06 VTEC

A 2006 (REG in 07) 6th gen with ABS is tempting me back to the VTEC world....


Many of you know I've had many many VFR's and change regularly due to my high miles - I ride about 20k a year. I do love the 6th gen VFR, I think it is one of the best looking bikes out there, I've always said that - I ride a 5th gen at the moment, love that too but I have what is called the 'bikers itch', I want something else; I've test ridden quite a few different bikes recently and I always end up back to the VFR.

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with how the VTEC works; so long as it's smooth I'm happy - trouble is it never has been on any of my 3 6th gens. This bring me to this mint 2007 VFR - During the test ride I almost forgot it had VTEC it is so butter smooth and the transition does vary depending on how you power through it which means it goes unnoticed during riding.

What do you guys think to this one, it has nearly 15,000 miles on it (too high for an 07?)

[image: Posted Image]

The colour looks different in person, I don't think my camera has picked it up correct. This bike is a little out my price range but I know it's in such good condition is it worth the extra dosh?

Dealer website with more pics: http://worldofbikesu..._20619762A.html

Is there anything I should be aware of of the 06 models? Thanks for your time people!!

ABS is huge plus especially on a daily ridden bike in a wet climate. I say go for it...its only money

JustinR, on 20 January 2011 - 03:57 PM, said:

ABS is huge plus especially on a daily ridden bike in a wet climate. I say go for it...its only money


Thanks Justin, it's like you read my mind about the ABS - It's a massive plus for someone who rides as often as I do

A few more pics including a comparative side by side of my 5th gen...

[image: Posted Image]
[image: Posted Image]

Oh and by the way I wish I could have both but I can't!

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 04:00 PM, said:

[image: Posted Image]
Oh and by the way I wish I could have both but I can't!


Well, In my humble opinion the primary advantage to the 6th gen is the hardbags. If you are going to get them, then go for it!
(by converting to USD in my head, the price seems a bit high, but ABS is a huge plus.)

Ryanme17, on 20 January 2011 - 04:10 PM, said:

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 04:00 PM, said:

[image: Posted Image]
Oh and by the way I wish I could have both but I can't!


Well, In my humble opinion the primary advantage to the 6th gen is the hardbags. If you are going to get them, then go for it!
(by converting to USD in my head, the price seems a bit high, but ABS is a huge plus.)


Hey Ryan I am planning on getting a Givi wing rack either way, is this better fitted on the 6th gens? Thanks

Any other addons to that bike or is it completely stock? (PCIII, ect.)

Infidel, on 20 January 2011 - 04:18 PM, said:

Any other addons to that bike or is it completely stock? (PCIII, ect.)


I believe it is completely stock, just one previous owner

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 03:49 PM, said:

What do you guys think to this one, it has nearly 15,000 miles on it (too high for an 07?)


Nearly 15,000... :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe:

just broken in now :fing02: Go for it

cruzinaz, on 20 January 2011 - 05:25 PM, said:

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 03:49 PM, said:

What do you guys think to this one, it has nearly 15,000 miles on it (too high for an 07?)


Nearly 15,000... :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe:

just broken in now :fing02: Go for it


I guess that's another thumbs up then :biggrin:

Questions:

Is this guy a dealer? I ask because you lot over there use kilometers, no?

At a buck fifty CAN exchange, that's about $8K. Where's Dutchy?

That's a lot over here; maybe not over there....

We have that color over here. It's darker than your pictures show, right?

Greg :fing02:

Veefer Madness, on 20 January 2011 - 06:48 PM, said:

Questions:

Is this guy a dealer? I ask because you lot over there use kilometers, no?

At a buck fifty CAN exchange, that's about $8K. Where's Dutchy?

That's a lot over here; maybe not over there....

We have that color over here. It's darker than your pictures show, right?

Greg :fing02:



Hey Greg, we use miles over here, so it has 15,000 miles (I do about 20k a year) my 5th gen has 30,000 miles on it now... it is being sold by my local dealer, I always get bikes from him - good quality. He said he will give me £2000 for my 5th gen if I do sell it.


