Honda VFR's....why no love?

[chuck peterson]

I see VFR's going for dirt cheap all the time. Never ridden one, but they always seem cheap, discarded and unwanted in the classifieds...the motor Mr. S. Honda called perfect, the 90 degree v-4. What's wrong with them?

https://newhaven.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2003-honda-vfr800/6400834215.html

[yogidozer]

no personality. a pretty face only attracts the Charlie Sheen's 

[bpreynolds]

I see VFR's going for dirt cheap all the time. Never ridden one, but they always seem cheap, discarded and unwanted in the classifieds...the motor Mr. S. Honda called perfect, the 90 degree v-4. What's wrong with them?

https://newhaven.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2003-honda-vfr800/6400834215.html

Don’t worry  Honda sold enough of them back in the day to not be shedding any tears about it now. 

[pmillar]

VFR's had a great history and well earned reputation of delivering a well balanced, very high quality machine with good (not great) performance combined with relative comfort - compared to race replicas. They lost their way when they seemingly went  for high tech for high techs sake that didn't deliver the goods. You ended up with an overweight, expensive, overly complex bike (the variable valve timing thing) that begged the question, why?  They were slower and much heavier than the 600's of the day and a whole lot more expensive. Since the Vtec was introduced I completely lost interest in them at a time (age/income) when I would/should have had one in the garage. And personally, I think the V4's did have some personality (with a quality pipe). Unfortunately, it became a bad personality with the Vtec motors. My old TLS smoked them (once the suspension was fixed) for a lot less money and with a whole lot more personality.

[blackbuell]

They are outstanding do-it-all bikes: relatively light, ample torque and HP, great handling and braking, and ergos comfortable enough for cross-country trips (at least for a relatively young and supple individual). Common criticism is lack of "character". However, the ones with the gear driven cams had plenty of character, IMO.

About a dozen years ago I bought a salvaged 1998, took plenty of time to get it road worthy. It became my favorite bike up until then. Loved it so much I decided to buy another of the same model in pristine condition; found one with less than 20K miles on it in perfect condition; only cost me $3,500. I ended up with twin 1998 VFR's for just over $5,000. My wife and others thought I was nuts to have 2 of the same bikes, but I liked having a spare. I ended up putting about 50K miles on the two combined. Sold them several years ago as the semi-sporty riding position became too uncomfortable for my aging body.

They are typical Honda: good fit and finish and reasonably bulletproof. They don't really fit into any category; they are a compromise between sport and sport-touring. Maybe that is a reason for their lack of popularity. New, they were also expensive for an 800 cc bike. I agree with pmillar that the switch to VTEC was a bad idea.

Jon

[sdcr]

I rode a 91 red, 750 iteration many years ago. Like others have said, it was very competent, but had three niggling issues. In temps above 80, the right side(exhaust) would become excessively, and uncomfortably warm. Also, not the greatest gas mileage, IIRC, was getting 32-37 mpg. Lastly, I found it to be somewhat heavy in the handling department. I also had 94 Ducati 900SS/SP, that comparitivly felt light a featherweight.

 Othewise, it was drop dead good looking with blood red bodywork and gold colored wheels. made good power, especially in the mid range, and sounded terrific.

[yogidozer]

yes, but can they haul a refrigerator? and need they be upright or laid on their side?

[PeteS]

I rode a 91 red, 750 iteration many years ago. Like others have said, it was very competent, but had three niggling issues. In temps above 80, the right side(exhaust) would become excessively, and uncomfortably warm. Also, not the greatest gas mileage, IIRC, was getting 32-37 mpg. Lastly, I found it to be somewhat heavy in the nailing department. I also had 94 Ducati 900SS/SP, that comparitivly felt light a featherweight.

 Othewise, it was drop dead good looking with blood red bodywork and gold colored wheels. made good power, especially in the mid range, and sounded terrific.

My brother still has his '91. I always thought the early ones were the best. For a few years Reg Pridmore used VFRs for himself and his instructors for his CLASS track schools. Anyone who has been passed by him with a passenger on his bike while in a curve knows these are very capable bikes.

Pete

[Aaron D.]

I think the final 750 and pre-VTEC 800s are among the best bikes ever. I nearly bought one several times and I regret not doing it.

[wavedog]

Honda VFR - now there is a blast from the past. I had a red 91 750. Upgraded the suspension and brakes, yosh exhaust, jet kit and dyno tuned. It was a very competent motorcycle with great character. That v-four sounded fabulous when it was winding up. It would do two finger stoppies. Second gear power on wheelies on corner exits were fun.  I rode it all over the country. My wife and I road it from Wickenburg, AZ to Athens, GA to see our daughter while she was a student at UGA. We carried our jack russell with us. One time while we were in Hot Springs AR we were trying to pass a rolling road block of a group riding a very popular brand of motorcycle and every time I tried to pass someone would move out to block me. They were riding about 20 under the speed limit. I told my wife to hang on and whacked the throttle open and passed them on the shoulder with the front wheel about a foot in the air and my lovely wife waving at them as we blew by. Oh to be in my 40's with a VFR. Great times. Great bike.

[Sheepdog]

I liked all the 750/800s better than the 1200. Cool bikes...

[antmanbee]

I told my wife to hang on and whacked the throttle open and passed them on the shoulder with the front wheel about a foot in the air and my lovely wife waving at them as we blew by. Oh to be in my 40's with a VFR. Great times. Great bike.

You need to change your name to maddog.....

[Chuck in Indiana]

I had an early 600 V4. It was a pleasant enough engine, but a PITA to work on.. and it needed it. I gave it to a gearhead kid. (Well, $300, didn't want him to think it was a gift.) 

[Lannis]

One time while we were in Hot Springs AR we were trying to pass a rolling road block of a group riding a very popular brand of motorcycle and every time I tried to pass someone would move out to block me.

That's strange behavior from Bajaj riders ... Don't normally see that.

Lannis

[Bonaventure]

Interesting in concept but rather milk toast in execution... in my opinion only. 

[Aaron D.]

I'm not a cheerleader for much, but "milktoast" for a bike that Ron Haslam took out of the crate and raced with success?

[kirby1923]

Interesting in concept but rather milk toast in execution... in my opinion only. 

Huh? curious as to what that means.

Any machine that will turn an mid 11 sec 1/4 at over 100 mph and top 150 mph flat out can hardly be described at milquetoast!

How many have you owned/rode?

[rss29]

Interesting in concept but rather milk toast in execution... in my opinion only. 

Certainly not a supersport or race replica, but I don’t think I would describe as milquetoast. They were a fast and capable bike that didn’t force you onto your wrists. With an exhaust that V4 sounds terrific. I have owned two, including my favorite bike of all time- the 1986 750 with the gear driven cams. I don’t care for the later bikes as much.

[Darren Williams]

Sounds like those that actually had the pre-VTEC models liked them plenty well. I know there are devoted fans over on the Sport Touring sites.

I had a 1982 V45 Sabre back in the day and really enjoyed that motor. Would pull nicely at low RPMs in town and really came to life when winding it up.  I lost that bike (totaled it out) when I hit a dog on the way to work just a month before I got married. That bike and my 1200 Sport are my two all time favorites.

[NorthernProducer]

I've owned every generation VFR up through the 1st gen VTEC bikes.  My wife also rode pre-VTEC VFR's in the day.  So, I can account for quite a few VFR's that have been in the "family".  Except for their tendency to burn out rectifiers on the pre-VTEC bikes, they were great all-arounders.  My wife even did some touring with her last one by adding the factory bags and top box.  Well...as most of us can say...we should have kept that one!  My biggest regret was moving to the VTEC bikes which left me "cold" to the model, but did sell it to a guy in KY that still uses it to commute to work.

[Irn]

I have had my eye on a Yellow 5th generation with gear driven cams.  Can not understand why the MPG is so poor.  Wavedog, how did you keep your Jack Russell on the bike!

[wavedog]

Irn- that JRT was a lunatic! Anything with wheels and she was on it- including the wheelbarrow. When I would ride the quad out thru the desert she would stand on the tank with her paws on the handlebars. She was always safety harnessed to me. While on the bike we had a messenger style bag and she was clipped into that. When it was cold we would stuff her into a pink one piece baby jumpsuit. We got some strange looks.

[oldbike54]

yes, but can they haul a refrigerator? and need they be upright or laid on their side?

 
 Dangit Yogi , I just got my pooter screen cleaned 

 Dusty

[JohninVT]

I had the original �83 750 Interceptor, two �86 500 Interceptors and I�ve ridden every generation VFR.  VTEC, changing the firing order and especially the move from gear driven to chain drive cams ruined them.  The white �86 750 is the best looking of them all, IMHO.  Having said that, I almost bought a left over, heavily discounted 25th Anniversary edition because it looked so good. 

Of all the VFR�s I�ve ever owned or ridden(about a dozen) my absolute favorite was the �86 500 that had a CBR 600 fork swap so it could run modern 17� wheels.  They have almost identical specs to a SV650; 425lbs, 70hp, handle great but they�re more comfortable than an SV.  The gear whine is also something I loved. 

[PJPR01]

Used to ride a friends 1984 1000 Interceptor years ago at the university.  This bike was anything but tame...screaming fast, far more bike than I should have been riding at the time, but I loved it!  Used to ride all around La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach along the ocean and back to the campus, hours of fun!   

If I could find one like it today in decent condition, I'd love to ride that bike again!

[Sasquatch Jim]

I have had my eye on a Yellow 5th generation with gear driven cams.  Can not understand why the MPG is so poor.  Wavedog, how did you keep your Jack Russell on the bike!

 He probably just ran alongside/. I love Jack Russel terrorists.

[NHMike]

I rode a 91 red, 750 iteration many years ago. Like others have said, it was very competent, but had three niggling issues. In temps above 80, the right side(exhaust) would become excessively, and uncomfortably warm. Also, not the greatest gas mileage, IIRC, was getting 32-37 mpg. Lastly, I found it to be somewhat heavy in the nailing department. I also had 94 Ducati 900SS/SP, that comparitivly felt light a featherweight.

 Othewise, it was drop dead good looking with blood red bodywork and gold colored wheels. made good power, especially in the mid range, and sounded terrific.

I too rode a 91 VFR, sweet bike, nothing like a 90 degree vtwin though.


picture hosting sites free

[Irn]

Wavedog stuffing your Jack Russell into a baby onezie, we need photos   We lost our full size wired haired dachshund last year, so rather than getting another dog we have been watching a close friend 12-year-old JRT when they travel.  At 12 he still has an insane amount of energy, don't let another dog get between him and his ball!  I guess they jump up on horses and ride on the saddle in merry old England, why not ride a Goose.  Your JRT story made my morning  Ian  aka Irn

[Craig in Alabama]

I had a '93 (The Refrigerator) and a '95. Great bikes! But a PITA if the carbs ever got gummed up.

I took a couple CLASS schools at Road Atlanta while they were using VFRs. I took a couple laps with Jason Pridmore and it was eye opening. If he could do that with me on the back? I had the same bike and the same tires, and my next time out on the track I had complete confidence in the bike. I was much faster than before, but Jason was still passing me with passengers on his VFR.

Coincidentally, I'm wearing my CLASS t-shirt today! Still looks pretty good for being ~22 years old.

Cheers!
Craig

[Arizona Wayne]

Wavedog stuffing your Jack Russell into a baby onezie, we need photos   We lost our full size wired haired dachshund last year, so rather than getting another dog we have been watching a close friend 12-year-old JRT when they travel.  At 12 he still has an insane amount of energy, don't let another dog get between him and his ball!  I guess they jump up on horses and ride on the saddle in merry old England, why not ride a Goose.  Your JRT story made my morning  Ian  aka Irn

Don't know if he still does this but Frank Wedge (MGNOC honcho) used to have a special tank bag with a zipper right up the center of it for his miniature Doberman pincher who rode with him long distances.     When it got cold Frank would just close up the zipper some..........

I always liked the looks of the VFRs as a sport/tourer, but 2 things about them kept me from getting 1........all that fairing if/when I crash and chain drive.  Instead I got a CX100.