Honda VFR800

After a couple of years without a bike I spent a lot of time researching what I could buy with my very limited budget. There was always going to b a level of compromise, however, I really think I've hit the jackpot with the VFR, £1500 has bought me:

- an outstanding engine noise with an after-market can already fitted

- low down torque and top end scream

- superb build quality with excellent resistance to corrosion

- confidence-inspiring handling

- more than enough power to keep up with the crowd

- an effective faring and a very comfortable riding position

- and ultimate (Honda) reliability.

Like any older bike there are a few things to look out for when buying, i.e. regulator/rectifier, exhaust collector boxed. However, if you want a real all-rounder, have an interest in innovative engineering and value reliability - look no further (mine is not for sale though!)

Just returned from 2 weeks 4.5K trip. First off all the bike is fantastic in touring on motorway with constance speed over 80MPH, but it usually is short part of the trip. Fuel economy is acceptable only if you race the bike and not really care about the fuel gage, country roads easy ride 18-20MPG unacceptable for bike so called touring. Comfort may be enough for sport bike but for touring is not so great. I'm easy rider and don't like to force bikes but VFR even easy ride ripping back tire like similar over 1000cc bikes. In city rides end up with 25 MPG. Reliability is also disappointing having previously yamaha's and kawasaki's with over 50k on clock with no problems, VFR fork seal gave up after 35K. I would say good bike for young who like little touring and tray into race. It is typical 2in1 so not very good in ever. I know I highlighted only bad point of the bike and there are many good for sure but I think if you looking to bay bike you have to agree with the downs the goods will come.

I own a 2005 VFR800 with factory matching saddle bags and top box. It's the best do everything bike I've ever owned but definitley the master of none. I've been riding since 1970. Over the past 15 years I've been pursuing the speed machines. I had a Kawasaki ZX7R, ZX11, zx9R, ZX12R, and then finally the ZX14. I would do the odd track day and 1-5 day sport touring trips. I'd have a blast but the joy was always tempered by the pain in my knees and wrists after a full day in the saddle. I went touring one week with a friend who rented a VFR800. We would trade taking the lead on the best twisty roads British Columbia had to offer. We were evenly matched everywhere except when I pulled out to pass. The ZX12R was clearly faster. At the end of the day he would pop open his saddle bags and want to do exploring on foot. I would wrestle with the buggie cords holding down my stuff sack and seek the nearest beer and a bed. I was exhausted and he was not. I'm very fit he is not. The difference was the VFR. I thought wow! Ride like a hooligan all day and do it in comfort. I call the VFR my first age appropriate bike. 130kph feels fast enough. On the ZX12R 230kph felt fast enough. The ZX14 was just a stupid choice. I gave it back and got my current used 2005 VFR800. Most comfortable do everything bike I've ever owned and people want to talk to me about it. It looks good, sounds great, it's fun to ride and I'll probably get to keep my driver's license and knees a lot longer than on sports bikes. One thing; it came with Metzeler tires and I found the front ploughed in corners compared to the Kawasakis I had owned. A new set of Michelin pilot powers with lots of front and rear suspension preload transformed it into more of a sport bike.

I've had my VFR800FiY for 3 years and it is easily the best machine I've ever owned. I'm not talking about specific areas, as other machines have been better at some of those, but in general. This is the most complete machine that I've ever come across. The engine is a bullet proof jewel. It has bags of torque, so you can potter along, and 110bhp, so things can easily get a bit exciting, and it sounds superb. It is a sports tourer, not a sports bike, but even so, it's no slouch at accelerating and going fast. The claimed top speed of 150mph is [cough] no myth, so all day legal and naughty cruising speeds are well within its grasp. On runs it'll do 55mpg with a steady hand, but it never becomes ultra thirsty either. A tank range of 200 plus miles is easily possible. I've had 220 mixed miles before. Yes, the bike is quite heavy, and I wouldn't recommend it to a short legged individual or person under say, 5ft 9ins. I'm 6ft and can get both feet flat on the ground, no problem. Therefore the weight is OK.

The standard fairing is superb at keeping the weather off, but I'd invest in a double bubble top to stop buffeting wind for the taller rider. The riding position is quite relaxed considering, and although when I first got the bike I had both arm pump and aching wrists, they went away very quickly indeed. Without luggage the bike handles very stably indeed and is quite quick and scratchy if you let it. I ride out into the countryside and look over hedges, which has necessitated me once standing up on the rests, hands off [as they say, don't try this at home]. The bike runs absolutely straight and true. The brakes are fine. People talk about braided hoses so that you can put the bike on its nose, but they're not really needed. The system is coupled and actually works very well indeed. It just takes a little while to realise that a squeeze of the front lever is also steadying the back wheel a tad too, so you don't have to do it unless you want to.

In terms of build quality, reliability, etc... this is a big Honda, so it doesn't go wrong. The single thing Honda have never been brilliant at, that is, making a cam-chain adjuster, doesn't apply here, as there are gears instead and they are bullet proof and part of the older VFR's character. Thoroughly recommended.

I failed to see the point of the Honda VFR800. 800cc is a large engine and the V4 config is a complex way of making an engine, they were quite expensive to buy and service compared to other bikes. Main problem is it only produces 100bhp but is over 210kgs(dry) and despite having a 21 litre tank + fuel injection has a fairly poor tank range About 150 miles. The handling is good wet or dry but compared to a sports bike with a conventional engine that puts the weight over the front wheel not so good. The comfort is great low speed steering and balance is fantastic. The CBS brakes are love them or loath them I did'nt like them they are linked so you can't use front or rear independently it acts like a cheap ABS system and is fine if you are new to bikes. I got a kit and de-linked them but they never felt very good they need the calipers swapping very expensive overly complex. Build quality is no where near as good as it should be the Blackbird is miles better. My exhausts rotted away and was a really difficult job the regulator/rectifier failed while in the isle of man. You have to be very carefull when adjusting the chain they dont last long because of the single sided swing arm. I came to the conclusion that a 600cc sports bike could do everything a VFR800 could if not better eg. thundercat, Cbr600, ZZr600 or Fazer 600 be lighter cheaper to run, tax, repair, have better brakes and still match it for power. If you wanted to go bigger get a TDM850, Blackbird ect they would be better tourers and have more overtaking power. As for the VFR800 VTECH a word of warning it's heavier same power but the servicing is very expensive every 16'000 miles the Vtech and valve clearences need doing that means the engine has to come out and is easily over £500. If are a die hard V4 fan get one but there are better alternatives.

This is my 20th bike & will probably be my last. Ive owned Japanese, German & Italian bikes. My last bike was a Honda CBR600 F3 that I owned from new. So I wanted a bike that would fill the gap of the ever reliable, ultra reliable & fun F3. The VFR fitted the bill, comfortable & a pleasure to ride, a bit heavier than the F3, but once underway you forget all about the 200+ kilo weight. The brakes are terrific, I don't mind the linked brake system at all, once you get used to it, you don't even think about them, good, strong & progressive. We didn't get the ABS here, which is a shame, but I've never had a bike with them before, so...

OK the Vtec, I like that to, maybe I'd like the power below the 6200 RPM, just for the exhaust snarl, bring in those extra valves, exciting rush & the note from the exhausts is awesome. I plan on getting some Stain-tunes when I can afford them for that reason. Handling is great once you realise its not an out & out sports bike, get into the rhythm & your going to embarrass a lot of guys that are on sports bikes

The finish on the bike is the usual Honda, outstanding. But I have marked it down here because of one thing, I have the Pearl White model & the black paint in the center of the tank is sooo bloody soft, it gets fine scratches just looking at it & yes I have tank protectors. The other thing is the value for money, yes? no? Maybe if the service costs where not so exorbitant. Before you buy ask your dealer how much the 24000 klm (16000 ml) service will be. If you think that it sounds reasonable than the VFR is a great choice.

I have owned alot of bikes in my 42 years of motorcycling form British Classics (although they wern't then!) to more modern stuff lately. I have always had a high regard for Honda's but have felt they were a bit souless, did what it said on the tin but didn't taste of much! After having several bikes in the sports touring category I finally bought a 2001 pre-VTEC VFR800. I had a 750 before and like it but was high mileage. This bike is simply fantastic, it handles like it cares for you, the engine has the torque of a V-Twin without the snatchiness (and the jangling clutch plates of a Ducati or Aprilia)but more character than a straight four. Delayed buying one for years, wasted the time best £1700 I ever spent on a bike!!

I have just returned to riding after 15 years out of the seat and chose a Honda VFR800 because of positive reviews and personal recommendations from rider friends who do not even own one. So far I am more than happy with my choice when comparing it to the old GSX1100 I rode in the past. It has ample power and good delivery of that power and handles like a dream compared to my old Suzuki. My first ride back was a 400klm ride through winding and open country roads and it performed above my expectations. I fully expected to complete the ride with a sore backside and arms but was surprised when this was not the case. My only criticisms is lack of storage space under the seat and the cost of the first service which was basically and oil and filter change which I considered was a little too expensive at $215.00 with the majority of the cost, $157.00 being for labor and less than 1 hours work. I would thoroughly recommend this bike for anyone considering sports touring as it is comfortable has ample power, is quite economical and looks good to boot.

Garry

Emerald

Victoria

Australia

I had to give reliability only four stars as when i bought the bike the regulator/rectifire was on the way out. Pi**ed off for the dealer for selling me this as it took me hours to get home. Haven't had her long enough to test reliability. Got rid of my TRX 850 before hand, another great bike. Riding the VFR has given me so much more confidence than the TRX ever did. Hadling is faultless as is power delivery. Top bike.

When I was looking for a bike about a year ago, I looked at a lot of reviews, and the vfr800 certainly sounded like the one for me. I bought a 99 plate in yellow, and yes, I made the right decision.Funny thing is, as an HGV driver I drive a lot of the country, and have only ever seen one more yellow one on the road. Its true about how good the V4 sounds, just look at peoples faces as you ride past at any speed. You don't have to be an expert when looking at one before purchasing, as I am guessing most vfr's have been cared for. Mines got 32000 miles on it, and it comes up lovely after every clean & polish. I would without doubt recommend this bike.