On google converter £5700 comes in at 9,062.00 USD

and the colour yes it is alot darker, I don't know why my camera made it look almost pinky red... see my link to the dealers website it shows the colour better http://worldofbikesu..._20619762A.html

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 07:09 PM, said:

Hey Greg, we use miles over here,


I've always wondered why they say miles on Top Gear. Why DO you guys use miles when the rest of the world (except the US) uses kilometers? Isn't everything else metric?

Oh, and I've never used a top box, but people seem to really like them.
Couldn't you put the top box on the 5th gen just as easily?

It's the right color and everything! I say go for it... Love my '07, and the transition has never bothered me. Only time I notice it (other than the change in intake howl) is if I intentionally power through it very, very, very slowly to see if I can feel a difference. Otherwise it's as smooth as can be.

What's wrong with your 5th gen? Only 30k miles?? Rack up those miles!! You'll get that itch again after you've had the 6th gen for a while. Why spend more money when your bike works and performs well? If you prefer the 6th gen because you find it better looking, then that's a different story. Just my 2c.

Ryanme17, on 20 January 2011 - 07:12 PM, said:

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 07:09 PM, said:

Hey Greg, we use miles over here,


I've always wondered why they say miles on Top Gear. Why DO you guys use miles when the rest of the world (except the US) uses kilometers? Isn't everything else metric?



Dude, it's called the English system and he's from England.

cruzinaz, on 20 January 2011 - 05:25 PM, said:

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 03:49 PM, said:

What do you guys think to this one, it has nearly 15,000 miles on it (too high for an 07?)


Nearly 15,000... :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe:

just broken in now :fing02: Go for it

:+1:

Totally agree. Mine has 80,000 miles on it and goes like new!

Here we go again! :goofy:

I'm sure you'll enjoy another vtec if you decide to go that route Steve! :491:

Have latest model VFR800 with only 1200klms travelled. This is third VF and after 99 Fireblade still coming to terms with VTEC. Seems harsh on kick in but advised this new model smoother than older models (??). Also gettimg numb hands from high frequency vibration through bars after only 45 minutes of riding. Looking at foam grips (yuk) or heavier bar weights. Thoughts / Opinions???

Overall enjoying bike greatly, small, nimble, well finished and with Honda panniers very versatile. Sounds "horn" with Laser 4 muffler system.

creggur, on 20 January 2011 - 08:25 PM, said:

It's the right color and everything! I say go for it... Love my '07, and the transition has never bothered me. Only time I notice it (other than the change in intake howl) is if I intentionally power through it very, very, very slowly to see if I can feel a difference. Otherwise it's as smooth as can be.


Thanks, in person the colours draws you in like a magnet very beauitful - so it's pretty smooth on yours?

jaimev34, on 20 January 2011 - 09:17 PM, said:

What's wrong with your 5th gen? Only 30k miles?? Rack up those miles!! You'll get that itch again after you've had the 6th gen for a while. Why spend more money when your bike works and performs well? If you prefer the 6th gen because you find it better looking, then that's a different story. Just my 2c.


You talk sense and to be honest I can't disagree with you, my 5th gen is superb and goes and runs brilliant. This is completely irrational and more to do with having somehting more modern and newer feeling - I do love the look of the 6th gens better too - but in the long run this will definitely cost me more money

DazMac, on 21 January 2011 - 02:14 AM, said:

Have latest model VFR800 with only 1200klms travelled. This is third VF and after 99 Fireblade still coming to terms with VTEC. Seems harsh on kick in but advised this new model smoother than older models (??). Also gettimg numb hands from high frequency vibration through bars after only 45 minutes of riding. Looking at foam grips (yuk) or heavier bar weights. Thoughts / Opinions???

Overall enjoying bike greatly, small, nimble, well finished and with Honda panniers very versatile. Sounds "horn" with Laser 4 muffler system.


interesting to hear ths, so you get that VTEC 'bump' even on the newer model?? Not what I wanted to hear to be honest but thanks for sharing your experiences.. how often does it do it?

