I'm thinking of trading in my 98 VFR 800 for a 04 R1 but need to find out of the rear seat gets too hot for 2 up riding since my girlfriend loves to ride. I can only afford 1 bike so if the seat on the R1 gets too hot for a passenger i will end up keeping my vfr.

It will be way more UNcomfortable than your VFR but I have not heard of it being unbareable for the passenger...........YET. It still early.


For 2-up R1's are not the best...might be the worst

I'll let her live with uncomfortable as long as she is not burning her ass off :sneaky

Anyone who has actually put some saddle time on the new R1 who can tell me if the rear seat gets hot or if it's ok?

Originally posted by jibaro69
Anyone who has actually put some saddle time on the new R1 who can tell me if the rear seat gets hot or if it's ok?

IMHO, keep the VFR.:fact

The rear seat on the '04 R1 is a board compared to the VFR unit. Not too mention her legs (knees) will be in severe pain from the lack of distance from the seat to the rear pegs. The list goes on.

P.S. If you are only taking short trips, it will be fine. But for long ones, VFR!!

keep the VFR or better buy a Fazer1000! R1 motor but a real 2-place bike!

The o4 r1 doesnt get hot at all in the back the front seat get warm buts its kinda nice. the only things people have said to me when i take them for rides is they feel every little bump and there tail bone gets sore but my girl friend is fine with it. If you are thinking about getting a R1 and have the money do it you will be a happy man with or without your girl on the back, trust me. once you have that bike in your drive way she will get on even if it didnt come with a back seat and flams came out the back end.

Well she is only 5' 2" and 103lbs so i really don't think she will be cramped back there. The 98 VFR is a great bike, had it for a few years but it's time to move on. I've sat on the new R1 and would be comfortable on it. Love the looks and styling. Most of my friends at work are into cruisers (harleys) and think i'm nuts but for me i feel much more comfortable on a sportbike than a cruiser. I don't have a problem with the ergos. Since i wanted something with a bit more balls than the VFR i think sometime this summer there will be a R1 in my garage. I will just wait a couple months so i can negotiate a better OTD price;) even though i wish i was :riding an R1 right now:D

shes a little one

My wife is 5'2 and about the same wieght around 110. She says its actually comfy, the pegs for the passenger are high so she puts her elbows on her knees and has a blast. She says the seat keeps warm but not hot at all, and she has spent quite a bit of time on it. I love the bike with or without a passenger, I never regretted it, such a awesome machine its mind boggling.

hmm i used to have a 02viffer, i got the 04 r1 and since i'm small(5'6), i dont lean as much. i actually prefer the r1 way more. smoother ride by far and but not as good on the bumps though, hurts going through dips, unless you stand a little. hmm but it feels much more stable and the heat i like it since i always wear regular pants. but it'd be way too hot if you were wearing maybe leather pants. I thought it was gonna be super hot but i think its not bad. keeps me warm during the day and night but not hot in my opinion.
i do like the 04 r1, better then the vfr, but dont take my advice since i dont want you to hold it against me, its only one man's opinion. ^^ life is very long, enjoy it though before you get too old to ride it heh.

Well i got the 04 and she is a beaut:D

I've only had my bike for a few days (>7days). The seat does not seem to get that hot. However, I will tell you this: the damn pipes get hot as hell in the back. Plus, as stated above, the pegs are so damn close to the seat only a midget would be reasonably uncomfortable. I placed my cargo net around the back and the damn thing burnt right through the ropes. Therefore, if riding your girl is a concern, go with the FZ1.

only my opinion.. take it for what its worth.

I live in SoCal and ride in 100+ degree weather. The seat will not get extremely hot, as long as she is not wearing shorts she will be fine. You only feel a bit of heat when you are stopped at a light.