Throttle Snatch / VTEC

Sooooo ..... been taking my '02 for some rides and really enjoying it.

I see a lot of complaints about the VTEC and snatch in the throttle. While I did notice some jerk at very low speeds (loading of the cylinders - pair valve mod) which I plan on fixing - I didn't really notice an abrupt transition when VTEC kicks in. I tried several times and everything seems smooth. While it's not linear, the throttle just seems to come on smoothly and stronger the more you twist it.

Am I missing something? Or am I just lucky? Starters tuned / synchronized nicely??

Not that this is a problem. LOL ... I'm just curious more than anything after reading all the complaints.

 

Are you testing the throttle response above the VTEC engagement RPM? Or are you holding a constant throttle as the engine crosses the VTEC engagement RPM? The usual VTEC complaint is for the latter, and to experience the jolt you need to be applying pretty much wide open throttle as the VTEC engages. The complaint about snatchy throttle is usually about transitioning from no throttle to some throttle, often at low rpm or mid corner.

 

I tested both at speed ... cracking the throttle wide open and also rolling it on gradually. Neither seemed to have a an overly abrupt change in throttle. You could hear the exhaust note change, and the engine definitely came on stronger, but not a lurch .... it just seemed to gradually pull harder and harder.

The lower end stuff, well, that I did encounter and we all know what that is. I'll be ordering a set of PAIR blocking plates, although I'm wondering if the old marble trick does the job equally as well?

 

In my opinion, the abruptness of the VTEC engagement is all based on one's own perception. I have ridden dirt bikes since I was 10 and street bikes since I was 20, so I have many years of twisting the throttle. I never would have given the VTEC engagement abruptness a thought unless I had seen people complaining about it on this forum. As far you the low speed jitters go, a Power Commander would help greatly as well.

 

That's because the snatchy throttle doesn't exist! Most people who complain about the VTEC engagement are coming from less powerful bikes (not all). Some talk about the VTEC kicking in while they incorrectly apply power entering a corner (and not at the apex). There is nothing dangerous about the VTEC. The engagement is mostly noise and a smooth surge of power. Once you actual ride the bike and get used to it the engagement is barely noticeable. The only little annoyance is the off idle hiccup if you aren't cafefull with the throttle.

I've put over 30,000 miles each on 2 different VFR's (2005 and 2007) in case you're wondering...

 

Pin it, snatchy...problem solved, think its just inexperience when I read about complainers. Learn how to ride

 

Yah, no problems here ... I've had a few other bikes, including one with the grand daddy of this V4 line (Magna V45) and many dirt bikes.

I love the way the throttle rolls on and the exhaust note changes when VTEC hits. My only complaint is the low RPM bit, and I'll be fixing that.

 

Agreed. I think it is the complete change in sound that accompanies the extra throttle when VTEC engages that spooks people.

 

I love the vtec, freeway slammed yesterday, car next to me drunk , swervin no phone, click it down and pinned it, the houl of the v4 and I was out of there. For a bike thats 12 years old..I have not one complaint.

 

I just can't wait until all bikes are electric and they get rid of all this weird stuff we have to put up with.

 

I agree it's not a big deal, but I still don't get why Honda doesn't just vary the engagement point with the throttle position (i.e. volume of air, the computer must be able to estimate this for EFI anyway). There's gotta be a torque break even RPM for every throttle position (between 4 and 2 valves), and VTEC engagement is just controlled by a solenoid (and enough oil pressure). You'd think the engagement point could be advanced for large throttle openings and retarded for small, thus making it smooth all around.

 

With regards to VTEC, I think it's smooth already ... IMHO it varies depending on how hard you crack it. If you roll the throttle on smooth, the power is smooth. If you crack the throttle hard, it comes on much harder.

 

Watched the electric race last year at the IOM, boy did they sound strange.... Woosh....hauled the mail though

 

That is correct. I'm sure it is the full throttle transition that the complaints are directed to. I think it is totally controllable and not upsetting things at all, but some disagree. I think it boils down to experience.

 

I hear this year they will have a one lap event for the electric bikes running them backward.

Hope that if Honda starts making them commercially available, they get their electrics sorted oot. Nothing like going into reverse doing the ton.

 

If the change is predictable and constant at speed, WTF is the problem? I think I am going to go flog my BMW because it jacks up in corners. Oh Shit, it does it in all corners.. Whoops. I just like to bitch.. instead I'm gonna top up the tank on the 1200 and search the www for new Jo-jo sources..

If none of this works I am going to blame it on Obama and start writing letters to Honda. That'll fix em..

 

Your a funny guy BB, wish I could abbreviate throttle snatch on my license plate

 

I don't think just "snatch" would pass muster.. I think Throttle Snatch could be a great name for an all female MC or a garage band.

Here we are having a scandal over custom plates.. The pesos were supposed to go for salmon habitat instead they were diverted to salaries for bureaucrats. That and whole shitload of other stuff. I'm thinking right now Oregon should maybe secede and start all over again.

No custom plate, but my plate holder on the mach 1 91 says, "I wish you were shopping at Nordstrom."

 

I was a little intimidated after reading lots about the VTEC thing. First day riding around my 06 today (granted, it has the update etc), and I love it. Reminds me of tuned pipe dirt bikes from when I was a kid. One time I got lazy going to second and then twisted a bit just before VTEC kicked in, caught me out a little as the front end came up. Tada, first wheelie!
No complaints here

 

You ain't no
coldblood popping them wheelies Mr.