I've ridden my 1998 VFR from San Francisco to Vancouver (21 hours), and I'm 42. I've ridden a 2014 model, and it's honestly even more comfortable than my 'all day in the saddle' comfortable 1998 model. If you're experiencing pain after 50-odd miles you might want to either see a doctor, visit a gym, or ride more. Sorry to be so blunt, but there's really no excuse for a lot of your complaints about comfort if you're a seasoned rider. (EDIT) I'm 6'1/215, so I'm by no means a small guy by any standard.
I absolutely love my 98 VFR; best motorcycle ever produced (IMHO). I've recently given it a minor restoration, and it's now even better. For reference my hooligan bike is an 01 XR650R SM that's been built within an inch of its life, so I feel that I can speak with confidence about what makes a great performance bike since I own an evil SM that has more in common with a scalpel than a motorcycle (aside from the fact that I've owned over a dozen performance bikes). I think the 15 model is also a fantastic bike. The new Ducati SS is trying to capture the magic Honda created with the VFR, but for my $$$ I'd take the Honda. Cheers.
I'm 5'10" and it was a little uncomfortable and I ride a 2014 cb1000r which is more upright for some reason. I enjoyed the engine though. I'm not used to torque. Hitting vtec was interesting too. I did enjoy the bike over all though. I definitelt prefer it over the ninja 1000 abs.
its pretty funny that they say the motor is lacking when its the smallest of all of them. and after riding a 14 from Minneapolis to Atlanta in 1 weekend i can confirm i don't know where they are coming from saying its uncomfortable. this coming from someone what has a bad hip and shoulder both on the left side. making comfort a huge thing.
DPS I owned the 86, and with brand new 2014s sitting at a couple dealerships for 6k, I’m thinking of picking one up.... loved the 86, feel stupid that I ever got rid of it...
Hi Viagaro . Yes I still have my vfr800 and as you say . A great bike .However by good fortune I have bought a Kawasaki Zx 14 .TOTALLY of this planet !!!!!! I have had 5 inline four Kwaka,s . NOTHING compares to the Zx 14 A heavy bike but when riding you just wouldn't know it . Very comfortable and incredible cornering ability . The whole package just fills me with confidence and inspiration . The power is unbelievable . 100 kms. in 2.3 seconds .!!! I have a Power commander system on this bike which now gives the beast a top speed of 220 MILES PER HOUR Not sure what that is in kms . I think around 330 . I'm happy you enjoy the vfr .But I swear to god ride one of these and the Honda will feel like a postie bike !! I've been riding for over 50 years and this is the machine I will stick by for the rest of my life !!!!! Keep your eye on the stator on the 800 . I've had 2 vfr,s and both have burnt the electrical stator out !!! Enjoy your vfr but PLEASE try a Zx 14 if and when you can . Also the gear change and gearbox in general is far smoother than the Honda . My Honda was very clunky .Im presently waiting for a stator coming from USA . Once it arrives i will sell the vfr that I used to love .
The Honda's shortcomings in the power department can easily be fixed with a new, full exhaust (headers to muffler) and a really good custom tune, that has potential to bring the back to around 130 horsepower.
CycleCruza good day Cruza! since I know for a fact you are indeed experienced ridder who rides a sport bike, what would you say about VFR? have you by any chance ridden one ? what's your thoughts ? (considering it as my next bike, one thing I'm personally concerned is the weight on it) I'm looking at 2005 model though. thanks in advance for your reply
Since you're looking for two new bikes why don't you try showing your subscribers what it's like to own a sports tourer. You've shown us dirt, sports and neo cruiser. Please try something different now.
we are talking about the top of the sport tourer? because the muffler covers that beautiful swingarm? after 20 years they have not managed to get the v.tec to the lower speeds ....
I appreciate the objectiveness. For the negative points regarding ergonomics I would like to know the height/inseam of the reviewer for reference sake.
