When is the VFR1000 going hit our stores

[huck farley]

I recall reading somewhere that Honda are to introduce the VFR1000. When is it likely to be in Honda dealers MC dealer showrooms. Also does anyone have any pics of the same?

Is the VFR1000 going to have the VTec?

Single sided swing arm?

Any Idea of the price?

I had a 2005 VFR800 new for a year. Great bike solo, but found wanting two up, which I ride 99% of the time. So I would love to get my leg over it's big brother and take it, for a spin when it arrives.

Any feedback would be great.
Cheers :niceone:

[deanohit]

Heres a pic, no other info I can find yet.

[xwhatsit]

That pic doesn't look very legit to me. The `VFR 1000' decal looks very dodgy. From a cursory Google search it would seem that the VFR1000 is still just rumours, so even if it is real it would be a year or two away at the earliest, right?

[Shadows]

Huck Fonda.

[Hillbilly]

Here are all the pix I could find. Apparently it's not due till '09:

[Taz]

About 1985! And I owned one!!

[huck farley]

Huck Fonda.

Thanks for the pics guys, also your input. (I agree I think these pics look like a photo shop job) Looking at the seat on the bike I don't think I would be remotely interested if it were to come out with that set up.

For a sports tourer in my honest opinion it should have a more plush seat. I wouldn't fancy touring the South Island on the seat shown. I guess the pillion seat would be harder still.

I think I will stick with my 07 Tiger1050 it's a wee bit tall for me but once I climb onto it, I am as comfortable as. So to is her Indoors.

I will still take the VFR1000 for a run just the same just to see if it's any better than the VFR800 which is going to be a hard act to follow in my opinion.
Cheers
Huck Farley :drinknsin

[deanohit]

Here we go then, not coming till 09 probly. There will possibly be 2 versions, the VFR1000 sports tourer and the RVF1000 sports bike and may even be a replacement for the CBRR1000.

http://sameerkumar.blogspot.com/2007/08/honda-v4-revival-in-2008-2009.html

[scumdog]

I recall reading somewhere that Honda are to introduce the VFR1000. When is it likely to be in Honda dealers MC dealer showrooms. Also does anyone have any pics of the same?

Is the VFR1000 going to have the VTec?

Single sided swing arm?

Any Idea of the price?

I had a 2005 VFR800 new for a year. Great bike solo, but found wanting two up, which I ride 99% of the time. So I would love to get my leg over it's big brother and take it, for a spin when it arrives.

Any feedback would be great.
Cheers :niceone:

Feedback?

O.K.: It's a Honda, who gives a shit - it's gay innit?

[jeremyb]

I really like the look of that, a litre V4 honda with some decent power and handling would be glorious!

[Swoop]

It is a rumour. Albeit a strong rumour.

Let's hope!!:wari:

[vifferman]

It's not coming - there've been rumours like this since before the VTec model came out.
The VFR was supposed to have been upgraded for 2006, as part of a four-year model cycle that had been in place since 1982. Instead we got clear indicators and a few other cosmetic changes.

There are a couple of inferences you can make from this; either Honda are going to continue like this until sales drop off and then ditch the VFR altogether (like they're doing with the VTR1000), or they're working on something really radical.
The first option is the most likely, as the VFR has never been a big seller.
The second option is scary, because if you take cues from what they did with the VTec, it's likely to be something really 'eco-friendly' that's an evolution from just cutting out valves at low revs/small throttle openings to dropping whole cylinders.

I for one would like to see a VFR that has a larger displacement engine, better suspension and brakes, adustable seat, handlebars, footpegs and levers, but it's very unlikely. Because Honda san has used the VFR as a technological showcase of sorts, this usually makes it expensive to produce, so savings are made elsewhere to keep the price down. The nett result is that while it's a great all-rounder, it doesn't sparkle enough to generate the sales needed to keep the development going.

[Drunken Monkey]

Well if it's anything like the 'phake', it certainly won't look bad. Almost a worthy replacement to the RC-45. Almost, but not quite.

[Mikkel]

I certainly think the idea of a new line of RVFs sounds interesting.

More bikes = better!

[vifferman]

I certainly think the idea of a new line of RVFs sounds interesting.

