* Thinking About getting a 2006 VFR 800 - Tell me your impressions..

Hi Everyone,

I'm seriously considering purchasing a low mileage black, 2006 VFR800..

I originally was looking at a bigger sport touring bike, the ST1300, or FJ1300.. I really liked them, but they were a bit too big and heavy.. Kind of oafy feeling. I do NOT want a true sport bike where I have to lay on the tank.. I've come from v-twins.

So... With the big sport tourers not being too appealing, I thought of the VFR800.. Maybe a cross between sport and sport touring.. I was just wondering a few questions:

1. How is the wind protection?

2. Could you explain the seating position and ergonomics?

3. What is your impression of the bike for commuting and trips?

Thanks so much, and a general mini review would be so helpful.

Thx,

Jeff

 

Welcome aboard and good luck in finding your new ride. Of course, most people are going to be a bit favorable towards the VFR, considering the forum you're on!

There's quite a few people who own these bikes for the exact reasons your saying - the VFR leans a little more towards the sport end of the sport touring. You definitely don't lay on the tank as a normal riding position. I have a bad back, but can usually go 300 to 400 miles before I start to feel the affects of it.

Wind protection varies. Depends on your height, and which half of your body is taller. However, if wind buffeting is a problem, there are several aftermarket wind screens that can be easily installed. I've never looked at prices since I'm happy with what I have, but certainly not too big of a hit on the wallet.

Several people also invest in heli bars, especially for those longer, touring type of days. The stock seat is not know to be very comfortable either, but again, personal preference. I have a Corbin. Many on this forum swear by Sargent.

Everyone else always says it, so I'll throw it out there - It doesn't do any one thing great, but it does everything well.

Good luck!

 

Thanks so much.. Very helpful..

Ok, I'm 95% sold.. Do you think a 2006 in excellent condition with 4700 miles on it, with hard bags, throttlemeister would be a good deal at $5500?

 

hell yes :bluesbros:

 

1. How is the wind protection?
It like everything in the world depends. Mostly on how tall in the seat you are. I am 6' and most of it is waist up. I like the added protection of a race double bubble. I like and use the puig wind screen.

2. Could you explain the seating position and ergonomics?
Mostly standard sit up and beg riding position slighly forward. Not as forward as a CBR though. It is a very controlled position.

3. What is your impression of the bike for commuting and trips?
I ride it for everything. Commuting 30 miles a day. Short 100+ weekend joy rides and 3-500mile joy rides. The bike can be an easy touring machine or a nice sportbike depending on road and the moment.

I have a 2006 white. Mine is mostly stock. I added an after market seat from sargent probably the best thing you can do for your riding comfort. I added the Puig wind screen. Put some decent rubber on the bike when you get it. The oem tires were crap and if it is really low mileage it will most likely have stock tires.

Search this site for tire threads and opinions.


My 2006 has 26+k miles on it. I love it.

Stop thinking and start buyimg

 

How's the power on these bikes?

 

[/QUOTE]

Excellent info, thanks a ton.. I'm going to buy it today.

 

Power is decent considering its weight and displacement. I ride with a goup of guys and hang witht them all day long.
Dont be afraid to take it up over 5k. Shoot there is a whole nother pesonality to the bike when VTEc kicks in.

5500rpm with my big ass on the bike i sit 81-82 mph in 6th. Thinge get interesting in 6th at 6800rpms.

 

Trust me, More than enough Power. it's not a ZX14 but who cares. Still very capable and it's a HONDA.

I would run an OBD2 scan on the bike and see what you get. You may be able to negotiate something with the owner.

See if you can get the owners cooperation to do this.

BTW...


I ORDER YOU TO BUY IT!!! )

That bike would go for 8 or 9k here.

 

$5500 is more than fair, in fact it's a borderline theft. Of course try to work a little lower but don't negotiate yourself out of this one. If the current owner says he is firm, than I would just give up the fight and take the bike.

 

Hey as a crusier convert to sportbikes I think the VFR is your best choice, especially if you want something that is not too hefty. The 2006 is a 6th Gen VFR with the V-Tec engine. The 6th gen VFR ran from 2002 - 2009 as a V-Tec 800 cc bike. In 2006 Honda modified the VFR (lowered the VTEC threshold), so the last 4 years of the 6th Gen are the models with fewer issues related to V-Tec and electircal issues. The VFR riding position is upright, but a rider used to being on a Crusier will first notice how high up they are sitting - you can use risers if needed. In my opinion you can compare the riding position of the VFR is to a GoldWing - *** only talking about riding position. Also, the LBS is comparable to riding a GoldWing (big difference in weight). I would get a doublebubble windscreen and there should be no issues with wind protection. The 6th Gen VFR has a really nice stock suspension and is stable as hell - damn bike always feels solidly planted on the ground. So the VFR is a great bike for all types of commutes and traffic. The VFR may not be designed for speed, but it is no slouch - if ridden correctly (VTEC requires you to be over 7k rpm to run with all four valves per cylinder working). The 6th Gen VFR is easy to readline and a really great bike for touring. In comparison to an ST1300 or GoldWing it is only lacking torque - only a oomparision - the VFR has adequate torque, but for touring two up with full luggage you may want more torque for better performance IMHO. Maintenance on the VFR is not too bad - valve job is the major expense. The VFR v4 engine does run kinda hot, so I reccommend using a Scotts Stainless Oil filter, engine ice instead of anti-freeze and I highly recommend using synthetic oil. All of the previous mentioned things have helped me run my VFRs at lower than expected temps. Finally, the must have mod on the VFR is the VFRness from Wire My Bike. Helps to eliminate potential electrical issues. Good Luck and I hope things work out.

