Checked Out The 8Th Gen Today And....

They sure are pricey... uh I mean purdy....

[image: post-30875-0-45403200-1406342251.jpg]

... not trading up anytime soon... and especially after removing her bra :wub:

[image: post-30875-0-80969800-1406342952.jpg]

So c'mon guys, Post up your keepers!

No such thing as "trading up" from a 5th gen!

Damitol Honda here you go again counting beans rather than giving us what we want on a new 2014 model Honda VFR!.......why take back the USD forks from the 7th Gen?????????!

Sure you gave us radial calipers with this 8th gen, but why stop short and not go all the way with USD forks on this bike. There's definitely a bunch of a-holes working at Honda who just seems to enjoy slapping us with this insult of a 2014 fork design for what should be one of their flagship bike!

No white here yet.

No bra and resisting gravity so well... Respect!!!:-)

MarantzManiac

... not trading up anytime soon... and especially after removing her bra :wub:

[image: attachicon.gif]20140725_091618.jpg

not sure which one removed her bra, :491:

but for me, i'm keeping her Bra on, i like her that way :bliss:

Beck

Damitol Honda here you go again counting beans rather than giving us what we want on a new 2014 model Honda VFR!.......why take back the USD forks from the 7th Gen?????????!

so couple of years later they introduce the newer 8.5 of 9th Gen with all new USD forks technology!

thats how business works, you dont give out all your perks at once or u wont have anything to sell the newer model with :wacko:

raoufhakam

MarantzManiac

... not trading up anytime soon... and especially after removing her bra :wub:

[image: attachicon.gif]20140725_091618.jpg

not sure which one removed her bra, :491:

but for me, i'm keeping her Bra on, i like her that way :bliss:

Beck

Damitol Honda here you go again counting beans rather than giving us what we want on a new 2014 model Honda VFR!.......why take back the USD forks from the 7th Gen?????????!

so couple of years later they introduce the newer 8.5 of 9th Gen with all new USD forks technology!

thats how business works, you dont give out all your perks at once or u wont have anything to sell the newer model with :wacko:

raoufhakam

MarantzManiac

... not trading up anytime soon... and especially after removing her bra :wub:

[image: attachicon.gif]20140725_091618.jpg

not sure which one removed her bra, :491:

but for me, i'm keeping her Bra on, i like her that way :bliss:

Beck

Damitol Honda here you go again counting beans rather than giving us what we want on a new 2014 model Honda VFR!.......why take back the USD forks from the 7th Gen?????????!

so couple of years later they introduce the newer 8.5 of 9th Gen with all new USD forks technology!

thats how business works, you dont give out all your perks at once or u wont have anything to sell the newer model with :wacko:

So then tell me then........... what other manufacturer plays this stupid back and forth technology dance with their customers and which bikes they do it with....

I can't think of any off the top of my head..... Heck, maybe this is the real reason why I never got another VFR after I got my 4th gen! :mad:

Beck

So then tell me then........... what other manufacturer plays this stupid back and forth technology dance with their customers and which bikes they do it with....-

I can't think of any off the top of my head..... Heck, maybe this is the real reason why I never got another VFR after I got my 4th gen! :mad:

Hmmm, let me think who have done this stupid back and forth technology dance:

-Yamaha: FZ6 was rated 97hp up until 2007 when they released the "new model" with 76hp so they can introduce the 105hp fz8, cause 8hp difference wont justify selling both bikes concurrently with a price difference of $2,000 doesn't make any sense!

-Honda: list is too long to mention, a few examples: post '04 CBR600F4i which they just made it a bit heavier, uglier and put back old banana seat from older F4 model compared to pre '03 F4i which was honda's 600 supersport until they released the RR. Aussi, replacing the 102hp CB600F (a.k.a Hornet 599) which had inverted forks, with the "all new" CB650F which packs a growling 87hp and standard forks

-Kawasaki: (in Canada at least) they stopped the 636cc engine for their ZX-6R and replaced it with a shorter stroke 599cc engine from 2006 until 2011 when they decided to return it and Wow its fish-memory customers as a whole new thing.

-Suzuki: substituting the premium RC51 rival, the Suzuki TL1000S/R with a less powerful SV1000 and guess what ,,,, they took away the TL1000's inverted forks and slammed back a -reportedly crappy by owners- standard spongy forks

The New one is pretty.... the white is beautiful, especially in the sun

[image: 20140726 092152]

at least I was able to check it out here on the Oregon Trail Ride, Thanks Lee!

[image: 20140726 091602]

Maybe Roland Brown's review (nice one) sums it up best by saying "maybe we should just accept it as it is .... and every bit a vfr". Plus it does look pretty sharp :biggrin:

vfrurknee

No such thing as "trading up" from a 5th gen!

