I have been reading about all of these problems with the Sixth Gens; Recalls, electrical stuff, product updates campaigns etc. Most of you seem to be mechanically savy enough to fix them yourselves. However, my mechanical ability ends at drive chain maintenance and adjustments. Am I to relenquish all hopes of getting a Sixth Gen since the inevitable problems that will eventually surface will require me taking her into a mechanic, whom you all don't seem very confident in? I really want one but am now reconsidering for fear of having these "gremlins" show themselves. I have already purchased one. And it was a beautiful running and looking machine. I was very happy until I noticed that it would mysteriously die on me everytime I blipped the throttle. I eventually decided to sell it because I had no clue as to what it could be, nor did the dealer. According to their computers and Honda USA, all of the recalls had been completed. Please advise.
Are My Vfr Dreams Crumbling?
37 posts Started 17 Oct 2008 Last recovered post 29 Oct 2008 Wayback Machine snapshot 12 Apr 2010
I've been asking myself the same questions lately. I fantasize about a new (to me) bike, but I don't want anything other than a VFR. I guess I'll keep my 5th gen for a bit longer.
[image: View Post]ECX585, on Oct 17 2008, 05:42 PM, said:
I've been asking myself the same questions lately. I fantasize about a new (to me) bike, but I don't want anything other than a VFR. I guess I'll keep my 5th gen for a bit longer.I hear you. I went from my 4th Gen to a Gixxer and realized I'd be happier with a Viffer. But I'd like a Sixth Gen. The Fifth Gens, IMO, don't look as nice. But I am really reluctant. And I can't seem to find another bike that I like. It's a dilemma.
for what it's worth, I bought an '07 6th gen. No issues (knock on wood) to report after 11000 miles. Except for the 8" missing section of rim, but that's not Honda's fault...
[image: View Post]shaynej, on Oct 17 2008, 06:03 PM, said:
for what it's worth, I bought an '07 6th gen. No issues (knock on wood) to report after 11000 miles. Except for the 8" missing section of rim, but that's not Honda's fault...My 06 has never failed me in 50,000 miles yet, its been a super reliable bike, even with the intermittant klack of a cct over some of that time period , it never halted forward progress.
I dont think there's a more reliable bike on the market, actually go back in History and you find the latest 6th gen are the most reliable the vfr has ever been.
They really(finally) have beefed up the electrical system, which was the main issues the vfr has had over its life time, I was kinda surprised going back in history how bad the electricals were.
I'm completely stock(already has the upgrades), I prepped the electrical contacts when new , just like any other bike, I've had zero issues electrically, compltely stock set up, everything connected.
I dont see anything here reliablity wise thats an issue, where your not going to have on other bikes or even more so
I have zero tolerence for break down
NO - your dreams are not crumbling.
22,000 miles on my 2006, and 16,000 miles on a 2002 (with 8,000 miles on a CBR1k in between). No problems whatsoever with any of them (now that i said that its going to explode).
Think about it this way - if you have a problem with your bike, what's the first thing you're going to do? Post it here to see if someone else has the same problem. So I think that naturally, you're going to hear about a lot of problems on this site but overall its still a very small percentage of overall VFRs.
22,000 miles on my 2006, and 16,000 miles on a 2002 (with 8,000 miles on a CBR1k in between). No problems whatsoever with any of them (now that i said that its going to explode).
Think about it this way - if you have a problem with your bike, what's the first thing you're going to do? Post it here to see if someone else has the same problem. So I think that naturally, you're going to hear about a lot of problems on this site but overall its still a very small percentage of overall VFRs.
13,000 and two years next month on my 2006 and the only problem I have experienced is one of my license plate bolts falling out.
I would not rule out a 6th gen. I have an 02 with 40k. I replaced the thermostat, (an easy job thanks to the helpful info on this site), other than that, routine maintenance. Valves have been checked and needed no adjustment. Flawless, as far as I am concerned. I love this bike. I commute daily, playride and take short trips when time allows.
Here is my .02 cents. There are enough members of this web site that live close to you that could probably be bribed with beer :beer: to help you out. You know, I am in the same boat that you are. I can fix a car in a second...but, when it comes to my VFR....I second guess myself. If I need help I am hoping that someone that lives near me can sit, drink beer, and tell me how to fix it. There is only one way to learn and that is to get in there an do it...under supervision!!!