BaileyRock, on 21 January 2011 - 12:29 AM, said:

Here we go again! :goofy:

I'm sure you'll enjoy another vtec if you decide to go that route Steve! :491:


No idea what you mean :laughing6-hehe: :lobby:

Cheers Bailey! How many miles do you have on the old girl now?

Funny how UK uses Miles per Hour, but sells gasoline by the litre.

but then again, the weigh the people in "stone" and use words like "dosh" or "wedge"

at least we will never see a Euro with the Queen's face on it.

vfr_steve, on 21 January 2011 - 04:40 AM, said:

BaileyRock, on 21 January 2011 - 12:29 AM, said:

Here we go again! :goofy:

I'm sure you'll enjoy another vtec if you decide to go that route Steve! :491:


No idea what you mean :laughing6-hehe: :lobby:

Cheers Bailey! How many miles do you have on the old girl now?


:biggrin:
Just over 80k miles, but didn't get many miles in in 2010 because of the injuries!

BTW with ABS and that sweet color it's a no brain'er! :fing02:

ps we have that same color here in 07.
BR

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 03:49 PM, said:

What do you guys think to this one, it has nearly 15,000 miles on it (too high for an 07?)




I sure hope not my 07 has more miles than that and I bought it new 11/09. The burgundy is dead sexy on that bike. This coming from someone that bought the RWB

I have the 02 6th Gen and I only find the VTEC transition noticeable when it isn't fully warmed up. After that...butter. As for the "newer" bikes being better with the VTEC transmission...YMMV. All they did was bump the transition point down 600 rpms. Again, let the poor bike warm up before expecting it to transition smoothly (at least 160 F).

For your bike:
Pros:
2007 Candy red. Hot. I love that color.
ABS. Super plus. Mine has it and it is worth the extra money without a doubt.
Clean!
Mileage. At 15k miles it is barely broken in. I have close to 50k miles on mine from twisty riding to multiday trips. Get a VFRness from Tightwad and rest easy you have more than plenty miles ahead on that sweet ride.

Cons:
Price is way too high. Here in the US you can buy them right out of a crate cheaper than that. Time to haggle that dealer a bit before the trade in. That in truth is my only reservation but then I am not in your market so perhaps that is the going rate for a used VFR over there? FYI Here you would be paying around $6k for that bike before the trade in.

In the end your 5th Gen has tons of life left but if you are happy with the deal then go for it. It's your life and you only get one so make the most of it. :fing02:

vanion2, on 21 January 2011 - 10:58 AM, said:

I have the 02 6th Gen and I only find the VTEC transition noticeable when it isn't fully warmed up. After that...butter. As for the "newer" bikes being better with the VTEC transmission...YMMV. All they did was bump the transition point down 600 rpms. Again, let the poor bike warm up before expecting it to transition smoothly (at least 160 F).

For your bike:
Pros:
2007 Candy red. Hot. I love that color.
ABS. Super plus. Mine has it and it is worth the extra money without a doubt.
Clean!
Mileage. At 15k miles it is barely broken in. I have close to 50k miles on mine from twisty riding to multiday trips. Get a VFRness from Tightwad and rest easy you have more than plenty miles ahead on that sweet ride.

Cons:
Price is way too high. Here in the US you can buy them right out of a crate cheaper than that. Time to haggle that dealer a bit before the trade in. That in truth is my only reservation but then I am not in your market so perhaps that is the going rate for a used VFR over there? FYI Here you would be paying around $6k for that bike before the trade in.

In the end your 5th Gen has tons of life left but if you are happy with the deal then go for it. It's your life and you only get one so make the most of it. :fing02:


Very helpful post thankyou. It is about right for the UK, perhaps slightly on the high side but it's probably because it's one of the cleanest VFR's I've ever seen. A negative is I would have to have this bike on finance and I realise in just over a year I will have the same mileage on this bike as I have on my 5th gen (30,000) as I do about 15-20k a year.

Everything is so expensive here in the UK, I would tell you how much petrol is but I think you would probably faint in shock.

