To VFR or not VFR

I'm thinking about buying a new or newer VFR and while doing research I keeping reading negative opinons on the VTEC technology.
Where is this coming from ? Is it really that bad that I should look at something else.
I also see a lot of writings about wiring problems. Again is this really and issue.
Also one last question is ABS worth the extra cash. I think it would be but maybe i'm wrong.
Thanks

 

From what I have read the 2006 VTEC was updated to eliminate whatever problem it might have had.... I don't know about wiring problems though. Honda isn't known for problems like that. My bike has been flawless for 4 years. Just reading some of the forums here makes me feel pretty good about the VFR and the people riding them. The big decision isn't to get one so much as the color....

 

Not really too much bad about the VTEC, except at service time, as valve checks are a bear. The biggest complaint seems to be, that it just doesn't provide as much benefit as people would have thought.

I know of no wiring problems. Unless you are talking about the famed regulator/rectifier issues. I now have a '04, but I had a '98 that had about 48,000 miles on it when it was stolen. I had only one problem, the regulator rectifier was replaced once. Well, 2 problems, sort of, at first I diagnosed the bad RR as a bad battery and replaced that.

I have the ABS, so obviously it is worth it to me. To me there is not really a down side, except for the added cost at purchase (offset partially by a likely slightly higher resale value). What is it like 8 or 11 pounds or something? That really isn't anything if you aren't racing. I have more than an extra 11 extra pounds on me at the moment:redface: . If I never need it, so what. But if I need it just once, it will have paid for itself. For me it was a big part of buying the VFR, as the looks are just OK to me. I have had a couple of bikes oover the last 10 years, some with ABS, some without. Have never in a panic situation activated the ABS to my knowledge, but like I said, it only has to save my bacon once to make it well worth it.

Spike

 

To VTEC or to not VTEC

The issue regarding the VTEC technology in 02 to 05 VFRs is the 7000 rpm "kick" from the second set of valves coming to life. If you are not aware of where you are in the rpm range and you are leaned over hard while accelerating hard in the first three gears the transition can seem a little too abrupt. However, if you are aware of your place in the rpm range it isn't an issue. The only downside as I see it is if you are accelerating hard in those first three gears, and just as you cross that 7000rpm threshold you back off on the throttle the bike seems to lurch a little as if to say " listen, if you want to run above 7000rpm its everything or nothing!" In other words, under 7000 is relatively calm linear power and above 7000 you better have a nice long straight stretch in front of you! It is kind of a Jekyl and Hyde thing. Personally I love it! If I am in a calm easy going frame of mind I stay under 7000 and it is a peaceful, relaxing ride. If I am looking for a cheap thrill I wack the throttle open in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear and take in that rush of acceleration and savour that unique sweet V4 sound. On my 02, the 7000 rpm point in top gear equals 160 kmph or 100mph so in the upper gears you really have to want to cross that 7000rpm transition. So, like almost everything else in life we all have our own preferences. My suggestion is to try one driving in both modes ... it is like having two bikes in one and I think to a lot VFR owners that is what draws them to it and keeps them on it...good luck with your decision!

 

WEBFIRE2004 I am with you on the VTEC and with Spike on the ABS. I just love the kick from the VTEC. Takes me back to the distant past of Two Stroke road bikes, my old Yamaha RD 350 springs to mind. Also, I have been doing emergency braking practice recently and the rear ABS kicks in sometimes. No sliding no fuss just just smooth fast stopping. After finding out how it works in practice I wouldn't ride a bike without ABS now.

 

Abs

I agree with the ABS issue...If I ever trade my 02 VFR in I'd definately go with ABS...why wouldn't I???

 

I just love the VTEC!!! It's like having a supercharger. The only difference between the two is, the VTEC activates around 6,500 RPM on the '06.
On the ABS issue it's a matter of preference.
Good luck!

 

even with the V-Tech issue for some ha there's still not a better bike so if it seems to be an issue for you easy fix, get a 4g or 5g

 

You would be hard pressed to find ANY motor cycle make/model without some kind of 'problem' or 'issue' that seems to become common or a sore point amongst those that own/ed it.
I've only had my 6 gen. for a few months so can only comment on it, and it is by no means perfect. I can only afford 1 motorcycle in my garage and the VFR was my choice due to it doing many things reasonably well (tour, occasional scratch through the twisties, commute to work etc), oh and the V4 SOUND!!

Find a dealer or second hand one you can take for a test ride, obviously this is only of limited value but it will give you a better idea if this bike is for you.
When i test rode mine i made sure i went to 7000rpm to activate the Vtech, to me it's nothing scary or abrupt you just ride to suit the characteristics of the bike (like any bike).
Be aware that if you are test riding one with less than 3000klm on the clock it may not seem like there's much torque.
I am almost at 3000klm on my and it's still becoming stronger down low, there is definitely a seat of the pants difference now that the motor is slowly being broken in.

Great bike, great ride and suits me to a T. I suggest you seriously analyse your riding needs and ability -choose a scoot to suit.:smile:

 

Buy a new one
I just did, no regrets.
Nothing like riding a bike when its on 0km.
ABS is awesome.
The 2006 cheery red looks nice.

Only one flaw - if you look at the factory mufflers, they look a bit rough I reckon.

the new indicator lenses look real sharp though.

check out my pic

http://vfrworld.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/2417/cat/503

 

Buy a 5th gen 1998--2001 as they have the gear driven cams and the wiring dont melt like on the vtec models2002-2006..Vtec is a gimmick that actually takes away from the bikes performance and the cams are chain driven and that means you will be replacing cam chain tensioners as Honda makes them cheap and crappy..

The 5th gen uses 4valves per cylinder all the time as Vtec models only use 2 per cylinder under 6800rpm and then when you hit 6800 rpm you get a power kick/jolt as all valves are put in use ...Wonder why some people are selling thier 6th gen models and buying 5th gen models??? to many gremlins hiding in the 6th gen...

I am a very happy 5th gen owner, 21,000 miles on my 1999 VFR and the only thing replaced is the R/R ...

 

buy it..I have 24000km on my 05 in 2 months..I love the vtech gimmick (it is you know ) Take the flapper outa the airbox so it dont roar and you would not notice it any more than any other bike commin onto the powerband..

Think all the negatives are just the guys that dont like change and have the old one..

I like em both! but new is nice!!
Really think only real diff is the price...just find one you like the color and the $$ and enjoy!
NN

 

I think with the VTEC there's a lot of exaggeration in both the negative and positive opinions out there. When I finally experienced it I was rather under whelmed. I agree with the previous poster who labeled it more of a "gimmick", torque/power curves would appear to back that up as well. To me, the best thing about it is the way it makes the motor snarl a bit more.

 

i view v-tec like an appendix the bike has one but doesn,t need it the gains are not great enough to justify the change imho gear drive was perfect,bullet-proof the only thing needed was 200 more cc,s to make it competive with other companies that offer other sport-tourers i hope they bring back gear driven cams.

 

Thanks for all your replys. Really appreciate all the info and opinons.

 

In 16 000 miles on my 05' VFR, I've never had a problem or a concern regarding the VTEC valve system. This includes everything from hard backroad rides to more sedate superslab touring. I'm not saying I "love" the VTEC (although it does have a neat whine associated with it), but it is definitely not the boogy-man that some would have you believe.

 

GO for the vfr
But be carefull , I had a repla racer type and loved it. I bought the vfr becose it was a good deal and I got a good price for my ninja . I figured I would ride it a year or two and trade for a ducati .could not aford the duke yet . now I dont want aney other bike ,this thing dose it all excpt stoppies (abs comes in and the bike just stops no drama.)
I dont have a car so this winter will be the real test ,but now I dont have aney bikes to lust afterout: . well maby build an old vfr 750 to hear what the gear drive is like.:biggrin:

 

Had my first high speed ride yesterday - stretch of road about 40km long. Piece of road i thought was boring, but at 180km/hr turns out to be real fun.

(SHHHHH)

The VTec works beautifully, no violent surges when you enter the powerband, actually very smooth, hardly noticeable. The bike handles great on those high speed corners, Im wrapped.

:first: