5th Gen write up / review

A quick search didn't produce results, but I'm sure this is a repost. I apologize in advance :witless:

I've only been a 5th Gen owner for a Year, but she's my favorite total package by far. ('99 CBR600F4, '02 CBR1100XX)

I dig the pic of the magazine cover at the bottom. "Sportsbike of the Year".

http://www.simonevans.co.uk/v-four/vfr800.htm

 

"Bike magazine featured the VFR800 in its buyer's guide section for the July 2001 issue:

If you're over 30 and have sampled a fair number of bikes, then you'll love it. You'll realise that the difference between its 158mph and a true sports 750's 165mph means nothing on the road. You'll admire the superb build quality, the excellent finish, and above all, the way in which that RC45-derived V-four engine drives like nothing else (except possibly a Triumph Sprint). You'll love the distinctive sound it makes, and you'll grow to appreciate that you can commute on it, tour on it and go mental on it." :vtr2:

 

I agree. but then.......

 

I read almost all of that link. It said that Honda recognized the rectifier problem. And in 2000 added a 3rd wire that fixed it. No mo rectifier problems. It's been rectified.

 

It's interesting to me that our friends across the pond use the term "Sportsbike". All I've known over here is "Sportbike" (without the S)

Great pic and I'd love to have a copy of that magazine.

 

Well, that certainly turned out NOT to be the case! In fact the extra wiring made the problem worse. One more place where undersize wire and connectors can cause the regulator to go berserk. And in the sixth gen bikes they interfered with the spray of cooling oil onto the stator as well. At least they didn't mount the undersized and overheating rectifier right behind the rear exhaust header like they did on the VF750C...

 

One thing I will never agree with, is how often I read some one raving about the build quality of the VFR.

I really like my 2001 VFR, but.... In 01 I bought a new 929. The 929 came with a Titanium header. The VFR got that cheezy, painted conduit. I don't remember anyone ever having to spend hours changing a thermostat on a 929. There were no rectifier problems. The subframe on the 929 was aluminum; it had a digi speedo, fully adjustable Suspention with upside down forks, nifty tail trunk, gold chain. I'm not totally positive, but I think the 929 was even cheaper.

I wish Honda would let me design the Gen 9. There would be no v-Tec. No electronic safety nets. Put it on a diet. Pain tI Yellow. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.