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!
It sounds like your VFR simply needed an idle speed adjustment. It's very unfortunate that you wound up selling it.. My Viffer has given me no issues whatsoever, and I don't anticipate any. Should any questions or issues arise, you can bet that SOMEONE among us would have experienced it and will be able to advise you on how to deal with it. That's why we're a community. Take the plunge.
Every motorcycle made has its own set of problems, most are small. The newer 6gen problems are few and far between, much less than many other bikes out there.
Odds are very good that if you buy one that has the newer harness, is that 2006 and on, or 2007, I can't remember, you will never have a major problem.
Odds are very good that if you buy one that has the newer harness, is that 2006 and on, or 2007, I can't remember, you will never have a major problem.
You aren't going to find a more reliable bike. Your best option would be to buy a service manual and use it as necessary. When one quits learning, he is dead. :)
26k miles and no issues as of yet.
[image: View Post]Swidler, on Oct 17 2008, 05:47 PM, said:
I went from my 4th Gen to a Gixxer and realized I'd be happier with a Viffer. But I'd like a Sixth Gen. The Fifth Gens, IMO, don't look as nice.I luv you and want to have your baby. :blink:
On the 6gen note, I've had two and never spent one day downtime with them. Typically, only folks with problems post up their issues and not the majority who don't. A recent poll on this site show that the majority who voted are 6gens owners.
The legendary reliability is one of the main reasons I just bought a left over rwb 07'! I've owned a few bikes, and every, and I mean Every website dedicated to them can lead you to believe they all have problems. We humans love to gripe and also many websites (like this one) are helpful places where people ask for help/advice on problems they are having with their bikes. That's what so great about the internet-lots of info! These are tough, tough bikes with ceramic coated cylinders, and burn regular unlead with ease. I, like most research the heck out of a bike before plunking down the cash. Good luck. There are many amazing bikes out there and for the record I've got 388 absolutely trouble free miles so far :biggrin:
[image: View Post]juliani, on Oct 17 2008, 08:00 PM, said:
It sounds like your VFR simply needed an idle speed adjustment. It's very unfortunate that you wound up selling it.. My Viffer has given me no issues whatsoever, and I don't anticipate any. Should any questions or issues arise, you can bet that SOMEONE among us would have experienced it and will be able to advise you on how to deal with it. That's why we're a community. Take the plunge.Idle was right on the money - 1300rpm. It only died when the bike was warm and when blipping the throttle while in gear. The guy I sold it to submitted a post about the problem on this site and noone seemed to really have an answer. Although a few possible causes were suggested, there was a lot of disagreement and no consensus or anyone having experienced anthing like that before.
[image: View Post]FotoMoto, on Oct 17 2008, 09:03 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Swidler, on Oct 17 2008, 05:47 PM, said:
I went from my 4th Gen to a Gixxer and realized I'd be happier with a Viffer. But I'd like a Sixth Gen. The Fifth Gens, IMO, don't look as nice.I luv you and want to have your baby. :blink:
On the 6gen note, I've had two and never spent one day downtime with them. Typically, only folks with problems post up their issues and not the majority who don't. A recent poll on this site show that the majority who voted are 6gens owners.
Where can I find this poll?
I'm confused... This is a Honda. There aren't better bikes. All bike have there quirks. Some quirks manifest themselves in different forms. Sounds like you got a bike with a legitimate issue that wasn't looked into hard enough. If we were talking face to face I most likely would not recommend any bike to you in fear that whatever it was may break.
I would hazard to guess that the percentage of inoperable issues with the VFR would be less than 1%.
The one thing with the 6th gen that I think most would agree with is that it can be made a whole lot better by some tweaks, I'm not saying it's broken though. Mine has been rock solid for the first part of it's life and I expect it to continue (knock on wood). If you have ever had the bike apart you will see that it is put together with thought and care, it's a Honda. It's also no secret that from 06 on most of the issues were corrected at assembly.
If the only thing that is getting in the way of buying another 6th gen is fear then get over it and get another one. Will you be happy if you don't get one and all of us are riding 6th gens without issues? Will you be happy riding a 5th gen if the styling isn't right up your alley? All in all, not a bad decision to have to make in today's times.
May the force be with you.
I would hazard to guess that the percentage of inoperable issues with the VFR would be less than 1%.
