Any regrets?

Actually I'd say the reason for the vast majority of unsold 2007 VFRs (of which I now own one) is the retro paint scheme. For me it was the only color scheme that I would have picked over black...even though the RWB cost more when it was new. You notice it's not easy to find a black 2009 VFR for sale at the dealer...but you may find a RWB still in the back.

Thank you for your points by the way - while I may have had a different experience *every rider is different.*

 

YES, Its the FI. It does take a very steady hand. But you will adjust to it over time.
If you think the VFR is bad, try the RC51. With ~40% more torque and a similar on/off throttle, it's a scary ride home from the dealer!

 

To the OP, I do not have regrets but do have some quibbles. 1st off, had to buy a PCIII to correct the stubbling/surging issue; 2ndly the darn deceleration on the "off throttle" issue mentioned by Gary951. I am also new to the VFR but have owned four different bikes in the past 25 years of on/off riding and never had issues with the abruptness of the off throttle; although none were FI. As others have mentioned, it is probably more seat time and getting used to the quirks of the bike.

My bike is stock with the 02 elims and the PCIII with Cozey's map. I feel that is has helped with the VTEC transition, it is not as abrupt. I was thinking of getting a custom map but after shelling out for the PC, I felt money spent on other upgrades, like the Helibars were better bang for the buck

 

Get a custom map from a tuner who knows what is what. IF you are serious about it, send me a PM and I will discuss it with you. Why spend the $$$ for a Power Commander but use a generic map that doesn't smooth the air/fuel ratio all the way through the range? That makes absolutely no sense to me. Why would anyone do that?

There is no reason to be unhappy . . . .

 

I have managed to sort out the surging with a few small tweaks to richen the bottom end. The map gets pretty crazy around the Vtec transition point and I don't see a point in dorking with it if I can't measure the results on a dyno as I go. My ass dyno is pretty good after a few decades of dealing with this stuff but it doesn't have the upgrade module for Vtec installed yet (it is on order).

If and I say IF there was a tuner in my area that had experience with the VFR800 Vtec I would consider having them work on the bike. To take the bike to joe blow tuner and hope that they know how to deal with an engine management system like this is like flushing cash down the toilet. It stands to reason that if someone has spent the time and money to get a good custom map for their bike and mine is identical or nearly identical, it should work pretty darn well. I would be interested in getting a copy of the Cozey map to try cause there is nothing wrong with experimentation and comparison. It only takes a few minutes to load a new map. Judge me if you will, call me cheap or whatever you like but I for one don't just write checks till I'm confident that there is value in it.

To my knowledge there isn't a tuner in my area equipped to handle this platform. Bring them a CBR or a Gixxer no problem but just like a Ducati, these bikes require a bit more experience and time to get them right.

So when I take into consideration that the bike is running well at the moment and I don't ride it every day. I'm not really motivated to go hunting for a fix because the bike ain't broke and I subscribe to the don't fix it if it ain't broke (DFIAB) brotherhood, maintenance excluded of course.

So I'm going to ask again, can someone share a map that worked for them?

I think that perhaps I need to put this all in perspective. I'm not unhappy or looking to dump the bike to go back to a 5th gen machine. I am disappointed a bit but I am looking forward to the learning experience as I work through this small issue with the way she puts down the ponies at 7k.

 

I agree that the cost is a pain. That said, I believe that due to todays environmental controls, nearly every modern sportsbike benefits from a fuel managment system and a dyno. So this isn't neccasarily a VFR only issue. I've been shopping RSV4's of late and despite a $21,000 sticker, that machine greatly benefits from an exhaust, PCV, and dyno. Even more so than does the VFR. What I'm saying is that you shouldn't refrain from optimizing your rides performance, it is worth every penny. The VFR has its issues and they can be tuned out, but then again, every bike these days have their issues, which can (and should) also be tuned out.

 

I found the Cozye map on another VFR forum. I am not sure of the rules for positng things from other forums, so if someone can let me know if it is okay, I can post the link and also attached the map.

Otherwise PM me and I can sent it to you.

