Honda VFR800 (2015) Road Test
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- Опубликовано: 14 дек 2024
- Honda recently built their 300 millionth motorcycle and to celebrate, did they pull out all the stops and wow the motorcycle world or did they just do more of the same? We suspect you already know the answer but Harry had to know for certain.
V4 engine, Honda reliability, plenty of power and torque for touring and a very smart and stylish design. Can't imagine what's not to love about it.
5:00 "I don't want practical and affordable". I think the problem here is the reviewer is someone who is interested in only super bikes so of course he wouldn't like a sport touring bike. The video work and editing was spot on, too bad they had the wrong person reviewing the bike. Sad, this review does No justice the amazing VFR800.
Just 100hp... How could that be enough on 60mph roads..bad review, great bike.
I own one of these so this comment will have some bias. I like the styling, plain, simple - even my car owning friends say how nice it looks unlike the garish 'boy racer' type paint jobs you see on many other bikes. I like the fact that after not being able to ride it for about 4 months, I was able to go out to it, check the tyres, oil etc were okay, put the key in, hit the starter and have it immediately start up. I like the fact that it can do 0-60 in 3 seconds. I like that the V4 has a great sound and can pull away in 6th gear effortlessly. I love the LED headlights that actually light the road ahead of me. I like the slightly sporty riding position that doesn't kill your arms or wrists. I love the brakes and ABS that just work, so when that idiot pulls out in front of me, I know the bike will stop with no fuss.
There are some things I don't like though, the self-cancelling indicators that just cancel when they feel like it - normally half way round a roundabout. The traction control button looks like an afterthought. I am still - despite owning one - not really taken by the headlight design. And that exhaust, until I changed mine, no one noticed that it was a single sided swingarm!
That said it is an amazing bike to ride, planted, predictable and easy to ride around twisty roads without worrying if it is about to give out from under you and nimble and thin enough buzzing around town and through traffic.
It may not shout about its abilities, but that is because it doesn't need to. It will be quietly chuckling to itself when you are trying to start your "I don't care about reliability, I want to feel alive" bike because it has broken down again, as the VFR simple starts and gets on its understated way.
I have recently bought a 2015 VFR new that had not sold yet, and I've previously owned a 2004 VFR. I understand the lackluster review, but don't agree with it. The VFR has always been what I think as never fully understood or appreciated by the masses. I've always thought of the VFR as a "gentlemens sportbike" that can tour.
Everyone says the engine should have gotten bigger, and more power would be better. I'm not sure I agree. I find the power level to be sufficient, and prefer using 7-8/10s of the power vs 4-5/10s of a liter bike.
The VTEC transition and low rpm fueling has always drawn criticism, but out of the box, the 2015 is not bad. I've added a slip on and power commander, which has solved both of these issues.
The build and paint quality are excellent. While the reviewers find the vast expanse of nothingness to be boring, I again disagree. The lines of this bike are beautiful, and graphics would only muck it up. I do wish they'd (Honda) would have kept the under seat exhaust. I've always thought that looked better, and loved that about my 2004 model.
Riding the VFR is truly a pleasure. Some argue the seating position is too aggressive, yet again I disagree. It is no doubt sporty, but the VFR has always been more sport than tour. It also handles with a more sporting bias. Granted not razor sharp like a true supersport, but then it's not a supersport. The bars do feel a bit narrow, which results in a higher effort to turn. Handling is stable, predictable, and precise.
I think the fact that the reviewer mentions more than once that the VFR doesn't do anything wrong actually says a lot. You can just get on it and ride. It does what you ask of it, and does it without any drama. Call it lackluster, boring, unimpressive....the VFR is, and has been one of, if not the best "do it all" sports/sports touring bikes out there. There are a lot of owners that keep them for 10, 15, 20 years. They are also some of the most fiercely loyal owners I've seen. Divorce forced me to sell my 2004, and I've always regretted having to do that. When I found this 2015, it was my second chance. First time I rode it, it was like saying hello to an old friend.
So I'll agree the VFR may not shout about it's merits, but it's got em.
One of the greatest sounding bike engines ever made and a huge cult following (for a reason) seems to have completely gone over your heads. This bike is a sports-TOURER and as such has to be stable and user friendly for distance work.
This has to be one of the most dismal reviews I've ever had the misfortune to encounter!
This review is far too negative, totally missing the point of this bike. It's an elegant classy bike, practical, certainly better looking than the BMW GT mentioned in the video, let alone that horrible looking Triumph... BMW's reliability record in the last decade is absolutely appalling. The VFR is a premium bike in all aspects of it, not just in price like a BMW. The V4 VTEC engine has a lot more character than the video suggests (for a sport tourer).
Thank you!! A beautifully sensible comment! Spot on! I've owned a 2015 VFR800F for 2 years and I don't lean toward any brand type. But the practicality of this bike, its reasonable purchase price and all round manners on the road for riders of most skill levels is impeccable! Honda.... way to go!
How bad is this review. Totally one sided by a biker that got stuck on sport bikes. Be a real biker mate and appreciate bikes in different classes!
It's still unforgivably dull - and for a celebration of 300 million bikes? You're having' a larf!
Its not a good review with such obvious biases. This review is about the VFR, not the trackday nut who rides it.
***** Ride one. That's all I can say. It didn't go backwards.
+Bobbo Morgan .. Yeah a 600 inline 4 ,, which goes in a different bike for a different use ,, and there lays the screw ups in comparisons ,, many things are Not meant to be compared to each other
I would actually buy the older model VFR or maybe a Yamaha TRX 850 or the Honda Blackbird or the BMW S1000XR with all the good gear on it : )
I have to agree somewhat on both parts.
Styling is sedate...I'll give them that. I put on a Delkevic pipe, to hear that v four, added some wheel stripes, for personalization. Honda bar risers, and a set of Shad cases with top box. Put on 10000kms in 3 months in the Rocky mountains of Alberta, BC, Montana, and Washington. I must say I absolutely love it.
Honda smooth, handles exceptionally well, even loaded with bags. Run at 120km/h all day and average 4.6l/100km.
The only time I feel it is lacking anything is when it sits in the shed. As soon as I throw my leg over it, it ticks all the right boxes for me.
Love the show and reviews...keep them coming.
So it's a great bike that does everything well but it's no good, compared to a H2? So is it slow? Can't quite work out what the problem was exactly.
The best (and most honest) review of the new VFR800 so far. This is coming from someone who has ridden most VFR generations. The CBR1000RR is in much the same vain within its class (bland). I'm am an old Honda stalwart and gave up waiting for the fabled V4 Superbike...hence forced to switch to other brands. (BMW / Aprilia).
The better bike channel on RUclips. Keep it up guys!
UnknownS0und same here, i dumpt my vfr and went for a 1200 gs
UnknownS0und Can't argue but at the same time there is something interesting about the CBR. It can take abuse without ever giving up. Also the lack of a complicated electronics package is what drew me to it. The last of the analog superbikes. But still has the ability to set records in the right hands. Would love to own an Aprilia in the future but there's something to be said about a bike that does everything well. Plus I like holding onto my bikes. I know the CBR can take the miles.
I will say I love the older bikes Honda has made. 98 VFR is awesome and I'd love to own an RC51 someday. Its like he said in the review. You really need to live with the bike to get a feel for it. On a test ride, nothing really stands out but that's what I like about it. Takes owning one to really understand what makes it great! After that it just comes down to taste. Hopefully Honda goes back to building something that really stands out. Right now they're good but don't have that X factor.
UnknownS0und I suppose it depends on what you're comparing it to. People here are comparing it to larger capacity sports bikes so of course it seems bland by comparison. When I rode it, it made me feel so alive and full of adrenalin but I had just parked up my Triumph America LT which is beautiful but heavy and less agile.
If the VFR were as comfortable as my Triumph, I may have already bought one.
As for the paintwork, Honda have kindly left a blank canvas to allow for some of your own ideas to personalise it.
Ziggy Sheppard good reasoning. Why put the I'm cool graphics all over a bike that is very as you said agile, fast and competent. It needs no fluff people that really know bikes understand what the VFR is. An awesome all around bike.