I found the riding position of my Concours 14 to be too aggressive (i.e. "sporty") for my taste, but it didn't stop me from buying one. A set of risers took care of that problem. Now, you can't get me off the thing. lol
Almost all reviews of the VFR make this observation. I have a 2014 VFR, it is an awesome machine but weight on the wrists is absolutely a problem, as it would be for any similar riding position bike.
i have a 2015 deluxe and it is my favorite bike out of the 4 i’ve owned between a ninja 300, gsxr 750 and a vtx1300. The only negative of this bike which isn’t the bike itself but the 8th generation has basically no aftermarket support, so if you break something you gotta buy oem which is expensive asf
and the lack of top end is actually good for me because i like to ring the bike out but don’t want to go 170mph and itll do 135 fairly quickly and then slowly climb to anything higher than that
If only ***** would build the VFR800F more like the VFR800P without all the lights and sirens, it would probably be a big hit with the sport touring side. We want to go fast, comfortably.
buttttttt It has an Aggressive riding position, bags suck, power delivery isn't any better than the last, and it's flipping expensive. The bikes saving grace is that it's sexy and get's decent mileage.. Reporting high 45s-mid 50s miles per gallon
Texarmageddon Which would be a fuck site better than my old '05 and it's 32mpg~ when ragging it in V-tech and 39mpg when cruising around. Some how I doubt they squeezed an extra 13 to 18mpg out of that bike with the stupidly minor update to the engine. That said, this review pretty much nails it. As a former VFR owner I always wanted it in V-tech and the transition on/off got annoying. An overly complicated engine that didn't need to be... Styling on the new one looks best of any, imo, but the bike is just outclassed by the Ninja 1000 and the new FJ-09, along with some others. Shave the weight down FURTHER to 500lb wet, make the V4 a 1000cc engine, throw in some USD forks and now you're talkin... But then you're muscling in on the 1200's territory. So, it'll never happen. Shame...
so seems like @HondaUKBikes has yet again done another VFR version that just isnt as good as its famous parent i guess you could say. personally I wish honda would take the A-7 version, make the chassis lighter but exact same height and size. Tune the engine and sort out the issues from the VTEC . leave the front end "look" but just give the thing a little update instead of its bulky appearance.So far honda screwed up with the 1200F and now they have screwed up by making the favorite VFR feel and appear more like a super sports bike that seems uncomfortable to ride on than what its supposed to be which is a comfortable SPORTS TOURER
Dave k I've been looking at the 800 BMW touring range. Superb bikes, excellent build quality and that belt drive is very appealing. Thing is though I'm currently on a 500cc parallel twin so going to a 800cc parallel twin doesn't really seem a significant enough change. Is going from 40 to 65 kw really worth the investment? Additionally where I live F800GTs are $1200 more than Ninja 1000s despite having half as many cyclinders which is a missed opportunity.
Over priced, under powered, white doesn't look good on any bike. Honda falling way behind, ugly bikes, sluggish performance, I believe the company is losing out to the competition.
Let me guess... u never owned NOR drove one huh?3 A moron just like the guy in this movie complaining about how he wanted to keep the VTEC on by revving up... There is more than making RPMs and aiming for that VTEC kicking in on a straight line like a hillbilly. I've tested the Ninja 1000 and it was the most boring bike I ever had next to a CB500F from Honda.
I've ridden my 1998 VFR from San Francisco to Vancouver (21 hours), and I'm 42. I've ridden a 2014 model, and it's honestly even more comfortable than my 'all day in the saddle' comfortable 1998 model.
If you're experiencing pain after 50-odd miles you might want to either see a doctor, visit a gym, or ride more. Sorry to be so blunt, but there's really no excuse for a lot of your complaints about comfort if you're a seasoned rider.
(EDIT) I'm 6'1/215, so I'm by no means a small guy by any standard.
I'm 6'1...
I absolutely love my 98 VFR; best motorcycle ever produced (IMHO). I've recently given it a minor restoration, and it's now even better. For reference my hooligan bike is an 01 XR650R SM that's been built within an inch of its life, so I feel that I can speak with confidence about what makes a great performance bike since I own an evil SM that has more in common with a scalpel than a motorcycle (aside from the fact that I've owned over a dozen performance bikes).
I think the 15 model is also a fantastic bike. The new Ducati SS is trying to capture the magic Honda created with the VFR, but for my $$$ I'd take the Honda. Cheers.
