VFR800 vs VTR1000

[gav]

Anyone who has owned these, how do they stack up? Prob looking more at the VFR800 pre vtech, or is the vtech model worth the extra money?

[Sensei]

Go the VFR800 they win all the write ups & will corner bloody well . The VTR is still a great bike but not really to be compared to a VFR800 . Mate up here has just brought an 05 VFR800 had a TL before that but loves the VFR has offered a ride on it but haven't had a chance to go for one yet but plain on doing so , Have riden earlyer models of both bikes & would have to go with the VFR as the better all rounder . Happy trying & buying Gav

[badlieutenant]

Ask frosty re the vtech models. Ive heard stories but nothing first hand. If its like the reg/rec issue then there might be some truth in those stories.

[Zed]

Calling Vifferman!!!

VFR800's look much nicer with the full bellypan fairing and single sided swingarm IMO...

[zadok]

Australian Motorcycle News has a comprehensive write up on the VFR800. Sounds good.
"The new 2-stage valve control system, called 'V4 VTEC', is chain driven and aims to provide more torque through the lower and middle ranges by only utilising two valves in each cylinder until just over 7,000 rpm when the other two valves per cylinder also kick in to play. The bike responds with a distinct change in engine note and intake roar as all four valves come on song. Lower down in the rev ranges my seat of the pants felt only the slightest of improvements over the earlier non 'VTEC' model, but power seems a little stronger up top than before with a generous amount of over-rev."

"The new engine is noticeably quieter than the previous model. Gone is the characteristic whine from the gear driven cams in the 781cc V-Four engine. This is mainly due to the move to chain drive for the cams but also the reduction in noise from only having two valves per cylinder operating most of the time rather than four. The ultra smooth six-speed gearbox complements the sophisticated fuel-injected engine and the two work seamlessly together to provide reasonably strong drive at any road speed."
"I owned a pre 'VTEC' VFR 800 for a while and enjoyed over 20,000 kilometres on the model. When on a bike tour a couple of years ago I also covered around 4,500 kilometres on the earlier 750 model. The first generation 800 progressed more over to the role of dedicated tourer than the early 750 but this latest 'VTEC' 800 seems to have regained some more of the VFR's original sporting intentions."

[gav]

Calling Vifferman!!!

VFR800's look much nicer with the full bellypan fairing and single sided swingarm IMO...

You mean nicer than a VTR1000?

[Zed]

You mean nicer than a VTR1000?

That I do.

[dangerous]

For you Gav... the VFR800 series1, more room for two up and gear. Thay have the V pull down low with the high reves of the muiltie.
The VTR would be more fun if riding the hills all day but we dont do that all the time here, and the VETEC... I wouldent think the extra money is worth it unles yu have it.... IMO I'd go for a nice series 1 VFR800

PS: a VFR must have a after market pipe, the sound is awesome

[gav]

Even if its done 124,000kms?

[Blackbird]

As Zed says - PM Vifferman - he's the Oracle when it comes to VFR's. The only negative thing I've heard about the VTEC version is the very high service charges when working on the top end of the motor.

[Lou Girardin]

Most owners don't seem to like the VTec. Unless set up perfectly it gives a 2 stroke-like step in the power band that can be annoying when cornering. Sound superb with aftermarket cans.
Otherwise, a great, if complicated, bike.

[awd]

I had a 99 VFR800 for 4 years when I lived in Italy. Awesome bike. A VTR was also on the shortlist when I was looking, but lost out to the all round capabilities of the VFR. The VFR is also a lot more comfortable over longer distances; done up to 1300km in a day, 2 up with luggage through the Alps and the Black Forest and neither of us was uncomfortable.

I can't say anything bad about the VTR, they're great bikes too, but for me the VFR is just that much better at most things for everyday riding. Also you won't run out of fuel like some others on this site have done on longer rides.

[TonyB]

Most owners don't seem to like the VTec. Unless set up perfectly it gives a 2 stroke-like step in the power band that can be annoying when cornering. Sound superb with aftermarket cans.
Otherwise, a great, if complicated, bike.

I have read this also- the Vtec-changeover-whats-it apparently kicks in a bit late, giving a big step in the power and a feeling of frustration knowing that the rider is missing out on significant grunt in the rev range before the V-Tec kicks in.

[Marmoot]

Forget both of them and get RVF750 instead. I heard they are quite nice

VTR1000SP1 is quite nice too.

[vifferman]

Calling Vifferman!!!

VFR800's look much nicer with the full bellypan fairing and single sided swingarm IMO...

You called? Waddayarwant?

Oh yeah.

I've owned both - currently have a 2001 VFR800, and had a VTR1000 before that. The VTR1000 was fun, much easier to work on if you do your own maintenance, but is 'old' (1997) technology.
I still miss it, but the VFR800 is a better all round bike, which is why I got it. It's slightly heavier, about the same power (delivered differently), but a better quality bike.
I had a choice of VTec vs. pre-Vtec, and chose not to get the VTec as it wasn't worth the extra money, despite the slightly better suspension and handling. The power output is identical, but the VTec delivers its via the complication of what is actually not a true VTec system, but simply a way to reduce noise and emissions output while adding extra servicing costs. Some people find the VTec 'kick' fun, but it's actually a slight drop in power before the extra valves are actuated, and I hated the noise it made, and the sometimes random way it kicked in (spluttered a few times, didn't work another time). I also HATE Honda camchains, as they've proven to not be very good at camchains and tensioners.

The 2006 VTec VFR800 has a modified ECU, which cuts the extra valves in at 6600 instead of 6850 rpm, and disengages them again at 6100rpm. This is to make the power delivery smoother and less annoying.

My answer? Buy a VFR rather than VTR, unless you like V-twins more.
Unless you like the underseat zorsts and styling of the >2002 VFRs so much you have to have one, then get a pre-2002 non-VTec VFR, and use the money you've saved to buy a HyperPro rear shock.