How does a 16yr old Honda VFR 800 compare to modern day bikes? Does it have a place on todays roads?
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- Опубликовано: 2 июн 2023
- A ride out and thorough chat about what makes this bike a long term classic. Find out how I think it compares to modern day bikes for 4 times the price! Is it still a viable option?
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Current bikes owned:
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The best motocykle ever made in galaxy 🔥, just immortal, reliable, quick, comfortable.
I will keep him forever ❤.
I bought a 2004 VFR800 in 2006 with only 600kms on the clock. Sold it in 2016 with 85 000 kms. No money spent apart from regular maintenance and tyres. Still had the original chain and sprockets. Fantastic bike, did plenty of touring on the east coast of Australia and to Tasmania. Enjoy your VFR, look after it and it will look after you.
Did you use a Scottoiler or how did you clean your chian to reach such an awesome mileage?
With a center stand, you'll spend less time oiling every 500 miles than cleaning up after an automatic oiler. @@reneverheij6938
Original chain and sprockets? How in the heck did you accomplish that
Wanna see how the sprockets looked like tho
My trusty vfr took me all across the USA 🇺🇸 with Richy....didn't miss a beat on the whole 6,000 mile trip...I was sad to let it go...what a great bike. If I only knew where it was today I'd try to buy it back.👍
The VFR didn’t miss a beat but did your back miss a beat?😂
@@skyeric875does it cause problems for the back? If so I’ve got to count this machine out.
@@bottletree33 6,000 is not easy on anyone’s back. I don’t this anyone is going to be doing this mileage on average. I have the VFR 800 which is more sporty and have no issues other than 3 to 4 hour non stop rides
@@skyeric875 This may end up being my first big bike because bikers at work say it’s a brilliant beginner bike. I love the looks, but one of the fellas said stay clear of the vtec engines.
@@bottletree33 the fact you even recognize it you’ll be fine. Like anything in life go easy and moderation and you’ll be fine. I had a cbr 250 for 3 years before jumping to this. Have had the bike over 8 years so far and haven’t had an itch for anything else or bigger. I recommend staying below the 7k vtec especially in turns. Straight don’t matter but it is definitely a learning curve hitting it during a turn
I have a 2007 BMW K 1200gt - 16 years old and I rate it as one of the best bikes I have ever owned - rock solid at any speed, corners beautifully, incredible power, abs, electronic suspension, electric screen, cruise control, heated grip and even heated seats.
Doesn't leak or use oil, temperature gauge never moves - and to me at least - she still looks great.
They don't make K bikes any more - but the equivalent new R1250 is 4 to 5 times the cost to buy. I'm sure the new bikes have some modern tech - but not too much different.
The K1200/1300 still stand tall today.
I adore my little '02 VFR! It simply is an incredible machine, balanced in every way, with ups and downs of course. I am so glad that I bought it in '21.❤
What are the issues you had on the bike
I ride my 22 year old VFR daily, and also at weekends, ive sat on newer bikes and the vfr just always feels perfect
I owned a vfr750fs 94 with Arrow carbon muffler it was aewsome and 100000 km later, never had an accident, I was also sorry to see it go, the pipe sounded amazing , what a great machine!
Went to Spain in 87 and fell in love with the original when I saw one, ended buying the gen 2 in white in 91 still got it , absolutely in love with it. Went out yesterday after being off the road for 3 years ( electric problems) and it still excited me. Always told my girlfriends/ wives they'd go before the bike and they did😂 still married to the last she knows better.
🤣🤣🤣🙏 Best comment yet!!
Yeah, I'm in the process of buying a green 2000 vfr right now, and just saying, I'm totally telling the gf right now and all eventual future gf's exactly that. The bike is staying longer than you. No ifs or buts
I bought a vfr1200f 3 years ago. Brilliant bike with stunning performance...love it. I owned a 1999 vfr 800 gen 5 for 13 years....loved it and always felt superior to cheaper engine in the vtec models. The cam gears....lovely noise.
