Tell me if I'm mad....

[Gman71]

Having been properly bitten by the biking bug, I am looking at my options for a bigger bike as soon as I get my Full license.:wari:

I was all keen on a CBR600F1, 636 etc-Daytona, sometype of 600 sports....

BUT I have just come across the Honda VFR800 which makes me go all giddy when I look at it...:drool:

(Yes I know I have to go and ride these things)

But am I mad going from a GSX 250 to an 800 like the VFR?? :weird:

Seems less harsh than the riding position of 600 sports and perhaps accomodates my sedate countryside rides more than the others will.

I rememeber the cruel sarcasim unleashed on the last newbie comtemplating moving straight to a 1000cc. I am hoping for some considered opinion about the VFR800.:Playnice:

[yod]

Having been properly bitten by the biking bug, I am looking at my options for a bigger bike as soon as I get my Full license.:wari:

I was all keen on a CBR600F1, 636 etc-Daytona, sometype of 600 sports....

BUT I have just come across the Honda VFR800 which makes me go all giddy when I look at it...:drool:

(Yes I know I have to go and ride these things)

But am I mad going from a GSX 250 to an 800 like the VFR?? :weird:

Seems less harsh than the riding position of 600 sports and perhaps accomodates my sedate countryside rides more than the others will.

I rememeber the cruel sarcasim unleashed on the last newbie comtemplating moving straight to a 1000cc. I am hoping for some considered opinion about the VFR800.:Playnice:

no , youre not mad

the VFR (781cc) is not the same as a 1000cc out and out sprotsbike - 100hp vs 150hp, 200kg vs 170kg....ish - there's a considerable difference in power-to-weight

do you have the ability to control your balls with your brain when you need to? if the answer is yes, then you will be fine, just respect the beast

[Mikkel]

The VFR800 would be less insane than a supersports I am guessing.

But no, insanity happened when you decided to take up biking :yes:

"I don't suffer from insanity - I am savouring every minute of it!" ;)

[megageoff76]

You will be fine, go for it. At the end of the day its only a bike, just like the one you already have..you ride them all the same way.

You just wont need to twist the throttle as hard everywhere you go.

[vifferman]

I am hoping for some considered opinion about the VFR800.
Uh-oh....

:confused:

Firstly it's a Honda (cue the anti-Honda brigade saying, "It's a Honda - it's ghey! You're ghey!" :argue: etc etc.)
Secondly, apparently you need to own a pipe, slippers and cardigan to own a VFR800 (although none of the VFR800 owners I know have any of those items).

My opinion (biased as it is) is that the VFR800 is a great all-rounder, and has been voted such several times by various bike magazines. It's reliable, comfortable, and perhaps the ideal bike if you want something that can be used as a commuter, sprotsbike and touring bike. Although it's only ~100hp, and does weigh over 200kg (alleged dry weight around 210), it's not a slouch, with an alleged top speed of 240km/h, and 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds.

But you'd better get in quick, if you want a new one. Although it has a cult following, rumours abound that Honda is phasing it out in the next couple of years.

[Swoop]

A bloody good choice. An excellent all-round bike that you can tour great distances on (and still be able to feel your arse at the end of the ride) and chuck about in the twisties with great abandon!

Do it! It will be the best thing you do.

Power wise, just be sensible (as if we need to tell you that).

What year are you looking at?

[Edbear]

Personally I'd advise caution moving from a 250 to an 800. Even "only" 100hp, that's several times what you're used to. Ride it like your 250 and you'll die a horrible death very quickly!:bye:

The VFR has a very long history of reliability and all round capability which, (despite it being a Honda...:shutup:) is well deserved and you'll probably be very happy with one, if you can control your right hand enough to get used to the performance. Servicing costs may be a bit higher, but you can soon ask a shop.

Maybe compared to a Gixxer, they are not fast, but believe me, they don't hang around when you twist the throttle!

The first of the V-tec models were criticised for the abruptness of the timing change which could unsettle the bike mid-corner and caught a few out, but the earlier, non-V-tec and the latest model are much better and smoother. Some argue that the pre-V-tec models were the best, but by all means if you can afford a new, or near-new one you should get a very good bike. Just please remember, it's in a different league to your 250!!!

[enigma51]

your mad :sunny:

[Edbear]

your mad :sunny:


Or that....;)

[Gman71]

Not mad after all.

to answer some of the questions:

yes my brain controls my balls. 4 kids and a heightened sense of mortality means I often get mistaken for a nana-on-a-bike

Looking at 2003 or later (maybe even a new one depending on my domestic sales skills)

thanks GOD i wont have to nearly brak my wrist making the thing go. (feel terrible about how hard I have to wring my bike to cruise at 100km p/hr). I mean 70.