 

VTEC transition and corners

My last VFR was a 2003 model, custom mapped PCIII and Remus cans. I really got to enjoy the transition. Like a gear shift without doing a gear shift i.e. that little boost of power right when overtaking. And it never caused me any angst in corners ... on dry roads!

At first I missed this on my stock standard 2009 machine. Now I've got used to the seamless transition. And I can't see any reason to tinker with it ... i.e. no PCIII etc. I also get better great fuel economy outta this one.

 

I'm in the OP's camp. Love everything about this bike (03') but really do find the whole VTEC thing gimmicky, annoying and kind of ricky racerish. If I had my druthers and knew what I know now, I'd of looked for a clean 5th Generation. IMHO...that really does seem to be the pinnacle of this bike's engineered platform.

 

OK, but you can completely eliminate the HP/torque drop-off immediately before VTEC transition if you have a Power Commander and a tuner who can find his butt with one hand. I am not saying the 5th gen is an inferior bike. But I am saying that complaints about the VTEC transition on bikes equipped with Power Commanders result from poor mapping. Flame away if you like, but I know what I am talking about because my 6th gen is an example of what the bike can do with proper DynoJet mapping. I do not understand why anyone would spend $$$ on a Power Commander but not spend the time and money to optimize the bike's performance. A total waste of aftermarket $$$ IMHO . . . .

EDIT: I will let you ride my 2004 VFR to see what is what - if I trust you . . . .

 

I don't think anyone would argue with what you said, but the real issue is that a guy should be able to buy a box stock Honda and not have to fart around with aftermarket crap and tuning to make it run right.

 

I'm doing my best to not comment on this thread, here it comes regardless. Like any other modern sportsbike, the VFR needs tuning. At some point people will come to a realization that tuning is commen. I don't care if it's a VTEC or some other Japanese or Italian manufactorer- every bike benefits. Vtec bashers just whine about the untuned version. I suspect that they would whine about any non-perfect machine, which means every newly realeased bike.

 

Not really whining....as I pointed out, I dig the bike. The VTEC thing is just a bit of an annoyance in an otherwise stellar package. If it actually and definitively added any substantive power, I may even see it. But it doesn't. It's a bit of an anemic jerk and noise maker. It may have more bottom end than my 1990, but with the weight difference, my buttmeter can't tell.
I agree that a map and PC with exhaust may transform the machine. That's all well and good. but I bought the bike as a commuter/tourer so my intended purpose may differ from yours. I got a CBR for seat of the pants riding. All things being equal and no big mod dollars spent, I'd just like the Viffer better without VTEC. Thought I'd get to like it.. I just haven't.

 

well learn to ride it.
the V-tec ( look at a dyno run 5th and 6th gen) adds more torque lower in the rpm range and IMO power commander is not worth the cost and really does nothing to the V-tec.
there are other ways to smooth out the throttle response and IMO you just need to figure out how to ride w/ it. It's NOT a CBR.
If it bothers you that much then sell it.

 

wow....what was that all about? I ride it fine, enjoy the bike, never compared it to a CBR in any way....and no, I think I'll keep it. OP asked for opinions and I offered mine. It wasn't a personal insult to you or your bike.

 

None of these VFRs have bottom-end power. ;-)

I think my 2004 makes about 54 ft/lbs., and most of the torque is above 6800 RPM. There is no reason to ride it below 5000 RPM except on the freeway . . . .

 

+1
unless you have a real dyno, stop tweaking with your butt dyno and have a real tune done.

 

Thank you for the input, 02. I respectfully disagree, a fuel management system does wonders for the VTEC and is worth every nickel. It is an engine that is quite litterally begging for better fuel to air.

 

I don’t have any regrets BUT I have had to learn how to ride with Vtec. I ride allot in the twisties so I have to be mindful when it engages in a 15 MPH curve when I runnin 55 MPH. I have to admit its real rush when I time it just right and Vtec engages at the exit of the apex. Sometimes I put on a hell of a show.

 

Adapt and overcome with VTec.

I dont have/need one, bike is fast enough for me. I'd rather spend the money for better suspension bits.