5th gen owner here. surprised 6th gen owners aren't offering you out for a fight lol
@@fiveplatesHehe me too😊
Having owned four VFRs, I agree that you don’t need a new bike for the fun. I agree the engine is the selling point. What I need from modern bikes is accommodation for my old age: quick shifter for clutch-hand arthritis, cruise control for right-hand arthritis, upright seating for shoulder and knee arthritis… (you get the idea). So the VFR was sold last month and the GS is my last road bike. Thanks for a great episode.
I know all those complaints Marco. I also know the GS fixes them all. 👌🏍
How old were you when you got arthritis sir?
@@melexdy About 55 in a triple-surgery knee. About 60 for the rest.
Great insight into the vfr never ridden one but keep up the great vids 👍
That CBR600 F2 sure brings back memories! My first proper road bike… had one in red and white👍
Got a 2003 VFR 800. Love it :-) Ride safe, buddy😎
Fab insight Dave, thanks for sharing ! 😄😄
Great to see you enjoying the Viffer! FYI - the rear suspension also has a compression adjustment on the bottom of the shock. I recently stiffened mine up a notch or two, after 67K kms, firmed it right up and feels like new.
Thanks I had the very same bike for a few years. Same color but think that was the ONLY color in 2007. Lol. Loved it. Should have kept it. Wish you would have taken the time to go around and show the bike more as it is one of the best looking motorcycles ever made.
I picked up 2017 vfr800f. 2 weeks ago. Mint condition. The 7k rpm put the biggest smile on my face ever! I couldn't stop laughing. It's such a smooth, easy bike to be on. Wish I'd followed them sooner. I love the simplicity of it.
I feel exactly the same David.🤗👌
I have a 1991 vfr 750f and i am really in love with that bike.
Great video dave. Beautiful machine they are. I have a vfr800x. 16 model Beautiful bike absolutely love it. Enjoy the sun. Ride safe.
Great video. Really enjoyed the content, the delivery and of course, the scenery. I own a 5th and an 8th generation VFR & love ‘em both. Also admire the 6th gen model and keep toying with the idea of getting one to complete the trio 😁. But absolutely love my 8th gen model. Sad that Honda aren’t developing the model anymore. But you never know!
Another subscriber who’s now looking forward to seeing the rest of the video catalogue 👍
Thanks Mike. I was due to be filming again on the VFR today but the torrential rain here in Ireland lay rest to that! Thanks for coming aboard. 👌🙏🏍🎥
Congratulations on reaching 10k
I’ve just actioned on a white 2016 VFR800. 9000km. Waiting for delivery. 🎉
I looked everywhere for a white one but just couldn’t find one. Good luck and thanks for the message. 👌🏍
I owned a 2004 VFR800 which i let go in 2014. It was a cracking bike and easy to ride quick on the road with the VTEC adding that boost when you’re caning it. First bike I owned with ABS as well and it handled beautifully. Wish id have kept it!
Yes I’m thoroughly impressed with this bike. Way ahead of its time.
I love my VFR I had the 6 gen a few years ago was a great sports Tourer .I've recently bought the 8 gen and since getting her found it more sports then tour. Honda have made the new models more sports because of the VFR crossroad just something to think about if you get a newer version. Cheers Dave
Fully agree with the appreciation of the engine. LOVELY! ❤️❤️❤️ I ride a 2016 VFR800X Crossrunner. As exciting and thrilling as it gets.
Nice!👌
Just bought a 2002 Model and enjoyed watching the video. Ireland looks stunning. Very informative video.
Thanks man.
Spot on, spot on.
Thanks for this very helpful and informative video, love your presentation style too. I have a '91 VFR400 N30 (my first bike) and have been so tempted many times to trade up to one of these 6th gen bigger brothers. Reckon you've sold it for me 👍
Welcome mate. You won’t regret it. Super bikes 👌
I was considering one of these, and then saw your reveal video. So I had to buy one ...a 2008 VFR800 in exactly the same colour as yours 😊 with the hard luggage too (although on very first ride, one of the panniers made a bid for freedom and cost me a £100 to get it resprayed 😮). Anyhow, love it 😎 and love your videos!
