Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I've heard many people talk about how they don't like the abruptness of the VTEC transition on the 6th generation VFRs. I've only owned the bike for three days and today I finally got the courage (and space) to access that part of the power band. This motor goes freakin' nuts above the 6400 RPM transition point. I like the split personality, but I can see how that transition could be a problem in corners.

Does anyone else like this characteristic of the VTEC on this motor?

 

Yes, I have a tuner buddy that worked minor miracles via PCIII adjustments and I think you would be amazed at how seamless the VTEC transition can be made on these machines....It took quite a bit of effort, both on the dyno and in the totally modified component package, but I'm sure it would surprise more than a few folks as to how smooth you can make it..........:wink:

 

What kind of stuff can be done to the motor to make it a smoother transition?

At first, I thought the transition was a misfire...it feels like a hesitation followed by "balls-out" acceleration. Cool, but takes some getting used to. I've always like machines of any sort with little quirks about them. For instance, my 2007 Accord 6-speed is slightly more difficult to put into 3rd gear than any other gear. Just about the only way to not miss that shift is to know the car...er, transmission. I actually think it gives the car a personality...kinda like the VTEC on the VFR.

 

The only time I find the v-tec abrupt is when your cruising around 6k and as you easily excellerate, and it kicks in unaccepted. Otherwise most of the time your on it hard and you know it's going to kick in. Every once in awhile it catches you off gaurd. Once you get used to the bike, you'll know it's there. You'll be ready for it, or know at what rpm you need going into a turn.

 

not for taz he never gets below 11k holeshot everytime the corners are not curvey enough double appex stiil wide open whole corner he could go in a 360degree turn dragging the seat sliding the tire fannin the clutch under perfect control no problem watch out stoner hes on the way with a gayrodge full of bikes..................................................oh man couldn't help myself the GUINNESS is just flowin smooth tonite..jokin dude i mean BOY..........!..!!!

 

Just keep typing and hand your bike's key to someone else...

 

:blah: If you want to ask me out do so, get it out of your system, but since I'm not gay, I'll be turning you down :clap2:

No doubt you have seen me @ the track & have been watching me with alternitive thoughts you perv

Any time you want to bang elbows on a track let me know, but don't cry when you get stuffed :biggrin:


now back to the topic, what was it again

 

PuCaudata as NorcalBoy says, get a PCIII and look for a good map for your setup. Or go to a shop that can create a map for you and you can get that transition smoothed. To be honest even with the stock map on the Dynojet web site my Vtec transition was smoothed considerably.

 

Start with a PCIII, O2 eliminators and a good dyno tuner.........try to get a look at a dyno chart of a stock 6th Gen and you will be able to graphically see the problem associated with the stock mapping in the RPM range you are talking about. The stock mapping from Honda falls a little short. A talented tuner with VTEC experience can drastically smooth out the transition range of the stock map.

 

Coincidentally, my '07 TL Type-S 6 speed has the same problem with 3rd gear--often it never seems to want to engage all the way, and ends up popping out or grinding. Actually I can't stand it and it really adds to my "buyer's remorse"... I should have kept the TSX

On the other hand, the Type-S has no discernible change in power or noise when "VTEC" supposedly kicks in. The power and sound rises in a very linear way. I have often questioned whether or not VTEC is actually working, though clearly it is. My TSX was quite different--at 6000 RPM there was a very pronounced kick in power and sound. If the pavement was wet and I was in first gear with the throttle floored, the abrupt nature of it was enough to make the front tires start spinning or hopping.

But anyway, back to VFR matters, my '06 never feels abrupt. Often times I can feel when it engages because suddenly the power curve takes a sharper turn upward. It's kind of exciting and I look forward to it when I'm accelerating. It has engaged in fast corners and never once threatened the stability of the bike or the rider. On paper you'd think that it would, but when you actually get out there you'll find that it doesn't. The momentum of the heavy VFR is going to get you in more trouble than anything else.

If you have hyper-sensitive reflexes and you aren't aware that the VTEC change is about to happen, the sound increase alone might be enough to startle you and cause you to lose control. Riding a VTEC VFR is actually a good lesson in focus and control--teaching yourself to respond only to Sir Isaac Newton and not "Whoa, what was that?"

The smoothness of the powerband can be illustrated by accelerating full-throttle at a high speed in a higher gear--say 5th or 6th gear. Under those conditions I've noticed that as the engine crests 6400 RPM, I can barely hear the change in engine note over the wind noise, and there is absolutely ZERO jolt in acceleration. Good job Honda!

 

I'd also add that mine is considerably smoother now than it was brand new. I'm not sure what is responsible for that, but I'm certain it can't be psychological. Surely break-in has some bearing on that.

Also I've never ridden an '02-'05, but I think it would be fair to say they are probably not going to be as smooth. Judging by how the sub-6400 powerband on my bike feels, I can imagine there being an actual "step" in power (though perhaps small) at 7000 RPM when VTEC engages on those models.

 

I have to say when bike was new it was somewhat abrupt, after about 3000miles its not an issue. practice throttle positions. for me I'm not good enough to pin throttle in mid corner yet:biggrin: with smooth throttle there really shouldn't be any unsettling abruptness with vtec transition in mid corner at least thats been my experience only a change in exhaust sound.I find in low gear when throttle is rolled on and off to be far more unsettling than vtec transition thats way more of an issue you with me. that seems to be common with FI, nothing beets the smoothness of a finely tuned carb.
only mods Iv done is staintune exhaust and flappervalve disconnect. still sitting on fence with the pcIII. if your bike is still new keep riding it get used to it and then make your decision to do your mods

 

Rear Rack Rubber Seals

Pucaudata, elf800 thought you might be able to help me. I'm installing a Rear Rack on my bike but already have luggage mounted. The rubber seals leave a gap of about a centimeter to the body. Have you run into this problem? If so, how did you fix it. Thanks.