+UnknownS0und I can't say myself if the guy is right, though he probably knows what he is talking about and there is nothing wrong with the bike, then it is a matter of taste. As for you, try any GSX (F or R), any year, 1987, 1991, 1999, you will love them... guaranteed. I am not saying they are any better or worse than Honda, just that you will feel refreshed.
The reviewer has a porn 'stache, therefore I don't trust him.
I'm getting a VFR.
What an injustice to a classic legendary V4! This bike is on a class of its own! Take that to the bank!!!
A very unbalanced review.. You would think that the vfr was compared with GSXR's and R1's rather than those fat and very expensive GS's at the BMW showroom the reviewing gentlemen were sitting. I am sorry Mr Harry et all, this review is way off the mark. Being reliable and comfy on big motorcycling trips is a desirable feature and definitely not boring.
VFR 800 drop dead gorgeous, and very, very capable, if ever i upgrade from my cbf 600sa Honda, this will be it.
Classy bike for a classy guy. You might want to look at something else...
The vfr is gorgeous, i dunno what he's on about
It looks great. I wish more makers went minimalist and clean. My god, I've got to buy that bike.
Was the bike officially a celebration of Honda's 300mth milestone? I didn't think there was a connection other than coincidence.
Even so; the bike will never be as it was until they bring back gear-driven cams. Obviously... ;o)
I recently road tested a new HD Softail Slim S model. Plenty of soul, as it were. However, the inherent design flaws in the 110 Twincam engine are still lurking. Flywheel and cam chain problems at low mileages. I will take the VFR 800 "souless" V4 over breakdown city. Especially at nearly one half the price. With a different can, the V4 sounds quite nice.
It's like he's describing the Toyota Camry of sports bikes. Conservative and unexciting but perfectly engineered and efficient and reliable
What a terrible review. BMW fans(jerks one an all) review a GREAT Honda motorcycle.
A very engaging and honest review. The use of the aerial footage really spiced up the visual aspect of this review in a big way! Keep it up The Bike Show guys.
I own one and I think it's a very good review. Is boring? Sure, if you compare it to super duke. Is it fast, not if you compare to Panegale. Is it low on power compared to other sport touring bikes, yes a little on torque. But it's the type of bike you want going long distance and own for 5+ years. You want a well built bike, reliable, good on gas (takes 86octane) great paint that will last years, single sided swing arm with center stand just in case you need to remove the wheel or lube chain on your trip, however, still fast enough to keep up with much more powerful machines if you just keep the engine spinning. It's like a v-strom of the adventure world. Regarding character, it's very subjective, but to me all it needs is an aftermarket exhaust to unleash it's character. To others, if character is defined by wheelies or triple digit prowess, Honda VFR lacks the character in that sense. However, when you're miles away from home, you sure come to appreciate the miles of fun and character this bike has to offer. Get on your bike and just go for a ride!
Ducati have no graphics and lots of decals on the bodywork,do they look boring......No.I like the look of this it looks classy
Bit harsh on the styling IMO I think it looks good understated but still sporty and attractive for sport tourer. I agree with the lack of passion in the styling department though but I think it will still sell in droves. Would've liked to hear more input on the engine though. Not many V4s out there.
Remind me, how common was a V4 a decade ago?
You just don't understand the VFR... this bike is a masterpiece....
Remind me to never watch another bike review video from this mope. If he's bored by one of the great all time bikes, there's no pleasing him. Putz.
you lost me when you compared a mondeo to a zonda!
It's a sports tourer not a supersport.
Sitting in my garage watching this honest and truthful review of the new vfr...and shooting a knowing wink & grin at my 96 VFR750 ;-)
Why is the music so loud that you can't hear what he is saying???
This review and some of the comments just goes to show just how many people just don't get the point of the VFR. This year I got a 2015 model that had not sold. I've spent quite a bit of time on the bike, and previously had a 2004 VFR. I had an R6 and FZ1 in between.
The VFR just works, and that may be boring to some, but it an easy bike to live with and ride daily. No, it's not the sharpest turning, most powerful, or most tech geeky bike out there, it was never meant to be. The ergos are sport biased, but not hard core. Tweak the seat height and/or add bar risers and most anyone can be comfortable. Throw a tank and/or tail bag on, and you can ride all day or commute. The v4 is not a fire breathing demon, but it puts the power down smooth and progressively. Not to mention that the v4 sound is one of the best out there. Handling is quick, predictable, and stable. Fast transitions and tight, technical turns are not the VRF's strong suit...that's true. That said, you can take it down almost any backroad quickly with confidence. The other complaint I hear most often is that it's so heavy, and it is heavy. So I agree, if it were even 40lbs lighter....that would be a big win. That's most noticeable moving it around a garage. Once underway, you really don't notice it so much. You do notice it feels planted and stable.The VFR is a bike for real world riders, riding in the real world. So for those that don't get it, thank you!! You are the reason the 2015 model I bought this year was still available. I had to part with my 2004 after only a year due to divorce, and when I sat on the 2015, it was like saying hello to an old friend. It will be in my garage until I can't ride any longer.
What a crap review, are these guy's getting paid for this, probably from BMW as they are sitting in a BMW showroom. I am a great lover of Honda, their build quality is second to none. My previous bike was a blade which i owned for 5 years and toured all over Europe, but then i turned to the VFR as i am getting a little past my sell by date and was pleasantly surprised how well this bike is engineered, it's fast, it handles and is very comfortable to ride all day. It hasn't got all that a blade has but not far off i,t i can still burn off the Z1000. That's why the bike has been around for so long. I never i would, but i just love it.
I wonder what you fellows would have to say about the VFR1200F
guys do you think the honda CBR 650F is available in South Africa
A review on how great BMWs are ,, you have some more BMW advertising space on your foreheads ,, may I suggest a nice BMW Tattoo on there it may be worth a few more Dollars for you ,, The VFR 800 is a relaxed reliable touring bike ,, its not meant to be a balls in your guts Fireblade ,, ,, the Blackbird is another great touring bike ,, if your going to test bikes test them on their merits and for what the bike is meant for Sheeesh O o
Cods wallop! It is a most magnificent and aggressive LOOKING bike so say all my non-biker friends. Only old, crusty, hardened bikers who grew up around bikes dare to criticise this "elegant" and "faultless" machine. Two descriptions of the bike these guys actually got spot on!
road test my ass, didnt any road riding over 10 second of the bike of the road, 99% was bmw advertising, and if this was a review(seemed like advertising bmw the whole time) it was a shit reviww
please upload your videos in HD its 2017 now .....
Someone should tell Frank Zappa that he is clueless. Then again, I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time.
why did he go up in gears using his heal?, surly that thw wrong way of doing it
I hate the side exhaust . why oh why Honda dint you put the exhaust under the seat .
Love the bike, great review guys, thanks for the 720p but ditch the 50fps.
Honda VFR800 vs BMW GT800. The Very Fast Ride has inspired generations of bikers around the globe, and still excites many. 200+ km/h hurtling into turn one at Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek Moto GP class circuit) is far from boring. I’m not sure the second machine could even do this.
At last an honest review. Great work. I was very close to buying a new VFR800 untill I read the specs and reviews on the Kawazaki Z1000 SX.
The Kawasaki has loads more power it's lighter and is all round a more modern bike and better sports tourer. It would be great to see a review of the z1000 sx from you guys as I know I will see an honest review and not just the usual hype.
Dude is too scared to accept this is a splendid motorcycle - no shame in admitting this is the best bike ever, man
Good full exhaust, a good tune, and this bike could be mind-numbingly fast.
The reviewers of this VFR are clueless with what is Honda VFR Class...No wonder they have so many thumbs down...
just a last comment,"let there hair down and do what the typical VFR owner doesn't want Honda to do; Change the formula. Elegant/not flash, controllable well rounded and fast.T
is it a vtec like the older ones?
Gonçalo Pinheiro Yes, it is and they've re-worked it slightly so there is less of a kick when it comes in.
***** VTEC is Honda's marketing-name for Variable Valve Timing. It doesn't shut off cylinders, it just changes the frequency of the valves opening. It _is_ just for fuel saving. It's overblown bullcrap.
BloodstainedSinner Incorrect. The engine operates at 2 valves per cylinder below around 6500rpm, above that the VTEC operates all 4 valves per cylinder giving it a nice power boost and an awesome noise!
Is it dependable? I have a Kawasaki that isn't worth a sheet.
How can someone with a tache like that complain about the looks of a VFR ...or anything in fact. Sales of supersport bikes shows that the general public, unlike some journalists, are maturing and beginning to realise that 200BHP at the back wheel does not in fact give you a stonking man sausage. I'm looking forward to your review of the '17 Fireblade in which you complain about the lack of storage..
Bmw fan boys, twist the throttle if you're bored Frank.
Review is bang on actually, honda IS boring, honda IS conservative. They make reliable bikes, but thats about it, they havent taken a risk in YEARS.
Motorcycle reviews ought to broken into three categories... Those done by adrenaline junkies, those lacking the self-preservation gene, and sensible guys who love motorcycles.
What a great review. Syke......
I’m really confused. How is a Honda VFR in any way comparable to a Triumph adventure bike? Kawasaki Z1000SX is just one obvious competitor, surely? Bizarre review.
When are you guys going to test the Kawasaki Z1000 SX? That bike waxes the VRF! :)
I learnt nothing from this review.
I think it looks about the same as all Honda bikes great!
I love the new design, it looks Italian and it's comfortable. The VFR is a sport touring bike, not a super sport. Poor review
Nicholas Golseth bang on mate
LOL. It's been around a little while, but so has the Porker 911. Meanwhile, the CB11R (A~D) is gone, as is the original 900 FireBlade, (I bought a 954 for my son a couple of years ago. He likes it.) and various other Hondas. I think you can still get an ST1300 V4 though. Various police forces quite like them. And there's a modern replica of the CB400/4 supersport out there. I quite liked my '74 original, but I was a little too young to be riding it around the country... As long as people keep buying them, you keep making them. And Kawasaki are once again making an H2, with a steel tube frame, and once again, it's got some go... Who says history never repeats?
Honda VFR is the Best Motorcycle ever built!
why are these bike announcers try to imitate Jeremy Clarkson? They'll be building their own scooters for a race to Scotland next.
Looks like most of the hateful comments didn't actually watch the entire review.
I got to see this bike a few weeks ago and I have to say it is one sexy bike. Will defiantly consider it when its time to get a new bike. 1st bike 2011 CBR250R 2nd bike 2015 CBR650F.
The Triumph XR is a direct competitor to the VFR? Ok, uhmm...no it isn't.
Just bring out a VTR SP3 with V4 engine for some excitement! (and maybe start competing with that bike in the WSBK)
Well technically VTR is V-Twin Racing/Race and this is VFR which stands for V-Four Racing/Race. So let's hope they would revise ot again for a better performance.(most likely they won't)
What utter nonsense
There’s a reason that it has been in production for nigh on 30 years..
The sheer quality of the bike, the engine with that addictive VFour and joyous VTEC and bullet proof reliability and comfort - all at such an accessible cost
W T F do you want ..
Typical Honda, once you live with it, you start to like what it is about. but I wish Honda did what you said, let their hair down. What I can't understand is that the 1200 v4 engine has smaller outer dimensions then the 800 v4 (correct me if I'm wrong)... If they could of put the 1200 motor in a bike this size with better suspension but maintain the practicality, then added a little dash of sizzle in the looks and packaged it as the Interceptor, I think it would of made more of an impact...
Budget Jeremy Clarkson vibe I'm getting
Because of this review, I'm gonna go buy a new VFR 800 and burn down a BMW bike...
I don't agree with this review, I have one, it is a beautiful bike, clean looking, great power, breaks are very good, the VTECH is great, it sounds good and handles well. I had a fazer before and it took me some time to get use to the more sport position but I love the bike, very good LED lights at night as well
we want practical and affordable !!! and feeling alive is what we get when we ride ! yall can ride your unreliable bikes and curse em out in a garages surrounded by tools or in services paying unnecessary bills
Great video. 8 years late.