Maybe a 5/8ths? :cool:

raoufhakam

Beck

So then tell me then........... what other manufacturer plays this stupid back and forth technology dance with their customers and which bikes they do it with....-

I can't think of any off the top of my head..... Heck, maybe this is the real reason why I never got another VFR after I got my 4th gen! :mad:

Hmmm, let me think who have done this stupid back and forth technology dance:

-Yamaha: FZ6 was rated 97hp up until 2007 when they released the "new model" with 76hp so they can introduce the 105hp fz8, cause 8hp difference wont justify selling both bikes concurrently with a price difference of $2,000 doesn't make any sense!

-Honda: list is too long to mention, a few examples: post '04 CBR600F4i which they just made it a bit heavier, uglier and put back old banana seat from older F4 model compared to pre '03 F4i which was honda's 600 supersport until they released the RR. Aussi, replacing the 102hp CB600F (a.k.a Hornet 599) which had inverted forks, with the "all new" CB650F which packs a growling 87hp and standard forks

-Kawasaki: (in Canada at least) they stopped the 636cc engine for their ZX-6R and replaced it with a shorter stroke 599cc engine from 2006 until 2011 when they decided to return it and Wow its fish-memory customers as a whole new thing.

-Suzuki: substituting the premium RC51 rival, the Suzuki TL1000S/R with a less powerful SV1000 and guess what ,,,, they took away the TL1000's inverted forks and slammed back a -reportedly crappy by owners- standard spongy forks

Yes, I guess many companies do it mostly to their midweights and models that did not turn out to be the big success that they hoped for (like the TL1000's) without too much notice, but doing it to one of Honda's "flagship" model that was once a motorcycle that set the benchmark for everyone else is still just stupid and frustrating to loyal VFR owners which Honda seems to not care too much if they lose us, year after year....

From one year to the next the yamaha R1, R6, the kawasaki zx-(you pick the number), suzuki gsx(pick your number, with or without an R) gets either bigger, smaller, heavier, lighter, more power, less power, better handling, worse, and so on. The Ducatis, from a new model to its upgraded versions, all go downhill at some point in time then get better, then get replaced, or redesigned.

All of the manufacturers play that song.

The VFR800 is not a race replica, its a sportbike (categorized among the classification of the CBR-F models according to Honda only high tech and comfortable). Therefore they have no reason to put high screaming supersport power levels, no reason to put inverted forks so the owner can get style points at his local hangout with the other 18-20 somethings, no reason to skimp on parts to save ounces to make it very light (and to lie about its actual weight to sell it to those who want the newest sharpest razor edge piece of 2 wheeled fashion statement every 2-3 years).

I have a video somewhere with a ducati being tested against several japanese race replicas, the duc was considered far heavier and weaker power (at that time) than the other bikes according to the manufacturers, but in reality on the scale the duc was at the same weight as its competitors, and made the same or more HP by a small amount.

SHvar

From one year to the next the yamaha R1, R6, the kawasaki zx-(you pick the number), suzuki gsx(pick your number, with or without an R) gets either bigger, smaller, heavier, lighter, more power, less power, better handling, worse, and so on. The Ducatis, from a new model to its upgraded versions, all go downhill at some point in time then get better, then get replaced, or redesigned.

All of the manufacturers play that song.

The VFR800 is not a race replica, its a sportbike (categorized among the classification of the CBR-F models according to Honda only high tech and comfortable). Therefore they have no reason to put high screaming supersport power levels, no reason to put inverted forks so the owner can get style points at his local hangout with the other 18-20 somethings, no reason to skimp on parts to save ounces to make it very light (and to lie about its actual weight to sell it to those who want the newest sharpest razor edge piece of 2 wheeled fashion statement every 2-3 years).

Well said :beer:

SHvar

From one year to the next the yamaha R1, R6, the kawasaki zx-(you pick the number), suzuki gsx(pick your number, with or without an R) gets either bigger, smaller, heavier, lighter, more power, less power, better handling, worse, and so on. The Ducatis, from a new model to its upgraded versions, all go downhill at some point in time then get better, then get replaced, or redesigned.

All of the manufacturers play that song.

The VFR800 is not a race replica, its a sportbike (categorized among the classification of the CBR-F models according to Honda only high tech and comfortable). Therefore they have no reason to put high screaming supersport power levels, no reason to put inverted forks so the owner can get style points at his local hangout with the other 18-20 somethings, no reason to skimp on parts to save ounces to make it very light (and to lie about its actual weight to sell it to those who want the newest sharpest razor edge piece of 2 wheeled fashion statement every 2-3 years).

I have a video somewhere with a ducati being tested against several japanese race replicas, the duc was considered far heavier and weaker power (at that time) than the other bikes according to the manufacturers, but in reality on the scale the duc was at the same weight as its competitors, and made the same or more HP by a small amount.

+2

Frankly, It's more of a "VFF", not a "VFR". Just like the CBF600 was to the CBR 6000 a few years ago.

A re-hash of an older model which in the case of the CBR was a cheaper alternative to the newer one.