Sensible is my middle name. (sse point one)

Thanks Guys!

[Big Dave]

If it fits you ergonomically and you are competent handling its mass - good choice.

[vifferman]

The VFR has a very long history of reliability and all round capability which, (despite it being a Honda...:shutup:)
WTF is that supposed to mean?
Honda's are renowned for being reliable and capable - it's "lack of excitement" and/or "lack of style" or "boring" that they're usually panned for.
Since buying my first Honda in 1973, I've had one (1!) part fall off (a footpeg, due to the mounting bolt snapping after too many wheelies), and two breakdowns - both from R/Rs, which aren't made by Honda (but it was Honda's fault for fitting sub-par units).


Servicing costs may be a bit higher, but you can soon ask a shop.
The Vtec is expensive for valve clearance checks, as it takes 5-6 hours. But (however), you can pretty much guarantee that after the initial one, the clearances will be in spec, so skipping them isn't a big deal.
However, long-term reliability of the camchains is a big question mark, and there have been recalls for wiring, brake valves, and faulty stators on the earlier examples (2002-2005).


Some argue that the pre-V-tec models were the best
The Vtec has marginally more power (courtesy of revving a few hundred RPM higher) and has better suspension and handling than a standard pre-2002 model. Styling is entirely subjective - I like the Vtec's dash and non "dumbo ears" front indicators, but otherwise I prefer the looks of the 00-01 VFR.
Riding an 02 and 01 back-to-back, and asking the pillion's opinion, I preferred the 01, but she said they were both the same for comfort even though the 02 had a fatter arse, but preferred the 02 because she "liked its eyes".

[YellowDog]

Not mad after all.

to answer some of the questions:

yes my brain controls my balls. 4 kids and a heightened sense of mortality means I often get mistaken for a nana-on-a-bike

Looking at 2003 or later (maybe even a new one depending on my domestic sales skills)

thanks GOD i wont have to nearly brak my wrist making the thing go. (feel terrible about how hard I have to wring my bike to cruise at 100km p/hr). I mean 70.

Sensible is my middle name. (sse point one)

Thanks Guys!
I'd imagine that with 4 kids, you will now have amazing control (out at the hint of a squirt). So you are definitely not mad and you will love the extra power.

Just watch that wrist control.

[vifferman]

thanks GOD i wont have to nearly brak my wrist making the thing go.
You will find the throttle takes a bit of getting used to - the EFI is a bit more "lightswitch" than on your 250, and on some there's an awkward transition between closed loop mode and programmed mode when you throttle off then on again. (Easily fixed by disabling the oxygen sensors).

[Edbear]

WTF is that supposed to mean?
Honda's are renowned for being reliable and capable - it's "lack of excitement" and/or "lack of style" or "boring" that they're usually panned for.
Since buying my first Honda in 1973, I've had one (1!) part fall off (a footpeg, due to the mounting bolt snapping after too many wheelies), and two breakdowns - both from R/Rs, which aren't made by Honda (but it was Honda's fault for fitting sub-par units)..


Sorry, should have put p/t there... I guess I got sucked in momentarily to the usual banter about Honda's. I like them, personally. Honest!

[Gman71]

....there's an awkward transition between closed loop mode and programmed mode when you throttle off then on again. (Easily fixed by disabling the oxygen sensors).


What the hell is that ?!

Can't I just engage the Flux capacitor?

[vifferman]

What the hell is that ?!

Can't I just engage the Flux capacitor?
Only if you've bought the DeluxeFlux model.

Lessee...
In an effort to make the VFR Euro 27.5398(A) compliant (or whatever), when you're cruising along on your VFR, using a small or constant amount of throttle, the EFI switches to an ultralean mode, called "closed loop", where the fuelling is determined by an array of sensors, but mainly the oxygen sensors upwind of the catalytic perverter. When you whack the throttle open, the ECU disengages the impulse drive and dials up the engine room to request "Warp speed, Mr McCoy!". Unfortunately, because the ECU's only 16-bit, and has 29,372 sensors to interrogate in order to determine what settings on each of the two 3D maps for each cylinder to use, it takes a wee bit of time before "shit happens".
If you trick the single-minded elf living in the tail cowling into thinking "closed loop" is off the menu, there's no confusion, and the bike just operates in GoMode all the time.

[Gman71]

understood.

'Closed Loop' mode must die.

[Zoolander]

Its pretty much all been said already, but the VFR800 is a great choice, it is an easy bike to ride (a little heavy at slow speeds maybe), will pretty much handle any type of riding you do from trackdays to commuting to touring. They are pretty much bombproof - Honda had its reputation soiled with the old VF series whose top ends seemed to be crafted from cheese, so re-invented the V4 as a highly reliable bike with gear-driven cams (excluding the latest VFR800 that went back to chain), and basically over-engineered the motor, the 800's put out about 100bhp as standard but could easily be tuned for a much higher output. On the road you should find the standard 100bhp more than enough, and it is delivered smoothly, with power all through the range. Build quality in general is also extremely high.

