Considering a VFR - Questions

I just wanted to clarify what I meant. The VFR vtec is not anything to worry about. It is much less than stomping on the vette or whacking 1300 cc's of FJR. When I say abrupt I mean and I think most people here do is that it is an on/off feeling as opposed to a gradual ramping up like a turbo would be. Again, don't worry about it. I really like my bike.

 

Craig, you are overthinking this. Each of the bikes you're considering is capable. Which one looks like "fun" to you? Buy that one!

 

I tend to research large purchases (anything over a couple hundred bucks) pretty substantially before jumping in. I think it's due to the money management skills my parents taught me and learning from experience. In my younger days I would buy too many things without researching them and then later regret my purchase and wish I'd purchased another model/whatever.

Thanks for the clarification. I have driven a VTEC-based vehicle, I owned an S2000 for a couple of years, so I had some idea what it felt like (I still liken it to the turbo coming online in my '89 Supra). I never felt it was unsettling in that car, but in a vehicle that is 20% the weight of the S2000 I wondered. Anyway, I'm feeling much better about it after some of the comments here.

 

I have an 2000 S2000 and love the VTECH. It engages as you described. What a rush. I'm sure from your remarks about the research you do that you are aware how the VTEC system works on the S2000. Unllike the VTECH system in the S2000, the VTECH on the VFR is much different. One intake valve remains closed until about 6800 rpm. About 6200 on newer models. I really don't know how you tell the actual RPM since mine is not calibrates in 100's. At that time the second intake valve is opened. The dwell of the valves remains unchanged, unlike the S2000. A little extra power is produced but with a smoothing-out of the torque curve. Check uot the specs and reviews. As in the the S2000 I enjoy that boost and sound. But it is altogether milder. I think the more that's going on the better the riding experience. More to think about and stay in tune with the machine. When I get the opportunity I love to run up the RPM and take advantage of the VTECH feature. To some there is concern that the VTEC may activate in the middle of a curve and as you mentioned spinning the rear wheel. I really don't think so just because of good riding habits and awareness. Would you be thowing on the throttle in the middle of a curve if you suspected gravel on the road. Thowing on a lot of power in low gears could cause a "wheelie". For some that's a rush. For others, not so much. Now for a rookie that is a concern. Imagine. The motorcycle standing right up. All by itsef. Remember too the stories of locking up front brakes and going over the bars. Imagine. What a story. I think there is always some exargeration and what if's without thought for riding skills and common sense. And if you want to run through the power band on a curve without consideration for RPM and shift points you should be worried. Seems i've heard the term high sides and low sides. Not really skill induced. You seem to be a thoughtful experienced rider who has handled power albeit with a crash about which I have no information. No judgements here. Maybe too you should have asked who has had experience with both the FJR and the VFR. You might get a better comparison. For that matter what's it like to punch a performace automobile. As mentioned by some I believe you really need to ride the VFR. As you well know I'm going to reiterate all the great things that VFR riders already know and told you. I am well pleased with mine. I almost bought an FJR.

 

I love the Vtec. It is similar to driving an old muscle car with a 4 bbl carb. You'll know when it kicks in, but it won't launch the front wheel skyward or send the rear wheel up in smoke, unless that is your objective.

 

I'm not scared of VTEC even when hanging off my VFR and taking it to the edge of the tread. Chopping the throttle is waaaaay worse than the VTEC switchover. I've never ridden an '02-'05 so I have no idea what they feel like. I'd like to think the reports of VTEC on those upsetting the handling might be a little exagerrated.

My '06 exhibits superb stability when crossing that 6400 RPM point. The sound and sharper rise in the power curve makes the bike feel exciting. It moves along quite well for a heavy bike with a small-ish engine. Great torque down low, smooth power up high. As with any motorcycle, being smooth with your inputs goes a long way.

 

I purchased an '08 VFR800A two weeks ago for my daily 50 mile round-trip work commute. The first two criteria you mentioned were also concerns of mine.

Thus far I have had no problems with reliability. The bike fires up eagerly regardless of air temperature. The program-controlled fuel injection automatically adjusts for proper air-fuel mix eliminating the manual "choke".

The hard luggage (OEM) is easily opened, closed, locked and removed. I stow my helmet (full-face) and jacket during working hours. I have plenty of room for foul-weather gear and a small lunch box. Although I've no complaint I do understand some complaints as to the keying of the luggage to an additional key as opposed to the ignition key. I should also mention that the hard luggage is a $999 option.

I have never piloted an FJR or Bandit so I have no basis for comparison in that department.

I am surprised at how low my insurance is on this bike (~$225/yr). I receive a discount for the bike being ABS equipped. Insuring optional equipment (hard luggage) added to the premium. I enrolled in a cycle safety course at the local University which will entitle me to a concession in rates as well.

As far as the VTEC is concerned I am pleased. In my normal commute I seldom hit the VTEC "power band". I catch myself looking for opportunities get the RPM's up to the 6400 threshold. IE, passing cars... I'm not the least bit concerned to engage the VTEC while cornering. It simply gives you more power with further twisting of the throttle. At worst it offers a new variable to riding in the fact that you really should know where your RPM's are running. As do most riders, I tend to do this anyway. I haven't necessarily notice a lack of power in the low/mids but the high RPM power is disproportionately greater than low RPM. I understand some VFR owner's drop a tooth on the front sprocket to counter this. If, per chance, you do have the restraint to keep out of the VTEC RPM range the engine emission and fuel consumption are lower. I average right at 42 MPG now.

I am unsure as to the expense of servicing and maintaining the VTEC. A large factor for myself was the fact that I happen to reside 8 miles from my Honda Dealer.

I have been riding and wrecking cycles for 30 years and I have to say that the VFR is the best OVERALL bike I have ridden.