In defence of the VFR...

G'day y'all.

Long story ummm long?

My local dealer was contacted by our newspaper recently and informed that there was to be a test of the VFR800 in an upcoming issue of the Wednesday "motoring" supplement, (That's Tuesday where most of you live.) The paper suggested he place an ad adjacent to the article.

He took a considerably larger ad than usual only to find today, when the item appeared, that the tester had panned the VFR.

When the dealer communicated his displeasure to the paper they said that he could submit a rebuttal in next week's issue and they'd reprint the ad. (He had intimated quite strongly that he wasn't paying for the ad and that a reduction in advertising revenue might accrue...)

I have yet to read the article and will do so tomorrow, but the dealer has just requested me, as a satisfied former VFR owner, to assist with penning the rebuttal. Apart from just taking issue with points in today's article (and I'm told there are errors of fact) some things to be mentioned include: the lengthy model run, the former "best all-rounder" tag, the racing lineage, the "Faberge" build quality, the excellent tank range, the near perfect riding position, and the reliability.

If y'all have any details or anecdotes in support of the VFR, from any point in its history, that you feel might make this (amateur) article more amusing, informative, or even mildly interesting, I'd be seriously grateful. And my short time hereabout suggests that some of you are rather gifted when it comes to humour or being ahhh creative(?).

Thanks in anticipation,

pritch

 

That's whacked. Why on earth would someone write a new review of a VFR800 now? They've only made this bike for 8 freakin' years. Why not review a new hot bike that was just intro'd, like an SV650?

The VFR has won motorcycle of the year honors several times and is recognized as one of the best all-around streetbikes ever made. Judging a VFR against a new sportbike or sport-touring rig is kind of unfair IMO, as the VFR isn't one or the other, but both in one.

 

this is a shortened article that appeared in NZ motorcycle trader.

the actual article ran 3 pages...

Loving the white colour scheme :thumbsup:

Not all NZ motorbike journos think that the VFR is old and tired...


VIDEO: Honda VFR800 Interceptor, News and Reviews - MotorcycleTrader.co.nz

 

can you post the story and how long before you print the reply?

 

Having now seen the article it appears that the tester was mainly attacking the V Tec and the linked brakes which he describes as "potentially dangerous" then suggests the feature be "consigned to the rubbish skip" (dumpster).

He is apparently unaware that the rear brake doesn't operate the front until a certain pressure is reached.

Of the V Tec he says, "Now you get a lot more extra noise but little in the way of extra power. It's attention diverting but hardly intriguing - in the same manner as someone farting in a hot pool."

He concludes that people considering buying a VFR wait a while longer yet. So I can understand why a dealer with several VFRs in his showroom (including mine) might be upset at that.

 

I wonder how anyone can consider an instant 15HP boost "little" in terms of added power. Linked brakes actually add to the safety and convenience of braking... not making it more dangerous.

It sounds like the rider was expecting the bike to perform on par with a CBR1000RR or similar liter sportbike... of which the VFR is not designed nor ever was intended to do. It is a sport touring machine, leaning more towards sport capabilities albeit still having excellent capabilities to tour. The bike should be tested for what it IS and not what the rider WANTED it to be. If this were to be done, it would be almost impossible to come to any other conclusion than what many have done in the past and thus the reasoning behind multiple awards for motorcycle of the year.

I haven't had the VFR on the track and can't say for sure if I ever will. But I can say that I can hang with any other bike on the street. I've ridden the twisties with friends, and I've never been behind. R1... check, Ducati 999R... check Aprilia Mille RSV-R... check. R6... check. Triumph Daytona... check. I'm right there with them all the time, sometimes leading. I go anywhere they can go, as fast as they can, and with the same amount of confidence if not more in every corner. Not only that but I can go further on every tank and whenever we stop I am ready for more. The rest are stretching, aching, tired, or otherwise needing a break.

My VFR turns just as many heads as the Italian bikes to as well. Everyone sees the CBR, GSX-R, and R1/6 bikes everywhere. Anytime someone sees and Italian bike they know it is something special. Heads turn, pictures are taken, and people come up to talk to you all the time if you're on an Italian bike. The same thing happens on the VFR. People see the VFR and know there is something special. I just manage to do it without the horrid maintenance of Ducati's or terrible dealer support of Aprilia... and for a hell of a lot less money.

The VFR is not a purpose built track bike. But it excels at anything you ask of it. I challenge anyone to find a better bike for all around everyday usage that you can use as any type of bike. Sport bikes aren't good for long trips as the body just can't handle it. Touring bikes suck in town because of their weight. Cruisers aren't good for much more than just that, cruising. The VFR does it all, with excellence and class.

 

I know I get double taks all of the time, mostly for the SSSA and the pearl paint.

 

Thankyou Mr Loaf. Your thoughts are similar to mine but your words are yours not mine. I may quote you