Negatives? Well I personally don't like the linked brakes as I feel they rob you of a bit of power and also control. As standard they are too quiet, that V4 sounds gorgeous with a more open pipe. Possibly a little bit bland for some. And could maybe lose a couple of kgs, although the weight could be beneficial on certain roads as they feel very planted through the bends.

They are nothing like a big bore out and out sportsbike to ride and I think that it would be a great step up from a 250 provided you take some time to get used to the weight and power.

[DingoZ]

Thanks for all this. Was thinking of posting a thread asking for opinions on the VFR800's, as I am also seriously thinking of getting one shortly..:)

Seems to be a decent all rounder bike. Which will handle one up or two up touring and a blat or two in between with out too much hassle.

Cheers

[vifferman]

...the 800's put out about 100bhp as standard but could easily be tuned for a much higher output.
Easily?
I'm a frayed knot.
There used to be an 870 kit for them, with Wiseco pistons and that sort of thing, otherwise the only option is the ToroCharger (http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31492): 165+ hp.


Negatives? Well I personally don't like the linked brakes as I feel they rob you of a bit of power and also control.
You get used to them after about a week or two, then they make sense: plenty of power, coupled with better control in adverse conditions.
Then you go to bleed them, and they're nonsense again. :confused:
Having lived with 'em for three and a half years, I prefer them.
Apart from the added complexity and unsprung weight, natch.

As standard they are too quiet, that V4 sounds gorgeous with a more open pipe.
Yeah.
Kinda like a small-block V8.
Or a VFR800.

Or - if it's a 5th Generation (98-01) - a cakemixer with attitude. :crazy:

[Disco Dan]

Remember, once your used to a higher cc you wont want to go lower... the drop would make you laugh a cackling pathetic laugh... mocking and scorning the feeble power that is anything lower... :2thumbsup

Watch your wrist.

You will want to take things VERY easy and do some slow maneuvers in a carpark to get used to the handling - then when your used to the weight and the handling go head for some twisties.. again taking it very easy.

When you make a jump to a big bike you have to re-learn a lot of your skills - which takes time.

The mistake that will get you killed is jumping on, wringing the throttle and going "woah thats cool... ...a corner... umm... brake... shit! takes me 3 times the distance to stop... ahhh im doing 3 times the speed..." *bang*

Sounds stupid but it happens... often.

[Zoolander]

[QUOTE=vifferman;1483036]Easily?
I'm a frayed knot.
There used to be an 870 kit for them, with Wiseco pistons and that sort of thing, otherwise the only option is the ToroCharger (http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31492): 165+ hp.QUOTE]

Honda could have tuned them for a lot more power, the engine is the same basic lump as found in the RC45, and some examples of that particular beast could get pretty high figures on the dyno! I am of course talking about the might of Honda and HRC here, dont expect miracles from a slip-on can and power commander!

[MSTRS]

At this juncture, can I be a complete pillock and suggest the Kumandsukmi ER6 as a viable alternative to the VFR....
Whereas the VFR is a beautiful, stylish, well-performing piece of kit...so is the ER6. And not quite as much jump in power or weight.

[Swoop]

The riding position of the Viffer, is a lot more comfortable than dedicated sprotbikes. Less hunched over the tank, and the seat easily beats the "small wooden plank" that some manufacturers rudely claim is a seat.

[Deviant Esq]

In terms of power I'd say you aren't mad - there are far madder bikes to step up to over a VFR800. But you'll have to keep in mind it's got more weight as well - low speed carpark manuvering and walking speed "walking" it around will require much more care than a 250, as well as stopping on hills, stopping at the lights etc. The first bike I test rode having been on my NZ250 for two years was an SV1000 - much heavier and much more power than the NZ, but I found that as long as I was mindful of those facts, all was fine.

So yeah, just be mindful of those things the first couple of months you own it - takes a while to be completely comfortable - and you'll be fine. Just change the exhaust pipe for goodness' sake, they really do sound like a sewing machine with the standard end can on there! Much better with aftermarket. Then you won't have to go buy a cardie and reading glasses :niceone: :eek:

[Clivoris]

Do it! And make you have an open face helmet for the first week so you will have room for the shit-eating grin that is sure to be involved.

[DingoZ]

After all this. I just had to go and see one in the flesh so to speak.......

Sat on it........:niceone:....Liked the riding position
Started it.......:cool:....Aftermarket cans....:drool:

:oi-grr:.....Didn't go for a blat on it....Have to wait a while for that. But have just cemented it on the shortlist for the next bike.....

:devil2: