Tell me if I'm mad....

[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: 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.
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.

[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...

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: 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:Me]

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

[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............Liked the riding position
Started it...........Aftermarket cans....

.....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.....