Any ideas: why did Honda discontinue the VFR800?

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by svtkarma, Oct 3, 2017.

  1. Gator

    Gator Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
    Messages:
    5,201
    Likes Received:
    811
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Map
    Because they like it and have the money to get it. Same goes for most of the Italian beauties.
     
  2. X73

    X73 New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2017
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    3
    It was out of state @ U Motors Fargo ND shipped to me $ 525
     
  3. Sniper

    Sniper New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    May 7, 2016
    Messages:
    320
    Likes Received:
    12
    Trophy Points:
    18
    If you think you are a better rider because you bought some aids that got you around a track faster, I'll just let you believe that.
     
    GatorGreg likes this.
  4. Gator

    Gator Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
    Messages:
    5,201
    Likes Received:
    811
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Map
  5. Thomas Gessner

    Thomas Gessner New Member

    Country:
    Germany
    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2017
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    34
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Munich, Germany
    Map
    Thinking of yourself as a better rider because of electronics is like considering yourself a better athlete when overtaking other bicyclists uphill on an electrical bicycle. Makes you feel good, but it is a delusion nonetheless.

    If anyone is telling me he or she cannot keep up on twisty roads or mountain passes because their bike only has 100HP, my take is that the problem is not with the bike.

    Why did Honda discontinue the VFR (at least in the US)? The VFR is a compromise. Compromises are not appreciated in a world that honors extremes.

    For me, on the other hand, the best possible bike is the best possible compromise. Why? It needs to be touring bike enough to take me to the mountains and on multi-day trips. It needs to be sport bike enough to have fun on the passes. And it needs to be a little boring in the sense of Honda reliability so that it always brings me back home.
     
    Mad Doctor and GatorGreg like this.
  6. Gator

    Gator Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
    Messages:
    5,201
    Likes Received:
    811
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Map
    I'm not a better rider because of electronics but I can drop lap times with them. I learned very old school how to ride. Mountains on tricked out RD 350 2 strokes back in the late 70's. Probably a whopping near 55 HP flogging the twisties. lol

    A friend instructs at a bunch of tracks on a DRZ 400. No electronics, just great cornering and braking techniques. His full blown track bikes.... all the electronic goodies and he takes advantage of them. For street canyon and twistie riding electronics can give you some safety margins. For example that slick spot in a tight corner, ABS is your friend, traction control on exit, your friend. Or that deer that jumps out... again, ABS your friend. Not crutches.
     
    zxmikez likes this.
  7. Gator

    Gator Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
    Messages:
    5,201
    Likes Received:
    811
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Map
    I happened to talk to Ken Hill yesterday about electronics. He is actually doing a 2 part pod cast exactly on this subject. You might better understand where I'm coming from it you watch it. Also he has a ton of great pod casts on line. He's a great guy and has forgotten more than most of us will ever know. One of the better coaches in the country. And this is just not for track riding and racing, a lot of what he teaches is great for street riding of all levels.
    http://khcoaching.com/
     
    OOTV likes this.
  8. XRedJar

    XRedJar New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2018
    Messages:
    59
    Likes Received:
    33
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Edgewood, MD
    Map
    I agree different strokes for different folks!! I also agree that in theory, the electronics are not a bad thing. What I'm not crazy about are riders of questionable skill jumping on 150 + hp machines, and relying on electronic rider aids to keep them out of the ditches. Y'all know the ones.....the bench racing heroes with flat spotted tires that are always on about how fast they are.

    I'm sure they do help some learn, and that is a good thing. Also a good thing for those that don't rely on them and happen to encounter something unexpected.

    I just saw a video for the new Ducati V4 where you can stomp on the rear brake when heading for the apex of a corner, and the electronics will aid you in backing it in. I know it looks cool, but that is the kind of thing I'm not a fan of.

    I'm just glad I got a hold over 2015 while there were some new ones to be had.
     
  9. Eagle Six

    Eagle Six New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    May 9, 2017
    Messages:
    143
    Likes Received:
    62
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    Navajo County, Arizona, USA
    Map
    I understand and agree in part. There are plenty of older 150+ hp machines available without electronics for knuckle head drivers to get in trouble on. I'm not the motorcycle buying police, so knuckle heads will do what knuckle heads do without my scorn. I think it may be better if they had some additional safety margin. Although I certainly agree if they learned control with manual systems, they and we would also be better off, but again knuckle heads most often learn the hard way.

    The first street bike I had didn't even have workable brakes for the first month I road it, but I was really happy to get them working. My 06' ZX14 doesn't have any electronics, my 12' ZX14R has traction control, no ABS and no other electronics. I occasionally will get on the edge, but even when I'm not I would appreciate ABS, launch control and other electronic goodies, to have or turn off, my choice. AND, I'm willing to pay for them.
     
    XRedJar likes this.
  10. Gator

    Gator Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
    Messages:
    5,201
    Likes Received:
    811
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Map
    And how about electronic controlled suspensions? Really nice to be able to adjust to conditions, load or intent. Ktm and Ducati's Skyhook systems. 1 up hauling it in the canyons, 2 up touring, all at the touch of a few buttons. Leave the spanner wrench home. lol
     
    Eagle Six likes this.
Related Topics

Share This Page