The one thing with the 6th gen that I think most would agree with is that it can be made a whole lot better by some tweaks, I'm not saying it's broken though. Mine has been rock solid for the first part of it's life and I expect it to continue (knock on wood). If you have ever had the bike apart you will see that it is put together with thought and care, it's a Honda. It's also no secret that from 06 on most of the issues were corrected at assembly.
If the only thing that is getting in the way of buying another 6th gen is fear then get over it and get another one. Will you be happy if you don't get one and all of us are riding 6th gens without issues? Will you be happy riding a 5th gen if the styling isn't right up your alley? All in all, not a bad decision to have to make in today's times.
May the force be with you.
Coming up on nearly 18.5 K, original (slippery) chain, original battery, 2nd set of tires, a few oil changes, OK, and a replaced T-stat via warranty.
I don't baby my bike but I don't abuse it. It's my daily driver and only stranded me once...when I LOST the key :pissed:
I'm due for some service but I seriously don't doubt my bike's overall reliability. 320 days a year, I walk down to the tuck-under garage (read: somewhat exposed), turn the key, hit the starter and off I go.
My 4th gen never screwed me either...
Now, pimping out the VFR line like this, I'll surely have a part fail tomorrow, at speed on the freeway, say....a thrown piston rod? :dry: I'm tempting fate, right?
I don't baby my bike but I don't abuse it. It's my daily driver and only stranded me once...when I LOST the key :pissed:
I'm due for some service but I seriously don't doubt my bike's overall reliability. 320 days a year, I walk down to the tuck-under garage (read: somewhat exposed), turn the key, hit the starter and off I go.
My 4th gen never screwed me either...
Now, pimping out the VFR line like this, I'll surely have a part fail tomorrow, at speed on the freeway, say....a thrown piston rod? :dry: I'm tempting fate, right?
I have '04 coming up on 24K miles. I like yourself do not do most of the maintenance, although I am starting to. I have had zero problems either before or after wire harness recal work.
[image: View Post]RRW, on Oct 17 2008, 08:03 PM, said:
13,000 and two years next month on my 2006 and the only problem I have experienced is one of my license plate bolts falling out.Better sell it quickly before the other bolt falls out.
[image: View Post]RE-Agent, on Oct 17 2008, 10:03 PM, said:
[image: View Post]RRW, on Oct 17 2008, 08:03 PM, said:
13,000 and two years next month on my 2006 and the only problem I have experienced is one of my license plate bolts falling out.Better sell it quickly before the other bolt falls out.
HeHe...that happened to me while riding my 600rr...when I finally found the plate, it was a crumpled mess from being run over so many times! Lock nuts are your friend!
Back to the subject..had no issues at all with my '03. Forums can really mess with your head. I'm now riding an 848 and you'd think the bike would fall apart during the first startup if you started putting all the minor issues together. Approaching 6000miles as a daily commuter and she's been fantastic. SO...
Get your 6th gen and love it! If it gives you any issues...give it to me!
I am one of the people that posted with a gremlin that couldn't be found by me or the dealership. I, like you, have two left feet when it comes to being a mechanic, and I don't have a lot of confidence in the dealership here. I believe my bike was COMPLETELY fixable (sounds like yours too!) but it was beyond my mechanical skill level and the dealership didn't have qualified techs. I loved my VFR so much that (by good karma, you know what goes around, comes back around!) I was able to work out to have the dealer buy it back from me and went and found another 6th gen in good working order for the EXACT same amount. I now own another 6th gen that runs correctly and I couldn't be happier! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Im almost ashamed to say this but okay,,,, I got about 2500 on my 08. no problems yet. :fing02:
I've had my 04 since new and it's done over 78,000km. In that time apart from "consumables" (oils, tyres, chain & sprockets) all that I have had is the recall (without having had any problems) and the cam chain tensioners 50,000kms. That all seems pretty normal. Never had any trouble.
It's even been on the ground four times, though only once while moving and I rode away every time. The big one did only cosmetic damage. I've found it a reliable and tough machine. Even kms on dirt/gravel, taken gently isn't a problem!
Mechanically, I struggle to even do the chain tension myself!
It's even been on the ground four times, though only once while moving and I rode away every time. The big one did only cosmetic damage. I've found it a reliable and tough machine. Even kms on dirt/gravel, taken gently isn't a problem!
Mechanically, I struggle to even do the chain tension myself!