🤣Apols for costing you a few quid Jamie but as you know, it’s worth it.🙏🏍
My 2002 VFR was probably my favourite bike overall, brilliant bike which took me across Spain and elsewhere for 15000 trouble free miles, had ABS too, proper old school sports tourer. I had 125+ on the speedo in a remote part of Spain, the VTEC cut in in top gear at 100mph plus🤣. The VTEC on mine was relatively abrupt but it was smoothed out on later versions such as yours…
Bought an '01 VFR this year. Pre-VTEC it's an ace machine. My other Honda is a CBF1000. They are both everyday, all day bikes. The only difference is the Biffer will pull a lowe gear and isn't so quick on acceleration..... but I don't need it. The Viffer is my "modern classic". One day it will be called a classic bike for real.
Looking to buy this bike as my first gas bike it’s a 2002 vfr vtec with 26k odo .. should I get it?
Hi Dave, awesome video… I still regret selling my VFR800. Hopefully I’ll be able to get one in the future. That engine itself is something which I thinking of…
Still riding my originally purchased 2006, have to confess I've thought about trading it for something newer many times, but this video really helps me appreciate what I have. Earning points with the CFO too. Thanks.
Another amazing video! I love your camera angles! I don't know if you already reviewed my motorcycle... It's very rare in the States, but a lot more common in Europe and many other places... I own, and love my Blue/Red/White & Black- 2008 Suzuki GSX650F. Other than it being heavy for this type of bike at 531 LBS, AKA - 240.85 KG (Wet), it does everything very well. It has a 656cc, I-4 with 85 HP & 45 LB-FT. It has a 6-speed manual transmission. It has a nice 5.0 gallon fuel tank, and I get over 55 mpg cruising on the highway. It also has manually adjustable front and rear suspension. It has a gear indicator, and a fuel gauge, which I really like. It's no 10 second sport bike, but the GSX650F was tested, and did 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, 0-100 mph in 8.8 seconds, it ran the 1/4 mile in 11.94 @ 110.1 mph, and has a governed top speed of 135 mph. Not bad at all. I'd love to see you test ride a GSX650F, if you haven't already? Sorry for the long comment. I just subscribed to your channel. Safe travels,
-Chris
Hi Chris, thanks for subbing. I’d love a go on a GSX650. Stunning looking bike. Watch this space……🏍🎥👌
My bike has a a variable throttle body system and when it fully opens up it's roar just gives me chills down my spine.... Might add that 130 hp without a windscreen is way plenty to go less than 3 seconds to the 100km/h. Always loved the vfr for being confortable and docile at low speeds, then you open it up and you fly into the sunset screaming....A friend has one exactly the same, with red colorings and oem bags..... It feels so nice banking in the corners, but at low speeds it kinda feels like a freight train if you want to lane split.... All in all, it's in my top all time 3 list 😊
Nice choice! A Legendary and fabulous motorcycle! 👍😁
Thank you very much for this video, you really inspired me, your quiet voice, sensible considerations and infectious enthusiasm for this bike simply made me buy one. So now I am also a very happy owner of this lovely bike and I can only say I am sharing your enthusiasm. Sincerely, Michael
What a lovely message to read. Happy New Year and I wish you every bit of happiness the same as mine has brought me. 🙏🏍🤗
❤@@WheelieGoodTV
Hi Dave. I have that exact bike, from new. I totally agree with all you've said regarding the 800. If you want a cruise control, add on a Throttlemeister (friction-based system for the RH clipon.). You have some lovely country to ride in & also a great microphone set up as well. All the best from NZ.
Thanks man. I’ll look into that Throttlemeister.👌
Great vid greetings from Kiwi land. I bought my vfr new back in 2011. It would take a lot for me to trade up! Just love mine.
I have the 5th generation 1999 VFR Interceptor with the gear driven cams, 4 into 1 Delkovic exhaust and only 19k miles on it.
At bike meets, this thing with that exhaust grabs a fair amount of attention, quite a few people know exactly what it is and a few never heard of it, but everyone is amazed by it considering it's a 24 year old bike in mint condition.
