VFR800s.. What ya reckon? [Archive]

Mountlocal1

10th June 2008, 17:10

Well I have just sold the GS... I decided to get rid of her and concentrate on paying off all my bills this winter... So after I pay all my bills I can buy a new bike in time for next summer! I think thats a grand plan..

Anyway...

Whats everyones opinion on the current model VFR800's?

Blackbird

10th June 2008, 17:19

All VFR 800's are fantastic bikes - bullet proof and fast. I'm pretty sure they've smoothed out the famous VTec surge too. You won't find any bad test reviews.

Another possibility is the Blackbird if you like their shape. I only mention it as there are some fantastic deals around for new or near-new birds. $15000 - $16000 gets you one with only a handful of km on the clock and they last forever, not to mention mind-blowing performance.

Mountlocal1

10th June 2008, 17:22

Pussy

10th June 2008, 17:25

I can't recall a negative comment from a VFR800 owner. Get in touch with Pritch008, he'll be able to give you the good oil on them

Blackbird

10th June 2008, 17:29

Sweet..

Yeah I thought about a BB, one of the guys I ride with has one. Nice bikes but are they as good all round as the VFR's seem to be? A couple of people have made the comment the VFR's are down on power?

They tour well, if that's what you mean. I toured the south island last year with some other owners, no bother at all. Also did the Southern Cross round NZ in 5 days ride with no dramas. The VFR's are down on power compared with a 'bird but how much is too much in reality? I think that the VFR's are still good for around 260 clicks! The VFR is just a superb all-rounder but it very much depends on how much versatility you want.

DingoZ

10th June 2008, 17:38

Watching this thread with interest. I am leaning very hard towards a VFR800 as my next bike....

popelli

10th June 2008, 17:42

VFR750 was a far better bike

magazine tests don't rate the VFR800 that well either, the VTEC doesn't work

new BMW 800 parrallel twin is possibly a far better bike

Mountlocal1

10th June 2008, 17:47

VFR750 was a far better bike

magazine tests don't rate the VFR800 that well either, the VTEC doesn't work

new BMW 800 parrallel twin is possibly a far better bike

Ive heard the new model VFR has had some tweaks to the V-Tec side of things.. V-Tec now kicks in smoother and at 7000RPM not 6 something? Also new model has cam chains not gears... Not sure on the impact of that?

Swoop

10th June 2008, 20:06

A couple of people have made the comment the VFR's are down on power?
Hmm. More cc's but delivered differently. It will vary between each rider as well.

VFR750 was a far better bike

magazine tests don't rate the VFR800 that well either, the VTEC doesn't work
:rofl::rofl: Fuck that's funny!
Have you ridden one?

As for the 750 being better...
There are some who say that the 5th Generation are the best of the best. The VFR is now Honda's development flagship and technological demonstrator.
The VFR started with the racing pedigree and is now a sport-tourer par-excellence.

Ive heard the new model VFR has had some tweaks to the V-Tec side of things.. V-Tec now kicks in smoother and at 7000RPM not 6 something? Also new model has cam chains not gears... Not sure on the impact of that?
The VTEC starts at 6800(ish) and the delivery is smooth. The sound that comes out the pipes when that happens...:eek::drool::drool::love::love::love::lo ve::love::love:

PM coming.

one-speed

10th June 2008, 20:25

They tour well, if that's what you mean. I toured the south island last year with some other owners, no bother at all. Also did the Southern Cross round NZ in 5 days ride with no dramas. The VFR's are down on power compared with a 'bird but how much is too much in reality? I think that the VFR's are still good for around 260 clicks! The VFR is just a superb all-rounder but it very much depends on how much versatility you want.

Yep the vfr800 is a nice bike alright just about brought one myself,
glad i did'nt the blackbird is an awsome bike just like many other's it's all up to what you want (not much help a:))

Grub

10th June 2008, 20:28

If it counts for anything, the VFR is The Grub's next bike.

Renegade

10th June 2008, 20:55

i test rode a new one last month as i was very keen myself, looks great, sounds great, goes great, but i dont know if i like the vtec kicking in, you definately feel the surge and that can be a little un-nerving for a novice like myself.

still at $15,500 (what it was offered to me at the dealer) you get a LOT of bike, just looking at it screams plumbers nightmare if some thing went wrong though.

Coyote

10th June 2008, 21:09

Also new model has cam chains not gears... Not sure on the impact of that?
It's ruined it. Cam gear whirr is the best thing ever.

AllanB

10th June 2008, 21:15

Just lovely bikes. VTEC is cool - nice surge.
The only moan I've read in the magazines is please make it a 900-1000cc Honda!

thehollowmen

10th June 2008, 21:15

I loved the one I test rode. My pillion didn't however.