I have an '02 w/ 24,000 mi. Not a hiccup. I'm mechanically inept but the previous owner was kind enough to include the shop manual. That and this website are enough to get you through with confidence. Like VolsFan said, these are a great bunch of helpful guys, many of whom will come over and help you.
[image: View Post]Swidler, on Oct 17 2008, 08:17 PM, said:
[image: View Post]FotoMoto, on Oct 17 2008, 09:03 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Swidler, on Oct 17 2008, 05:47 PM, said:
I went from my 4th Gen to a Gixxer and realized I'd be happier with a Viffer. But I'd like a Sixth Gen. The Fifth Gens, IMO, don't look as nice.I luv you and want to have your baby. :blink:
On the 6gen note, I've had two and never spent one day downtime with them. Typically, only folks with problems post up their issues and not the majority who don't. A recent poll on this site show that the majority who voted are 6gens owners.
Where can I find this poll?
I think the one he's refering to is mine... I too have had two 6th Gen's with no problems. The first was an '05 with 22,000 miles before she was killed by a hit & run driver :mad: And now I have an '06 with 11,000 with no problems also. I do Love this bike :biggrin:
Here is the Post you are looking for.
http://www.vfrdiscus...mp;#entry520253
my '02 has just over 40k miles, and i have added oil and gas. sure, there have been problems i have caused... like messing with exhaust/intake and having fueling problems. and yes, i have heated grips, radar, cig outlet, and sat radio all going thru the elec. system with no probs. my little recalled harness connector isn't even brown! i have gotten the recall notice, but haven't done it yet. the dealer won't allow me to install the harness myself, and i don't trust the shop one bit. so if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
really, the problems with this bike are VERY small. great forums like this allow us to discuss problems and be picky about them. don't take them as forwarnings, but as encouragement that there is a group like this for support!!!
i have already had more small problems with my duc ss1000 in the 1200 miles i have had her than the entire time i have had my vfr! but i love her so!
good luck with your choice - and don't let the dream crumble!!!
really, the problems with this bike are VERY small. great forums like this allow us to discuss problems and be picky about them. don't take them as forwarnings, but as encouragement that there is a group like this for support!!!
i have already had more small problems with my duc ss1000 in the 1200 miles i have had her than the entire time i have had my vfr! but i love her so!
good luck with your choice - and don't let the dream crumble!!!
If you buy '06 and newer that just don't have any problems. I ride an'07 just turned 10,000.No problems........ other than this dam perma-grin I can't seem to lose. :biggrin:
If you buy '02-'06 chances are someone's already tended to them. Besides if you can adjust your own chain,there is is still hope. :cool:
If you buy '02-'06 chances are someone's already tended to them. Besides if you can adjust your own chain,there is is still hope. :cool:
I have an 04 and have had zero problems with it...I have had the recalls done but even before they were done there were zero problems. Even the effected recall items did not have any issues and were 100% according to the dealer who did the work. Reliability was a major concern when I bought the bike and I have not been let down at all.
I would not hesitate to ride my VFR anywhere, at any time and in doing so I would have zero worries about it breaking down.
I have a brother who used to own a 2000 5th gen and he, like me, had zero issues with the bike...He traded it for an FJR and while he likes the FJR and admits it's a much better bike for riding two up with his wife...he regrets trading the VFR because it was sooo good, sooo much more fun (vs the FJR) and sooo capable one up.
I hate to admit this because I am a Yamaha guy...from way back in my motocross racing days. And have never really had any issues with them either...but truth be told my VFR is the best bike I've ever owned, and I have owned a few over the years.
I would not hesitate to ride my VFR anywhere, at any time and in doing so I would have zero worries about it breaking down.
I have a brother who used to own a 2000 5th gen and he, like me, had zero issues with the bike...He traded it for an FJR and while he likes the FJR and admits it's a much better bike for riding two up with his wife...he regrets trading the VFR because it was sooo good, sooo much more fun (vs the FJR) and sooo capable one up.
I hate to admit this because I am a Yamaha guy...from way back in my motocross racing days. And have never really had any issues with them either...but truth be told my VFR is the best bike I've ever owned, and I have owned a few over the years.