As for performance, it has a few tweaks done to it and is pushing a few more horses to say the least, it's stupidly quick and fast and has no problem keeping up and leaving behind newer bikes in the 600 class super bike category.
One bit of advise I would give to those that have this machine, if you haven't already done the exhaust, you need to replace it, they are not stainless steel and will rust.
Amazing engines in these bikes. I miss mine.
I enjoyed that video, nice roads and great scenery. VFR owners tend to be fanatical to the point of tribal to their own favourite model, mine is the 5th Gen, I've had one for over 8 years and love them (my second a 2001 Fi-1). What you like about the VTECH coming in at 6.8K. revs, I like that the 5th Gen power and torque output is the same as yours but is linear in delivery so you don't need to rev as high when overtaking, I've found the fuel economy to be very good with 55mpg easily attained. Until this week I didn't realise how many electrical components were moved to accomodate the 6th Gen underseat exhaust. I could go on all night writing about the VFR, as I said, fanatical.
The VFR 800 has got to go down as one of the best all round bikes , completely at home with modern day touring/sports bikes , the restoration you have done is amazing bike is looking great Dave 👌👌
Cheers Dale! 🙏👌
Ive owned 6 vfr's over many years including a 1997 vfr750, 4 5th gen vfr800's and my current 2008 vfr800. Ive owned many other bikes as well of all kinds but eventually come back to the mighty vfr800 as a suitable all rounder. The thing with the 6th gen is you need to spend some decent coin to sort out a few things and then theyre great. They all leave the factory with crappy fuelling. Spend the money on a power commandor V and some dyno time and it smooths out the fuelling massively and makes the bike a pleasure to ride around town even at very low revs which it wouldn't do beforehand. Fit some decent pipes for a massive weight saving as well as some beautiful noise. Fit a 1 tooth smaller front sprocket for a bit of extra pep. Fit a sh847 regulator and bingo youll have a great sports tourer that'll still mix it with todays stuff
Yep. Richy and your good self made me pull the trigger on one of these. I've got a silver 2002 gen 6. Just need my licence now!!!!!!😮
Good man! You won’t regret it. Enjoy
Nice video. My 07 took me 8,000 kms through the centre of Australia, including a speed unlimited section of highway. Sort of an autobahn with kangaroos and emus crossing it. The bike did a good 230km/h all cased up which gave me a big smile.
I had no idea you could get them with ABS, though. I thought in 07 they only had the connected breaking system. I’m still learning new things about them!
I have had a lot of VFRs and still keep a little used fi model, actually thinking of selling it and finding a nice vtec... The vtec I always especially liked, abs and slightly better ergonomics than the older model and of course a modern look - which still looks great even today ! (over 20 years since inception). Cant believe I thought it was too radical a change in design at the bike show all those years ago. My advice, just keep riding and giving it quality oil and filters and I wouldnt be surprised if your grandchildren also enjoy the bike in many years to come. A brilliant bike from a great time in bike manufacture 🙂
Hi i did the same watched Ricky's videos and bought one
I'm from Bolton England and the bloke I bought it of was from Bolton
I found out with the paper work that the bike was bought near were Ricky' lives and his bike macanic had worked on it and serviced it i was over the moon knowing its History ive owned it for 2 years now Love it and never selling her
Taken mine all round north spain and the south of france then hooned it up to north france to catch a ferry.
It was as at home in the pyrenees as a tour de france athlete. Absolute joy to ride, even full of luggage.
Has no issue keeping up with my mate on his blackbird in the twisties and another on an aprilla mille R. Sure on straights they'd pull away (not as fast as they'd think mind!) But in the twisties i'd be on their ass.
Has been a dream bike, now I'm looking like you did to give it some much needed TLC with new suspension, reg/rec replacement, re-spray and powder coat of the wheels. She's an old girl as a '08 model but it's my girl.
Edit: ahhh i should watch it all before writing comments :) but yeah that fuel capacity of the vfr1200 is baffling. Riding with my someone on his fjr1300 and its 25 litre tank, me on my vfr800 with 22 and then another on a vfr1200 with its 19 litre tank.
