The VFR lives.....

When I was taking delivery of my bike the other day I got to speak with the Honda rep who was visiting that day. He congratulated me on my new VFR and how it is such a great all around performer. I mentioned that I read Honda would cancel it and he was quiet. I stated that it must be difficult for Honda to decide the direction of the bike especially since it doesn't sell as well here but is very popular overseas. He opened up a little then. He said there will be a VFR in some form or another next year and that Honda is working on which way to go with it. Expect the balanced approach again. Similar ergos, lighter weight. The 800 may stay with a small power boost since the V4 configuration with 800cc gives Motogp credibility to the bike and retains the lineage to the past. It sounds like they will redesign the bike next year. Not definite but it seems right. 25th Anniversary model to send the Gen 6 out with some style and celebrate the last 25 years of VFR performance. Now we can look forward to the next 25 years with a new redesigned model.

 

:smile: ooooooooooooooo ... anticipation.

 

1000 V4 or V5 !


FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED ME Symor, I need more (POWER !!!).

 

Still sounds fishy to me. Sorry for being a non-believer, but I really do not understand Honda. I feel lucky to have a good 2K VFR which I have no intention of selling. I need to keep my motorcycle stable down to two bikes - that is what I can afford and have time to ride. I may get rid of the Goldwing at the end of this riding season. At the end of the riding season this year, I want to see if I can find an 06 or 07 leftover ZX14 or a Hayabusa. If I can pull that off I would have a VFR and either a ZX14 or Hayabusa. The Hayabusa is my first choice, mainly due to the fact that I like Suzuki and I think the Hayabusa is a prettier bike than the ZX14. I am not looking for speed, but I would like something that is comfortable for two up touring and is also some fun to ride. So, if Honda does do something with the VFR that like then I will trade my 2k VFR and upgrade.

 

What ever Honda plans to do next year is already a done deal. It takes too much time to redesign a bike and get it on the market in less than a year.

I think Honda would be missing the boat if they didn't come out with some type of a streetable RC212V replica. Whether the focus is on racing of sport touring will be the question. When the VF first came out it made no pretenses about being a sport touring package. That came later, so it’s safe to say the VFR could reemerge in any configruation. JMHO

 

I'm in full agreement with you, & I'm still thinking positive that it will happen !

 

Assuming that Honda does NOT upgrade the VFR to a 1000, might I recommend a BMW K1200RS/GT to you. These models are GREAT for 2 up riding with plenty of power and comfort. While they are not as nimble as a VFR, they handle better then the Hayabusa and come with extra comfort options standard such as cruise control, heated grips/seat, adjustable windscreen and pegs, hard luggage.... and best thing for somebody looking to get in is that the used prices are CHEAP since BMW recently released the K1200S and GT (2G) recently which has flooded the used market. The bikes are bullet-proof. I bought my 02 RS used with 1350 miles in November of 2003. I've put 33k loving miles on it since... no regrets.

 

That BMW is a great bike.... I have a friend that owns one. As far as the VFR goes, I have been looking at a lot of the responses on the board regarding the route Honda should take with the VFR. As was stated in this thread, the design is already set for the next generation. The rep I spoke with isn't about to tell anybody whats really going on but at least we know something is happening. The VFR isn't going away. Personally I think the VFR is great because it does so many things as well as it does. Its almost one of those "be carefull what you wish for" dilemmas. I would like to see a higher performance version with freer exhaust, some of the fuel mapping and injection technology from the CBR, and maybe make it a true 800cc with some lighter internals but keep reasonable ergos so it can be ridden longer without so much pain as all out sportbikes. A lot of us can take care of some of these things without buying a new bike. I am happy I purchased my 2007. I don't really want it to change since I just got mine but thats what happens. We all want something exciting to happen so we have a reason go visit the dealer and drool over something new that we would actually consider worth buying. I hope they keep moving the bar but maybe we should try to remember why we own our current bikes. They are pretty damn good.

 

its hard to imagine honda getting rid of the vfr in its current form this bike really is in class of its own. if honda discontinues this bike duc st and possiblily zx14 with a few mods might be my next alternative bike . not ready for a st1300 but that new kawi 08 concours looks intresting.

 

The K1200RS is a great bike, I had a '98 -- even took it to Sears Point for a track day once, surprised a lot of people. But the VFR is so much more sporting. But the K12 was better for high speed highway work. Much more stable at 100+. Although I do miss the shaft drive and not having to deal with that damn chain!

 

Couldn't waithwell: , bought a '06Sprint ST Triumph, & I'm a very happy camper with it:smile: , & so is my daughter, because she gets to ride the VFR(hand me downs are not alway's bad:biggrin: ).