Moving on to my next bike...

[Twisted]

The other bike I'm considering is a Honda CB-1 (CB400F), which boy oh boy do I wish could have been my first bike: it's 30 pounds lighter and has 8 more hp. Anyone ever ridden one? The one that's for sale is about 250 miles away so I don't wanna ride all the way there and then be disappointed.

I have ridden one. A 2009 model and it was a pretty decent bike. Typical Honda, nice revvy engine and decent suspension. Only bad point was it is not as comfortable for a taller rider (6ft 2) like me compared to the GS. I would get one if they were decently priced here in Australia but they cost double that of a GS.

[SAFE-T]

The other bike I'm considering is a Honda CB-1 (CB400F)

Was it this bike:

http://www.zeyz.de/cb1/cb1_links.jpg

or this bike:

http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Honda/2009_CB400/CB400_Blue_RHS_800p.jpg

The first one was a stupidly over-priced but "wow that was fun" 400cc inline four with gear-driven cams that is a pretty rare bird these days. The second one is a current version not available in North America. 

[speedfreek]

F4i's are great.  Depending on how big the person is, they may also want to consider a VFR 800 or FZ1

TJ

[Twisted]

F4i's are great.  Depending on how big the person is, they may also want to consider a VFR 800 or FZ1

TJ

I took a Viffer for a run. Good bike but it has no soul. It was too perfect if you know what I mean. Took all the fun outta riding it.

[ohgood]

F4i's are great.  Depending on how big the person is, they may also want to consider a VFR 800 or FZ1

TJ

I took a Viffer for a run. Good bike but it has no soul. It was too perfect HONDA if you know what I mean. Took all the fun outta riding it.

there, fixed it for you. the viffer has torque down low, mid and top power and a scream all it's own. long days are butter.

perfect, and viffer are interchangable. that bike really is -that- good.

[Unsane]

perfect, and viffer are interchangable. that bike really is -that- good.

+1

Gotta agree with you there - I rode a 2001 VFR a little while ago and it really felt like a larger, more powerful and more comfortable version of the GS
Similar riding position, nice pillion seat, good handling dynamics, I liked the linked brakes and Oh I love the howl of that V4