More bikes = better!
One would think (well...one would, if one was a thinking one), that the rise of V4s in MotoGP would have some spin-offs.
But I have some to be of the opinion that Honda just does it's own thing and doesn't have the faintest idea what its buyers and potential buyers actually want.
Or worse still, knows but is too arrogant to give a damn.
It seems to be easy to just concentrate on those models that are clones of other Japanese bikes, like the CBRs. (And to be fair, these are the models that are the big sellers in Urp and Mrka.)

But that seems to be a typically Japanese thing: playing copycat, and improvement of an existing concept/design/model, until the point is reached that either the model has been developed to summat the customer doesn't really want, or the market hasn't gone in the anticipated direction.

It seems it would've been SO easy to have brought out a race-replica very loosely based on the RC211V or RC212V, or a replacement for both the Blackbird and VFR with a V5 engine, but I'll be VERY surprised if that ever happens.

[nudemetalz]

About 1985! And I owned one!!

I remember riding one of these back in 1989. Had a nice loud 4:1.
Awesome machine, great looking and I would think, very collectable nowadays.

[vifferman]

I remember riding one of these back in 1989. Had a nice loud 4:1.
Awesome machine, great looking and I would think, very collectable nowadays.
I met a guy a couple of weekends ago, with a ratty old VF1000R he'd had a few months. It wasn't running properly on two cylinders, so I lent him a screwdriver to drain the carbs. When he cranked it up, I couldn't believe how loud it was. :gob:

His previous bike was a GN250, and he said it was "a lot more powerful, and then I found out it was only running on two cylinders. When I fixed those... :eek5:"

Oh yeah - and he was going through a rear tyre every month or so. "LUckily I get them cheap ($130). But I must learn to take off a bit more gently!"

:crazy:

[nudemetalz]

The VF1000R was the first bike to come out with a radial rear tyre as standard.
Yes, my mate Mark was replacing tyres on his at an alarming rate back then.
Heavy bike and lots of torque.

[nudemetalz]

this is nice...

[limbimtimwim]

Well if it's anything like the 'phake', it certainly won't look bad. Almost a worthy replacement to the RC-45. Almost, but not quite.I dunno man, this looks good to me.
<img src="http://www2.solomoto.es/fotos/22/Honda_1.jpg">
http://www2.solomoto.es/noticia.asp?ref=5094

I live in hope.

[Qkchk]

When anf IF it every does come out - Sign me up for a test ride baby!

[Reckless]

It's not coming - there've been rumours like this since before the VTec model came out.
The VFR was supposed to have been upgraded for 2006, as part of a four-year model cycle that had been in place since 1982. Instead we got clear indicators and a few other cosmetic changes.

There are a couple of inferences you can make from this; either Honda are going to continue like this until sales drop off and then ditch the VFR altogether (like they're doing with the VTR1000), or they're working on something really radical.
The first option is the most likely, as the VFR has never been a big seller.
The second option is scary, because if you take cues from what they did with the VTec, it's likely to be something really 'eco-friendly' that's an evolution from just cutting out valves at low revs/small throttle openings to dropping whole cylinders.

I for one would like to see a VFR that has a larger displacement engine, better suspension and brakes, adustable seat, handlebars, footpegs and levers, but it's very unlikely. Because Honda san has used the VFR as a technological showcase of sorts, this usually makes it expensive to produce, so savings are made elsewhere to keep the price down. The nett result is that while it's a great all-rounder, it doesn't sparkle enough to generate the sales needed to keep the development going.


Dunno viffer there is some logic in my theory that if they take Moto GP as there race category then the High performance future will be 800cc. So the CBR1000 racer becomes the CBR800 racer. You then drop the CBR1000, VFR800 and the VTR1000 and do a fast sport/tourer more along the lines of the ZX12r. Now that would appeal to many. The guys who like to not risk instant loss of their license the whole trip (110-140) but want to have a good squirt along a chosen straight or through some twisties a couple of times each ride.
How many of us are like that I wonder!! 90%
For a lot of riders the present CBR1000 is to much, I'd bet there's only 5 people on the whole of KB that can ride one even to 95% of its limit. The VFR800 is a bit too tourer, the VTR is bloody great but at the end of its time.