I'm tempted to trade in on one actually.
Ride it, and if you love it go for it

oldenuf

10th June 2008, 21:47

Just got one...Luv it! Micro pipes....awesum!

Swoop

10th June 2008, 21:54

Just got one...Luv it! Micro pipes....awesum!
"Micro pipes"? Do you mean stock-standard?

oldenuf

10th June 2008, 21:58

Whoops sorry...should have read Microns..my bad.. :)

nico

10th June 2008, 23:04

ive a vfr750 two brother pipes sound niceeee smooth power nice handling mabie a bit heavy but when your awear of it it ok could only assume the 800 would be more improved and better go for it

yod

10th June 2008, 23:11

i bought an '05 blackbird 3 weeks ago - the reason i didnt go for the vfr was the sizeable difference in power vs weight - i do a lot of 2-up riding - other than that i think i would have been very happy with it.

a good choice of bike

Mountlocal1

11th June 2008, 18:26

.....(quietly)...Bump?

Qkchk

11th June 2008, 18:51

VFR750 was a far better bike

magazine tests don't rate the VFR800 that well either, the VTEC doesn't work

new BMW 800 parrallel twin is possibly a far better bike

Fark THAT is funny - Wonder if you have ever ridden one? :scratch:

I traded my 2006 R1 down to the 2007 VFR800. Why? Cause I was sick of the sore back/wrists/neck and I couldnt justify having all that HP with no-where to use it. (Becides the track and even then I think a 600/750 suits Taupo better) As I heavily rely on having my licence intack, Im not one to 'do the ton' carelessly.

There are a few mods around for the Generation 6 (2002 - current) which fix the "kick" of the Vtec (I have done these mods myself) and the V4 motor sounds grouse on gutted/aftermarket pipes. If you intend to take a pillion more than 30% of the time, the VFR800 isnt the best of the comfort for the pillion (pillion tends to slip forward on the seat often and the handgrips are only there for looks) so a Blackbird would be a better choice. For solo riding with the choice of "Im in a touring/1000km ride or Im in a sportsbike thrashing mood" the VFR800 is hard to pass up.

Have a read at www.vfrd.com its a wealth of knowledge plus you can have a sneak peak on what mods you can do.

Sue VFR

11th June 2008, 18:58

I liked my VFR800 :yes:

shepster

11th June 2008, 22:46

Mountlocal1

12th June 2008, 07:54

I like the VFR800 as well but I was amazed to read in the July issue of the british magazine "BIKE" the VFR800 getting slammed. The guy who was reviewing it didn't like it at all. I was surprised and disappointed it got such a bad review.

I guess its not everyones cup o tea... Im guessing guys that have come from super sport bikes and have to have 150+ bhp and fully adjustable suspension etc may not be into it. The majority seem to think its pretty sweet tho and a lot of owners have posted positive reviews here and on other sites...Il take the advice from people that actually live with the VFR..

Next question is... What colour??? Silver or that nice red?

Qkchk

12th June 2008, 08:02

Next question is... What colour??? Silver or that nice red?

The red one is too close a colour to the ST and Goldwings and I think it makes it look like a big tourer - just my opinion.... Cant you get the anniversary colour (red,white and blue)? That would be my first choice. Otherwise go for Silver! So the wheels match. (womens opinion anyhow) and it hides the dirt better.

Swoop

12th June 2008, 08:11

I guess its not everyones cup o tea... Im guessing guys that have come from super sport bikes and have to have 150+ bhp and fully adjustable suspension etc may not be into it. The majority seem to think its pretty sweet tho and a lot of owners have posted positive reviews here and on other sites...Il take the advice from people that actually live with the VFR..

Next question is... What colour??? Silver or that nice red?
As the Qkchk says, go for the Interceptor anniversary scheme if possible! That was my first choice, but "not available in NZ"... until some arrived here! BASTARDS!!!!:buggerd:

Second choice was "Pearl Heron Blue" which looks bloody nice. It was on the NZ distributors advertising literature... but "Not available in NZ".:rolleyes:

dipshit

12th June 2008, 08:38

I sort of considered getting one... until I saw one in the flesh.

Kinda fugly. A face only a mother could love.

Devil

12th June 2008, 08:59

Before you commit to the VFR, go take a Triumph Sprint ST for ride.
I've ridden both these bikes and found that they do the same thing very very well, BUT the Triumph engine just sells it.

I enjoyed the VFR, but thought it felt a little asthmatic and down on power, where as the Sprint's 1050cc triple is just oh so sweet with bundles of torque and a wonderful noise.

