VFR 800

[ZZR Girl]

Was looking round the dealer's showroom at the weekend and saw a Honda VFR800 V4, 2003 plate, 16000 miles, with Honda fitted panniers. Was surprised how light it was compared to my ZZR600 - it looked like it should have been heavier than it was. What are they like to ride?
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Keep it shiny!

[craigs23]

I presume they're not known as one of the best sports tourers ever made for no reason. Even though I haven't personally ridden one, I've heard that they do everything you could ever ask of them. PLus you'll just have to try the bike yourself to see how good a V4 motor can be. I'd be tempted to look at the last 750 model as a comparison though; engine derived from the RC45 and with no gimicky VTEC system (which doesn't serve any real purpose (apparently)) - my Dad's mate's got one and says it sounds insane when the 4 valves per cylinder enguages though. Plus the earlier models (including the first 800s) have better pillion/luggage/underseat storing potential (it's a sports tourer afterall) than the later model, with it high level underseat pipes.

Having savoured 2 Hondas equipped with V4 engines, albeit in a race rep chasis and only half the capacity, I'd be tempted by the VFRs if I was over 30 and looking for a do-anything, ride-anywhere-and-back (except offroad) sports tourer with very good handling and bullet proof reliability. Plus that Honda build quality....

[colin1]

I have had a test ride on a vfr750 (similar but earlier bike) and it was incredibly comfy with great torque and power for overtaking. It doesnt turn in as quick as a sports bike and its not designed for a thrill but It inspires confidence and has a real quality feel.
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[tintin]

I had a test ride on a VTEC model after I had my bike stolen and was looking for something different. I was expecting something really good given all the test reports I had read, but I didn't like it. I hated the VTEC nonsense and the whole bike, whilst very well made, was very bland, and it's not very good looking from some angles.
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The older I get the better I was

[ZZR Girl]

Thanks, guys, this is all very helpful, particularly the bit about the VTEC. I am certainly tempted to make one of these my next bike. I don't want a sports bike and prefer tourers anyway, hence the ZZR. I did find the VFR's seat wasn't as comfy as that on my ZZR though when I sat on it, but it might feel totally different when you've got your feet on the pegs. I might ask the dealer if I can take it for a test ride if it's still there next time I'm down there.
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Keep it shiny!

[Wooly R6]

i hear the 16000 mile service is pricey!!!!

make sure its done as part of the deal if you buy it, if it hasnt been done already!

[colin1]

the vtec ones are pricey to service, but pre vtec vfr800's or vf750's are not
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[owdamer]

I had a VFR750FJ like the one below years back, It was a fantastic bike & I'd have another tomorrow. It was reliable, economical, fast & handled well. The seat could be a little uncomfy after a while tho.
https://www.ukbikeforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10006/normal_my_viffer.jpg

[SteWhit]

Sorry, a bit OT but:

What's the problem with the VTec systems on these bikes?

In theory it sounds good, my bro has a 2001 Integra Type R and when that gets into the VTec it fly's! But i have read on here that the VTec VFR's are rubbish, what gives?
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[McGee]

Expensive to repair i heard
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Its pronounced Jixxer!

[Barker-CBR 600]

Dads got one on an 05 plate and absolutly loves it. Its an incredible machine and i really really love it's looks and sounds, although is scary on the back!

I think the VTEC is a similar arguement to ABS, its a case of 'ridden long time without it you'll hate it'. I know he's never had any trouble with it but takes some time to get used to.
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Previous - Gilera DNA50 / XVS125 Dragstar/Honda CBR 600F/GSF 650 Bandit
Current - 2013 Suzuki VZ800 Intruder
'Is this a rhetorical question?'

[mchaggis]

Your Integra uses variable valve timing rather than the new VFR, which varys the number of valves used at different revs. Altering the valve timing has a bit less effect than suddenly doubling the valve area.

A doubling in valve area at a specific rpm giving you suddenly shit loads more power above and comparatively bugger all below would get a bit annoying, a bit like an on-off 2t power band I suppose.

I quite fancy a VFR a few bikes down the line. The pretty one though, not the new one, which does look really rather odd.

https://www.steves-motorcycles.co.uk/honda/vfr750-f-t/vfr750.jpg

I wouldn't fancy the pillion seat on one for long distances though.
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[SteWhit]

So it's more down to personal taste then? I happen to like the sudden 'kick' of power you get from his car and the powerband on my bike, but could see it being annoying to someone who's not used to it.

Thanks
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[Kickstart]

Hi

Think that what people do not like is the lack of low down power combined with the fairly hefty kick in the power delivery that does not go well with it being a sports tourer.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[colin1]

its not just the functioning of vtec vfr800's its the higher service costs
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[Johnny GSX-R]

FFS, ride the BLACKBIRD before you plump for the VFR800, not much in it weight wise but the experience is awesome.

More bike for your money with the XX AND they are cheaper to maintain.

[colin1]

interesting and i have seen some go cheap on ebay but i wd have thought the blackbird would be much higher insurance
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[Johnny GSX-R]

[colin1]

hmmm maybe i should test ride a blackbird
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[Johnny GSX-R]

Ya can test mine if you want..............so long as you have a de restricted full licence.

[colin1]

thats very kind of you
i will remember this kind offer and when the whether is nice, i might ask if i can pop up and visit and borrow your nice bike for a little spin

i have derestricted license just havnt sent off for the paperwork yet so have provisional and pass certificate
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[Black Knight]

Most people accept the best VFR model ever made was the VFR750 FV. Thats the last of the carbed bikes.

IIRC the 800cc model is only about 30cc more (if that) than the 750.

[dainesefreak]

From what I remember reading about the Vtec version the power is delivered just when you don't want it. Most reviewers tended to like the previous incarnations much more.

I heard of prices around the £600 mark for the big service, possibly now down to around the £400 mark as the dealers were quite pissed off with Honda over it. Mind you this is something Ducati owners take for granted at service time.

Have you considered taking the new Trumpet Sprint out for a test ride? It seems to be piping the VFR in most reviews these days. Not sure on your time scale but if you can wait there's also rumours of a V5 1000 VFR, VFR/Blackbird replacement floating around in the Honda circles.

Also got to finish with the obvious, try a Blade. The 929/954, especially the 954, I would recommend whole heartedly. Although not a sports tourer they are a really easy comfortable bikes to ride. I did around 450/500 miles two up a day in the first week of owning mine and had no problems. The riding position is spot on, the handling is outstanding as are the brakes. If you can afford the insurance they are well worth the extra.

[tintin]

[dainesefreak]

That's what I heard. I have the Vtec system on my car but it's far more progressive because the car revs a lot more slowly, you can basically choose when you want to use it.