Me and the FJR would go station for station but the 1200, my goodness we were stopping every 10 minutes it felt like. Really kills momentum on a tour.
Great job on a beautiful bike.
Thanks Ian.
I agree with everything you said, and that is why I'm happy to say I'm buying a 2011 model tomorrow. Let's hope the deal goes through. If not, I'll just shop for another one. But it was between an XJR1300 and a VFR800. Great video.
Always loved my vfrs and currently I have had a varadero vtwin 1000 for 6 years and now I am thinking of a vfrb for a second option
Beautiful country, beautiful bike
A true Fan. I have my original 2002 bike wth over 173k miles on it now. I WOULD NEVER SELL IT.
Oh, and Ive never had to do the valves yet, still rides the same a s when I got it
i subscribed. and watched the whole video. guess we both just love vfr800s
Thanks man.🙏
Great bikes. I traded mine in for a 2023 Busa and I regret nothing.
I almost bought a CB400 SF with VTEC - and a mechanic gave me the same advice - he said is extra $$$ because they have to check in AND out of VTEC - which is costly.
He said if it’s running fine - why bother? They aren’t likely to be out in that case.
However I have a Blackbird now and I want to bleed the CBS brakes - so that will be fun.
These are the real character Honda bikes.
I had the 5th gen vfr and a great machine,But test rode the 1200x cross tourer and sold my 5th gen and my GS
I may be wrong but I guess you quite like this bike then?
Well, me too. I've had four of them and loved them all...which makes me wonder really why I got rid of any of them. I was supposed to have given up the two wheeled variety a couple of years ago (age, the missus) but you know what they say...once a biker etc.
I'm now on the lookout for the fifth little beauty and your excellent video has just reinforced my decision to re-enter the throng.
Many thanks for this and long may you continue your vids (and your riding).
Many thanks for your message Jeremy. Good luck on your fifth instalment! You know it makes sense.🤫😉
The VFR is an example of what WAS great about Honda and where they failed also. I had a 2002 VFR bought in 2014. And at that age if was and still is a great bike (it’s still registered today though I sold it in 16) I looked at buying a new one at that time and noticed that the engine had not changed AT ALL since introduction. Even the new 800 had the same undeveloped engine from 2001. I ended up with a GS. The consumption is a big function of how much throttle you open. I would normally get 280k+ before fuel light came on but a great opportunity to thrash it for some distance saw the fuel light come on with 1 at the front. Less than 200km??? It has 5 injectors- 1 for each cylinder and an fifth whose only job is to just chuck fuel into the manifold above half throttle and damn the consumption figures. But it has ‘feels’. Such that the best bike I own is a 2002 zx6r. Similar thoughts regarding havng to have a newer bike. The 13 GS is comfortably the best bike I have ever had…. But the 6 tickles the important bits. I get why you love the VFR. Oh and the candy apple red? Sex!
Love this comment. Thanks for taking the time to write this. 🙏👌🤗
Yeah that engine really is bullet proof. The only problem I see is finding parts for it given it's age. Also... that's a HUGE gas tank! Another great video Dave! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Cheers buddy, I hope you’re still enjoying the RS660!
@@WheelieGoodTV I really am! I’ve put 4K miles on it so far. I’m actually taking it on my first road trip tomorrow.
You can still find a bunch of parts for it on the Honda catalogue because they still sell the VFR800 as the Interceptor in 2023.
When new bike come out (like everything else I suppose) it is ground beating, fantastic, superlative power etc. etc. etc. then a few years later it is out of date, obsolete. I remember this bike when it came out, and one review said it was a fantastic bike to ride. The bottom line is, if it was a fantastic then, why not now, even as you say 16 years later. Lovely video, speaks a few truths. And yes I am sure it is a fantastic bike to day.
One thing all these 1kcc sports bikes/sports tourers dont have... its the vtec. The engine note when it happens.
Bwaaaa *6800RPM* WAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Makes the tummy tingle every time! 😂
Nah vtec is so overrated on this bike, the vtec doesn't have the gear driven cam whine. It's definitely not the most sought after model.