[image: View Post]Swidler, on Oct 17 2008, 10:05 PM, said:
[image: View Post]juliani, on Oct 17 2008, 08:00 PM, said:
It sounds like your VFR simply needed an idle speed adjustment. It's very unfortunate that you wound up selling it.. My Viffer has given me no issues whatsoever, and I don't anticipate any. Should any questions or issues arise, you can bet that SOMEONE among us would have experienced it and will be able to advise you on how to deal with it. That's why we're a community. Take the plunge.Idle was right on the money - 1300rpm. It only died when the bike was warm and when blipping the throttle while in gear. The guy I sold it to submitted a post about the problem on this site and noone seemed to really have an answer. Although a few possible causes were suggested, there was a lot of disagreement and no consensus or anyone having experienced anthing like that before.
My 02 does this occassionally too. Idle seems to be fine. It only dies when the engines warm while in 1st gear and blipping the throttle. I haven't ever put too much thought into it, just start it back up and keep riding. Should I try an idle speed adjustment?
Other than that, no real issues I've encountered but I've only put around 2k miles in 4 months since i bought it.
[image: View Post]Swidler, on Oct 17 2008, 06:39 PM, said:
I have been reading about all of these problems with the Sixth Gens; Recalls, electrical stuff, product updates campaigns etc. Most of you seem to be mechanically savy enough to fix them yourselves. However, my mechanical ability ends at drive chain maintenance and adjustments. Am I to relenquish all hopes of getting a Sixth Gen since the inevitable problems that will eventually surface will require me taking her into a mechanic, whom you all don't seem very confident in? I really want one but am now reconsidering for fear of having these "gremlins" show themselves. I have already purchased one. And it was a beautiful running and looking machine. I was very happy until I noticed that it would mysteriously die on me everytime I blipped the throttle. I eventually decided to sell it because I had no clue as to what it could be, nor did the dealer. According to their computers and Honda USA, all of the recalls had been completed. Please advise.16,600 kms or about 10,000 miles in year one. Oil changes, and chain lube and running perfectly. Love it!
My 03 has 45K on it. Zero issues. Honda fixed the recall issue for free obviously.
My '04 has had the recalls done. I had a $15 front brake light/brake lever switch go bad, probably due to riding thru a heavy rainfall one day. I had to replace the two relays (engine stop and fuel cutoff) in the front cowl, but that was probably my fault for jumpstarting the bike months ago. Other than these issues, my bike has been perfect during the 25k mi. I've put on it.
VFRs have a few electrical gremlins but they are usually minor issues that once fixed do not reappear. Pretty minor stuff compared to bigger problems you might get with some other bikes.
I'm lucky to have a friend nearby who is a much better mechanic than me, but I have done more of my own maintenance on my VFR than I've ever done with any other vehicle I've owned. It's not as scary as you think. Buy a service manual, invest a little money in a few tools and do what you can. Takes more time the first time you do anything, but after that it gets easier each time. And it's actually fun learning and wrenching on your own bike. You'll save money and you'll know the jobs were done right!
VFRs have a few electrical gremlins but they are usually minor issues that once fixed do not reappear. Pretty minor stuff compared to bigger problems you might get with some other bikes.
I'm lucky to have a friend nearby who is a much better mechanic than me, but I have done more of my own maintenance on my VFR than I've ever done with any other vehicle I've owned. It's not as scary as you think. Buy a service manual, invest a little money in a few tools and do what you can. Takes more time the first time you do anything, but after that it gets easier each time. And it's actually fun learning and wrenching on your own bike. You'll save money and you'll know the jobs were done right!
I have had no issues with my 03 VFR. Would buy another 6th.
Reliable? The way I see it, if a VFR isn't reliable enough for you, you need a single speed bicycle. The press sees the VFR as one of the best designed, best built, and most reliable MCs ever. Nothing never breaks...but a 6th gen VFR is going to be a trustworthy ride.
The bike is an awsome machine. We always here about the problems but not all the trouble free miles. My bike has never left me starnded or even ran bad. I have 42k miles and the bike is very reliable.
I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one. All machines will have some type of problem eventually. I believe we have to take everything we read on a public forum with a grain of salt.
How many threads read, 2004 vfr800 abs, runs great, i'm not stranded what should I do? ZERO!!!
I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one. All machines will have some type of problem eventually. I believe we have to take everything we read on a public forum with a grain of salt.
How many threads read, 2004 vfr800 abs, runs great, i'm not stranded what should I do? ZERO!!!
End of thread · 37 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 12 Apr 2010