Also enjoyed the Blackbird, a very nice bike.

biggles1

12th June 2008, 09:17

Mountlocal1

12th June 2008, 09:43

The red one is too close a colour to the ST and Goldwings and I think it makes it look like a big tourer - just my opinion.... Cant you get the anniversary colour (red,white and blue)? That would be my first choice. Otherwise go for Silver! So the wheels match. (womens opinion anyhow) and it hides the dirt better.

Yeah I was angling toward the silver... Id give someone elses left arm to get hold of one of the anniversry ones but cant find em... maybe by the time I buy one there may be some imported...

I did consider the ST but theres a huge price differance...

vifferman

12th June 2008, 09:50

VFR750 was a far better bike
Nup.
I've owned both, and the 800 is much better in most regards.

magazine tests don't rate the VFR800 that well either, the VTEC doesn't work
That's not true - most tests up until the last couple of years have rated the VFR well. The problem is that the VFR is now down on power and suspension compared to the bikes it's in the same class as. It needs and is a few years overdue for a (proper) upgrade.
Yes, the VTec is kinda dumb in some ways - doesn't add power, and is an unnecessary complication. It's main purpose (not that it's advertised as such) is to meet EuroIII emissions testing, for both noise and fumes.

vifferman

12th June 2008, 09:54

Iclimbed off my VTR and onto a 1999 VFR 800 in September last year and was initially disappointed as it lacked the explosive acceleration of the V2 but as I used to the different power delivery I began to really appreciate the more comfortable riding position vastly superior suspension and all round improved "rideability" and the much better fuel economy.I doubt that there is many better mid size touring/sports bikes on the market.Mine's not for sale,ever.:first:
Eggs Zachary what I found, when going from a VFR750 to a VTR to the VFR800.
The big difference I found at first was that the VTR has a big torque wodge that starts at 3k rpm, whereas the VFR's peak torque is around 7-8krpm. It made the VFR feel like it had a huge hole in the power delivery down low. Peak HP is around the same though, and overall the VFR feels like a much more sophisticated bike, and does everything (apart from wheelies) better.
Still miss the VTR though.

Swoop

12th June 2008, 09:57

does everything (apart from wheelies) better.
Agreed on that point.

Getting the front wheel off the ground takes a bit of work!:whistle:

Mountlocal1

12th June 2008, 10:05

Hmmmm... Just got off the phone to Bluewing Honda and they told me that Japan has stopped making the current model VFR and that the 08 is the last off the line... They also said nothing has been announced to replace it yet.

Anyone have any speculation bout if or what itl be replaced with?

Swoop

12th June 2008, 13:14

Anyone have any speculation bout if or what itl be replaced with?
This year will be interesting to see what is released.
With the cancellation of three(?) of their major bikes, the replacement/s might be interesting.

Hopefully a VFR1000!

Qkchk

12th June 2008, 13:24

Yeah I was angling toward the silver... Id give someone elses left arm to get hold of one of the anniversry ones but cant find em... maybe by the time I buy one there may be some imported...

I did consider the ST but theres a huge price differance...

Get hold of Botany Honda in Auckland. They did have one in stock a couple of months ago - you never know.......

Qkchk

12th June 2008, 13:25

This year will be interesting to see what is released.
With the cancellation of three(?) of their major bikes, the replacement/s might be interesting.

Hopefully a VFR1000!

:wari: Now that would be a hoot! (After much specualtion throughout the years of a v4 1000cc...) Maybe 2009 could be the year? ;)

Mental Trousers

12th June 2008, 13:58

Go for it mate. The Honda V4's have always been fantastic. The VFR800 is extremely competent and does everything you want in a bike. And it handles 100x better than your old GS too. It's lighter blah blah.

yod

12th June 2008, 14:05

Also enjoyed the Blackbird, a very nice bike.

yep - just bought one, definitely worth considering

yeehah

pritch

12th June 2008, 15:47

Hmmmm... Just got off the phone to Bluewing Honda and they told me that Japan has stopped making the current model VFR and that the 08 is the last off the line...

That's funny 'cause just a few weeks ago BlueWing sent out to their dealers a list of their models for the coming year and the VFR was on it. BlueWing often make me wonder though...

As I understand it the capacity of the VFR can't be enlarged it's already bored out to the max, so a bigger V4 has to be a new design.
Then again we're still awaiting the long rumoured V5 - and the replacement for the Blackbird - and the V4 Superbike contender and...

In the last couple of years the new models (apart from the CBRs) seem to be all designed and built in Italy.

I'm not sure if the V Tech idea is entirely dead. Part of the logic for having it is fuel economy and that would seem to be an idea whose time has come. Suzuki is currently developing a different way of acheiving a similar result, variable profile cams or something equally umm different?

As for VFRs being down on power? Compared to what? Yes if a Blackbird, but they should still compare to similar sized bikes.

