Trading Up to The VFR

2008 - Honda VFR
First sat and examined at the 2007 International Motorcycle. I dreamed for almost a year. Only 200 cc more than the FZ6 - but a huge difference in engine design. Tried and true V4 with V-Tec - at 6500 RPM everything kicks in and the exhaust note changes.

MPG best was 52 - got it on a very slow start on my first long trip to San Diego. Thinking about safety first and getting used to the full weight of a loaded bike - i slowly inched my way down to Carmel. Checked the mileage and was impressed at what is possible with self control and almost 2 hours of boredom. Then i filled up for the stretch south thru Big Sur and into San Luis Obispo. On some stretches i tucked in and let loose the hounds. What gets your eyes wide is when a tourist crosses over the line on a turn as they crane to get a glimpse of the beach below.




I would make this trip on Hwy 1 a year later with Chuck on his Ducati 1098. We rode to Ojai and took 33 through the mountains. This solo trip in 08 i wanted to just keep riding. 200 mile range on a full tank but, when it was all done i looked back and realized i did not stop enough and rest to enjoy the scenic views or just rest and take a picture or two.
Saturday morning leaving early from Gary's house in SLO. Stop at Pismo Beach and then gas and breakfast in Santa Barbara at Sambos. This is where a lady waiting with her daughter named Alex went to walk her beagle named Joey. With a full stomach and warm weather ahead i turned in from the coast at Ventura and got a face shield full of bugs. Stopping for gas somewhere in LA two guys stop to ask about the bike. Is it a BMW? No i can't afford one. Where you going?




I lane split in some of the heaviest traffic i have ever been in north of San Diego. Over shoot my exit and end up in National City...... turn around and head north back to San Marcos. Barry, Naila and the boys gave me a great weekend visit and we saw the Red Bull Air Races. On a cloudy monday morning i took the 405 up to 101 and into Montecito. Ate lunch at Peabodys and then over 154 past Lake Cachuma for a nite at casa de Gibson. Then north on 1 home.






I stopped in Pacific Grove for a Red Bull and while sitting on a bench at Lovers Point a camera crew was shooting a trio of models. I was sitting there minding my own business and one of the ladies decides to change her wardrobe. I look around thinking this is candid camera. Then i realize i have the power of invisibility. I smile as she goes topless and slips into a new shirt. Then i look over at my bike and Pacific Groves man in blue is looking over at me from his patrol car. My cloaking device is failing. Time to get on the road.

i forgot to mention there is a twisty two lane road, Prefumo Canyon Road, that rises out of Los Osos Valley and over to See Canyon. Great views. Quiet up there - suspicious cows will chew with eyes on your every move.