If they can make a 1000 with VFR traits and bit of CBR mongrel its a winner I reckon.

Dunno but a capable fast 1000 is logical their future for me!!!!

[vifferman]

The VFR800 is a bit too tourer, the VTR is bloody great but at the end of its time.
Having owned both, the VFR is a much better bike all round, including sports riding. The only thing the VTR is better for is wheelies.


If they can make a 1000 with VFR traits and bit of CBR mongrel its a winner I reckon.

Dunno but a capable fast 1000 is logical their future for me!!!!
There's really no reason why Honda couldn't take one motor (say a 1-litre V5) and make more than one bike from it: say, a shaft-drive sport-tourer, a race replica, and a detuned, naked hooligan machine. Ditch the VTR, the CBR1100XX, the CBR1000RR, the CB1100/1300 and Hornet 900, and bring out a VFR1000ST, a VFR1000RR, and a VFR Wombat/Termite/Buzzard/Fugu (or similar animal/insect/bird/fish name).

[Reckless]

Having owned both, the VFR is a much better bike all round, including sports riding. The only thing the VTR is better for is wheelies.


There's really no reason why Honda couldn't take one motor (say a 1-litre V5) and make more than one bike from it: say, a shaft-drive sport-tourer, a race replica, and a detuned, naked hooligan machine. Ditch the VTR, the CBR1100XX, the CBR1000RR, the CB1100/1300 and Hornet 900, and bring out a VFR1000ST, a VFR1000RR, and a VFR Wombat/Termite/Buzzard/Fugu (or similar animal/insect/bird/fish name).

Your first point is personal preference, I wondered if I'd find that response forthcoming. I have a very good riding buddy with a 20th Anniversey model and he has just recvd, last week, his brand new blue, red and white 25th anniversery addition. Which he got in directly from the USA himself. I felt his VFR was great but I personally felt a bit more sporty riding my VTR than his VFR. But again personal prefrence. I doubt I'd ever convince you of my opinion and it probably comes down to riding position alone and I liked the twin.

To your second point you could be quite correct, it makes sense, or we both could be, who knows. It will be interesting to see the outcome.
Its because it suits my impression of my personal riding style that a sport based VFR1000 (the ones in the pics look bias this way) suit my dream of what the perfect bike should be. And would send me scrambling towards the bank account. I was sad they dropped the ZX12r before I could afford one or maybe they dropped it because there is no market for it and I'm completly off track!
Who knows we can only wait and see?

[huck farley]

mmmmm Interesting feedback. I read somewhere also that Honda sales are plummeting world wide. As they seem to have been sitting on their hands for to long. So now they have to play catchup, to the rest of the Jappo motorcycle companies.

Let's face it the rest of the rice rocket manufacturers are streets ahead of Honda.

As far as I can tell, Honda motorcycles have been around for to long without radical changes, just the odd face lift here and there. So it wouldn't surprise me if they did get of there arse and turn out some real classy bikes, to which they are very capable of doing!!

Plus with the best build to boast of all the rice rockets I sincerely hope the rumor mill is heading in the right direction. So therefore producing some fine new Honda bikes.

Also is it true that the Blackbird is getting the chop and is being discontinued. Is there any truth in that??????

[SlowHand]

Dunno viffer there is some logic in my theory that if they take Moto GP as there race category then the High performance future will be 800cc.

For a lot of riders the present CBR1000 is to much, I'd bet there's only 5 people on the whole of KB that can ride one even to 95% of its limit.

Pfft, i can nearly pull the clutch lever in ALL the way back on the gixxer, which, we all know, equals 100 CBR1000s

I would have thought the superbikes were where the road sprots bikes originate from. We never really saw a 990cc with fancy bits or a 500 2stroke with mega power and handling.



Ditch the VTR, the CBR1100XX, the CBR1000RR, the CB1100/1300 and Hornet 900, and bring out a VFR1000ST, a VFR1000RR, and a VFR Wombat/Termite/Buzzard/Fugu (or similar animal/insect/bird/fish name).

I vote VFR Pingu, and a Bingo.