How jaded can you be?
Nothing wrong with VFR, but with you...
If this bike were a woman I would propose to her. No amount of criticism would ever stop me from loving this model from all of its Generations
The VFR has many character flaws, but still manages to have more character than these reviewers.
4:40 so you are a motorcycle channel dedicated to the 1% that can afford Pagani and Supersport 40k+ machines. Because everything that isn't exactly that must obviously just be dull and lifeless.
What a sad statement and how very unjust to paint the VFR in such a light.
I'd like one
Think I'll be getting a Ninja 1000 instead, even though I love the sound of the V4
Boring? Don’t think so.
show me a better sports tourer answer we can chat
and we can chat*
Elephant in the room: 536 Lbs? Really?? Yeah, but nah.
I can only agree on the guys that already said that this review is completely bullshit. How can you say that the bike is doing everything well but on the other hand saying that it is boring? And repeating words like "boring" and phrases all the time is just annoying guys, you can do better.
And: 98 hp? Which version did you try?
You either get the VFR or you don't. Clearly, you don't. Which is fine with me. It's in my opinion the best "gentleman's sportbike" there is.
Based on the hair style and the color of the skin, the reviewer probably finds more entertaining riding camels in the desert in his own town than riding a VFR.
I bet stuffing the tuono v4 engine in this bike would liven things up, why can't Honda do something like that. I would buy one in a heartbeat!
probably same comments I will say about any BMW...
+luc VA BMW have only JUST got their shit together on making non leaking non boring bikes .. If I wanted a oil leaking bike that could blow the blood out of my balls I would buy an old Knucklehead .
I think the 2015 viffer looks great.
…And that’s coming from someone who rides a 95
Not everyone is a frustrated teenager who needs to advertise his penis size via cheap ass graffix and idiotically aggressive riding, loud exhausts etc. yours, ex gsxr750 rider who wants something he doesnt need a chiropractor visit after riding...
Well aren’t you lucky the downvotes are not visible anymore
Please honda just put the VFR 1200 engine in a nice looking good chassis and you have a winner :)
Hhhmm, poor review guys compared to other ones you have done. I have one of these. In 25 years of riding (mainly sports/superbikes but also nakeds and 1 cruiser). I can think of very few other bikes I'd rather be on when on my 100 mile commute across Yorkshire (UK) roads on a cold, dark night. Amazing headlight, great road handling, comfy when just getting home after work but great when you want a few minutes fun when the traffic thins out. If you are just after a bike for sunny Sunday mornings then don't get it. VFRs get under your skin when you live with them. Like that lifelong friend you call on when you need serious help rather than the funny mate who's a laugh down the pub but can't be relied on!
Never understand why people get so upset over a review. I would never buy a bike on the basis of a RUclips review. I would test ride it myself and make my own mind up.
Your biased, the VFR looks 100% better than that fugly Truimph or mishaped BMW you showed, and the tracer is a farm bike. Catch yourselves on, you didnt even ride it hard. The stock sound of a VFR RC79 is awesome, and it looks "finished" instead of a reject from Mad Max.
Huge mistake ditching the under seat exhaust for that awful looking thing.
+Radke32 the akropovic alternative is a lot better but yeah... know what you mean mate.
What a waste of 8 minutes. This guys compares the Honda to a Triumph 800 and says oh but you could take it off road...lol Honestly This channel should stick to Trumps and the boutique variety of bikes because it's all they know. The Honda VRF is a Sport Touring Bikes that meant for commutes to work or longer road trips where comfort is a premium. They are very solidly built, affordable and reliable and are a lot of fun. Again we need for you to review the bike and not to spout your anti Honda bias. I love Triumph as well, but Honda is in the A tier of bike manufactures and Triumph a solid C. One of the worse reviews I've seen :(
oh dear obviously in bmw's pay to me that 800 from bmw is very very zzzzzzzzzzzz