@@Broodjemetbeleg who said anything about the most sought after model besides you?
Vtec isnt overrated, its simply appreciated. It does very little personally in my opinion performance wise (starts drinking petrol is the biggest thing ive noticed on that front), but the exhaust note change is an absolute blast.
Loud pipes don't save lives, but they sound great, as does this when you hit vtec engagement.
the 94 model was the shit, carbon pipe sounds like a v8 , the vtech never sounded as good
this is one of the bikes on my wish list
Yes I wanted one since they came out. I love it. 🙏
As the owner of two 20+ year old Hondas, you know I agree that they are great. It's the modern electronics and safety systems that have me looking for a newer sports tourer. Another great video.
As well as the fantastic riding experience you share, for me it's also the scenery in whatever part of Ireland you are driving. I'm half-Irish, but apart from spending far too much time in Northern Ireland during my Army days, I know very little about the rest of it apart from a small part of Co. Wicklow where we used to have vacations. It would be great if you could tell us whereabouts you are riding around.
Thanks mate, that’s actually a good point as I take it for granted. Most of these spins are in Cavan.🙏🏍
Will always love my VFR 34:48 800, 100% pure motorcycling
I had a 1200 thinking it would keep me away for expensive BMW’s. Unfortunately, when I started playing, it only did 110 to the tank six months later I was on a GSA. Other than the tank size I would have keep it. Go luggage Lovely Bike
It’s Sat breakfast with me and Dave every sat morning but Ah I forgot to comment on sat as I was dragged away early. I love the earlier VFR 800fi pre VTec
Thanks again John. I’ve just finished editing the final Ep of Achill this evening. I think you’ll enjoy it.😉🙏
@@WheelieGoodTV looking forward to that
As a 20yr old I had to recently choose between the ´03 CBR600RR and a '99-'04 VFR800. Do I regret going for the CBR? Absolutely not. Do I still want the VFR for longer trips and reliability? Absolutely YES! I'm a sucker for "retro motorcycles". They were built so much better than what is being put out there these days. It was a time where brands weren't afraid that they wouldn't sell and would experiment all sorts of things. Honda tried the V4 and absolutely nailed it. Just like they nailed their first gen inline-4 RR.
Do VFR's have their place in the motorcycling world in 2024? Not only do they have their place but Honda should manufacture the 750/800's again with all the bells and whistles for those new riders who can't live without ABS or traction control etc... And with a more modern look. Though I'd still go for a 30 yr old VFR ahaha :D
I had a VFR800VTec.....fantastic bike...but I needed just that little bit more in the speed stakes and I got a Triumph Sprint 1050ST, perfect ! On my 3rd one now. Toured with the VFR....excellent bike but actually a bugger on the track with the VTec !
Yes I’m not sure I’d like that kick on a track with the VFR.
Beautiful scenery I must say.
Sadly I could never go there since you guys are mixing metric and imperial units 😂
🤣👌🇮🇪
Would love if mine was a shaft drive, i hate maintaining chains.
Getting yourself into trouble with a 16-year-old? No fool like an old fool.
A lot of years ago, riding into France, I forgot my earplugs coming off the ferry, exposing myself to a fuller appreciation of the exhaust note. So I was tempted to transgress with the throttle more than usual. The then wife (on the back) was unimpressed. She recalls that the VFR was the most comfortable of my bikes, beating a GL1200, a 1200 Trophy, various airhead boxers etc.
I was a tripple elitist. I loved my triumph sprints. Unfortunately, my current one has suffered an engine issue, needed a bike to get to and from work. Found a vfr800, pretty vtec model, for cheap, actually it was a steal, and bought it. 3 rides later, I loved it. I now prefer the vfr to the tripple engines. It's fantastic, one day, I'll upgrade to the vtec models
They are pretty special bikes. 👌🏍️
Put the stock screen back on and buy a Laminar Lip for it. That’ll sort the wind turbulence off the top of the screen.
Oh yes, I also gutted the standard pipes to free that beautiful V4 sound !!!