[vifferman]

Your first point is personal preference, I wondered if I'd find that response forthcoming.
Well, it's a tricky one.
Don't get me wrong - I really enjoyed my VTR, and miss it. But riding them back-to-back (which I've done several times over the years, including on the track), the VFR is a better bike, all things considered, and makes the VTR feels like a budget bike in comparison. They're close to the same weight, handling is almost the same, peak power's the same, the VTR just has more torque and feels a bit more slim and frisky.
When I rode both at Pukekohe, I was faster on the VTR, because it felt better in the corners and accelerated a bit harder. But (however!) I reckon I could go as quick on my VFR now that it's properly fettled.


Let's face it the rest of the rice rocket manufacturers are streets ahead of Honda.

As far as I can tell, Honda motorcycles have been around for to long without radical changes, just the odd face lift here and there.
That's not actually quite correct. The CBRs are still up there, and it seems that's where a lot of Honda's R&D seems to be going. The CBR600RR is a very good bike, lighter than the other Jap 600's, and with better mid-range torque. I can't speak about the 1000, but I'd be surprised if it lags behind the other makes for speed, handling and (most importantly!) everyday rideability (which is where Honda's usually shine).


Also is it true that the Blackbird is getting the chop and is being discontinued. Is there any truth in that??????
Quite probably.
It wasn't listed as a 2007 model for Mrka (neither was the VTR), but it's still current for Urp and Australasia.

It's rather telling that neither the Blackbird nor the Firestorm have received any significant updates for a while. The Blackbird got EFI and updated brakes etc a few years back, and the Firestorm got a new dash, bigger tank, and revised ergos ages ago, and that's it. You can't tell me either of them are perfect. I suspect Honda will keep dribbling them out to dealers until sales drop right off, then (hopefully) something new will pop out of the woodwork. I doubt whether a v-twin will be included as they're harder to get to comply with emissions regulations (noise and pollution). If they're not big sellers, why bother? But sadly, they're not big sellers largely because they haven't evolved.

[jrandom]

I met a guy a couple of weekends ago, with a ratty old VF1000R he'd had a few months. It wasn't running properly on two cylinders, so I lent him a screwdriver to drain the carbs.

Oh, is that what it was! I should have hung around and come over for a squiz.

Buggrit!

(I didn't end up catching that 600 anyway...)

[Reckless]

They're close to the same weight, handling is almost the same, peak power's the same, the VTR just has more torque and feels a bit more slim and frisky.
When I rode both at Pukekohe, I was faster on the VTR, because it felt better in the corners and accelerated a bit harder. .

Ahem!! Exactly! Hehe You shouldn't point your gun at your foot my friend! LOL


That's not actually quite correct. The CBRs are still up there, and it seems that's where a lot of Honda's R&D seems to be going. The CBR600RR is a very good bike, lighter than the other Jap 600's, and with better mid-range torque. I can't speak about the 1000, but I'd be surprised if it lags behind the other makes for speed, handling and (most importantly!) everyday rideability (which is where Honda's usually shine).

AS usuall the're HONDA BASHING! Bloody silly really I don't get this Honda bashing thing. Only Ducati has beaten Honda. Honda 2nd in the SBK and MOTO GP so on actual results they are The BEST of the rice rockets and to the PFFT comment suzuki where only 4th in both competitions.
And all thats from a Kawasaki man!

[Drunken Monkey]

Only Ducati has beaten Honda. Honda 2nd in the SBK and MOTO GP so on actual results they are The BEST of the rice rockets and to the PFFT comment suzuki where only 4th in both competitions.
And all thats from a Kawasaki man!

Those top level racers are nothing like road bikes. It's like comparing your average used Commodore form Moyes with last year's Bathurst winner - i.e. utterly useless shit.
When it comes to race winning performance from a bike you can actually buy from the dealer's down the road, well you only have to see what the local champions are riding - Suzuki owns the competition.

[pritch]

Honda 2nd in the SBK

Ummm Really? I know Toseland's bike was green but...
Actually, Honda won both the Superbikes and the Supersport in 2007.
Not that I'm biased :whistle:

[The Pastor]

I saw sanx's cbr1000. Its for sale now. I want it so bad.


Honda make very good bikes, but wouldnt the RC211V or RC212v type bike like rock the motorcycle world?

4 cylinders? nah I think i'll have 5.

