VTEC - Use or Abuse?

I've been enjoying my new 2011 VFR800 these last couple months and getting more comfortable with kicking in the VTEC, especially while passing cars.

Seeking advice if anyone thinks daily use turns into abuse on the engine?
Have any long term users found issues?
I'm also becoming a bit addicted to the rush when it kicks in.
Anyone found the same or an issue enjoying a ride not having to get that thrill?

Cheers,
Newbie Rider, and happy ;-)

 

Abuse on the engine is not an issue, it is a well designed and simple system. I recently purchased a 2002 with 132,000 miles in it and inspected the V-TEC pins and buckets during the valve check and there was no sign of wear at all.

 

My vfr does not have vtec, but my car does, I've had it since 2005 with 170k on the odometer, it's vtec'd daily still. That on ramp onto the tollway...gets me through the winter until I get the vfr back out. I've commuted, raced (sanctioned, not street), and traveled in the car and have had no major work or problems. Proper maintenance is key, but I'm confident she'll take all you can give her.

 

Use it! It's a Honda!

I think you can get all you want out of those bikes and it won't quit. No worries short or long term so long as you take care of it. The only thing you have to worry about is your fuel economy taking a dump and just making a little more noise...all for twice the fun!

 

Ride it like it was meant to be ridden. I don't have V-Tec and unless I'm completely sitting back relaxing, my bike seldom sees less than 4500RPM. And if its spirited riding with those other ass-clowns, 80% of the ride is in the 7000 to redline range.

Keep your oil changed and some other general maintenance, and you'll be fine.

 

+1!!!!!!!!!

 

Its a HONDA fer gawds sake. They run for eva - Remember, Rev it freely and dont lug the engine in too high a gear. Thats it!

 

SW_OZ, the RPMs above VTEC engagement is where Honda stores the fun. The engine is much more responsive up there. This engine was designed to be run hard all the way to redline . . . well, not ALL the way, because power on mine dips a tad before redline.

 

Agreed, this motor is bulletproof. It's been in production since 2002 and come to find out is still sold in other countries outside of the US. Any reliability issues would have bubbled to the surface by now and there are none that I have heard of. Pin it!

 

the only concern I would have is really revving it on a "cold" engine, once it is warmed up, as long as the bike is well maintained, you could ride it all day in the V-Tec range and be fine. Even on a cold engine, it wouldn't be catastrophic, just not recomended.

 

From what I have been told about Honda engines, you need to give the motor a good work out. Stops/cleans carbon build up & I love the VTEC urge & sound & often keep my bike in a lower gear to feel it kick in.
I couldn't imagine owning a bike like the VFR & not giving it the "Berries" it's crying out for.

 

I thought I heard that the VTEC actually won't even engage unless the engine reached a certain temp - like 145F ?

Not sure - just wondering.

 

yup no vtec until you reach 150 degrees.

 

I didn't mean specific to the V-Tec engagement, more reving a cold engine

 

Ahh, got it. And agreed.

 

Thanks everyone for the confidence to rev the girl up ;-)
Starting to look at radar/laser jammers now because I'm enjoying the VTECH consistently. It is a beautiful thing and love that little extra kick. Over 2500kms now and looking forward to years of "fun" on this one. Amazed how well this bike rides, it's the perfect transition bike for me from the 250 I had to ride for a year here in Western Australia.

 

first rule of vtec....
its not spelled vtech
vtech makes portable phones
vtec makes you go fast

 

dont listen to the owners guide about v-tec and break-in, common sense is to let her warmup then rider her like a $2 tiwanese hooker!