Worth buying a VFR??

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by Declan Smail, Mar 14, 2021.

  1. Declan Smail

    Declan Smail New Member

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    Hey guys,

    Im new here, and Im about to get my opens and looking at getting a 02-11 VFR (These are 6th gen right?). \

    What are some pros and cons of them? things to look out for? things to keep on top of (I remember someone saying something about valves or something as part of the vtec engine that NEED to be done every 20-30k kms or something?

    Just really tell me your thoughts on them and your experiences :)

    Thanks guys
     
  2. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    how much riding experience do you have ?? at 20 yo, you might not have enough experience to handle a bike the size and weight of a VFR, and few would recommend it as a first bike, rather something you graduate to after alot of riding experience on smaller, lighter bikes.

    just my opinion, and others will disagree.

    good luck with whatever you decide. :cool:
     
  3. Declan Smail

    Declan Smail New Member

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    Thanks for the reply, I've been riding for about 4+ years, but have been on dirtbikes since I was a kid. The first bike I had was an 02 zx636 so the power I understand a bit. Only downgraded to the 300 because needed a daily that was a bit more comfortable and useable in city traffic as I don't drive at all. The VFR is 200ish kgs, right?
     
  4. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Hi Declan :Welcome:

    Plus points - With basic servicing (regular oil & fllter changes) these bikes can handle enormous mileages. My 2007 is still running perfectly after well over 200,000km. Mechanically they are great bikes.
    Minus points (1) they are top heavy - more so with a full fuel tank and evn at small lean angles can quickly pass the point of no return and take a nap - so especially for smaller lighter riders consider fitting quality R&G frame sliders if the fairings are still in decent condition.
    (2) All 6th Gens are prone to charging system failures and because the bike does not have a volt meter as standard this can leave the rider stranded. The crap OEM Regulator/Rectifier is normall the weakspot and when it fails it can also kill battery, loom, stator, head light bulbs... you get the drift. The quality fix is to upgrade the RR to a Shindengen RR (as fitted to Yamaha R1) which runs cooler and seems bomb proof. The interim fix is to install a cheap digital Voltmeter wired to a circuit which goes live with the ignition. You want the sort showing volts as numbers which can be had from the Bay very cheaply. They are not super accurate but you will quickly get a feel for what is normal, then if the RR plays up and you see volts rise or fall alarmingly you have a chance to head for some place safe before the battery is drained and the bike shuts down. There are so many failures reported on here it is not an "if" more a "when". There is also an enormous thread about this sh1t.
    (3) Honda specified frequent and very expensive VTEC valve inspections (£650+) which are really only needed for bikes being used as track day mules with the engine bouncing off the rev limiter frequently. However if you ride normally I found that skipping every other inspection is more than adequate. So despite only arranging alternate inspections since new, the last check at over 200K still did not find any valves were outside spec and it has therefore never needed any shims replacing. Just dont skimp on quality oil and filter changes. PS do not even think of fitting a K&N oil filter - they have worrying history of failing and rapidly dumping oil on the rear tyre. NOT GOOD. Honda filters are fine and cheap.
    (4) if you can afford it find a 2006+ model as they have the revised vtec engagement thresholds - which had previously made riding close to the threshold "interesting" with a risk of sudden leap in power. (2006+ models came with clear indicator lenses although it was possible to retrofit them to earlier bikes - so check the registration papers or look at the vin plate)

    I hope that helps Declan.

    When you get a chance please swing by the "introductions" part of the forum and say Hi to the rest of the folks on here - PS they like photos (click on the "Upload a File" and follow the prompts to select and upload images from your computer.

    Take Care

    SkiMad
     
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  5. Declan Smail

    Declan Smail New Member

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    hey, I appreciate the detailed response!!
    I’m just going to address things in the same order you did .