 

Listen to the Man!!!!

 

Wow.. thanks for the great responses..

I saw the bike this evening. It had a small quarter size dent in the gas tank, just in front of the seat.. (Right in front of my package so to speak).. Not a big deal. Other than that, it looked like an 9 out of 10 cosmetically.. It started right up, and the engine was cold. He let me drive it around his street which was congested with children, so I didn't break 15 mph, if that.. So it basically wasn't really a test ride.. It's a shame, because I still don't know how it rides.

Ok.. One thing I noticed is that the front end felt a little squirrelly. Maybe I'm just used to a heavier front end, or I was going parking lot speeds, but it just seemed to turn REALLY easily.. Like it wasn't gripping too properly.. Could be a sign of new tires needed.. With it being a 2006, the tires are original, they could just be bad, not sure.. It was so easy to turn the wheel in the front, it felt like a bicycle, not sure how else to explain it. Was unsettling, even a little wobbly feeling.. Not shakey, but would quickly turn left or right, not solid.. Again this could be slow parking lot driving.

Other than that, I guess I could always buy it and if I didn't like it, re-sell it quickly for 5500 as a worst case scenario.

He was firm on the 5500, and it made sense.. He had hard Honda bags, with the soft bag inserts, tank bra, tank bag, throttle-meister..

 

I picked up a 2006 with 2500 last Dec for $5500 with light cosmetic damage to the fairings and no add ons. So the same rpice with bags and throttlemeister sounds pretty good.

You can probably easily turn around and sell the bags for at least $450+ if 5500 is a little steep for you.

Personally I'd ditch those tires ASAP. Mine is an 06 built in late 05 and the tires were 5+ years old at the time when I got it and they were the first thing to go. I went with BT021's this year but won't be getting them again, Maybe Strada angels this time around.

 

I love my VFR (2004). I do a lot of long rides with a guy who owns a Ducati ST. If you come from v-twins, you'll notice that the VFR doesn't have the torque you're probably used to. But the transmission takes care of that. More than enough power for the real world.

VFRs are undersprung for the average American guy+gear+luggage, so depending on your weight and riding style that might be an issue for you . . . .

 

Well I just bought my first VFR. An 06. 4,000 km on it. NOt one stone chip. I love it. I owned either 1000cc superbikes or Big bore dirties. The VFR is what I would call my first sensible bike ever. @ 49 y/o You can see I am not that bright. lol It was time to clear the shed and try and only have one bike. A bike that could do a lot. Play, tour and be used as my daily transport. I use to laugh at guys who thought Sports bikes were uncomfortable. Now I know why. I can play on this all day. No stretching. No cramps. All good really. I am pulling it down and changing all its fluids. I like to know where everything is.
I had never ridden one before. And I must say I am impressed. Very happy.
My tires suck. Original dunlops, and I don't think the previous owner liked to lean. It does feel like I am going over a hump when you lean into a corner. And the front feels heavy. But I am thinking it is the tires more than the bike. It is a bit snappy in an on off trailing throttle. And that could be that he had not ridden it in ages and it did still have a half a tank of fuel. My bad.
Anywho I have seen the light ha ha ha

 

I like the way you are being thorough about the purchase so, now that you've done your research buy the damn thing already! The only thing you will regret is if one of us finds out where you are from and buy it first!!!!

I was coming from street bikes and looking for something with more 'touring' and style to it. I love the more upright position, I'm 6'3 so not comfortable on small bikes. This bike has plenty of room for me. I would definitly say the windscreen upgrade and the stock seat replacement are paramount for comfort.
Aside from that:

The BEST, all around bike I have ever ridden
The most fun, VTEC is kick ass power and throttle response is fun - I usually get the question when riding in groups - 'what size did you say that motor is again?'
Fantastic handling and balance
Style and comfort cannot be beat and you get a lot of looks with 'what is that?'
Don't forget the bike is 540 lbs. so it will feel a little heavy until you get used to it

I would not trade mine for twice what I paid for it. They hold their value extremely well, in fact around Atlanta they are selling w/o options for $2k over rough book.

Good luck, don't overthink it and just DO IT

 

Jeff, the location of the dent in the tank and squirrely feeling runs up a red flag for me.

This bike might have been in a front-end accident. Be sure you do a Carfax investigation first.