VTEC question

Agreed!

 

Rollin - I'm not sure why you're directing your post at me as my comment was not in direct response to your post, otherwise I would have quoted you in my reply. I have no problem with the fact that you are not comfortable with the VTEC. As you know, you are not alone and there are a lot of other people that feel the same way you do. However, there is also a large number of people who share my view on the subject.

I have 24+ years of street experience and 29+ years of off-road MX experience. I grew up racing 125cc and 250cc 2-stroke MX bikes where you ride wide open. To this day, I still ride with an MX club on a CRF250R where I still run it wide open. This off-road experience definitely helps with the street and may be my reason why the VTEC does not affect me in any way. On my daily commute, the VTEC engages mid-turn on my route and when I ride the bike, I am not conscious of where I am in the RPM range or when it might engage. That is because I don't need to know because it is not an issue for me. I do not keep tract of it.

The VTEC isn't for everybody which is why I often post that potential owners should test drive one if they have the opportunity before purchasing. One size does not fit all.

 

Stew,

Our riding experience is almost identical. I will turn 40 this year and have been riding dirt bikes since the age of 10. I too have spent countless hours at motocross tracks and offroad recreational areas and have owned every major brand 2-stroke made between 80cc and 250cc. Even though I haven't owned a pure dirt bike in almost 10 years I still clearly remember hitting the "powerband" and lifting up the front wheel and holding on for dear life as I approached the whoops LOL!! When I turned sixteen I got my street class license and for the first time started riding legally on the street since the police didn't seem to be fond of people riding KX125's on the road LOL!! Since then I have owned everything from scooters to pure sport bikes and everything in between. I thought I would get used to the VTEC but after almost 5 years I still find it annoying but manageable. It's funny that you mentioned 2 stroke dirt bikes because when I first got my 07 VFR I used to describe the VTEC to people as almost the same feeling as hitting the powerband on a 2-stroke. I fully understand why some people like the VTEC but I much prefer a smooth linear power delivery. I fully agree that potential owners should ride before buying. My primary reason for buying the VTEC was that I wanted a sport bike that was touring friendly and the VFR fit the bill. Coincidentally my friend was the GM at a dealership in TN and gave me a smokin hot deal on the VFR that I just couldn't pass up.


Rollin

 

Rollin - Just out of curiosity, have you added a PC to the bike? I have a PCV on mine and it really does make a difference. I see your logic for wanting to buy it. If you do plan to send it down the road, what are you planning to replace it with?

 

oh god, this post again?

 

I have an 07. I like it when it kicks in.

 

Having only ridden my '06, people here saying you only notice the sound bothers me. I get quite a bit of vibration when the VTEC comes on. Is there any chance something could be wrong?

 

When the VTEC kicks in, there is a change in the exhaust note as well as an increase in pulling power. The question of the thread is how abrupt that power is. When you say "vibration" is this what you're talking about? There is more than likely nothing wrong with your bike.

 

I get no vibration. Just a smile on my face.

 

I get an unmistakable increase in engine vibration. 13.8K on the clock. I've had it since 7.5K and the vibration was there when I got it. I know there's a valve adjustment check at 15 or 16K but that things are normally still in spec. I should probably start a different thread if anyone has any idea what it might be.

 

Terc, in your case I think the best bet would be to ride it to a local "trusted" Honda shop and have a conversation with one of the mechanics. Explain that you are not sure if it is a vibration or just the normal operation of the VTEC. See what he says and maybe let him take it for a ride. If you trust him you should have your answer before it costs you a dime.

Maybe try someone else's 6th. gen. I don't know where you are but if you are by me in Illinois you can try mine while I try yours.

 

I have an 07 RWB, and frankly i LOVE the VTEC 'pop' under slower sporty cornering you can use it to step the rear end out a little and turn sharply almost fast freddie style, when i am less of a fan is in 40mph traffic when i'm at moderate throttle and i hear it clicking on and off over and over so i usually ride around it by choosing the right RPM for the right situation.

but i definitely think it's a part of the bikes character...not exactly charming...but it's a bit clever ...gives the rider something unusual to play with besides just zipping to top RPM and feels a bit like a laggy turbo kick and the aural boost at the tailpipe becomes addictive as it goes.

bbbbrrrrrrrmmmmm_schnicK_KRAKRAKAKARKAKAKAKA...

 

I had a vtec model and sold it to buy a 5th gen.the 5th gen is 10 times the bike of the 6th gen.vtec is unnescessary crap

 

That would be awesome of you. I'm actually in Chicago. looks like you're not far away at all. It's been like this for about 6K miles, so I'm hoping that if something was wrong, it would have gone very wrong by now. But it would help to have something to compare it to, especially someone else that is used to what another VFR sounds like.

By the way, I'm always up for a ride if you're ever looking for a riding buddy.

 

Sorry for the late reply. PM me your info and maybe we can hook up sometime.

I usually show up at Full Moon on North US 41 on Sunday Mornings Late