Now imagine a 5 cylinder 250 :D :D :D :D

[huck farley]

Ahem!! Exactly! Hehe You shouldn't point your gun at your foot my friend! LOL



AS usuall the're HONDA BASHING!

No ones bashing Honda as far as I can tell. Me thinks it is a very orderly and healthy debate. Yes we all know the results of Super bike and Moto GP but please we are talking Honda road bikes on this thread not race bikes. But hey thanks for your input.
Cheers
Huck Farley

[Reckless]

Ummm Really? I know Toseland's bike was green but...
Actually, Honda won both the Superbikes and the Supersport in 2007.
Not that I'm biased :whistle:

I stand corrected. I did flick to the moto GP and the SBK site though here http://www.superbike.it/stats.php?p_S_Campionato=SBK&p_Anno=2007&p_PilotiCostruttori=C to check before I posted and as we where talking about manufacturers rather than riders I refered to what I found there. I must admit I only follow whats on TV which is the Moto gp. But I knew Honda where not the worst of the Rice rockets.



Those top level racers are nothing like road bikes. It's like comparing your average used Commodore form Moyes with last year's Bathurst winner - i.e. utterly useless shit.
When it comes to race winning performance from a bike you can actually buy from the dealer's down the road, well you only have to see what the local champions are riding - Suzuki owns the competition.

Oh comon you can't be serious. If pritch is correct are you saying that Supersport or even superbikes are so far above what our guys are riding there is no comparison and we should ignore any overseas success manufacturers achieve and all buy Gixxers.
I also can't believe that manufacturers are waisting all there R&D money in the racing classes and none of it filters down to their road bikes.
And your Moyes argument is extreme. I think you can compare the latest Gixxer with what they race in Supersport/SBK and this year Suzuki are far from being first.
Sorry but I'm not convinced.

[Morcs]

RVF1000 to replace the CBR1000 ftw :clap:

[bryce]

in 07 the motogp bikes droped to 800 cc ,honda droped one cycinder , honda are raceing 800 v4 ( vfr 800s ) you may or may not see honda move back to that as ther flagship .

[Coyote]

Or worse still, knows but is too arrogant to give a damn.

Wouldn't be suprised if that were the case. They even treat their racers poorly. "If you don't like how the team is run, we'll replace you. It's our bike that's winning races, not you". And sure enough Rossi and Carmichael left, 2 of the best riders in their classes. And sure enough they won the next season on a different ride :p

I dunno man, this looks good to me.
<img src="http://www2.solomoto.es/fotos/22/Honda_1.jpg">
http://www2.solomoto.es/noticia.asp?ref=5094

I live in hope.
Corrr. Have to start saving on the off chance it'll become real

[Coyote]

As far as I can tell, Honda motorcycles have been around for to long without radical changes, just the odd face lift here and there. So it wouldn't surprise me if they did get of there arse and turn out some real classy bikes, to which they are very capable of doing!!


Also is it true that the Blackbird is getting the chop and is being discontinued. Is there any truth in that??????
CBR600RR is a step in the right direction. It's at the top of the 600 class this year.


The hornet is getting the chop, but it's supposedly being replaced by a later engined model

[pritch]

Honda make very good bikes, but wouldnt the RC211V or RC212v type bike like rock the motorcycle world?

4 cylinders? nah I think i'll have 5.

Ummmm RM, the RC212v is a v4. Which doesn't stop everyone including the latest issue of BIKE, and me, from hoping...



Now imagine a 5 cylinder 250 :D :D :D :D

You might need to expand your imagination, Honda have already had a six cylinder 250.

[pritch]

Several of the new(ish) Honda range, including both of the new Hornets and the CB1000F(?), are from Honda Italy. Apart from the Dylan scooter I don't think any of the Italian models are imported into this country.

When I asked about the Italian made 2008 Lead scooter just this week, Bluewing said they had no plans to import that as it would be too expensive. They apparently hope to keep importing the Indian made one.

So all of the new bikes in the range originate in Italy, one hopes that the Hamamatsu crew aren't sleeping on the job.

[discotex]

Ummm Really? I know Toseland's bike was green but...
Actually, Honda won both the Superbikes and the Supersport in 2007.
Not that I'm biased :whistle:

And as a result the '08 CBR600RR is coming in Hanspree colours not Repsol...... Interesting development.