I have a lot to think about, I appreciate all the good advice, most of you are FOR the new bike at the moment.

I hope you get to ride a lot more this year too Bailey :fing02:

jaimev34, on 20 January 2011 - 09:19 PM, said:

Ryanme17, on 20 January 2011 - 07:12 PM, said:

vfr_steve, on 20 January 2011 - 07:09 PM, said:

Hey Greg, we use miles over here,


I've always wondered why they say miles on Top Gear. Why DO you guys use miles when the rest of the world (except the US) uses kilometers? Isn't everything else metric?



Dude, it's called the English system and he's from England.


Yeah, but they use liters and stuff.
Okay, back on topic...

vfr_steve, on 21 January 2011 - 04:35 AM, said:

Thanks, in person the colours draws you in like a magnet very beauitful - so it's pretty smooth on yours?



Yeah, the color is dead-damn-sexy. It is, in my opinion of course, the best color offered on the 6th gens, period. I took all the stickers off except for the black Honda emblem on the tank and it just looks clean and beautiful...

The transition has never bothered me in the least. Never found it unsettling, even mid-corner, and don't really understand the big deal made of it by some. I actually love the change in sound when it hits, that howl is something to behold. Don't see how you could go wrong with a clean, low mileage 6th gen...

Flip it.Heads or tails.But,I am a hillbilly.[image: Attached Image: 11-10 435.JPG]

vfr_steve, on 21 January 2011 - 04:35 AM, said:

creggur, on 20 January 2011 - 08:25 PM, said:

It's the right color and everything! I say go for it... Love my '07, and the transition has never bothered me. Only time I notice it (other than the change in intake howl) is if I intentionally power through it very, very, very slowly to see if I can feel a difference. Otherwise it's as smooth as can be.


Thanks, in person the colours draws you in like a magnet very beauitful - so it's pretty smooth on yours?

jaimev34, on 20 January 2011 - 09:17 PM, said:

What's wrong with your 5th gen? Only 30k miles?? Rack up those miles!! You'll get that itch again after you've had the 6th gen for a while. Why spend more money when your bike works and performs well? If you prefer the 6th gen because you find it better looking, then that's a different story. Just my 2c.


You talk sense and to be honest I can't disagree with you, my 5th gen is superb and goes and runs brilliant. This is completely irrational and more to do with having somehting more modern and newer feeling - I do love the look of the 6th gens better too - but in the long run this will definitely cost me more money

DazMac, on 21 January 2011 - 02:14 AM, said:

Have latest model VFR800 with only 1200klms travelled. This is third VF and after 99 Fireblade still coming to terms with VTEC. Seems harsh on kick in but advised this new model smoother than older models (??). Also gettimg numb hands from high frequency vibration through bars after only 45 minutes of riding. Looking at foam grips (yuk) or heavier bar weights. Thoughts / Opinions???

Overall enjoying bike greatly, small, nimble, well finished and with Honda panniers very versatile. Sounds "horn" with Laser 4 muffler system.


interesting to hear ths, so you get that VTEC 'bump' even on the newer model?? Not what I wanted to hear to be honest but thanks for sharing your experiences.. how often does it do it?



VTEC engages at 7k RPM whether hot or cold but always warmed up. After VF, VFR and Blade with linear acceleration "powerband" effect not expected. Not ideal when leaned over mid corner. Expect will need to use lower gear and keep revs higher.

I have an '07, which is the same year as the one you plan to get. From '06 onwards, Honda bumped the VTEC engagement to 6400 RPM but also smoothed the transition over. They also increased the fueling to help smooth throttle response--so I read in a few posts here when I did a search.

My '07 did have a "VTEC bump" that was noticeable. After I did the 15k mile service, which I added the Starter Valve syncronization and VTEC valve inspection/adjustment, the VTEC bump is gone. Yes, I can still tell when the bike transitions to 4-valves but the transition is very smooth.

As for transitioning to 4-valve in mid-corner, I have never had any issues with it. I routinely ride this mountain with lots of 2nd gear corners where I normally exit around 5500 RPM so by the time VTEC transitions, I am already straight and accelerating to the next corner.

