know I can ask the dealer, but I may try to pick-up a used bike and want to have information from actual riders of this model.

Thanks in advance.

[Motive]

VRSCD has mid controls with forward pegs, Bigworm rides one of those, and he's about 6'4. I know a dude that is probably about 5'8" that rides with the forward controls.

There's also the peg mounts that bring them back an inch or so, plus a seat that sits you farther forward...You could probably do something with the bars to make them easier to reach...I hear the A models have the bars pulled farther back.

Haven't ridden one with a narrow tire, but I'm bettin with less mass involved, it may have quicker acceleration, but I don't know by how much...and your replacements will be cheaper.

[jeffrey_pe]

I have a 2008 Night Rod with the mid controls and smaller 180 tire. This is my first bike with mid controls. I really like it. The mid controls are easier on my back because they shift some weight to your legs. They also help contol the bike while taking turns.

As far as the 180 tire, I'm sure it is a little bit faster and easier to turn than the big tire bike, but not a big difference. It comes down to the "look" more than anything else.

[EZE RIDER]

I think you'll find just about anyone who owns one loves it. There are many possibilities to situate your bike to fit you perfectly with the options mentioned above. As far as a fat rear tire goes I have a 260 on the back and she handles great. If you want to win a race you would want a skinnier tire but on the road it handles just as well if not better than the other bikes in my varied groups.

The advantage of a giant rear tire is a wider contact patch through out a turn or going straight for increased traction and a more stable feel. If your like me the look of it is also a plus. Some folks think it looks stupid (the bike and the rear tire) that may be a plus or a minus depending on your outlook.