VTEC vs Non VTEC

I have a 2000 VFR. I am thinking of trading it in for a 2002 or 2003 VTEC with ABS. The performance statistics indicate that VTEC bike is not any faster. However, the VTEC is supposed to improve low end torque.

Does anyone have experience on both bikes? Is the VTEC an improvement? Is the low end improved? I've heard that some people don't like what it feels like when the VTEC starts working at 7000 rpm. My local dealer is not big on letting you test ride a new bike unless you are absolutely ready to buy.

Also, is the ABS an improvement. I would like to have ABS since I have been known to lock brakes in a panic situation. There is a posting on this web site that suggests that ABS might not be an improvement.

 

I have an 01' and can only report what I've read from lot of good ( I think )sources on the Vtec. You won't feel a difference in performance betwen your 00' and a 03' Vtec, in top end or mid-range unless your 00' has been beaten for many many miles. People say they can't tell a difference betwen the 01' non Vtec and the 02 Vtec and the dyno runs I've seen would confirm this. Despite what manufacturers say about these engines and "tuning for mid-range", they make their real power at higher rpm's, like above 7k, not to say they don't pull smoothly from lower rpms. I haven't heard anyone say they didn't like the feel of the Vtec above 7K when the extra valves are activated, they do say they're not sure there is any additional power when the valves cut in. As far as ABS, if you are someone who might lock 'em up, like you said, then ABS is probably a good option. Lots of people dislike the linked brakes on Hondas, but I haven't heard negative things about ABS and I haven't read about the new ABS system for the 03' VFR you mention. Good luck, JCM

 

This is a good read on ABS on the 2002 VFR.

This was written by Brandon M from the VFR list. This demonstration was at a VFR gathering in Ohio.

check it out


http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~lists/archive/vfr/200205/msg00322.html

 

Sweet! Excellent piece. Now I really feel like I made the right choice with my 02 ABS veefer. Thanks very much for that! Can we co-post your link under the "ABS" topic that appeared earlier? or create a new brake-specific topic for it? Lots of guys may miss this...

 

Thanks for the comments on the brakes. They sound great. If the VTEC engine were ok I would buy an 02 or 03 VFR. However, the VTEC is a dog from all the negative comments I've seen about it on other web sites. If the number of leftover 2002 VFRs at dealers in my area is any indication, Honda made a mistake with the VTEC. I hope the 03 is the last year for the VTEC.

 

You can post that again I guess

That is a story from the VFR List. There are alot of good stories over there. Check the list out.

That was written my Brandon, watching Bill (aka "RLS" Resident List Squid) Do a comparison between the BMW 1200LT ABS and the VFR ABS. IN the wet over painted parking lot lines. Impressive. Neither Bill or Brandon are professional motorcycle testers, but both seem to be very knowledgable. So take the report for what its worth.

ABS is a touchy subject with alot of riders. I feel for street use I would want ABS. I ride in the rain alot, you just never know. If I ever wear out my 2000 VFR I will definatley look at an ABS VFR, but I figure my bike still has about 70k miles left in it... ;D

Kirk

 

Gotta reply to Bob. Bob, if you're looking for the instant snap of an in-line four, or the grunt of a V-twin, then buy one of those and God bless. You will get what you want. The VTEC is a great motor. Plenty of low-end, with a bonus of 4-valve whhoooyaaa hp above 7Krpm. It combines to make the '02 veefer a cornering charger 'cause you can throttle on with all that torque long before more pipey bikes dare touch the gas, and by the time they get there, you're into the hp and gone. And it's very stable at speed, whether on the freeway or the two-lane twisties. Personally, I dig it. No, I mean I really dig it.

 

The ABS brakes are wonderful.  They have saved my neck a couple of times.   However, the VTEC is another matter.  Its not a bad motor, but it is not an improvement over the 99-01 800.  In fact, I found the VTEC to be off a little compared to the 01 800.  I would definitely stay with your 2000 if you don't get the ABS.  Take a look at the magazine tests of the VTEC.   No one said it was the best thing since sliced bread.  Also, look at the VTEC performance figures compared to 99-01 bikes.  Also, the VTEC VFR weights more.

If you do decide to buy a VTEC you should look around for a 2002 model.   The dealer I buy from still has at least one new 2002 VFR that he received in the first shipment of bikes at the start of the 02 model year.   I think he would sell an 02 for $1,500 off MSRP plus tax (out the door).   Possibly less.

 

Glad to have BigBiker100's comments.

 I just heard that a 5 cyclinder VFR may be offered in 04.  

FYI:  Last Saturday Sun Honda (www.Sun-Honda.com, 303-287-7566) had an ad in the Denver Post for a  brand new 2002 VFR for $8,300.
   

 

THIS IS TO RICK FROM QWERTY111.

    I was looking for a comparison of my 2002 VFR vs. the VTEC VFR.  Have you riden a 99-2001 VFR?   Specifically, how does it compare?

     I am an old fart( 53 years ).  My son rides true sport bikes.  He has an RC-51, this replaced his 900RR.    

     I am surprised that you imply that your VTEC VFR  out cornors in-line 4 and V-TWINS sports bikes.  I find my VFR to be a compromise between a sports bike and a tourer.   My son leaves me in the dust.   THE VTEC MUST BE A MONSTER OF AN ENGINE!!!!    

     You keep mentioning track days in your posting.  Where do you race your VFR and what have been you race results?
I would like to show my son that the RC-51 is not king of the track.  

    If you don't race it, but just ride it on a track, which track and what are your elapsed times compared to in-line 4 and V-Twins sports bikes?.  i.e. How do your times compare to the 954, RC-51 or the CBR 600.  

    I can imagine why you REALLY DIG the VTEC and the ABS brakes.

                     
     CHOW
     

 

I have not ridden a 99-01 veefer, but see the comments of jcm above. I agree the 02 is a compromise between a pure sport bike and a sport-touring bike (with its weight, horsepower, etc.)...as such, it can be ridden hard, or not, to suit your taste and abilities. Much depends on who's in the saddle, but it's not going to outperform most pure sport bikes, which is why folks should buy one of those if that's their performance criteria. I mentioned one track day April 4 (at Willow Springs) and I'm hoping to better feel out the bike's response as it goes from 2 to 4-valve mode while cornering in that controlled environment. If my son were old enough to ride yet, I suspect he'd leave me in the dust, too.

 

I have ridden both, the VTEC takes some getting used to. I have also found as an earlier poster stated, that it depends on throttle position when you reach 7,000 RPM. Under hard throttle it does come on like a 2-stroke coming on the pipe. I usually short shift and keep my '02 below 7,000 when I'm just cruising. In the twisties I keep it above 7,000 and really hang out ;D


P.S. I rode a '98 for about 2,500 miles (It had about 20,000 on it when I started). My '02 has a little over 5,000 on it.

 

http://www.hondavfrclub.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9976&highlight=VtecYou may like to read this and how the Brits are sorting Hondas vtec fueling glich out.

 

Hello.
I have a vfr v-tec, and would like to talk with anyone have a vfr.
Sorry for my english(i'm italian biker from Rome).
Thanks in advance
Claudio

 

8)From what I've read and from what others have told me, the key to maximizing the vtec motor is opening up the exhaust and the air box. I have installed a K&N air filter and my Staintune system is due for delivery in five days. I have also 86ed the rear pegs and hangers, evap can, and some other dead weight. I have a mechanic and welder in the wings waiting for the exaust system to arrive. At that time we will eliminate the cat converter and open up some of the obvious obstrutions to clean exhaust flow. Lastly, I'm looking for a good chip chang out to richen up the mix, I don't see a system running as hot as the stock set up lasting long.
A.C. in Maui Hawaii - Run to the Sun

 

Opening up the exhaust and air box? They say that about every bike.

 

Mmm never theres no way Honda are going in that direction in 04.They have the Blackbird and the 900 coming out in Vtec form.

BTW have you been told of the 16000 mile service?They are talking big money to check and service the Vtec valves.

 

Greatbrit you say that  " (m)mm never theres no way Honda are going in that direction in 04.They have the Blackbird and the 900 coming out in Vtec form".  

  What is the source of your info?  Did Honda announce it?

  I hope you are  wrong.  It seems that the VTEC is not much of an advance.   It doesn't seem to add much perforamnce and it is a lot more complex.

  I assume that Honda is going to VTEC design to meet air quality standards.  

  In the US Honda wants to change the rules for Superbikes.  Next year they want to campaign a CBR 1000 and drop the RC-51.  I haven't heard that the proposed CBR 1000 series will be a VTEC unlike the current CBR 900 series.   What have you heard???

 

Qwerty111 - I own an '02 VTEC and would say the improvement in chassis is worth the trade up alone. The '02 is more planted feeling in the twistees and this bike will really get with canyon carving. I have over 10K on my bike now and have ridden on longer trips too and it "sport tours" very well. We ride an honest 7 out of 10 in the twistees and this bike is not holding me back a bit. I don't have the ABS - so can't comment on that - but the VTEC is great. The bike runs great under 7K and it's like a turbo when the VTEC kicks in.....anyone who says they can't feel the VTEC - must not have ridden one yet - cause there is a definite surge of power. My lower RPM ridability is much nimproved due to the adding of: 1) K&N air filter, 2) Staintune exhaust, 3) 02 Eleminators - these mods have really helped with the under 7K rpm range...... ;D

 

My experience is the same as my Bud RedRte 1, flapper
valve, O2 sensor bypass, Staintunes, problems gone.
It's interesting the service manual mentions the flapper
should open at 5500 and close at 5000 and it seemed
to me the glicth happened under closed and then reopened throttle, flapper flapping around ?

I heard there will be a new CBR1200 VTEC

Had not heard the CBR900 or 919 would have VTEC.

There will be a V5 Honda, maybe a Super GT VFR and
I will have the first one !
This is the whole reason MotoGP switched to 4 strokes.
To race what they sell.

The next bike to get a makeover and the RC211V treatment will be the CBR954RR and I believe they
will race this next year in SBK and dump the RC51.