what are the handling differences? VFR800Fi vs VTEC...

Hi, VFR newbie here..

I rode an old (1999) VFR800Fi at the weekend and loved it... except when I braked a bit harder than normal and the front went squirrelly and locked up (lucky not to drop it!). So in an act of self preservation I thought I'd try an ABS version so had a go on a 2003 VTEC at a local shop, but compared to the Fi I found the handling heavy at speed and it felt like it wanted to fall onto full lock at very low speed manoeuvring. It felt very different to the handling of the Fi. I missed the handling of the Fi which felt very natural to me. Is the handling difference normal or was there something wrong with the VTEC bike I tried? Grateful to hear any of the received wisdom about handling differences between the two VFRs. Thank you.

 

Dimensionally, there is very little difference between the two bikes. If anything I thought the stock 6th gen bike handled a little better than a stock 5th gen.

Buuuuuut... neither of these bikes are new off the showroom floor so it could be any number of things. Low tire pressure, tweaked fork, etc... Really difficult to tell. I would say get some more test rides on different bikes of the same generation before you make a call.

 

Ya really need to check the tire pressure. It makes a big difference. I thought the VFR1200 was a low speed pig until I figured out the the front was running 22psi.

 

Having gone from a gen 6 to gen 5 in '05 think the gen 6 was noticably the better handler at the time, I put this down to the gen 6s stiffer frame and larger diamater fork tubes. Having said that there wasn't much in it and I suspect your difference may come down to the tyre profile, if the fork legs have been dropped through the triple clamps to speed up the gen 5s steering and maybe fork oil weight / fork oil last changed.

I've never locked up my front on either gen except deliberately during an advanced riders course in '06 so unsure why you did, maybe the tyre was the wrong pressure or old and compound had hardened ?

 

I have both a 5 and 6 Gen that I ride actively, both have upgraded suspension systems, although with different intended riding purposes, 5 Gen sport/track and 6 Gen commuting/touring. Both have the same preload settings (f/r) and are running the same tire pressures (36f/42r). The slight except to having the same running gear, the 5 Gen uses a Pilot Power3 tire set, where the 6 Gen uses a PP3/PR2 (f/r) combo.

The two bikes feel close but to me the 5 Gen seems to feel more neutral and light steering. When I had PR2s (f/r) on the 6 Gen the difference was more noticeable between the two, where the 6 Gen didn't feel as nimble, much closer now with the PP3 on the front. I attribute this to the front tire profile, the PP3 has a more triangular profile, while the PR2 has a more rounded one. I.e. "V" vs. "U" shape

When I'm finally done modding the 5 Gen, the two will be almost identically setup, except for the Heli-bars and Sargent seat on the 6 gen. Although both bikes have steel braided brake lines and EBC HH brake pads, I have yet to lock up either front wheel, but then again I haven't done any really hard braking.

 

Guys, many thanks for your responses. I suspect the front tyres may have been old, and a bit cold when I braked. But still scared the whatsit out of me when the front locked! I also think the front end may have been a bit saggy, which may not have helped. I'll certainly try a few newer Gen 6s (I guess those are the VTECs?). It's hard to find a really nice older non-VTEC. If anyone can point me in the direction of some good buyers guides / what to look for in an 800 non-Vtec, that would be great.

 

Hi.

As has already been said pretty well by the clued-in guys above, the condition of the bike in question counts for a lot, particularly tyres - and not just pressure and age etc, but type as well can have a huge effect on handling. Thus all the many discussions to be found on personal tyre preference...

With that said, on to locking up. With a decent set of pads my experience of the 5th gen's brakes is that they'll bite every bit as hard as you ask them to. If you're used to riding ABS equipped bikes, then I can imagine that the lack of it could cause a few brown-underpants sorta moments, but you absolutely shouldn't let that put you off the 5th gen'. So long as you can resist the inclination to grab a fistful of front brake then I reckon if the bike is well looked after you'd find them progressive and with plenty of feedback. It counts for a hell of a lot to know the bike and how it's gonna respond before input, rather than finding out during or afterwards! They really are superb machines...

As for what to look for with an eye to buying - there's better knowledge on the subject here than anywhere else I think.
For my two cents, I'd say don't be too scared by high-ish miles, they tend to last alot better than your average sportsbike providing they've been well cared for, although as you get alot for your money you can often get an example with 20000 fewer miles on the clock for not alot more money.
Check the charging system before you part with cash. It's simple to do with a multimeter and worthwile. Having bought a 750 unwittingly with a blown reg/rec I can speak with prior knowledge! If it's not charging properly, don't right it off too quickly - it's not so hard to fix and you can probably beat them down severely on price as a result...
As applies with all motorcycles, don't buy one from the guy that's just swapped his for a gixxer, and has covered it in tacky mods! Honda or not, all bikes last better in the care of someone who has sufficient mechanical sympathy not to thrash them.
And if at all possible, ride the thing. Even if it's only for 500 yards, it'll still give you a better impression of what shape it's in than any amount of looking.

Happy hunting! Hope you find a tasty one.

 

thanks guys. just seen one on ebay (uk). A 2000, with 20k miles and the owner has done a full suspension overhaul (new progressive springs on the front, new bearings and overhauled back unit. Also replaced all the brake pipes and fitted a stainless system. The only thing that puts me a bit off is he's used it mainly for short commutes (6 miles each way to work). Do bikes hate short journeys as much as cars do?

 

As long as he has kept it running. Bikes hate to sit much more than cars. Running them, even a little, keeps them healthy and happy. You can buy it and blow the cobwebs off on a long trip. You can't go wrong with those upgrades.

 

I would say they both suck oot loud stock and both are quite lovely when sprung and valved for you.