VFR 800 VTEC

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

Anyone got a VFR 800 VTEC? I'm thinking about this as my next bike. So what do you think of it?
Can you fit a helmet in the Honda boxes?
What’s the tank range, fuel economy, what’s it like for long distance and short commutes?

ta
J

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

I've heard that the VFR800Fi is a better bike. the Vtec adds complexity and maintenance cost along with a massive step in power which is unneccesary and contrived. The VFR800Fi makes the same kind of power, but does it smoothly.

Personally I'd stay away from Hondas if I were you Jay, especially as you seem to not get on well with bikes with little character. I'd say you'd be better off with a Fazer 1000.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Tango675 · Crazy Courier Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Karma :

PM Krebsy - he has a VFR800 VTEC and all the boxes.

He is very happy with his.
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t121anf · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Karma :

me dad has one, imo the best sports tourer about, if he didn't have one i might.

Honda top box fits 2 helmets, not sure on the side ones but i think not.

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

c-m · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2006 Karma :

BenR · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Karma :

I'd love one! Look/sound gorgeous & will do whatever you want it to do. Thumbs Up

Bit expensive ATM though, seem to hold their price very well.
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Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Kinda like an R1, but ugly and boring Razz

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Seb · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Karma :

I'd quite fancy one if it wasn't for the absurd weight. Give an Aprilia RST1000 Futura a go if you see one local, more power, more practicallity, luggage as standard, less weight and thanks to it's Millie roots it's surprisingly capable when it comes to hustling it through the twisties.

It had it's fair share of foibles but trading mine in for my Honda was definately a bit of a mistake Neutral

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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

I'd spend much less on a 750 model if it were me choosing.

andys675 · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Karma :

be careful its not due for the big service, proper valve check at honda dealer will run you £700, clever old b*stards who own them tend to sell them before then either to a non honda dealer or privately

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

Thanks for your responses guys. Money doesn't really come in to it at the moment. Just looking for info. And I'll do the servicing myself so not too worried about the high costs associated with the vee.
I like the look of the VETC and don’t really want to be going any older than 3-4years. Having a box that can hold a lid + stuff is a must (out goes the triumph luggage!) I want 200+miles to a tank and still some go for the twisty.

List so far is
VFR vtec
1050 Tiger with givi boxes
and maybe
the Ducati Multistrada if I'm felling partially insane!
and the outsiders Blackbirds/Busa...etc.

J

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

VFR's are overweight, underpowered, bland touring bikes. I have been totally underwhelmed by every VFR I have ever ridden, over hyped, over priced and over engineered for the sake of it imho.

If you want luggage space buy a Pan-European. If you want a useful do it all bike get a Blackbird or ZX-9R.

johnsmith222 · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Karma :

I vote you get a blackbird too.

It'll probably be my next bike.

Alex A · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Karma :

The VFR750 (and perhaps early 800s) are considered the better bike.

I had a 1990 750 for a year before I left the UK and I couldn't fault it. Apart from a reg/rec failure (which you have to expect with pretty much all 90s Hondas), I never had any problems in 15000 miles. The engine with the gear driven cams was just sublime: It sounded fantastic, had a lively top end and had torque just about everywhere. I've ridden a fair few bikes before and since, and never experienced anything quite like it.

I now ride a 1998 CBR900RR, and yes it's faster and much lighter and more powerful and generally a lot more fun, but the engine doesn't feel half as advanced or well designed and put together as the VFR750. That's not a criticism of the CBR, it's very high praise for the VFR. The engine alone makes it feel years ahead in terms of engineering precision. The fairing on the VFR is also brilliant and I got away with endless rainy rides without waterproofs. And it's more comfortable on the motorway than a more sports orientated bike.

I know the query was about the VTEC model, but if you're doing your own maintenance, then why not save a few grand and go for a 750. There are more than a few around with 100k+ on the clock and still running like a swiss watch.

Also remember the bike does have roots in the VFR750R RC30. I don't know how much of that influence is left in the latest 800 models, but the '750 is more than competent as a sports bike in it's own right.
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