VFR800 VTEC - your experiences
Discussion
PurpleTurtle said:
I don't have any understeer issues, apart from when the rear tyre gets worn and squared off.
I've run mine on Bridgestones for years and very happy with the handling on those.
It currently has c.2011/14 Michelin 2CT fitted and I acknowledge that this may be remedied with a suspension reset to factory standard and a new set of boots.I've run mine on Bridgestones for years and very happy with the handling on those.
Scrump said:
The grotty panel behind the peg is common, it is just a cover.
I had mine powder coated, it just comes off with a couple of bolts.
Re-assuring, thanks.I had mine powder coated, it just comes off with a couple of bolts.
Is there anything else that raises alarm bells for you guys?
bolidemichael said:
The deal is to p/ex my very, very careworn Fazer and take the bike for £4k with a new set of Metzeler M9RR tyres. They'll give the bike a once over in the garage and it comes with a one month warranty.
Doesn't seem too horrendous if it's sorted on pick-up. Might be worth a haggle and fit your own tyres?Krikkit said:
bolidemichael said:
The deal is to p/ex my very, very careworn Fazer and take the bike for £4k with a new set of Metzeler M9RR tyres. They'll give the bike a once over in the garage and it comes with a one month warranty.
Doesn't seem too horrendous if it's sorted on pick-up. Might be worth a haggle and fit your own tyres?
My poor Fazer doesn't deserve much money, though it passed the MOT without advisories.
Besides, M9RR are pretty pricey.
bolidemichael said:
Is there anything else that raises alarm bells for you guys?
Mine doesn't under-steer either. Maybe re-ride after it's got new tyres if you feel brave enough to push it on new rubber.Mine needed front discs at last MOT - both OEM and aftermarket surprisingly expensive, don't know about the rear but if it's marginal price it up before agreeing the deal.
I chatted to the mechanic who MOT'd my bike last week about my bike and VFRs in general. His view supports that stated here in that they run well into middle age with few issues. Only thing he mentioned that hasn't been brought up here is that oil pipes can corrode.
OEM luggage is nice if it's something you'll use - getting increasingly hard to find on Ebay.
I had a VFR 800 VTEC from new when they first came out.
- 1 - Shims checked at 64K and 100K miles, still in spec.
- 2 - The VTEC cutover was hugely reduced by the mechanic at the first service. Never noticed it ever again.
- 3 - Cams replaced around 70-80K - I can't recall exactly.
- 4 - Alternator went around the same time; rewound / rewired, all ok.
- 5 - Always serviced at a Honda dealer, service costs were all ok. None of this £500-£800 stuff. I was well looked after.
- 6 - Heated grips wouldn't last more than 30K miles :-(
Forgot to say OP, I've found that David Silver Spares are fantastic for OEM parts, pretty much anything you might need on the bike is available from them, usually very quickly.
https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/
Very helpful phone advice if you ever need it too, they really know the VFR.
https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/
Very helpful phone advice if you ever need it too, they really know the VFR.
Guys, all very helpful indeed. I think that I'll opt for it (or, at least a VFR) - I called them this evening just to ask about the service status - they said that they'll do a full PDI and address anything that needs doing before I get it so that I'm happy. What more can I ask right now than that..? I'm still awaiting a call for a glorious red one tomorrow, that might turn my head depending on what they offer and say about the bike.
Can't speak to the 800 but I have the 1200 version. One thing I've come across is that they are impeccably well built with a paint finish BMW could only dream of. The Facebook groups for the VFR series are very active with a lot of helpful people on there. There are a lot of suspension upgrades you can do as well. I had bad undertsteer and tramlining on my 1200, changed the hateful PR4 front to an Angel GT2 and fitted K tech springs for my weight and it's SOOOO much better. Should be receiving a Nitron shock within the next week as well.
It seems to be an almost open secret of just how capable the VFR series are. They don't do any one thing exceptionally well but they do a lot of things very well.
It seems to be an almost open secret of just how capable the VFR series are. They don't do any one thing exceptionally well but they do a lot of things very well.
bolidemichael said:
The 1200 is really the one after which I lust. In Tahiti Blue. Additionally, I have more likelihood of purchasing one with a good warranty from the dealer network and maintain a service history.
I've an 800 (pre VTEC) and a 1200 if you want the 1200 hold out for one.Mine isn't blue but i have been thinking of changing it for the crossrunner.
Firstly, I'd like to express how nice it is on PH to speak with bikers; it's refreshing to talk enthusiastically without any mayhem!
Apropos VFR1200F, why hold out for one if that's what I really fancy? I was riding the Fazer home last night and it occurred to me that a nice light bike is good for throwing about in town (not that I couldn't have both, but the fazer probably needs a new fan etc).
Apropos VFR1200F, why hold out for one if that's what I really fancy? I was riding the Fazer home last night and it occurred to me that a nice light bike is good for throwing about in town (not that I couldn't have both, but the fazer probably needs a new fan etc).
bolidemichael said:
Firstly, I'd like to express how nice it is on PH to speak with bikers; it's refreshing to talk enthusiastically without any mayhem!
Apropos VFR1200F, why hold out for one if that's what I really fancy? I was riding the Fazer home last night and it occurred to me that a nice light bike is good for throwing about in town (not that I couldn't have both, but the fazer probably needs a new fan etc).
Both are quite a bit heavier - I'd go for the 800 unless you've really got a fancy for the 12, if the interwebs are to be believed you're talking 189kg, 218kg and 267kg for the Fazer and the two VFRs.Apropos VFR1200F, why hold out for one if that's what I really fancy? I was riding the Fazer home last night and it occurred to me that a nice light bike is good for throwing about in town (not that I couldn't have both, but the fazer probably needs a new fan etc).
myvision said:
if you want the 1200 hold out for one
Absolutely this - not because the 1200 is necessarily the better bike (it's a very different bike - bigger, heavier, more powerful, shaft drive etc) but because if you're buying a bike to enjoy the ownership experience and the 1200 is what you want - then buy the bike you really want.I called and let the dealer know that I'm hesitant to proceed, on the basis that the bike didn't handle for me.
It could be:
- pre-load settings set for pillion and luggage i.e. jack up really high (I imagine that the rebound and compression aren't adjustable?)
- old 2CT Michelin
Until they have a look at it and get it right, I won't be greasing their palm for a bike that doesn't put a smile on my boat race.
It could be:
- pre-load settings set for pillion and luggage i.e. jack up really high (I imagine that the rebound and compression aren't adjustable?)
- old 2CT Michelin
Until they have a look at it and get it right, I won't be greasing their palm for a bike that doesn't put a smile on my boat race.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hondavfr800/permal...
Join this group and ask any questions you may have.
Join this group and ask any questions you may have.
boxedin said:
I had a VFR 800 VTEC from new when they first came out.
1 is probably because of 3 and are you really saying you had new cams for less than £500.- 1 - Shims checked at 64K and 100K miles, still in spec.
- 2 - The VTEC cutover was hugely reduced by the mechanic at the first service. Never noticed it ever again.
- 3 - Cams replaced around 70-80K - I can't recall exactly.
- 4 - Alternator went around the same time; rewound / rewired, all ok.
- 5 - Always serviced at a Honda dealer, service costs were all ok. None of this £500-£800 stuff. I was well looked after.
- 6 - Heated grips wouldn't last more than 30K miles :-(
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