I have a 2007 VFR RWB and I love it.
I've considered at times going to the 8th Gen but the looks hold me back compared to my RWB which always gathers a crowd
wherever I go. Top speed is less and it seems it is not as quick according to another member I talked to who owned both.
In general what do 6th to 8th gen owners feel about the switch.
Thxs
Honestly, there is very little difference between the two. Any fractions of a second in 0-60 are not noticeable. Same goes for 4 or 5 mph difference in top speed - how often do you ride at top speed?
I've put a K&N filter, Delkevic slip-on, and tuned power commander on my 8th gen, and it's definitely quicker/faster than a stock 6th gen VFR, but not enough to rave about.
To me, the biggest difference between the two is with the front mounted radiator, my 2014 is noticeably narrower than previous gens. Personally, I like this a lot. The engine management and FI also seems a bit more refined.
That said, if you like your 2007 RWB (beautiful bike), and it has less than 40k miles, I don't really see the reason to switch. I'm hoping the next generation will will lose another 20 lbs, and bump the displacement to 900. That would be a bike worth switching for!
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I have a 2014 and my buddy just picked up and early 6th gen (2002) and I can tell you its a beautiful bike. If I could afford it, I would own one of each.
I never thought the 6th was a worthwhile upgrade from 5th. ABS is the only benefit. That said, the 8th is a great upgrade from 5th. I know it’s not really answering the question asked.
I have had my ‘99 topped out only one time. (1 mph faster than my geared for acceleration RC51 track bike) and I can’t imagine the top speed differential between any 800 is worth considering in a purchase decision.
Keep the RWB. The only reason I would upgrade if I owned a high mileage 6gen and and was looking for a newer reliable VFR, that would need less maintenance.
Power differences are so minuscule that are not worth talking about.
OEM Integrated luggage option, OEM quick shifter option, OEM bar riser option, better voltage regulator/charging system, Aluminum subframe, led headlights, gear indicator, seat height can be adjusted.
Sold my 6th gen and bought the 8th the very next day.
Never looked back. 8th is simply a better motorcycle.
I think it was tuned for slightly less top speed but added low end, either way with the quickshifter the 8th is quicker 😉
I'm a huge fan of my 5th gen, and I feel more 5th gen lineage in the 8th than I do the 6th. It has that Honda feel!
On the other hand, 6th gen pros: bags fit a full size helmet, better lights (illumination) for night riding, sounds a tiny bit more throaty. Open rear swing arm and yours in RWB with 25ed sticker. One day it may be collectible for those that like stickers:)
I had a 6th gen and really enjoyed it, no complaints at all, great bike! I picked up an 8th gen summer before last and am really enjoying it, the 8th gen to me seems to have more tech and refinements, a more current day look and feel IMO. I really like that the 8th gen oem luggage doesn't require those ugly racks, even the oem trunk mount is more compact, integrated and clean, adjustable seat, heated grips, traction control, LED lights, and I like that the brakes aren't linked now. I added a heated seat and cruise control and am all set, am loving this bike!
You should keep your 07 RWB though and still buy an 8th gen, otherwise you'll always look back on why you sold the RWB. Neither of these bikes are expensive compared to other options out there, having one of each for not too much over $10k sounds like a great investment and future smiles of rides!
What about the 8th Gen do you like that makes you consider doing it?
Had 3 6gens and loved them, but my 8gen is the best Why? All the electrical issues, stators, r/r etc have been sorted, so reliability has been improved. Headlights, fuel economy, weight, brakes have all been improved. The 8gen also feels more manoeuvrable, and slimmer with the front mounted radiators. Also love the oem pannier mount arrangement. Just my personal thoughts.
Cheers.
Who makes your heated seat, and how do you like it?
What Grum said, improvements everywhere. 34000 miles came up on my way in to work this morning and I don't regret changing up at all. Narrower, lighter, better handling, fixed electrics, more gadgets, lower fuel consumption, etc, etc.
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5 hours ago, jimmypWho makes your heated seat, and how do you like it?
Sargent built it, I sent them the oem pans. The heat works great, the comfort I was hoping for more but it's fine around town, longer trips I throw the Airhawk on.
Keep the 6th Gen - you'll regret selling that beauty for sure.
Thxs everyone for chiming in. All excellent comments.
GRUM: I know its nice not to have to worry about any electrical.
TIUTUS: YES the RWB is special
Don't get me wrong. I love my 2007
At 18,000miles or 28,000kms I always worry about what if and when I break down due to an electrical gremlin. I Hope not.
I never ride in rain or traffic. Less heat less stress on RR and stator.
I always check my voltage on my battery every week and I plan on checking all my connecters before this summer riding starts.
Plus a new Yuasa is ready to be inserted.
There have been some that have never had electrical gremlins.
Maybe I will be one of those.
Thxs
3 minutes ago, VFR80025thDon't get me wrong. I love my 2007
At 18,000miles or 28,000kms I always worry about what if and when I break down due to an electrical gremlin. I Hope not.
I never ride in rain or traffic. Less heat less stress on RR and stator.
I always check my voltage on my battery every week and I plan on checking all my connecters before this summer riding starts.
Plus a new Yuasa is ready to be inserted.
There have been some that have never had electrical gremlins.
Maybe I will be one of those.
Thxs
Are the 6th gens known to have electrical problems? Maybe I was just lucky but my 6th gen was a mule, never had any issues at all, typical Honda IMO.
The RWB is a GORGEOUS bike! I've always liked those.
I had a white '06. Went through three stators/RRs in 70k miles. Was seeing signs of another outage imminent and some other electrical issues looming as well, so I traded it for the 2014 deluxe in white in 2014.
What I like better about the 8th GEN:
Narrower and a bit lighter (I'm not that big at 150lbs) so much easier to handle in the mountains.
The little touches like the bronze finish on the wheels and heads really set it off.
It just looks dead sexy with the new styling too.
Smoother acceleration.
Don't know about the electrical issues yet since I've only got 28k miles on it. Been riding my other bikes more. lol
Heated grips stock are nice.
What I DON'T like about the 8th GEN:
LUGGAGE! The new luggage is too small to put helmets in the side cases. That's a non starter for me. I had to get the GIVI bags. They aren't nearly as nice looking as the OEM, but I really need the storage for commuting.
Just start a nice collection....
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Gotta get a ride on an 8th...
"The top speed is lower". This one kills me. Who and why does anyone need to go over 130 mph on a VFR, where and why? The 8th gen. has much more useable lower and mid-range torque. Looks are in the eye of the beholder. The VFR is an obsolete bike in the US thanks to Honda and people that aren't willing to buy new motorcycles at a profit to Honda. Just simple business on Honda's part. I don't blame them for dropping the model in the US. When price is the most important feature of a motorcycle, kiss it goodbye. Harley is having to deal with that now for a change and they're a "dead man walking" product. It already happened to VFR's. Enjoy what you have because they're not coming back in any similar form if at all.
Hi!
Had a 2011 VFR for 2 years and loved it!
I have a 8th gen now and it´s a great improvement from the older model...
Lighter, better brakes, better fueling, better handling, better mid range power, smoth vtec transition etc... but if I could I keep both 😁
BTW the top speed it´s almost the same, did 265km/h on the rc46 and 255km/h on the RC93, but the engine isn´t totally loose, need some more km...
Some pics of the old and the new
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What is the difference between a RC 79 and an RC 93? Is it just where it is sold or just the newer model. I am familiar with RC 79 but never heard of a RC 93?
3 hours ago, Philois1984What is the difference between a RC 79 and an RC 93? Is it just where it is sold or just the newer model. I am familiar with RC 79 but never heard of a RC 93?
Looks like 79 is 2014-16 and 93 is ‘17+.
Odd since they called all 5th and 6th gens RC46 and there were some significant differences between them! Plus both gens had updated models within each model type.
Maybe because they didn’t sell ‘17+ here in USA (North America?)
40 minutes ago, BuzznerSuntrustsLooks like 79 is 2014-16 and 93 is ‘17+.
Odd since they called all 5th and 6th gens RC46 and there were some significant differences between them! Plus both gens had updated models within each model type.
Maybe because they didn’t sell ‘17+ here in USA (North America?)
They made minor alterations to the bike in 2017 for Euro4 - May have have been so all "RC93" models are Euro4 compliant.
5 hours ago, Bent"The top speed is lower". This one kills me. Who and why does anyone need to go over 130 mph on a VFR, where and why? The 8th gen. has much more useable lower and mid-range torque. Looks are in the eye of the beholder. The VFR is an obsolete bike in the US thanks to Honda and people that aren't willing to buy new motorcycles at a profit to Honda. Just simple business on Honda's part. I don't blame them for dropping the model in the US. When price is the most important feature of a motorcycle, kiss it goodbye. Harley is having to deal with that now for a change and they're a "dead man walking" product. It already happened to VFR's. Enjoy what you have because they're not coming back in any similar form if at all.
Yep, so if someone in the US want a brand new Honda VFR800, you best find one sitting on a dealer floor. As an American that's your last chance to get one (new).
True!
RC79 2014-2016
RC93 2017-Present
This last model only sells in Europe and Asia I believe...
The diferences are the forks that came in chrome, 12v socket, the Tokico calipers are slightly different, the stock exhaust it´s tri oval looks better then the RC79 IMO and sounds nice with a deep tone like this 😎
[video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/iLzRznghJ4E?feature=oembed]And it also comes like this, in Japan.
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BuzznerSuntrusts, 2/14/2019 at 5:38 PMOdd since they called all 5th and 6th gens RC46 and there were some significant differences between them! Plus both gens had updated models within each model type.
The "Gen" thing is, as far as I understand it, a US/VFRD naming convention and certainly not an official Honda one. I've never heard it over here except in relation to VFRD posts.
4 hours ago, ShinigamiAnd it also comes like this, in Japan.
[image: C1D18591-C620-408B-8CF2-0999A84FF753.jpeg]
I have to say Honda worldwide is nuts. Why have a bike like that & NOT sell it world wide, that looks great. Now back to the UK/EU options of single solid boring colour choices 😞
I'm just thankful they're still cranking them out in Kumamoto.
12 hours ago, ShinigamiAnd it also comes like this, in Japan.
[image: C1D18591-C620-408B-8CF2-0999A84FF753.jpeg]
I would definitely be a sucker for that one! :fing02:
+1 🙂
9 hours ago, SkidsThe "Gen" thing is, as far as I understand it, a US/VFRD naming convention and certainly not an official Honda one. I've never heard it over here except in relation to VFRD posts.
I’m not even really talking about the “Gens” but how dissimilar the bikes are from ‘98 to ‘02. To my mind, they are closer from ‘02 to ‘14. Of course all share the same engine cases, so why differentiate?
I've had a 5th gen., 6th gen., and now an 8th gen standard. The 8th gen., by far has the best low and mid-range torque provided you put a slip on on it. Better low end torque and weight is what I wanted from it and it worked. It has been problem free including no electrical problems. I have no idea what top speed is because there's nothing to do going that fast on a VFR. For me, the 5th and 6th gens. handled better. I can't feel the reduction in weight at all. I need to adjust the front suspension on the 8th gen. The Deluxe has a pitiful turn signal cancel, and dubious traction control. Only reason to get it is if you like ABS. I don't. The front can be changed on the standard in spite of wrong opinion. That sums it up. I run the shit out of mine in nothing but twisties so that's all it sees and it does well. My engine ought to be work out but never hear of that in a VFR. FWIW.
How are you changing the front on a standard 8th gen? New springs and gold valves?
I own an 07 RWB Interceptor just like the OP and I just came back from a trip to AZ where I rode my buddies gen 8 DLX for about 600 miles. His is mostly stock with a Corbin seat, mine is mostly stock with bar risers. I didn't notice a great deal difference in overall weight when moving the bike around the garage. What I did notice is how much slimmer the gen 8 is. I like the updated instrumentation and rider aids on the gen 8. The biggest difference I noticed between the bikes was the VTEC engagement. With my gen 6 the bike has a definite pop, stretch your arms kinda feel, the gen 8's was more muted/even and frankly I found it had less character though it was probably better/safer than mine. What I mean by that is the transition to VTEC doesn't surprise you. I also found my stock exhaust has more of a growl (admittedly not much of one) and the gen 8's seems more sedate.
On a side note, my helmet with a PackTalk Slim comm did fit in the side case, barely. I have an HJC RPHA 11 helmet size small. Also, the luggage on the gen 8 is really nice, I'm not a fan of topcases on sport bikes but the VFR OEM case does it really well. It's not ginormous but extremely functional and pretty good looking. I don't have luggage on mine so I can't compare.
I think the biggest motivation to get the newer model for me would be the sorted electrical systems. But comparing the two, the gen 6 is a bit more charming to me, the undertail exhaust alone is just a big win from an aesthetic standpoint, especially on a bike with a single-sided swingarm. If I could only own one bike between the two I think I would take the gen 8 just for the modern rider aids and better instrumentation and electrical reliability but as my Interceptor is my secondary bike I am happier with the gen 6 as I find it's quirks appealing.
And I would get bar risers for the gen 8 first thing followed shortly afterwards with a less intrusive muffler.
11 hours ago, CalculonI own an 07 RWB Interceptor just like the OP and I just came back from a trip to AZ where I rode my buddies gen 8 DLX for about 600 miles. His is mostly stock with a Corbin seat, mine is mostly stock with bar risers. I didn't notice a great deal difference in overall weight when moving the bike around the garage. What I did notice is how much slimmer the gen 8 is. I like the updated instrumentation and rider aids on the gen 8. The biggest difference I noticed between the bikes was the VTEC engagement. With my gen 6 the bike has a definite pop, stretch your arms kinda feel, the gen 8's was more muted/even and frankly I found it had less character though it was probably better/safer than mine. What I mean by that is the transition to VTEC doesn't surprise you. I also found my stock exhaust has more of a growl (admittedly not much of one) and the gen 8's seems more sedate.
On a side note, my helmet with a PackTalk Slim comm did fit in the side case, barely. I have an HJC RPHA 11 helmet size small. Also, the luggage on the gen 8 is really nice, I'm not a fan of topcases on sport bikes but the VFR OEM case does it really well. It's not ginormous but extremely functional and pretty good looking. I don't have luggage on mine so I can't compare.
I think the biggest motivation to get the newer model for me would be the sorted electrical systems. But comparing the two, the gen 6 is a bit more charming to me, the undertail exhaust alone is just a big win from an aesthetic standpoint, especially on a bike with a single-sided swingarm. If I could only own one bike between the two I think I would take the gen 8 just for the modern rider aids and better instrumentation and electrical reliability but as my Interceptor is my secondary bike I am happier with the gen 6 as I find it's quirks appealing.
And I would get bar risers for the gen 8 first thing followed shortly afterwards with a less intrusive muffler.
What you feel in your 6th gen is a LOSS of power before VTEC engagement, not VTEC bringing a boost of power.
The 8th doesn't loose power before VTEC engagement like the 6ths did, so no "dip"
2 hours ago, thtannerWhat you feel in your 6th gen is a LOSS of power before VTEC engagement, not VTEC bringing a boost of power.
The 8th doesn't loose power before VTEC engagement like the 6ths did, so no "dip"
Have to agree...the torque curve feels much sweeter on the 8th/X engine, hence the seeming lack of punch at the Vtec. Far more torque in the useable range. From 75mph it pulls so much better than either my 5th or 6th did, even in 6th gear!
6 hours ago, thtannerWhat you feel in your 6th gen is a LOSS of power before VTEC engagement, not VTEC bringing a boost of power.
The 8th doesn't loose power before VTEC engagement like the 6ths did, so no "dip"
I don't doubt that you are correct, it's just how it feels.
The 6th gen. VTEC engagement is an issue only if the rider makes it one. Ride one enough in the twisties and VTEC engagement in the middle of a curve can easily be dealt with, with a smooth and skilled throttle hand. It never bothered me but it does take some repetition and acceptance that with enough riding it's not an issue. That's my experience with a lot of miles on 5th, 6th, and 8th gen. ownership.
This thing is better than the 6th gen in every way possible. In hindsight getting it was a no brainer.
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Not quite, it’s got smaller side cases that can hardly fit one small helmet, rear swing arm covered by an ugly exhaust and a whopping 2-3 hp less than 6th gen:)
Now, everything else is better on 8th gen.
I wonder which rider can feel a difference of a couple of hp's. If the conviction "that you can certainly feel it" is not already present between both ears, I guess that no-one would ever feel it, not even the brightest rider...
The biggest thing that really holds me back from upgrading (118,000k+ on my '04) is that side pipe hiding the SSSA.
8 hours ago, TiutisNot quite, it’s got smaller side cases that can hardly fit one small helmet, rear swing arm covered by an ugly exhaust and a whopping 2-3 hp less than 6th gen:)
Now, everything else is better on 8th gen.
I'll give you the ugly pipe, but otherwise I'm sticking with what I said. 🙂
Bags aren't part of the bike, so they don't count. 🙂
I'll trade a couple of hp for better torque curve everyday of the year.
besides fix the ugly pipe and get the hp back and if you really want hp get on the S1000R 🙂
13 hours ago, thepretenderI'll give you the ugly pipe, but otherwise I'm sticking with what I said. 🙂
Bags aren't part of the bike, so they don't count. 🙂
I'll trade a couple of hp for better torque curve everyday of the year.
besides fix the ugly pipe and get the hp back and if you really want hp get on the S1000R 🙂
The torque of 8th is overstated. Just like the hp prowess of the 6th gen so is the torque of the 8th gen. The main benefit of the new bike is the tourque dip. Otherwise, it’s not making any more torque than the 6th gen. I think the new bike is geared a little lower so that’s why it may feel like that. All of which can be addressed on the 6th gen with power commander and a good dyno tune and new set of sprockets.
2 hours ago, TiutisThe torque of 8th is overstated. Just like the hp prowess of the 6th gen so is the torque of the 8th gen. The main benefit of the new bike is the tourque dip. Otherwise, it’s not making any more torque than the 6th gen. I think the new bike is geared a little lower so that’s why it may feel like that. All of which can be addressed on the 6th gen with power commander and a good dyno tune and new set of sprockets.
Nope, both bikes have the same gearing ratios throughout the box.
2014 bike has a higher compression ratio, timing on inlet is slightly different 15 and 30 compared to 12 and 33
Don't forget the less weight on the 8gen.
Almost 10kg, I felt the diference cuming from a 6th gen.. the new viffer feels faster and the test I made from 0-200km/h tells the me the same.
Other thing its the speed on the 6gen less acurate!
Stock is thinning out.
$5000-7000 for a brand new motorbike of impeccable quality is an insane deal. Worth jumping on them now while you can.. in 2 years going to have lots of people with 6th gens getting tired and the owners wishing they had grabbed an 8th.
Oh if the lack of an undertail exhaust is holding you back, you should re-evaluate your requirement. Undertail exhaust puts weight up too high. The side can offsets the SSSA weight making the 8th as balanced as the 5th gen was. 🙂
Stock bags too small? Only like 1% of 6th gen owners have OEM bags. The same aftermarket options are still there for 8th.