I am by no means a petrol head and I havent ridden since 20012 my last bike being a 2002 in red. I bought seconhand without a test ride. Bought online and paid over the phone with the bike being delivered. They are absolutely great for todays world. My Vfr was completely standered and 100% reliable. I found the fuel range brilliand for commuting aswel as for 3hours on the motorway. Hondas build great bikes and the engine is a brick, yet you can ride easy all day long without hitting the Vtech. I think this generation of the vfr was the best looking. The the gen after in my opinion last the appeal. as you mentioned, if a bike looks good then we tend to go on from there. See if you can find an old vfr 750 fk, mine was a 1989 and the sound was great. I still remeber the registration of my old bikes. I dont know what ever happened to them eventually, These days if I ever ride again I will need to be more upright but it will allways be hard to beat the vfr, the traditional sports tourer. Safe riding 😎
Thanks for sharing. I just love everything about these bikes. 👌🏍️
Iv been riding well over 50 odd years being born in the late 50s it's very therapeutic and mental health benefits I'll never stop until the fat lady sings stay safe and upright mate
I've been thinking about getting an older VFR 800 for my 'cruiser' bike. nothing wrong with these they're awesome bikes
Interesting. Thought I'd get a VFR before I'm too old and for me my 28 year old Gen 4 bike is a revelation as most of my bikes are 40 year old tourers. Who needs anything faster ? A superb piece of engineering .....I must be the slowest VFR rider in Yorkshire as it's done 73 mpg over the last 200 miles......no complaints at all and seems plenty fast to me. I now realise I've been riding bikes with NO brakes all these years. All it might need is ABS for safety. A masterpiece of engineering.
I might be slower than you......at 82 years old on a '96 VFR, what can go wrong..?.....The bike is outstanding, I hope I can match it's longevity.
Bought 1999 800fi at 6 months old kept it 21 yrs. was still immaculate. Honda quality ….. then
I hear ya!😉🥴
I prefer the 5th gen, or pre vtec, as do a lot of vfr fans. Put simply that boost you’re feeling, is always on from the start.
Also at 12:00 you overtake a tractor, and you are doing 83mph, nice. 👍
But the guy in the little black car left you in his dust.
Hate that😂
It’s a fantastic bike and it doesn’t need all those electronics. The things that really matter are very good. I do find it a bit top heavy. I never felt really comfortable on mine.
Interesting. I keep comparing it to my FJR which was the heaviest bike I’ve ever ridden so the VFR is a breeze. 🤗👌
Interesting video... I owned a 2004 bike for about 6 months during 2006 and I just couldn't gel with it. I do think it was ahead of its time though.... Perhaps over engineered.
Until that point I'd only ridden Honda Inline 4s. I wanted the VFR for touring and motorway commuting. I found the power to be good, but the delivery was harsh. The VTEC lurch of power was initially great but then I found it kicked in at times that I didn't want it to... Cranked over in a corner for example. Build quality was excellent, I found the riding position (I'm 6') to be cramped. I now own a 2023 Triumph 1200 Tiger (3 cylinder T plane). My taste in bikes has changed so I wonder if I would like the VTEC VFR more now but as it stands is probably one of my more forgettable bikes.
Fair enough. My bikes tend to go in and out of favour with me so who knows, maybe next year I’ll be in love with something else. For now though, the VFR ticks almost everything. ✅👌🏍
i have a 2002 model stick it in 2nd gear on the a roads pretty much stays in vtech and doing legal speeds very addictive round the twisties, dont know why people are scared of the vtec, yes you can feel it when it kicks in but really isnt aggressive in any way its more the sound thats amazing.
Totally agree. 👌🏍️
thank youfor the nice review. I have been offered a 2002 model, but I have not tried it out yet. I am 6 foot and I think too tall for it. You mentioned you feel comfortable on it but I understand we are different height. What is your view? I will try it out next month but if it is ridiculously crammed I would not even bother. Thank you
I think you would need to try it. It fits me perfectly but at your height I would imagine there would be even more buffeting from that screen.