[image: View Post]DazMac, on 21 January 2011 - 02:14 AM, said:

Have latest model VFR800 with only 1200klms travelled. This is third VF and after 99 Fireblade still coming to terms with VTEC. Seems harsh on kick in but advised this new model smoother than older models (??). Also gettimg numb hands from high frequency vibration through bars after only 45 minutes of riding. Looking at foam grips (yuk) or heavier bar weights. Thoughts / Opinions???

Overall enjoying bike greatly, small, nimble, well finished and with Honda panniers very versatile. Sounds "horn" with Laser 4 muffler system.



As the vtech valves tighten, will come smoother, I rember with my bike in the first few thousand miles, it hit hard enough sometimes to hurt my hands through the bars.

I rember every day, when I left work, Id ride to large highway, and the 1st to 2nd gear change under had accel would bam and hurt my hands, then it just disappeared , but it took a few thousand miles

[image: View Post]Rogue_Biker, on 23 January 2011 - 08:10 PM, said:

I have an '07, which is the same year as the one you plan to get. From '06 onwards, Honda bumped the VTEC engagement to 6400 RPM but also smoothed the transition over. They also increased the fueling to help smooth throttle response--so I read in a few posts here when I did a search.

My '07 did have a "VTEC bump" that was noticeable. After I did the 15k mile service, which I added the Starter Valve syncronization and VTEC valve inspection/adjustment, the VTEC bump is gone. Yes, I can still tell when the bike transitions to 4-valves but the transition is very smooth.

As for transitioning to 4-valve in mid-corner, I have never had any issues with it. I routinely ride this mountain with lots of 2nd gear corners where I normally exit around 5500 RPM so by the time VTEC transitions, I am already straight and accelerating to the next corner.


Thanks and yes, I did hear somewhere that Honda changed the mapping and the ECU is programmed to hit VTEC differently, much dependant upon how you power through it so it isnt just a case of just lowering the transition point - on my test ride I could tell it is a lot smoother for sure

Steve, that price seems a bit high IMO. As an example, I bought my 2008 Vtec last year with 4k miles on the clock, near pristine condition, including full Honda VFR logo'd luggage, had 2 new Avon tyres and Honda heated grips fitted for just shy of �6k. Bought from a full Honda dealer.

Colour isn't everything, so don't let your heart rule what needs to be a head decision. The smooth Vtec transition is not to be sniffed at though...some are smooth, some aren't. Mine's ok, neither bad not good but I'm happy to live with it and see how she gets as I pile the miles on her.

The Vtec tranistion point was changed on the 06 model onwards. Accelerating, the 4 valves start at around 6800rpm. Decelerating, they drop back to 2 valves at around 6400rpm. This was mainly done to prevent 'hunting' when the revs were kept stable at the transition point.

[image: View Post]Skids, on 24 January 2011 - 06:30 AM, said:

Steve, that price seems a bit high IMO. As an example, I bought my 2008 Vtec last year with 4k miles on the clock, near pristine condition, including full Honda VFR logo'd luggage, had 2 new Avon tyres and Honda heated grips fitted for just shy of �6k. Bought from a full Honda dealer.

Colour isn't everything, so don't let your heart rule what needs to be a head decision. The smooth Vtec transition is not to be sniffed at though...some are smooth, some aren't. Mine's ok, neither bad not good but I'm happy to live with it and see how she gets as I pile the miles on her.

The Vtec tranistion point was changed on the 06 model onwards. Accelerating, the 4 valves start at around 6800rpm. Decelerating, they drop back to 2 valves at around 6400rpm. This was mainly done to prevent 'hunting' when the revs were kept stable at the transition point.


Thanks for posting your experiences, good to see another UK rider around here too :fing02:

I've noticed you have nearly 100k miles on your 5th gen that's good going!! I have 30k on mine now. Do you tend to ride that bike more? You mention that your vtec isn't smooth all the time? Maybe I was just lucky on my test ride, riding with the 'shiny new bike' shades on perhaps - I still havent pulled the trigger yet...