VTEC VFR800 '02 Road Test

http://www.desawa.co.uk/Vtec.htm

Boy... the author of this article makes the 6th gen sound like a real letdown. I believe he is either trying to feel better about not owning the newest model, or he got a hold of a bike with a problem. Since I haven't yet taken the VFR plunge, I can only go by what I read but I find it very hard to believe that the 6th gen experience can be anywhere near as negative as he describes.

If it were published by a reputable motorcycle magazine I might view it differently.

It sure is fun to read everything I can about the VFR to hopefully make the right purchasing decision for me (5th vs 6th gen)!

 

That reviews has been doing the rounds a while. On the VTec engine he only has 1000 miles on it so its not run in yet I noticed the VTec transition gets better with the miles and needed about 6000miles or more before its feels its smoothest also the early Gen 6's SV's tended to be quite out of balance and not part of pre delivery checks also according to UK VFR site bikersoracle a large percentage were found to have their 02 sensors to the ECU reversed so maybe his demo one was one of those.

With only 1900 miles even my current Gen 5 felt a bit dead when I bought it on it and felt restricted until it had 8000 miles of running in before it felt lively.

As below '02 review indicates the forks and handling are better on the 6th Gen and even with fettling still can't get my Gen 5's to feel as good as the Gen 6's did when riding hard but at the end of the day think the Gen 5's with it linear mid range and cool GDC sound the better of the 2 engine's.

Linky below is a Gen 6 test from 2002:
http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Honda/VFR800/Page_1.htm

 

Thanks for the article - it's another confirmation of what I have been suspecting..... Both generations are great bikes! It also steers me slightly back towards the 6th gen in my quest. I'm finding that at this moment, prices online (Ebay & Craigslist) for a nice 5th gen vs a nice 6th gen (02 - 03) are very very close.

I guess for me I am weighing the 5th gen's awesome gear driven valvetrain and classic styling against the updated styling, newer technology, available ABS/hardbags, and updated suspension of the newer 6th gen.

Decisions.... Decisions....

 

I've owned them both. I'd say the the 5th is better for more laid back riding and the 6th is better if you want to push it. I'm in the mode where I do far more sport than touring which is why I prefer the 6th.

 

It actually quite simple. Lowering the gearing on my 6th Gen has livened up the motor and the handling / suspension is definitely improved. These changes alone allow me to push the bike harder. My friend bought my 5th Gen and we've ridden a number of times. We swap bikes and for me, the difference is clear. Due to the high exhaust, the 6th Gen also gives more options for touring (bags) and I know many people have referred to this when making the comment about it being a better touring bike. However, for pure sport, the 6th gets my vote.

 

spocket swap

Hey there, just wondering what size spockets you put on your vfr, i have an 2002 with stock gearing and have been thinking about doing this, is it worth it? By the way, I love my 02 VFR with over 20000 carefree miles. thanks:

 

Wow. The last post on this thread was more than 2 years ago! On my 6th Gen, I went +2 on the rear. When the sprockets and chain need replacing, the next time around I might go -1 on the front, but as it is, I am happy with my current gearing.

 

Thanks for the info, lol, my first post..