6th Gen vs 8th Gen VFR800: worth the switch?

Hello. I am considering switching from my 6th Gen 2007 Anniversary ABS VFR800 to 8th Gen VFR800 DLX. Would appreciate any comments, pro or con, and any comments from persons who have made a 5th/6th Gen switch to 8th. I love my 2007 VFR800, and go back all the way to 1993 with VFR's. Will use the new bike for 150-450 mile touring days. Thanks.

 

I rode an 8G at a dealer open day. By comparison to my 5G it felt newer (smoother clutch/gearbox) but otherwise not that different, seat was a little flatter, ride position otherwise the same. Certainly a nicely finished machine, but functionally not very different to my well-used 5G. Unless you have a burning ambition to swap, I would suggest you update the brakes and suspension on your 6G (in that beautiful 25th anniversary scheme) and make it like new mechanically.

 

Appreciate the comments. Good observations. I do really like my retro color scheme. And on the G6, I powder-coated the wheels in Honda white, sit on a Sargent World Sport, have the OEM blue luggage, added Helibars, ThrottleMeister, 12 volt accessory, and more. It's a great ride. I also keep looking for lighter bikes that will deliver the same performance and touring, but, so far, nothing rings the bell. And I've owned Ducati's--ST4s, ST3s--and a Triumph Sprint ST--and a rare HD Dynaglide Sport--all with factory luggage and fully equipped, and all great bikes. And I've been testing a BMW F800ST, which has some excellent features, but I like the VFR more, especially over 40+mph. I just like my VFR ride, ready for any freeway and any canyon. Thanks.

 

Sold my '06 about 3 years ago. Bought a '14 non delux a couple weeks ago. I really like both.
The 14 is more comfy to me. I had a Sargent on my 06, and it was great, but the 14 probably doesn't need it. The oem is pretty damn good. Seating position feels nearly the same, as I remember anyway.
I really love the oem exhaust on the 06.
The engine sound is also nearly the same. The reviews keep saying the older ones are louder in 4v mode. Meh.
Handling. Hmmm. Not really sure here. I am not thrilled with the Gen8 cornering ability as of yet. I honestly think it is more a tire issue though. I am currently playing with my limited suspension settings. But, I did not buy this for mad cornering!
Gas milage. Bout the same. Getting about 45 on the freeway. 2k miles as of now.
I will say that my 06 felt a bit quicker, but that may be due to how much smoother the power delivery is on the 14. It really is smooth.
Lighting. Hands down, the 14 LEDs are wicked nice. Best I have ever ridden.
Then it comes to looks. I actually like the 06 looks a tiny bit more except for the big bug eyes! To each his own I guess.
I bought the 14 in Denver and rode her home to Orlando in 3 days, 1881 miles. Was actually an easy 3 days even on an oem bike!
Hope this helps.
Fwiw, I traded my perfect condition 06 with 6500 miles in and got $4500. I paid $5397 with zero fees for my new 14 2 weeks ago. I would not have traded it in, except I NEEDED a Hayabusa and didn't have any more garage space! I have since moved, and have plenty of room to expand my Man Cave.
Good luck in whatever you decide. There is not wrong choice there. And for the record, that red white and blue is spectacular!
Troy

 

IMO, 110% yes.

I sold my 6th gen, and bought a 8th the very next day. Super happy with it.

It feels as refined as the 5th gen yet newer. It's smooth, the VTEC is muted, and it's really a joy to ride.

Love VFRs? You'll love the 8th. It ticks more boxes than it misses. The deals are amazing right now, too!

 

Great story--Denver to Orlando on new bike, and great summary of 6th and 8th. Thanks..

 

It seems to me that the extra $$$ it would cost to switch into the newer VFR would be better spent on suspension and fueling upgrades to your RWB 6th Gen - which is stunning, by the way!

 

I hear you, and I agree. And your are right--there are some great deals on remaining 2015's in showrooms. My biggest hangup: letting go of my 2007 6th in the red/white/blue colors. There are plenty examples of the same bike out there in the used market . . . with stock black wheels, but I upgraded mine in special ways, and it took a lot of work. Once it's gone, it's gone. So do I keep it and also buy an 8th? Oh, . . . as they say, on the horns of a dilemma.

 

Good suggestions, but I am perfectly happy with near-stock setup of my 6th Gen. Only reasons for change would be 1) ergonomics/seating geometry 2) LED lights and 3) great deals right now as Honda clears 2015's from dealer showrooms. The current pricing offers a lot of bike for the money. Thanks.

 

To me, it's a no brainer. The 6th would be for sale immediately. Something about the 8th that I like much more than my 6th. I did have an 02 so fueling was not as refined as your 07. RWB is also a great color scheme.

Something about the way the new bike feels when you ride it stands out. The 8th gen feels lighter, smaller, and more flickable (even with stock tires for me.) It's only a few lb lighter but feels even more so. Another thing to consider, how many chances are you going to have to buy a brand new VFR in the US? As it stands, we probably won't see another VFR on our soil. Heck, they're almost half price now!

 

Daugherty Motorsports suspension front/back, and HEL SS lines; the suspension will feel a lot better; the brake lines, well, yours aren't that old yet, so perhaps not much actual difference.

 

No. Just to change to a newer bike. The 6th gen. is a good bike, handles well, corners well, runs good, etc. The 8th gen just does it better but not better enough to spend the money and give up a perfectly good 6th gen........if it's perfectly good.

 

Standard $5999 https://www.dallashonda.com/street/street_sport/2014-vfr800-interceptor/
Deluxe $8999 https://www.dallashonda.com/street/street_sport/vfr800-interceptor-deluxe/

 

These are great prices. What dealer fees are added? In my search recently, I only found 2 dealers in the US that add zero fees. 1 in WVa, and 1 in Denver. I bought mine from Sun Enterprises in Denver for $5397 and no fees! They still have a bunch they are unloading. They had a 2015 white delux for $7497. Call and ask for Brian. Awesome customer service.

If you can sell urs for $4500, and get a brand new for &5400?! No brainer to me. Yes, my 06 got $4500.
Troy

 

Good price. I talked to a dealer is Wisconsin and their dealer fees were a total of $595. The stearlership here want about $1200. F*cking scam! I used to sell bikes, I know what the actual fees are. I've seen them in person.

 

Standard -- $6199......https://faymyers.com/Motorcycles-Ho...llage-CO-0ecc3100-e285-44ee-a157-a7bc010c3902
Deluxe -- $6999......https://faymyers.com/Motorcycles-Ho...llage-CO-3e8df670-5587-491a-a09a-a7bc010c90ca

 

Yep. It's pretty bad when $595 seems like a steal! Haha. Most I found were around 750 setup, 500 delevery and another 500 for paperwork. A few quoted only 500-750 total.
The net can be a great tool. Well, that and airlines and gas stations!
Troy

 

Life is wayyyy to short to not get the better bike if you are fiscally able to do so.

You live once. Make something of it! Don't settle!

 

Interesting. 2014 compared to a 1999, according to bikez.com

http://www.bikez.com/rating/honda_vfr800f_2014.php?idbike=38494

Okay the comparison didn't link. Scroll to the bottom and use the drop down menu to select the 5th gen.

 

In 1998, the VFR800 was the top bike in pack, according to a lot of moto-journals. Now, the light-weight ST market has seemingly come and gone. But hey, nice to see the 2014 gets extra marks in the off-road category!

That being said, I love my 5th gen. It's not going anywhere. Neither is my 8th, for that matter