Sure, it will ride great, just as the 5th and 6th gen did, but why fool ourselves and consider this as a new gen VFR. And with the half-bake suspension just by itself, it really reveals that Honda was not considering this bike as a technological showcase for their company anymore as they did with past generations, and that is BAD, especially when looking at it from the perspective of long time VFR owners who bought their VFRs because the bike was considered a benchmark in the industry and many considered it as one of the best bike in the world that one can buy. Heck, I can't even remember the last time the VFR was included in a list of "best bikes" in cycle publications, That used to happen almost naturally like taxes every year for us VFR owners......

Maybe Honda should just kill off the VFR model line, Lots of just are just tired of always hoping for something really newer and better, year after year. At least with the 7th gen, even if it did not tickle the more sport oriented VFR owners (After all, the VFR WAS a true sportbike in it's 1st and 2nd generations) as much as they wanted, at least Honda finally gave us something different and newer tech than the older gens, Honda took that good feeling away again with this 8th gen.

Honda took that good feeling away again with this 8th gen.

I'm not so sure about that statement. Its not the non-Vtec, 1000cc, GDC, sub-500 lb bike that we all have been longing for, but I do believe its a step in the right direction. The VFR 1200 was, IMO, a step in the wrong direction. I'm sure its a great bike, but just a let down to VFR hopeful. The sales #'s tell that story well. To me, the new 2014 800 is a like a reboot. Not quite there, but getting closer.

looks like a Sleestack...

In my opinion the 2014 VFR800F deluxe was exactly the cycle Ive been waiting for.

It seems to me that USD forks would have been a wise move to deflect the potential for criticisms of "missed opportunities" and such. It would have made the overall package a better compromise from what some have been telling honda (lose the vtec etc). I mean it seems like the bike would have been a better evolutionary step forward consistent with the bikes heritage. I do still like it though--- :)

http://www.vfrworld.com/tex_vfr/tech/meaning.htm

In 1986 the "Focus" of the interceptor changed to a platform for Honda's Superbike hence the VFRxxxF which meant that is was still a street bike first but with the intention to be raced. After that we see a split into two (2) bikes, the VFRxxxR (RC30) pure race bike that they had to build 500 copies of to make them legal for Superbike racing and the VFRxxxF street/sport bike.

street SPORT bike. more power please thanks :)

The 2014 VFR800FD suspension feels and handles great the way it is (Im sure you could get more adjustability with the RIGHT USD forks, but Im sure they would have set those up exactly like the RWU forks currently being used). The brakes are awesome, its comfortable to ride, has alot of great features, the engines power is good and very usable (because its available at low, mid, and high rpms), and the engine sound is just intoxicating.

Honda seems to like the VTEC system in the VFR800, and in japan the 400 sold there, I dont see them getting rid of it any time soon.

Back before the VFR1200 was released I read an article from Honda (in an issue of Red Rider I think), they said that they were going to release a model that would replace the CBR1100xx and maybe another model of touring bike (I dont remember what that bike was off of the top of my head) it would be a high tech, high powered, fast bike (surveys conducted among Honda owners by Honda told them what customers voted for, but the bikes just didnt sell very well in the real world, the dealers wont even consider stocking them now). I remember taking the survey years ago, but dont remember much of what was asked anymore, they mentioned the bike was to be designed around a specific engine and displacement (1237cc V-4), they did ask about an emphasis on sportier or touring design. of course I asked for an emphasis on sportier, less touring purpose.

Really such a bike did not interest me though, I decided that someday I would replace my CBR600 with a new VFR800, Im glad they redesigned it and improved so much, yet kept many features that made it such a great bike to ride on a daily basis.

There is a pattern among those who own the new VFR800FD, and those who have test ridden the bike, they are very satisfied with the bike and either wouldnt change a thing, or very very little about it.

I have a feeling that most who criticize it so much dont own one, never rode one, would never buy one regardless of what engine, or features it would have, regardless of how fast, how light Honda would claim it to be, or how many squid points it would earn being parked at the local hangout. They would instead criticize it for being too sporty, to track focused, to cheaply made to save weight, and not following in the VFR800s natural evolution of being a user friendly sport bike that can be used for sport touring, instead being too close to the CBR600rr and CBR1000rr in form and function,

Maybe some day they will make a street version of the RVF1000 that they sell for use in GP racing, that would fit the description of what some are asking for, kind of like the next generation RC-51 (VTR1000 sp1).

I think they did good everywhere but the engine. I don't know why its so hard to just put some more ponies to the ground out of a beautiful sounding v4?

thor294

I think they did good everywhere but the engine. I don't know why its so hard to just put some more ponies to the ground out of a beautiful sounding v4?

I agree another 100cc's would have a been a good start .

I don't know if 100ccs is necessary. With FI and all the technology, they should be well over their numbers. again, my 86 750 that is probably running too rich and has 40k miles on it pushes 90. 50 more CCs, FI, computer controlled, vtec, etc. etc. should give it some bigger numbers.

OK, I'm new to vfrs (don't actually own one yet) so my question might seem dumb: it seems lots of people have issues with the vtec. If the engine is already set up for four valve operation that kicks in by computer controlled tricks at certain rpm, then why doesn't honda give users/riders the option of flicking a button that leaves it in four valve operation all the time (or just killing the two valve function electronically and leaving the engine as is 4 valve all the time)? Then there's no lurch or whatever when vtec kicks in and the purported benefits of the system are available to user if they like. Kind of like a switch that turns of traction control or abs. I don't know...just askin'

VTEC is amazing on cars, because you essentially have like 4 different camshaft(s) in your vehicle. One for each driving mode (cruising, flooring it, etc. etc.) so I would leave it on. They just need to make it as smooth as it is on a car and it'll be great. Better MPG without sacrificing power.

On VTEC cars its not smooth at all, its a big jump in fact. When the VTEC in cars activates there is a big difference. The VTEC in cars uses all valves all of the time with variable amounts of lift and duration depending on engine rpm, oil pressure, temperature, etc. I also have a Honda car with IVTEC, an Acura RSX type-S its quite a big increase when it happens.

aye they use all the valves all the time. I've driven i-VTEC cars and VVT cars as well, and you can tell. but again, they need to smooth out the transition.

I guess what I'm wondering is why doesn't honda just say they have multiple modes (regular--as it works now with 2 valve then switch to 4 value above 7k rpm-- and a second POWER mode--always in 4 valve mode regardless of rpm). Then let rider have a switch to set which mode they prefer.

Radial caliper mounted brakes on RSU forks?? kinda like an oxymoron....

What's the point of radial caliper mounted brakes anyway if it's not paired with USD forks?? It could be more of a cosmetic gimmick on this bike than anything else.. Honda saves a few bucks going half way with the front end and we still don't get modern suspension on a 2014 VFR.....I also think new forum members/1st time VFR owners who are buying or thinking of buying this new VFR, haven't been here long enough to know how long and hard we've been asking Honda for modern suspension on supposedly one of Honda's premier model bikes..... It's hindsight now, but I think they should have just forgotten about the VTEC for a while and gave us better legs under the VFR instead, after the 5th gen....Anyway, the VTEC system had not been a universal success with VFR owners, I would think good suspension will be more of an instant hit.....

Please explain why radial mounted brakes would work better on USD forks.

dogman

Please explain why radial mounted brakes would work better on USD forks.

to make it short, radial mounted brakes were introduced for two reasons: 1/ to have a more rigid mounting to the bottom of USD fork. 2/ to allow easier change to a larger diameter rotors by just adding a spacer to the mounting bolt.

but im still gonna argue why honda wasnt the first to put radial mounted calipers on a conventional fork, Yamaha put that on their V-Max 1700 as well !

Radial calipers / radial brakes.

Around 2003, motorbikes started to hit the showrooms with a new feature - radial brakes. The magazines and testers will all tell you that radial brakes make the bike stop quicker. Not true - they have nothing to do with stopping power and everything to do with the design of the front forks of the bike. More and more bikes are coming out with upside-down forks. ie. instead of the fat canister part of the fork being at the bottom of the assembly, it's at the top. This means that the fork pistons are now the part of the suspension with the wheel attached to them. It also means that it's impossible to put a stiffening fork brace down there now because the brace would need to move with the wheel, and the length of the fork pistons precludes that.

[image: radialcalipers.jpg]

The stiffness of the front end is now entirely dependent on the size of the front axle. Bigger axle = stiffer front end. A side-effect of this design was that traditionally-mounted brake calipers could cause a lot of vibration in the steering because of flex between the wheel (with the brake disc bolted to it), and the fork leg (with the caliper). The slight tolerance allowed by floating brake rotors couldn't compensate for the amount of flexing in the forks. To reduce the brake-induced fork vibration, the brake calipers were moved around the rotors slightly so that they fell into the front-rear alignment of the wheel axle. There's less lateral flex at that point, which means less or no vibration. The caliper mounts were changed too. Traditional calipers bolt on to the forks with bolts going through them at 90° to the face of the brake rotor. With radial calipers, the bolts are aligned parallel to the brake rotor - effectively also in the front-rear alignment of the wheel. This design is a trickle-down technology from superbike racing where a radial caliper mount allows the racing teams to use different diameters of brake rotor by simply adding spacers between the caliper and the mounting bracket.

The image here shows the difference between traditional and radially mounted brake calipers.

Read more: http://www.carbibles.com/brake_bible.html#ixzz390eUQ0xU

windyrun

OK, I'm new to vfrs (don't actually own one yet) so my question might seem dumb: it seems lots of people have issues with the vtec. If the engine is already set up for four valve operation that kicks in by computer controlled tricks at certain rpm, then why doesn't honda give users/riders the option of flicking a button that leaves it in four valve operation all the time (or just killing the two valve function electronically and leaving the engine as is 4 valve all the time)? Then there's no lurch or whatever when vtec kicks in and the purported benefits of the system are available to user if they like. Kind of like a switch that turns of traction control or abs. I don't know...just askin'

VTEC in the VFR is hydraulic pressure, not electronics, unless I'm mistaken.

thor294

I think they did good everywhere but the engine. I don't know why its so hard to just put some more ponies to the ground out of a beautiful sounding v4?

The front brakes on the 2014 VFR800FD are radial mounted to take advantage of the monoblock Tokico calipers on large rotors. The brakes on this bike are amazing, they are powerful.

Yamaha used radial monoblock calipers on the 2009-2011 1680cc Star Vmax because one of the biggest complaints with the prior models was very weak brakes, there were people adapting R1 brakes to their Vmax to get improvements before that.

The suspension works great on the new VFR800FD, and the bike handles great.

I personally like the bike just the way it is.

[image: IMG_04081_zps989e060b.jpg]

[image: IMG_04111_zps6899735f.jpg]

Beck

Radial caliper mounted brakes on RSU forks?? kinda like an oxymoron....

What's the point of radial caliper mounted brakes anyway if it's not paired with USD forks?? It could be more of a cosmetic gimmick on this bike than anything else.. Honda saves a few bucks going half way with the front end and we still don't get modern suspension on a 2014 VFR....

:beatdeadhorse: #1

Radial mounting brake callipers is to improve the stiffness of the calliper & its mount. Less flex at the mount means better brake feel in the same way that braided lines improve feel over stock rubber. It has no effect whatsoever if that mount is part of an USD or RWU.

:beatdeadhorse: #2

Ask yourself which is more "modern." The front end on a Yamaha MT-09/FZ09 fitted with a functioning damping cartridge only one of its two USD forks, or the 8th gen with fully functioning damper cartridges in each RWU fork leg? RWU or USD matters for nothing if the internal components are poor quality (or just not there!)

dogman

Please explain why radial mounted brakes would work better on USD forks.

As already mentioned, Radial caliper mounting design came about to add stiffness to the brake caliper/fork leg connection. The flex the radial mounting is eliminating comes from the longish mounting arm and brackets that were used to connect the lower leg axle carrier and the then conventional calipers that were pretty much still identical to what was used on RSU fork. Now a RSU fork with it's caliper more directly connected to the fork through short mounting tabs on the lower cast aluminum fork leg tubes, did not have the same "flex problem" (was this really a big problem with street bikes?) as the older USD fork caliper mounts. So in the end, a radial caliper mount on an RSU fork is mostly superfluous, not needed, a solution seeking a problem.....That's why I think the "hybrid" design fork on the new VFR and most likely on the Yamaha that was also mentioned here, if it does exist, does not make too much sense. Sure a new radial mount assembly might give a little bit more stiffness than a conventional mount on a RSU fork mostly because of it's newer engineering, but I'm sure that 99% of us will never push the bikes braking hard enough for us to ever really notice/feel any difference. Dang!, I can't count the many times that even the old fashion sliding caliper front brakes on my 4th gen performed more than adequately to save my life in the most critical conditions through the almost two decades I've been riding the bike. They work pretty well as long as you maintain them properly. But I can sure remember all the times I wished the suspension on my bike isn't so easily pushed close to or over it's limits on the twisties.

In the end, I'm sure that most would rather have a modern suspension system that most of us will feel a big difference with,in term of the higher potential for improvement on how the bike will handle instead of a possibly stiffer brake caliper mount which is surely much further down on the wish list of most VFR or most modern motorcycle owners.

As for power, anything over 100HP is more than adequate for me personally, so, I don't think this new VFR really needs any more,..... unless I plan to to ride regularly at over 140ish MPH?

Like I said, Why can't Honda just once and for all, give us a complete, modern front end design and enough of this half baked stuff, we, who are supposedly the more sophisticated sector of the market know deserve better and judging from the price this new VFR is selling for, Honda owes it to the buyers of the bike.

I would take a guess that the front calipers on this bike are common to another Honda bike, hence saving production costs, and they work just fine, way better than the linked brake setup on the previous model, and I can tell you there is no comparison between these brakes and the 4th gen front brake even with the best pads and braided lines. (I have a 4th gen as well).

Maybe a few of the naysayers should try this bike, they might even like it.

Once the "new" wears out of this 8th gen for owners, they will start wondering why Honda didn't give them a full new modern front end....... and they'll be swapping front ends from other Hondas like previous gen VFR owners had been doing.......

auggius

thor294

I think they did good everywhere but the engine. I don't know why its so hard to just put some more ponies to the ground out of a beautiful sounding v4?

How much faster do you want to go or need to go on the streets?

I guess no one likes to go to the track?

As much as this seems like a VFR specific conversation... I'd bet money that every major forum dedicated to a single model of bike has the exact same threads going on every year.

It felt great and so much better all round compared to my Tiger 800 on the test ride, so I've ordered my first VFR. The brakes felt firm and strong, the front suspension well controlled.

Isn't it all about rider feel, impressions and satisfaction rather than barside bragging rights?

My local dealer still hasn't gotten an 8th gen yet... so I won't really have my judgement till then. I've ridden quite a few bikes, but 3 different VFRs. 86 vf500, my current 86 VFR750, and an 07 RWB vfr800. Out of the 3, the 750 takes the cake. I shall see how the new one feels

thor294

I guess no one likes to go to the track?

With a 240kg tourer? Sure, sightseeing on Nürburgring ... If I want to go really fast on the track I get a proper track bike, which will not be based on a tourer.

any more bra-less pictures? :unsure: :goofy:

"..That's why I think the "hybrid" design fork on the new VFR and most likely on the Yamaha that was also mentioned here, if it does exist, does not make too much sense."

Here is the yamaha radial mounted 6 piston monoblock front brake calipers on the vmax, so it most definitely exists. Although its a photo of a 2013 model, they are RWU and radial mounted

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2013models/2013-Yamaha-VMax-VMX17b.jpg

Exactly as mentioned prior to this, the forks on the VFR800FD work great, the suspension handles great (better than my old CBR600 did when it was new). Regardless of which way the forks face if they are not equipped to do the job they do nothing for you but look fashionable because USD forks are the current fashion for bragging rights among sporty street bike owners.

I could care less which way they face if they work properly, its a 500 plus lb middleweight comfortable sportbike made and equipped useful, to be ridden in the real world, if I wanted a razor edge track bike with a fictional weight claimed by the manufacturer to be lower than what it actually is I might have saved a little bit of money and bought a CBRxxxrr, or any of its competitors, but I wanted a VFR800FD instead.

Now, dead horse, beat, beat, beat, beat, let me switch arms quick.

:beatdeadhorse:

Who asked for bra-less pics? :unsure:

[image: post-30875-0-82013200-1406853381.jpg] [image: post-30875-0-86006700-1406853425.jpg]

[image: post-30875-0-03573800-1406853489.jpg] [image: post-30875-0-92422300-1406853570.jpg]

Oooh topless VFR photos. Nice looking bike. I remember sitting on one like that years ago at the dealer when I was getting some service done on my cbr, it was a leftover from a prior model year or so, was yellow, dont remember the exact model year.

cug

thor294

I guess no one likes to go to the track?

With a 240kg tourer? Sure, sightseeing on Nürburgring ... If I want to go really fast on the track I get a proper track bike, which will not be based on a tourer.

A lot of us are in a category where we want a V4 sportbike/trackbike from Honda without going to aprilia. I have ridden I4 sportbikes and cant stand the power curve or the feel whether it has more power and less weight or not. We do NOT want to buy a proper inline 4 trackbike. We want a proper modern V4 trackbike that can also do well on the street. Aprilia is the only choice.

Also An RSV4 1000 is around 150 whp and a typical i4 600 is around 110 whp. I would like the VFR to stay around an 800 middleweight but it should split the difference and be 130 wheel hp completely stock and weigh close to a gsxr750 which also happens to runs about 125 wheel hp.

SHvar

Oooh topless VFR photos. Nice looking bike. I remember sitting on one like that years ago at the dealer when I was getting some service done on my cbr, it was a leftover from a prior model year or so, was yellow, dont remember the exact model year.

If it was yellow and a leftover new bike and the US as you describe it was a 2000 VFR800Fi.

cug

thor294

I guess no one likes to go to the track?

With a 240kg tourer? Sure, sightseeing on Nürburgring ... If I want to go really fast on the track I get a proper track bike, which will not be based on a tourer.

Which tourer is the VFR800 based on?

Even the neutered VTec engine shares the lower crank case design with the mighty RC45 if not the gear driven cams of it.

The engine is capable of 200 HP with the metallurgy and tuning available 20 years ago.

It is not absurd to think that Honda could produce a reliable VFR800 based motorcycle that has a tractable 130Hp at the wheel without the need to exceed 12,000 RPM

Many people tour by adding bags to a Hyabusa. I would submit that a VFR800 is a better starting point for a track bike than a GSXR1300

.

Which proper track bike would you suggest for us luddites who prefer Honda V4 power?

I like the one below but would prefer that I not be in charge of finding 20 more ponies and reducing the weight by a further 40 lbs (or 18 kg depending on where you slice it).

[image: 512519]

the best mod to a heavy bike is cutting weight of your belly first, then the bike!

a 240lb rider on a "light" 450lb superbike isn't gonna be better a 160lb rider on a "heavy" 500lb sport-touring bike :offtopic:

CornerCarver

It is not absurd to think that Honda could produce a reliable VFR800 based motorcycle that has a tractable 130Hp at the wheel without the need to exceed 12,000 RPM

The thing is: Honda obviously doesn't want to. Honda places the VFR as a sport tourer in the line up and obviously that's the way it sells or they'd either kick it out of the line up or change it.

If YOU want something different, by all means, buy something different. I hear all this stuff if "if Honda made this they'd sell so much more" - sorry if I believe that's BS. I think Honda knows what they are doing with the VFR, if you don't like the VFR, don't get it. If it doesn't fit your requirements, don't get it, if it is too heavy or to "underpowered", don't get.

The VFR is a bike for street riding, if you use the available power on public roads, your out of your mind (my opinion).

Again: the VFR isn't meant for track. If you take it there and need more power and less weight, you're obviously using the wrong tool for the task. Not uncommon, but that doesn't make an argument to change the VFR, only for you to get on a different bike.

cug

CornerCarver

It is not absurd to think that Honda could produce a reliable VFR800 based motorcycle that has a tractable 130Hp at the wheel without the need to exceed 12,000 RPM

The thing is: Honda obviously doesn't want to. Honda places the VFR as a sport tourer in the line up and obviously that's the way it sells or they'd either kick it out of the line up or change it.

If YOU want something different, by all means, buy something different. I hear all this stuff if "if Honda made this they'd sell so much more" - sorry if I believe that's BS. I think Honda knows what they are doing with the VFR, if you don't like the VFR, don't get it. If it doesn't fit your requirements, don't get it, if it is too heavy or to "underpowered", don't get.

The VFR is a bike for street riding, if you use the available power on public roads, your out of your mind (my opinion).

Again: the VFR isn't meant for track. If you take it there and need more power and less weight, you're obviously using the wrong tool for the task. Not uncommon, but that doesn't make an argument to change the VFR, only for you to get on a different bike.

Regarding the bolded portion of your above quote: NO SHIT SHERLOCK.

Clearly Honda knows what they are doing with the VFR...that is why it was discontinued in the US as several hundred went unsold for years then sold at thousand$ below suggested list price to clear them from the warehouse. In 2010-11 people were buying new 2007-08 VFR800s.

Following on the heels of that stellar marketing campaign, omniscient Honda released the VFR1200F. Please forgive me if I don't check back in for your sure to be insightful take on the genius marketing, product development and engineering that barely held the bean counters in Honda at bay with this winner.

Cliff notes, that VFR was also heavily discounted to get it to move and not imported to the US for the 2011 model year.

What Honda seem to be counting on is that somewhere someone is willing to pay an inflated price for a product. This is evident on their automotive side and probably a learned corporate value from their days taking on the big 3 from Detroit.

That Honda is now building cheap, crappier bikes for the developing markets of the world and eschewing the upper end of motorcycles to BMW, Ducati, Aprilia and others is no secret and it may even pan out to be just common sense in returning to their roots of 40-50 years ago.

What is being lamented is the fact that Honda once produced amazing world conquering V4 sport bikes and they now choose not to.

As the owner of a 1200cc twin cylinder bike I don't think you get to lecture me on how much power I should be using on the street when enjoying the 781cc of V4 power that I chose to purchase. Clearly you wanted something different and purchased it now butt out of my discussion of the bike that I have supported for the past 3 decades.

Enjoy your ride. :wink: BTW, for your edification Honda lists the VFR as a "Sports" bike as they have no "Sports Tourer" category on their powersports web page.

cug

CornerCarver

It is not absurd to think that Honda could produce a reliable VFR800 based motorcycle that has a tractable 130Hp at the wheel without the need to exceed 12,000 RPM

The thing is: Honda obviously doesn't want to. Honda places the VFR as a sport tourer in the line up and obviously that's the way it sells or they'd either kick it out of the line up or change it.

If YOU want something different, by all means, buy something different. I hear all this stuff if "if Honda made this they'd sell so much more" - sorry if I believe that's BS. I think Honda knows what they are doing with the VFR, if you don't like the VFR, don't get it. If it doesn't fit your requirements, don't get it, if it is too heavy or to "underpowered", don't get.

The VFR is a bike for street riding, if you use the available power on public roads, your out of your mind (my opinion).

Again: the VFR isn't meant for track. If you take it there and need more power and less weight, you're obviously using the wrong tool for the task. Not uncommon, but that doesn't make an argument to change the VFR, only for you to get on a different bike.

One other thing. Honda can keep the VFR as it is today as a "sport tourer" if they want. What we are asking is for a different model that is a V4 in a CBR package much like it was in 80s. Also by your argument anything over a 250cc Ninja is too much power for the street. There is never enough performance from a sport bike but Honda needs to make something competitive. You are basically telling us it is what it is. We are telling Honda what we want. I cant vote with my wallet either becuase like I said before the rsv4 is the only competition which is probably what I will regretfully end up doing down the road if Honda keeps going the same way.

also from what I find most passionate motorcyclists become very loyal to there respective manufacture. We don't want to leave Honda to go buy something from someone else when Honda is more than capable of building it.

Honda lists the VFR800 in the same category as the VFR1200, CBR650, CBR500, CBR300, CBR250, CB1100, CB1000r, CB500, CB300, and the Grom, as a sportbike, not a supersport (their terms), but on the VFR800 webpage Honda refers to it as being for "todays sport/touring rider".

A quote from their website on the page about the VFR800...

Today's sport/touring rider expects a bike that provides performance, technology, and features in one package. A bike that performs as well in the curves as it does on the open road. And a bike with unparalleled fit and finish.

Haha, I read a quote recently about manufacturers HP and weight claims on cycles being as accurate as the average womans drivers license when it comes to actual height, weight, and hair color, LOL!

I think that Honda is at least honest with their claims on the VFR800 weight and their other "sportbikes" weights (like some of their competitors bikes in that class), not so much with the "supersport" categories weight and HP (like their competitors) which sometimes seem to be rated rather "optimistically".

That is marketing BS, there is minimal performance, technology and features in the new VFR800 compared to a VFR800 that came out 15+ years ago.

That same sport/touring rider can throw bags on a gsxr1000 and do sport touring

why do they need 17 different models of CBR variations? Why cant they do the same for the VFR? That is the million dollar question

klrtovfr

That is marketing BS, there is minimal performance, technology and features in the new VFR800 compared to a VFR800 that came out 15+ years ago.

That same sport/touring rider can throw bags on a gsxr1000 and do sport touring

why do they need 17 different models of CBR variations? Why cant they do the same for the VFR? That is the million dollar question

Are you a 16/18 years old looking for first bike, a first time female rider, a! Experienced rider, budget minded or richy-rich, we still got the bike for you!

They put the CBR name on anything that resembles a bike with a fairing and has an inline engine, or a single, they can sell more of them. Look at the majority of the CBR line-up from 250-650, they are just CB models with clip-ons, and whole or slightly more fairing, with a few minor changes.

The VFR hasnt been very popular here in the US for a long time, but world wide they sell alot of them, they make the bike to appeal to their overall market, not to a few who want a VFR1000 superbike.

Im sure if there was enough interest they would make a v4 superbike in 1000ccs and equipped like the CBR1000rr or better. After all they made that sales flop called the VFR1200 that no one will even consider stocking and had to be sold for thousands off just to get rid of what they had.

I got the 2014 VFR800FD because it was what I was looking for. I ride this thing daily, my cars have been sitting alot.

I got the 2014 VFR800FD because it was what I was looking for. I ride this thing daily, my cars have been sitting alot.

And that's why they make them. To ride, and ride, and ride. :warranty:

You want a wind bending fast V4, I don't think you should be afraid of Aprilia.

I have not ridden one. Yet. But have 2 Tuono's that I love. :wub: Thunder. :woohoo:

Time to test the 8th Gen against my stable - and the final conclusion is? I want more VFRs!

The Gen 8 is better than I expected. It has handling in the corners nearly as good as a latest Triumph Street Triple with the suspension feeling even more composed than the Street Triple. Honda know how to do OEM suspension! The 50 km loop included some really bumpy fast corners posted as 45 kph and I was able to calmly go around at 90 as I can on the Triple.

The 8 Gen engine still reminds me of the 1st Generation which I rode back to back. Both pull from low rpm as if they were a refined V Twin. The Gen 8 though has an excellent second 'character' as it moves past about 8000 rpm and then it feels faster. This is at least as intoxicating as the sound of a Triple on the cam. No whirr of cams though, and I love that on the old bike.

The Gen 8 is very smooth too, not quite as turbine smooth as the Triple but I think I like that better. Way smoother than an inline four. I rode the latest CBR1000 straight after the Gen 8, which felt tingly in comparison (of course much faster again but I like my licence). Honda V Fours have ruined me for Inline fours.

Pity about the exhaust pipe though, too discrete, the sound of the Gen 1 is much nicer, however I am sure the right Two Brothers pipe would fix that. The Gen 8 is way more stable at any speed than the Gen 1, not that it is bad, just 25 years later, things are very secure. Very confidence inspiring and even in too high a gear, I felt I could just let it track with no assistance from the throttle. Nice if your entry is bit fast but you want to keep it smooth. Quickish steering but stable at speed, nice mix!

The power delivery is more progressive on the Gen 8 than a Street Triple however less than the 1st Gen. I am thinking it might be a better bike for my wife than the Street Triple which she finds a bit abrupt on the power.

The seat on the Gen 8 seems firmer but I only rode each 50km so not sure what long term comfort is like. I am thinking this is a very good bike, but not a replacement for my VFR1200F as I first thought, nor a replacement for the Gen 1, more a replacement for our Street Triple. The lower seat height options will probably cover of the weight difference.

I need a demo longer than 45 minutes though!

[image: post-23773-0-72423400-1407566575.jpg]

Really nice review! Very informative--especially with all the comparisons. Thanks

I saw a white one on the street today, actually very nice looking in the flesh!