Honda VFR 800 - opinions

spadge · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

This is on behalf of my dad - he currently rides an M reg VFR 750 but has been advised that it is time to upgrade before repair bills start mounting up and was recommended the VFR 800 as he still wants a sports tourer or a similar bike. He would like to know:-
What people think about this bike?
How it compares to the 750?
Are there any models that should be avoided?
Any other bikes people would recommend?

any help/advice much appreciated on his behalf

mark83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Karma :

I was considering one earlier until I realised that I'm 23 and I might as well go for something with a bit more 'bite-your-arse' performance.....

When I was looking I found that a lot of people were warning me about service costs.
____________________
Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

I've read up into the bikes a bit, as I had been considering one over a CBR6. The weight of the thing worried me a little (won't usually opt for anything with a 200kg+ dry weight), but I really should have taken one for a test ride (might still do).

The 800s (and especially the V4-ruining V-Tech) weren't in the running - most opinions/reviews I read tend to say the 750s were the best VFRs and as a package, are yet to be beaten (1000cc V4 please Honda).

The pre-Vtech 800s are pretty solid bikes though and add a bit more to the model - more refinement, less character. New 1050 Trumpet's supposedly taken the VFR's crown, but suspect build and finish (especially considering the bike is a sports-touring allrounder).

Pte1643 · Nearly there... Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Karma :

mark83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Karma :

fuzz · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Karma :

The servicing cost used to be high at 16k on the VTEC models (about £600) because only a Honda dealer could reset the VTEC system with a special tool. Now that they have been around a few years the 16k service costs roughly the same as any other bike. Other service interval costs also comparable. Pre-VTEC models were never extortionate on servicing.
____________________
https://www.bikepics.com/members/fuzzbcf/
Bikes: '99 NSR125R, '00 SV650S, K1 GSX-R600, '97 CB500, K3 SV1000S, '16 VFR800

mark83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Karma :

Thanks fuzz. Very useful. Thumbs Up

**EDIT**

Nice to have some concrete advice rather than the old....

"They're well expensive coz my mate said so"

"No they're not coz my other mate says so"
____________________
Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

I agree with Fuzz, I also heard that the dealers complained to Honda about the cost of the big service and got it reduced.

Bandito · Scooby Slapper Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Karma :

I had the 800 (2004) as a courtesy bike for 2 months last year. Bearing in mind I had a K7 750 and a 600rr before that and then moved onto an R1 I found it ridiculously heavy and very slow... The bike had only done 6k miles and it seemed to have a 'lull' at around 7krpm... I have since found out that the Vtec kicks in around 7krpm and that causes a lull.
Its probably ideal for someone that wants what it offers... Honda quality and reliability.. but being a sports bike enthusiast I just found it painful to ride and it seemed to age me another 30 years when riding it..

the fuel consumption was ridiculous for a sports tourer. I was filling up as often as I did my GSXR and CBR with the same mileage. That was the big negative for me.. as it felt like the tank was way bigger than the sports bikes tanks.

just my opinion anyway.

the single sided swingarm is nice though Thumbs Up