I'm 5'10" and it was a little uncomfortable and I ride a 2014 cb1000r which is more upright for some reason. I enjoyed the engine though. I'm not used to torque. Hitting vtec was interesting too. I did enjoy the bike over all though. I definitelt prefer it over the ninja 1000 abs.
its pretty funny that they say the motor is lacking when its the smallest of all of them. and after riding a 14 from Minneapolis to Atlanta in 1 weekend i can confirm i don't know where they are coming from saying its uncomfortable. this coming from someone what has a bad hip and shoulder both on the left side. making comfort a huge thing.
Too leaned forward? Too aggressive of a riding position? So let people who prefer cruisers buy cruisers.
Hey, they're dirt cheap at dealers with 2-3 year old stock held over, up to half off in some places.
I have a 2008 VFR Interceptor and love it. It is seriously underrated.
DPS
I owned the 86, and with brand new 2014s sitting at a couple dealerships for 6k, I’m thinking of picking one up.... loved the 86, feel stupid that I ever got rid of it...
Hi Viagaro . Yes I still have my vfr800 and as you say . A great bike .However by good fortune I have bought a Kawasaki
Zx 14 .TOTALLY of this planet !!!!!! I have had 5 inline four Kwaka,s . NOTHING compares to the Zx 14
A heavy bike but when riding you just wouldn't know it . Very comfortable and incredible cornering ability .
The whole package just fills me with confidence and inspiration .
The power is unbelievable . 100 kms. in 2.3 seconds .!!!
I have a Power commander system on this bike which now gives the beast a top speed of 220 MILES PER HOUR
Not sure what that is in kms . I think around 330 .
I'm happy you enjoy the vfr .But I swear to god ride one of these and the Honda will feel like a postie bike !!
I've been riding for over 50 years and this is the machine I will stick by for the rest of my life !!!!!
Keep your eye on the stator on the 800 . I've had 2 vfr,s and both have burnt the electrical stator out !!!
Enjoy your vfr but PLEASE try a Zx 14 if and when you can .
Also the gear change and gearbox in general is far smoother than the Honda . My Honda was very clunky .Im presently waiting for a stator coming from USA . Once it arrives i will sell the vfr that I used to love .
The Honda's shortcomings in the power department can easily be fixed with a new, full exhaust (headers to muffler) and a really good custom tune, that has potential to bring the back to around 130 horsepower.
I always look forward to Waheed's reviews.
CycleCruza good day Cruza! since I know for a fact you are indeed experienced ridder who rides a sport bike, what would you say about VFR? have you by any chance ridden one ? what's your thoughts ?
(considering it as my next bike, one thing I'm personally concerned is the weight on it) I'm looking at 2005 model though.
thanks in advance for your reply
Since you're looking for two new bikes why don't you try showing your subscribers what it's like to own a sports tourer. You've shown us dirt, sports and neo cruiser. Please try something different now.
Throwback Adam Waheed. Looking for comparable to a gsxs1000f because it didn't happen when I was about to get one.
Please do a shoot between Yamaha FZ6R, Honda CBR650F and Ninja 650
we are talking about the top of the sport tourer? because the muffler covers that beautiful swingarm? after 20 years they have not managed to get the v.tec to the lower speeds ....
I added heli bars to my 03 VFR and it is still a bit of a reach (I'm 5'9). I agree they are setup aggressive
I appreciate the objectiveness. For the negative points regarding ergonomics I would like to know the height/inseam of the reviewer for reference sake.
LazyEye
Yeah, they never include those valuable pieces of information.... or arm length when talking about the reach and lean.
Is this the same Honda Interceptor that Tom Cruise rode in TopGun? I thought it had square section forks.
I found the riding position of my Concours 14 to be too aggressive (i.e. "sporty") for my taste, but it didn't stop me from buying one. A set of risers took care of that problem. Now, you can't get me off the thing. lol
Worst reviews writers ever
"The forward lean just puts too much pressure on my wrists". That statement shows how much this guy know about body positioning.
Almost all reviews of the VFR make this observation. I have a 2014 VFR, it is an awesome machine but weight on the wrists is absolutely a problem, as it would be for any similar riding position bike.
Starts at $12,499 (USD)
i have a 2015 deluxe and it is my favorite bike out of the 4 i’ve owned between a ninja 300, gsxr 750 and a vtx1300. The only negative of this bike which isn’t the bike itself but the 8th generation has basically no aftermarket support, so if you break something you gotta buy oem which is expensive asf
and the lack of top end is actually good for me because i like to ring the bike out but don’t want to go 170mph and itll do 135 fairly quickly and then slowly climb to anything higher than that
Why didn’t Honda make this with the DCT option
Why would they
@@yamkaw346 6 other models flying off the floor with dct transmission
Nice shirt Adam ...