    1. I’ve heard very good things about these engines lasting a lifetime. Regular servicing and oil and filter changes has never been a problem for me.
    2. exactly how heavy are these bikes? I’ve seen mixed answers regarding it. The ones I’m looking at all have frame sliders/oggys except two which are from dealerships so I’ll be getting them included for the ridiculous prices they’re asking. I’m not the smallest but also not the biggest at 6 foot 75ish kgs.
    3. I’ve heard about these bikes having issues with the RR so I’ll definitely be looking into getting a Shindengen ASAP rather than going down the voltmeter path. Are there any issues with running a Shindengen RR in these? Does it 100% fix the problem?
    4. How frequent are these valve inspections? I’ve also heard mixed responses regarding this. I totally get why, all part of owning a a bike that decides to run on only half valves when low revving (don’t worry I know why it runs on 2 per cylinder and switches with the vtec). Wouldn’t even consider using a k&n filter. I’ve always been oem when it comes to filters. Just a habit from owning a Hyundai car.
    5. You raise a good point about the 2006+ model having the retuned vtec switch. That easily rules out one of the bikes I was looking at but the rest are lucky to be 2006+. Is that all they changed with the 06 and newer models? Just the vtec switching at a specific amount of revs?

    I’ll throw a post up in introductions in the morning when I’m back on my computer but otherwise thanks again for the help!

    you know the rule, shiny side up!
     
  6. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    6th Gens weigh in at around a quarter tonne with fuel so once they are on the deck get help to right the beast.

    Apart from cosmetic changes the 2006+ models also had improved linked ABS braking and an uprated loom which eliminated the loom as a cause of charging system failures but they still use the same carp RR.

    These bikes were pretty much Honda's flagship model so they carried out extensive research into accidents and concluded that brakes designed for track use are only perfect for the Fireblade fraternity as you rarely face someone pulling out or riding the wrong way on a track. But for road riding they found riders were often caught by surprise in accidents and instinctively grab a fist full of front brake and completely forget they also have a rear brake. The linked design was intended for real road use, in panic braking the linked ABS brakes allow the rider to automatically apply maximum braking via just the front brake lever without locking up the front wheel meaning you and still have a chance to steer and avoid a hazard. I know it works and having dodged a head on collision I am very glad I was on my VFR not my Triumph at the time. One downside is that linked brakes make stoppies almost impossible.

    Most owners are unlikely to be aware of the brake improvements hence the vtec threshold change was by far the most obvious benefit.

    On the early vtecs the same RPM was used to engage and disengage the extra valves. So if you are not watching your revs whilst filtering through traffic a marginal change in trottle postion could unleash an unexpected surge of accelleration. From 2006 there was a decent separation so once you get into vtec it will not flip flop in and out providing very choppy power. There is still a very noticeable change in sound at the vtec engagement as the bike decides to launch itself at the horizon but the threshold changes makes riding a vtec a lot more civilised.
    Another benefit is that you can also cruise in 6th gear doing 80mph whilst still sipping fuel by staying just below vtec, but when you want to overtake you can just drop a few gears and you are riding a rocket ship.

    If this jekyll/hyde behaviour worries you, for the 8th Gen bikes Honda did further work which has made the vtec transition barely perceptible, and some reasonably priced second hand ones are now appearing on the market.
     
  7. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    The threads below may be of interest.

    NB the charging system issue started with 5th Gen bikes is pretty much the same as affects the 6th Gen bikes - basically the charging system is not made by Honda it is bought in and made to a budget just good enough to outlast the warranty period. Hence there are now 21 pages of RR problems ...

    https://vfrworld.com/threads/how-to-fix-common-regulator-stator-failures.39277/

    and as for these bikes being top heavy there are 40 pages of people dropping them..

    https://vfrworld.com/threads/you-dropped-it-how-many-time.44298/

    Enjoy



    SkiMad
     
  8. vikingGoalie

    vikingGoalie New Member

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    personally. i love my 5th gen and if you are in the market for a vfr and going used it might worth just seeing if one with reasonable miles is around.
    No VTEC, basically they are the same power/weight. Depending on the year you might get it minus the Cats as well.
    Personally haven't ridden a 6th gen, for a 5th gen the power delivers in a linear fashion and it's quite easy to control if you want to play nice or rip and tear.
    As far as being able to handle one, at 6ft you shouldn't have an issue. I'm 5'10" and it's a non issue for me, easily flat foot both feet. low speed manuevers for an experienced rider are not hard either, imo.
    Sargent seat, when looking if it comes with one that's a plus.
    The only negative comment I would make, and really this is true with any bike like this with a sport fairing. The wind noise was a bit more then I expected. Probably the same between 5th and 6th gens. good luck with your purchase...
     
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