And don't believe anybody who says V Tech doesn't work, it does. You may not particularly like it, but it does do what it was designed to do. For the record I don't mind it, it's just there and that's that. I would've liked gear driven cams too, but you can't buy a new one of those either so these things ain't options.

yod

12th June 2008, 15:49

and they are a fekkin nice looking bike imho

Mountlocal1

12th June 2008, 16:40

See... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=75775

Reckless

12th June 2008, 17:06

My mate imported a 2008 anniversary Edition Vfr 800 from the USA to replace his 2000 Anniversary one. He absolutely loves it. Says its tighter and a lot better than his previous VFR800. He's offered me heaps of rides but I haven't taken him up on riding his new baby yet. His old 2000 VFR did everything our Vtr's and similar bikes did on our trips. I road that one a few times and it didn't feel as hoony as the VTR as said here. But over all it was a much better all round bike I would say. Never got left behind when we went for a blast and a shit load more relaxing when doing all those K's on a trip.

PS Botany did have one same red white and blue but without the Anniversary stickers the one I know has!! Dunno if its still there.

They are really not my cup of tea, but even if I don't like the styling they are a bloody good bike.

vifferman

12th June 2008, 17:20

I would've liked gear driven cams.
The reason they were dropped on the VTec was noise. VTec is supposed to make the bike quieter at low revs, which is a bit pointless if you have the noisy scissor gear and gears the 1998-2001 VFRs have.
I liked the VTec I test-rode, but I don't like Hondas with camchains: I've owned 4, and all were problematic. Plus the VTec servicing is much more complicated. Thank goodness the valve clearances on Hondas generally stay in spec.
I hope (haven't checked any on a bike since about 1993...)

popelli

12th June 2008, 18:40

Nup.
most tests up until the last couple of years have rated the VFR well.

Check out bike magazine

Also check servicing costs

Mountlocal1

13th June 2008, 09:16

Check out bike magazine

Also check servicing costs

Roger.......

vifferman

13th June 2008, 09:32

Also check servicing costs
Be careful who you ask.
I asked Cyclespot (already knowing the answer) and they basically lied about it. The reality is a Vtec takes around 5 hours for a valve clearance check - the tank, airfilter, fuel rails, (and sometime radiators etc) have to be taken off, and the cams have to be taken out three times: the first time to put a special tool in to manually lock the VTec mechanism, the seond time to measure the shim tchicknesses, and the third time to take the tools out again. Luckily, you're unlikely to need the shims changed after the 16k service, so can be fairly safe just ignoring the checks.

Blackbird

13th June 2008, 09:59

Be careful who you ask.
The reality is a Vtec takes around 5 hours for a valve clearance check - the tank, airfilter, fuel rails, (and sometime radiators etc) have to be taken off, and the cams have to be taken out three times: the first time to put a special tool in to manually lock the VTec mechanism, the seond time to measure the shim tchicknesses, and the third time to take the tools out again. Luckily, you're unlikely to need the shims changed after the 16k service, so can be fairly safe just ignoring the checks.

Mr Mt Local: If you want the service costs of my Blackbird by way of comparison since I've had it, no worries, just PM me. Not expensive at all.

Devil

13th June 2008, 10:04

Had a look at the Sprint ST yet???

vifferman

13th June 2008, 10:31

Had a look at the Sprint ST yet???
I considered one of those - liked the looks, and the thought of all that extra torque. However, reading about brake 'issues', heat problems, and having a close look at the build quality c.f. the VFR put me right off.
There are quite a few VFR owners who have switched to them though, after being frustrated with Honda not bringing out a New! Improved!! VFR with a decent sized powerplant. Although 781cc is OKish, and the VFR is no slouch, more torque is always good.

Devil

13th June 2008, 14:05

I considered one of those - liked the looks, and the thought of all that extra torque. However, reading about brake 'issues', heat problems, and having a close look at the build quality c.f. the VFR put me right off.
There are quite a few VFR owners who have switched to them though, after being frustrated with Honda not bringing out a New! Improved!! VFR with a decent sized powerplant. Although 781cc is OKish, and the VFR is no slouch, more torque is always good.

Hrm, never heard of brake issues, or dodgy quality. But they have I believe altered the fairing to stop the heat onto the rider thing (in the model update, around 07, when they changed the seat, bars and screen).

The engine really is beautiful on the triumph

geoffm

13th June 2008, 20:30

I am looking at replacing the Beemer at present, and the VFR, Balckbird and Sprint ST are all on the list, so I am following the comments with interst. The servinvng costs of the Vtech VFR are an issue. I think the Vtec is a solution looking for a problem, and adds consderably to the costs.