How can you compare it to a ninja then say it hurts your wrists ???? Doesn't make sense.
Why compare with a Ninja???? So strange, why not compare it with a dirtbike?
Ninja 1000 is in the same class..
Really needs more power, at least 20 more horses would make it right.
This is probably my FAV 2010s Honda that isn’t a CBR; and I didn’t much care for the 2008-2016 CBRs.
These people must be paid by somebody to say bad things about Honda's.
They're Nija fanboys kind of like the Glock fanboys...nothing will satisfy them.
Very nice bike in the world
If only ***** would build the VFR800F more like the VFR800P without all the lights and sirens, it would probably be a big hit with the sport touring side. We want to go fast, comfortably.
Nice bike, but really missed the boat by not putting the new 1237cc engine in it. Lighter and more compact than this engine.
nice shirt brah!! 😁
Good objective review. Thanks fellas. I really like this bike but...
buttttttt
It has an Aggressive riding position, bags suck, power delivery isn't any better than the last, and it's flipping expensive.
The bikes saving grace is that it's sexy and get's decent mileage.. Reporting high 45s-mid 50s miles per gallon
Texarmageddon
Which would be a fuck site better than my old '05 and it's 32mpg~ when ragging it in V-tech and 39mpg when cruising around. Some how I doubt they squeezed an extra 13 to 18mpg out of that bike with the stupidly minor update to the engine.
That said, this review pretty much nails it. As a former VFR owner I always wanted it in V-tech and the transition on/off got annoying. An overly complicated engine that didn't need to be... Styling on the new one looks best of any, imo, but the bike is just outclassed by the Ninja 1000 and the new FJ-09, along with some others. Shave the weight down FURTHER to 500lb wet, make the V4 a 1000cc engine, throw in some USD forks and now you're talkin... But then you're muscling in on the 1200's territory. So, it'll never happen. Shame...
so seems like @HondaUKBikes has yet again done another VFR version that just isnt as good as its famous parent i guess you could say. personally I wish honda would take the A-7 version, make the chassis lighter but exact same height and size. Tune the engine and sort out the issues from the VTEC . leave the front end "look" but just give the thing a little update instead of its bulky appearance.So far honda screwed up with the 1200F and now they have screwed up by making the favorite VFR feel and appear more like a super sports bike that seems uncomfortable to ride on than what its supposed to be which is a comfortable SPORTS TOURER
Aggressive stance on a sports touring. What the fuck were Honda thinking, exactly?
I went with the BMW F800 ST because this bike has an uncomfortable riding position. Honda needs to redesign it with relaxed ergonomics.
Dave k I've been looking at the 800 BMW touring range. Superb bikes, excellent build quality and that belt drive is very appealing.
Thing is though I'm currently on a 500cc parallel twin so going to a 800cc parallel twin doesn't really seem a significant enough change. Is going from 40 to 65 kw really worth the investment? Additionally where I live F800GTs are $1200 more than Ninja 1000s despite having half as many cyclinders which is a missed opportunity.
Dude, drive that Ninja 500 miles in a day. Then will you feel the same way?
Any, and all HONDAS are tuned down; another reason why they last so long and perform well.
None of these dudes know what to do with their hands
I dont want or need v-tec dammit. Also the weight is unacceptable. Also the riding position. I think honda did it better in the 90's
steady2wheels the v tech feels awesome when it kicks in when you screw it on at 90.
BMW K1300 FTW ... sad that it wasn't included ;o|
A very bad review
Over priced, under powered, white doesn't look good on any bike. Honda falling way behind, ugly bikes, sluggish performance, I believe the company is losing out to the competition.
Let me guess... u never owned NOR drove one huh?3
A moron just like the guy in this movie complaining about how he wanted to keep the VTEC on by revving up...
There is more than making RPMs and aiming for that VTEC kicking in on a straight line like a hillbilly.
I've tested the Ninja 1000 and it was the most boring bike I ever had next to a CB500F from Honda.