2006 VFR800 - quicky test

[bane]

Took the su-ki in for new rubber this morning, through Boyds Honda in Hams.
(see John in parts for the best prices in Hamilton - just remember to ask "is there a John price on this?")

Greg was kind enough to let me try a VFR800 they have for sale, while I was waiting. It's a 2006 facelift model in wine (very "mature"), with 14000km, priced at $14k.

Wont bore you with how it looks, the current shape has been around for 5 years+, suffice to say, it's distinctive.

Ergo's:
Surprised just how upright the seating position is (more upright than my GSXF). Found the seat a lot firmer than my bike, but wouldnt be surprised if it's more supportive than mine over the long haul. Excellent screen, which actually directed most air over your helmet (as opposed to at your visor on my bike).
Clutch effort surprised, probably half as much again than the GSXF.


Engine/suspension/brakes:
What a great noise! - standard exhaust, but just the right amount for my liking - fitting after market wouldnt be necessary unless you were trying to shed a few kilos
Its more cultured than a twin, with a wider repertoire than an IL4.

As for VTEC... I can see why test reports have been mixed. I just dont see the point - it gives the impression that the engine is flat under 6600rpm (not actually true), and though the noise hardens appreciably at the switch, doesnt feel like it is adding that much pace to the acceleration. Also felt slightly embarrassing passing at low speed with noise going vrrrrooom to wahhh (at <70kph).
There are vibes, but my GSXF is hardly the last word in smoothness!

Best description of the suspension is plush. It felt so much more planted than my GSXF (which I have to run pretty hard to avoid the wallowing my weight causes). No wallow with the VFR. Weight felt pretty similar to the GSXF (both ~230kg wet) - i.e. used to it so doesnt worry me. Didnt go too hard, but cornering felt easy and stable - i.e. no worries.

Brakes: think would take so time to get used to the linked brakes. Front alone felt a bit disappointing (no better than my GSXF), and front and rear together had me over braking - I dont usually use much rear brake on the GSXF (it's basically useless), - just think that the VFR doesnt need a linked system.


On a personal preference note, dont like the 020's fitted. Every time I ride a bike with 020's the rear just doesnt inspire confidence - something the fitting of Diablo's fixed on my GSXF.



Overall, I can see why the roadtest reviews are mixed. It can come across as having technology for techologies sake. But (as backed up by owners I met today), Id suggest once your used to the quirks, it's a japanese bike with real character, a Honda you could be emotionally attached to, rather than just respect.


do they come in pink?

[Swoop]

dont like the 020's fitted. Every time I ride a bike with 020's the rear just doesnt inspire confidence - something the fitting of Diablo's fixed on my GSXF.

I'm finding them a bit "squirrelly" under brakes. Powers will be the shoe of choice when the time comes.

[pritch]

I'm finding them a bit "squirrelly" under brakes. Powers will be the shoe of choice when the time comes.

I didn't like the 020s in the wet changed to Z6s early. Would still like to try Diablos one day...

[Qkchk:Me]

.....do they come in pink?

Hahaha
Not this year but you might be lucky enough to score a Silver (becides Black and the Crimson)

The VFR800 is such an under-rated bike................

Powers will be the shoe of choice when the time comes.

Has anyone tried them on a VFR800?

[vifferman]

Clutch effort surprised, probably half as much again than the GSXF.

Is the GSXSXF's crutch hydraulic?

As for VTEC... I can see why test reports have been mixed. I just dont see the point

Your experience sounds Eggs Zachary like mine - I couldn't see the point, and hated the "WAAAAAAH!!"
If the VTEC really added economy and/or improved low-rev torque, then it would've been great, but it does neither. The VTEC does have more power at the top end than the pre-VTEC model, but that's only because Honda has changed the ECU or cam profile to allow it to rev higher.

There are vibes, but my GSXF is hardly the last word in smoothness!

But unlike IL4s, the vibrations are of lower frequency, and only really occur around 5k rpm. I have a suspicion that they have been deliberately engineered into the bike, or at least not engineered out.
Didja notice that the engine sounds less busy than an IL4 at the same revs? When I last test-rode an IL4 ('05 CBR600), I thought, "Man, this thing revs high!", and was surprised to see it sitting on almost the same revs as the VFR at the same speed.

Brakes: think would take so time to get used to the linked brakes.

Yes. About a week or so. Once you get used to them, you'll probably find them a good idea. F'rinstance - you can use just the brake pedal on dodgy surfaces, and stomp on them pretty hard, achieving good retardation, and neither end will lock up. Also, there's less front-end dive with the DCBS than with 'conventional' brakes.
But overall, I'm not convinced that the good points outweigh the extra weight and complexity of the system. The SSSA already adds extra unsprung weight, as do the extra doodads required on the fork legs for the DCBS.

On a personal preference note, dont like the 020's fitted. Every time I ride a bike with 020's the rear just doesnt inspire confidence - something the fitting of Diablo's fixed on my GSXF.

No, I don't reckon them either. The 021s are supposed to be better, but I won't be trying them, as I'm very happy with the Storms.

It can come across as having technology for techologies sake. But (as backed up by owners I met today), Id suggest once your used to the quirks, it's a japanese bike with real character, a Honda you could be emotionally attached to, rather than just respect.

That's a very good summary. The 'character' without attendant unreliability is why I'm on my fourth v-bike.

[vifferman]

Has anyone tried them [Pilot Powers] on a VFR800?

Not me, but they are rated very highly by those VFR owners I know who have tried them, as are the Pilot Roads.

[Swoop]

The VFR800 is such an under-rated bike................
Has anyone tried them on a VFR800?

1: 'been telling people that for ages!
2: Not that I can find in NZ (so far!). Overseas users love them!

Not me, but they are rated very highly by those VFR owners I know who have tried them, as are the Pilot Roads.

I had Roads on the last VFR. Very confidence inspiring! Hence the need to try Powers! (NOT Austin...)
Yeah Baby!