Feeling the SURGE - VTEC engagement

Hi all. Soon to be VFR owner here, with a question/concern regarding VTEC engagement.

I am curious if anyone has experienced an unsettling feeling while accelerating through turns and having the VTEC engage. How perceivable is it? Do you need to "mind your RPMs" as to better anticipate the power surge? Or is it more subtle than I imagine?

Please help me understand how it feels... thanks!

 

Everyone has a differing opinion. It is not bad or that perceived. There is an energy boost as you should expect since you now have twice as many valves open and the engine is sucking in more air at a higher RPMs. You'll be fine. You will also be flying when you are in vtec in 6th. So since you are fine with the speed You'll be riding, you should be fine with the engagement of VTEC.

 

I've never had any problems.

 

I am a relatively new 6th gen VFR owner. I was more excited than worried about the 'pop' of the VTEC, but I did have a little concern.

My experience so far is that you become accustomed to expecting the surge, and it's more of a welcome little hit, than a scary power pop. I also notice that I tend to ride either below or above the 6800 rpm point. So, it's either further ahead, or way back.

Quite honestly, for me at least, during turns I tend to stay below 6800 rpm almost always.

 

I've not ridden a 6th gen in a few years; but as I recall it isn't something that was ever 'scary'. If you don't have the throttle twisted at the time the engine passes through the 'engagement zone', you might actually feel a little stumble. If you DO have the throttle twisted and you aren't accustomed to having some power, I guess it could scare you - but then perhaps you're on the wrong bike if that's the case. The sensation is very much like a highly-tuned engine 'coming up on the cam' (which is actually pretty accurate). A VFR is not an overly powerful bike, IMHO, so the VTEC transition - while noticeable - isn't a big deal.

 

Unsettling No......Annoying Yes.

I've owned my 6th Gen for 4 years now and I still find the VTEC annoying. The VFR is still a great all around bike so the VTEC was not enough to make me want to get rid of the bike but I still wish it wasn't there. You really need to ride one for yourself to decide since opinions seem to vary quite a bit. It also seems like the VTEC surge seems to be more noticeable on some bikes compared to others.

Rollin

 

The earlier bikes had a harsher transition compared to the later ones. I believe Honda smoothed it out and raised the engagement point in 2006. I own a 2007 and it is a total non-issue. If you are on the throttle hard and you hit the engagement point at 6800 RPM, the change in engine noise is more noticeable than the actual "surge" in power. Also, if you are on the throttle in a not so aggressive manner and come up into the VTEC range, then again, you can hear when it has engaged, but there is literally no real sense in additional power. I ride the bike and not worry where I'm at in relation to when it is going to kick in.

 

I like it.

 

I love the VTEC. It's like having an overdrive button. Sure, maybe that button should always be turned on, but when you really want to get up and go and you crank on that throttle, it's like shifting into hyperdrive...Unless you are jamming through corners in 2nd gear, you'll never be up near the VTEC line through the curves...and even if you are, it's not like itll buck you off...

 

Keep it above 7000RPMs whenever you are in the twistys.

Or buy yourself a 5th Generation.

Problem solved. Invoice to follow.

 

I like vtec too, but it really depends on what sort of riding you want to do.

The vtec VFR's are a great choice for touring riders, on long trips you can cruise along at 80mph barely sipping fuel in 6th gear, and still keeping the revs just below the vtec engagement. But whenever you need banzai power to get past something, its easy to downshift into the vtec range and blast past a line of traffic using all 100+ horses. Obviously if you are looking for a full on track bike then there are better choices, but if you are looking for a competent all-rounder the vtec VFR is a great choice.

Skimad4x4
Proud Member 6th Gen Militia #218 - European 1st Division

 

:whoo: Love the VTEC!!! Yes you will notice it when it kicks in. Like, as it has been said, it feels like a turbo boost when you hit it. Its not going to put you on your ass. Once you get used to listening to the engine when you ride you can just about predict when its going to engage. Its a fun bike so welcome to the club and enjoy!