Recently passed and at 25yo it’s the best bike I think I could’ve picked! Love the low end torque and the high end power leaves plenty of room to grow into it. Interested to know where you got that tank bag as I was wanting one myself
Great stuff. Tank bag is the SW Motech and I got it from Maddocks motorcycles in Bray, Ireland.
@@WheelieGoodTV I’ll have a look online then as I’m in England, thanks! Great review too love the detail
Super video quality, Which camera did you use, DJI? I really want a VFR BUT!😂
Cheers Trev. DJI it is. Those VFR’s are hard to resist. 😉🏍
Ah yes, linked brakes. A heavy, overly complex answer to a problem I've personally never had. Still - wouldn't stop me from enjoying the heck out of a nice long tour on one of these beauties.
Hi. I love your wind shield. Which brand it is? I need it!!!
Hi, Apols for late response. It is the Puig screen with their matching deflector. It’s the best of the bunch I tried but still not perfect.
Just got ome for free(come take it). She rsn perfectly over 2 years ago and got parked. Gonna change all the fluids, chain and sprockets. Reseal and service the forks, brakes and tires just because old. Luxky for me it fame with oxford grips,a sargent seat, delkavic? Exhaust and a tune 😎
Lucky man. Enjoy!!
Sold my 2006 VFR early last year. I really missed it. I turn 80 this year and bought a Suzuki SV1000s 2006 in Black. It's a much more brutal bike but suits me more. The VFR was too smooth. I'm an idiot by the way.
I prefer the basic bike to be fair. I have a RE bullet love it
Have you ever ridden the BMW F800GS? I have a 2016 that I daily commute on in NY (75,000 miles on her now) that I've contemplated trading in for a VFR800. I'm a huge Honda fan, and I love the Idea of VTEC in a motorcycle. I just worry it wont be as good for daily use, with shorter travel suspension and less upper body wind protection (although I bet it covers your legs much better). THanks!
Never ridden the 800GS but I know it’ll be a much better commute than the VFR, although not as much fun. 😉
My '90 Pan, '96 VFR750 and '96 XJ900S Diversion still hold their own. Who needs modern electronics? Riding old bikes as long as possible is also quit 'green'. Also you can still maintain these bikes yourself. Which is not only fun, it also helps you understand your bike. But then I'm an old geezer, what do I know?
Would be very good bike, but problems with electric part is very disappointing, necessary to have spare voltage regulator.
My 07' has clocked up 83k miles and purrs like a kitten, same colour as yours fella
Sounds nice! I love that V4.👌🏍
I've had my 2001 VFR for 21 years. Yes, there are faster bikes, but this bike is so unique and cool. My buddy had a Hayabusa and I took it out for a quick ride. Short story: I'd be dead if I owned one! Too much power to use without risk of jail or death! I've also considered the Aprilia RSV-4 and Tuono, but it's hard to justify the price compared to the paid-for VFR sitting in my garage, plus the reliability of owning a Honda. I've literally only put oil, plugs, tires and a chain on it since I bought it! I put a Micron exhaust on it and sounds perfect. Great bike!
I fully concur! Thanks for the message. 👌🏍
The VFR is the dogs bollocks, the best version is the 8th gen. Less lardy than the 6th with all the electrical gremlins fixed. As for the VTEC, I would have preferred it go the way of the Dodo. I’ve done the valve inspection on my 2014 model and it’s a royal pain.
45mpg? That sucks, I get that on a US gallon and get 250 miles on a tank if I’m not ripping it, and it’ll still have 0.2 gallons left.
Great video!
Have you considered an atlas style throttle lock as a poor man's cruise control for the VFR?
I love having one on my VFR and can highly recommend it 👍
Ooh good idea. I’ll look into that. Thanks for the info👌🙏
@@WheelieGoodTV It’s really not worth getting the Atlas one as it’s really exxpensive. I bought two “variants” and they are identical and work perfectly well. I can Dm the link if you need it. All the best fitting cruise control to the already incredible VFR!
I purchased a 2004 model in 2021 complete with Honda luggage and it had only 9550 miles with full service history from new