I'd love to see a VFR800 to fill the gap between 600 and thou.

[Swoop]

Also is it true that the Blackbird is getting the chop and is being discontinued. Is there any truth in that??????
Gone, as is the VTR.
Apparently...

[huck farley]

Well now with the Hornet, VTR, and now the Blackbird getting the chop. Honda must be up to something to replace these models. Like I have said before, Honda have had their head in the sand for a while now. Maybe it's time to pull finger!!

Me thinks we are due to get some new models soon from the big H

Me also thinks it's a matter of watch this space. I really do hope they add a litre engine to the VFR.

I would be in like Flynn if the rumour mill "is" onto it to buy one!!

You meet such nice people riding a Honda!! Who remembers that ad?

[Reckless]

Several of the new(ish) Honda range, including both of the new Hornets and the CB1000F(?), are from Honda Italy. Apart from the Dylan scooter I don't think any of the Italian models are imported into this country.

When I asked about the Italian made 2008 Lead scooter just this week, Bluewing said they had no plans to import that as it would be too expensive. They apparently hope to keep importing the Indian made one.

So all of the new bikes in the range originate in Italy, one hopes that the Hamamatsu crew aren't sleeping on the job.

Hey pritch talking about importing and you wanting that lead scooter. My riding buddy just imported a 25th Anniversary VFR 800 from the states. Emailed the guy, paid for it, they shipped it here in its original crate, 2-3 weeks, he put it together and vinned it no sweat. And its got the 25th emblems on it the one I saw in the Honda shop didn't!! Quite a few grand cheaper!!!
So hit the net for your Italian made 2008 Lead scooter. About time we shattered the captive market!

[Drunken Monkey]

Oh comon you can't be serious.

I am ALWAYS serious. Wel, mostly. Ok, sometimes.


If pritch is correct are you saying that Supersport or even superbikes are so far above what our guys are riding there is no comparison and we should ignore any overseas success manufacturers achieve and all buy Gixxers.

Nah, cos then I'd have noone to hassle. But all that aside, YES, I do beleive there is no comparison. There is such little difference in performance between top model sportsbikes, plus it's unlikely that most riders will get anything close to 100% of the bike's abilities, that you might as well shop on what looks pretty to you. If, however, you do want to buy the best show-room performance for your buck, look at the closest form of racing around as they'll likely be riding the same bikes (not bikes worth 100 times as much).

Perhaps, if I had the disposable income, I could become a trendy bike shopper and purchase only from the manufacturer who won the previous year's races (oh my, do I choose from MotoGP or Superbikes?) and get myself a shiny new bike every year, hoewever in general I can be confident most of us don't do this.

Again with the cages, sorry, but the logical result of your argument is we all should be buying Fiats because of Ferrari's success in F1? I dearly hope not!


I also can't believe that manufacturers are waisting all there R&D money in the racing classes and none of it filters down to their road bikes.

1 - It's not wasting, do you think they do it for free? Motorsport teams are most definately not made to run at a loss by philanthropic manufacturers!

2 - Filtering technology down doesn't mean that the exact component fitted to last season's winning bike is now fitted standard on next year's show room model. It just means things learned from the former will be applied to the latter. Whether it actually makes it a better bike is a different story again.


And your Moyes argument is extreme.

But true. My K4 has about as much in common with a GSV-R as a Commodore does with a V8 supercar. Not a lot.


I think you can compare the latest Gixxer with what they race in Supersport/SBK and this year Suzuki are far from being first.

Obivously the quality of the riders has nothing to do with results...

Also, what does it mean if you're 2nd or 3rd? The field is what, 30+ bikes? What if the wooden spooner team is also a Honda team? (just one without the budget) Should I refuse to buy a Honda until they only place in the top 10?


Sorry but I'm not convinced.

That's ok, it's not my job. Just giving another angle on the subject.

[huck farley]

Feedback?

O.K.: It's a Honda, who gives a shit - it's gay innit?



The only gays I know that ride, all ride Harley's. Are you in this catogorie seeing you brought ithe subject up???? And hey I give a shit!! :bash: