VFR800 VTEC - your experiences

[bolidemichael]

As ULEZ is arriving and my trusty old FZS600 Fazer is being deleted (but my 2003 5.0L V8 or 2006 4.4L V8 or 2002 1.4L IL4 aren't), I'm looking to trade up for a do-it-all bike. The chap at the bike shop just received a 2008 25k VFR in part-ex and I like the sound of it.



Have you enjoyed owning/riding one in the past? What should I endure they've checked before I sign on the dotted line? It's at 25,000miles.

I won't be racking up the miles - the occasional urban run, very occasional ride-out (unless it's that fun that it forces me out of bed at stupid o'clock on a Sunday) and perhaps a future tour/camping with one of the children (I'll let them fight it out between themselves).

Why the need? The Fazer is a little tired, I fancy a bike that isn't an IL4 and I resent having to pay to ride down the Putney high street when I'm in Wimbledon.

[bolidemichael]

I'm after an engine with character. I've owned a GSX600 which I used on track, a 954 Blade and the Fazer. All IL4.

[bolidemichael]

s2kjock said:

Had one as my second bike after a VFR800 FiW older non VTEC. Really liked it. Used for 180 mile weekend trips into North of Scotland.

Slow speed stalling issue with these varies quite a bit between individual bikes. Mine wasn't too bad so didn't try to get it sorted, but apparently can be done.

Often wish I never "upgraded" to a full on touring bike.

Thanks for the feedback - what's the quality that you're missing in the 'full on' tourer?

Krikkit said:

Not had one so not much help, but as an observer I'd say the engine sounds brilliant, and ideally it'd be red.

I do like the 'Candy Red' ones too, most of all the 'Midnight'(?) Blue. However, I've surprised myself in that when I've browsed my phone photos since Saturday, I'm struck by how handsome it is, despite grey being potentially drab. It's also a case of purchasing upon condition and availability -- the dealer is local and strikes me as a good and accountable one, too.

spareparts said:

Ironically I got a 954 to replace my Viffer. If you want an urban bike with character, get a BMW R1200/1250R.

A Guzzi Stelvio has sat on my long term bike list. I just don't think that I'm ready for opening the door to the seductive quantities of upright biking, so I know that, Tuono, Multistrada etc will be a hoot. I do prefer the profile of a sports tourer and still see myself as that kind of rider.

I loved my 954 -- rode it to Mugello then onto Athens; hammer laps around the Nordschleife for years, too. I have an original manual and some spare bits and clips if you're after any.

[bolidemichael]

Thanks for all of the feedback.

I went to see the bike again and ride it.

Likes:

- Solid

- Very certain clutch action

- torquey engine like churning butter (or kneading dough)

- full Honda luggage

- rear fender

- They'll MOT it for me (it is currently SORN)

- It's only five miles from my home

- They have really positive reviews on Autotrader, esp for distance sales

Dislikes:

- Lots of understeer on right hand bends (perhaps the pre-load was jacked up to accommodate luggage and pillion by the previous owner?)

- Tingly throttle hand after just twenty minutes' riding (they said that they'd fit bar risers FOC to solve the issue)

- Some signs of neglect - the circlip and bolt for the can were rusted through (said that they'd replace) and there is a metal fascia behind the o/s peg that looks grotty too, having been repainted (he said that it would be addressed - didn't specify how)

- The rear disc is scored (waived that away as in keeping with the condition of the bike and that if it is an issue it'll appear on the MOT)

- No invoices from 2014 and no evidence of valve check being done (sounds fine to my amateur ears)

- Last service was 2017 and 21k miles - now on 25k

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.

He also gave me the old 'I've had a number of enquiries' patter before dropping the price to secure my business today, which pissed me off a little and made me think a little more about the claimed condition.

Edited by bolidemichael on Monday 20th September 14:39

[bolidemichael]

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.

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.

Is there anything else that raises alarm bells for you guys?

[bolidemichael]

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?

We have 'aggled

My poor Fazer doesn't deserve much money, though it passed the MOT without advisories.

Besides, M9RR are pretty pricey.

[bolidemichael]

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.

[bolidemichael]

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.

[bolidemichael]

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).

[bolidemichael]

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.

[bolidemichael]

Thanks for the feedback and the nice action shot.

I'm certain that they'll get the bike prepped well, they refer to a PDI, committed to MOT it - okay, so they've been vague on what they'll do, but I suspect that they'll do it properly. They're away for a week now and I'll ruminate and chat with them upon their return.

In the meantime, I've been looking at other bikes.

[bolidemichael]

I have ridden a 1200 before and was instantly enthralled by the explosive, chortle-worthy power delivery and the easy handling. I believe
that the ones to consider are the revised ones post-2012.

[bolidemichael]

black-k1 said:

bolidemichael said:

In the meantime, I've been looking at other bikes .....

I'll keep my gob shut!

Oh... the H2... they actually have one of those for sale also... and they do pique my interest.

I'd rather not have another IL4 engine, however.

[bolidemichael]

Krikkit said:

Sounds like you've got a tricky choice bm - lots of great bikes available at a slightly increased budget, most of them would do what you want quite well, although the bigger they are the less flickable around town they are. Have you room to keep the Fazer as well? Might be worth hanging onto a bike you know, like and suits one use case when it's not worth a great deal.

It has occurred to me - and I ask Yamaha for a £75 Conformity of Certificate reference and then become exempt from ULEZ. An issue is that the fan isn't working, so that may need to be repaired in time.

I also can't stop eyeing up this bike.



It's a proprietary engine, under/around 200kg and no TC.

[bolidemichael]

black-k1 said:

bolidemichael said:

Oh... the H2... they actually have one of those for sale also... and they do pique my interest.

I'd rather not have another IL4 engine, however.

I understand, but a charged engine is very different to it's naturally aspirated equivalent. I'd recommend trying one, if just to be nosey!

There aren't any roads in which to open it up around Tooting unfortunately.

This is the example they have, which is more than I wish to spend.



Kudos to you for owning one, though. I'd love to try one and have been fascinated by them ever since launch.

[bolidemichael]

One way ticket in hand and currently on the train to view a potential purchase...

[bolidemichael]

It came with 3/4 of a tank... I burned through most of it on the A3 back home knowing that I wouldn't be rushing to ride it for a while, or as long as needed to have reliable fuel stocks once again!



It's a really good spec - the GT spec, I believe.

[bolidemichael]

Here's the ad

[bolidemichael]

Seight_Returns said:

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.

You two pushed me into a determined search for the 1200 and lo and behold, just a few quid more than the 2008 800 from the dealer - thanks!

[bolidemichael]

TTT it wasn't part-exd and I now have the Fazer too - forlorn and slowly perishing. What to do, perhaps keep it as a local and a London hack.

As for the ride, I'll get some miles under my belt and see where I should start. It has Dunlop road smarts fitted for one, which seemed quite good on the dry A3 and at speed. A touch of resistance on turn in and a touch of under steer, but these are initial observations and I'll settle into a more determined view as I get out and about over the coming weeks and months. The best thing about this season is that all the summer bikers hang up their one-pieces and an early riser is rewarded with open roads.