Vfr800

[Mighty Joe]

Well,  IS 2007 the last year for the viffer?????
 
Or is Honda going to spice up that motor?
 
MJ

[spinmaster]

Why would they drop it or up the cc's?  Race on Sunday - sale on Monday.  The Vifffer is now a showroom stock MotoGP race bike?  

[wonderings]

I hope they dont drop the bike. Never ridden one... yet. But I love the look and it was the only bike I was seriously considering switching to from my Honda CB919. I am waiting for a 1000 version... if it ever comes. Almost everything I hear about the bike is fantastic. Heres hoping Honda keeps the VFR!

[ol Rocket]

The Vif as of late has not been the best of sellers.  According to the Brit mags the change in the VTEC timing and implementation has finally refined the powerband.  I'm not sure enough Americans "get it" as far as where this bike fits.  I bet the CBR600 outsells it like crazy.

The Blackbird was a great bike, but it's gone from our market.  The Viffer could be next.

[hovmaven]

These folks say yes:
 
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=27420
 

[Corbeau]

Honda sells about 1,000 VFRs a year in the US of A. Maybe a tenth of that in Canada.
Meantime, on the other side of the pond, it sells like hotcakes.

[Serp]

Biggest selling bike in the U.K. last February. I hope they keep selling it as it is!

[gmicklus]

with all the new hot styles (street fighter, adventure tourer, standard) the slow fat guy is bound to become popular here again

[gritsngravy]

In the early 80's Honda's attempt to dominate the sporting market with their V-4's failed.  The bikes were well built and engineered but they just didn't become as popular as Honda hoped.   Meanwhile Kawasaki was having a great success with the ninja 600 & 900 inline fours.   Honda's original cbr 600 hurricane and later the cbr 1000 'cane was what opened the flood gates leading into honda show rooms.
 
The vfr is nice but I definately can see it being dropped.

[Squonk]

I currently own an '04 VFR so I'll be a little sad if it goes the way of the dodo bird but the current VFR is far from the VFR of old.

[White Lightning]

Just bought an 06 Pearl White back in Sept. and I am definetely pleased with it.  Like the 07 red though.  The bike is comfortable, way fast enough and a good eye catcher.  Would hate to see them discontinue it but they did can the blackbird here to?  With the VFR gone there is no bridge between a cbr and a goldwing, what will us middle age do?  Don't tell me ride a ST!

[Tilt2Turn]

Hey! No worries...I've already got one!

[vguy]

Hey! No worries...I've already got one!

And you've got the best one! (nice wheels)

[lammy]

..... Like the 07 red though.  .....  

Imagine that, a red Viffer!

[White Lightning]

Imagine that, a red Viffer!

It's not arrest me red Limmie, It's a metallic candy apple red.  Now you know where to put the bananas

[Mighty Joe]

I'm a little partial to the new Red, White & Blue '07:D
 
If they kill the VFR, those '07's could be in demand and be valuable:shrug:

[OnlyVees]

The competition has upped the ante. If Honda goes with a 7th gen VFR, it needs to be ~ 200cc's larger, sans VTEC and a few pounds lighter. Honda fit and finish, quality, etc... can only carry a bike so far.
 
Further, I think the 5th gen VFR was so spot-on, it made it almost impossible for the 02-07 bikes to look good. Kinda like the RX-7 to the RX-8, if that makes any sense.
 
Rant disengaged, VFR sold.

[Oilhed]

Don't drop it! Go back to the 2000 design - no underseat exhaust or VTEC. Put the exhaust under it like the new GSXR or FZ-1 - MotoGP style. Then paint in a few solid color choices and price it right! I love that yellow one on this page. Wish I bought a blue one when they imported them.

[Budda]

It would be a shame to see the VFR go, but I can understand why (low sales, expensive to build.)  Looks like it could go the way of the Blackbird, Europe only.  
Still, no VFR, no XX, seems to leave a big void in Honda's lineup.  I'll be optimistic and expect a re-think of the line up strategy.
 
I've read rumors of Honda reorganizing the dealer network.  People are saying the small dealers are going away and they only want the big "power" dealers from now on.  We have at least one in NJ, they sell everything Honda except for the autos...

[Rogue]

I hope they dont drop the bike. Never ridden one... yet. But I love the look and it was the only bike I was seriously considering switching to from my Honda CB919. I am waiting for a 1000 version... if it ever comes. Almost everything I hear about the bike is fantastic. Heres hoping Honda keeps the VFR!

Why wait?
 
The 800cc is plenty good as is.  100 rwhp, 11 sec 1/4 mile times, 150+ top speed....that's fast.  If that's not fast enough, then you're looking at the wrong bike.
 
I like the looks of the 6th generation VFR.  But really prefer the gear-driven DOHC, no V-tec, and 38 lbs. less of the 5th generation VFR.  
 

[UFO]

These folks say yes:
 
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=27420
 

No VFR or XX?
 
Or are they still secretly morphing them into one bike to spring on us for '08?

[Mr Sunshine]

I completely agree with Honda's decision if this is true.
 

[TC Rides]

The vfr is the best all around bike made for a long time (mostly becasue its comfortable). I rode several  different cbr 600's  (f3, f4i , rr ) and found it increasingly harder to sit on for maore than 2 hours (I am now 41). This past Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, I rode and Iron Butt (1,068 miles in 18 1/2 hours) on my '99 vfr and was good the whole time (see the ride report at http://www.thirdson.net)
That being said, I also believe there are many bikes that do specific things much better; just about any 600 handles better, any supersport bike is faster and lighter, and fjr/ st1300/ goldwing is more comfortable.
Still, the vfr is the one bike that I keep all these years when I buy and sell others. Mine has heated grips and a gps, is wired for heated clothes and power to my tail bag, but has sport tires and aftermarket exhaust and a power commander.
It would be nice to see Honda update the bike and not drop it from its line up.

[david]

The Honda VFR is hard to find in Honda Dealerships. I purchased a 1998 model several years ago. My riding mentor suggested I 'do a little research' on the bike.
 
If he wouldn't have pointed out the bike, I wouldn't have known it existed.
 
I have really enjoyed the mix of power, and sport touring capabilities.
 
And wow, the fuel gauge and outside temperature gauge would be hard to live without! Wait, I forgot... and the 2 trip odometers!
 
David

[Stockman]

Funny...
I have seen two of my riding buddies go through FIVE motorcycles between them!
I'm still riding my 03 VFR, makes you wonder what those guys are looking for? I think they want top speed, comfort, handling, performance and they just can't find what they want. The VFR is fast enough for the street, it handles well, and comfort is amazing compared to an 06 GSXR! I have ridden quite a few bikes in the last three years and EVERY time I climb off another riders bike I am glad to be back on the VFR! I thought I would have bike envy several times... It just never happened. I have yet to find a bike I like better than the VFR. I'm not saying there isn't one... I just have not found it!

[chornbe]

I hope they dont drop the bike. Never ridden one... yet. But I love the look and it was the only bike I was seriously considering switching to from my Honda CB919. I am waiting for a 1000 version... if it ever comes. Almost everything I hear about the bike is fantastic. Heres hoping Honda keeps the VFR!

Would you people PUHLEEZ stop talking about the VFR? I just rode one a few days ago and I STILL can't get the damned grin off my facel. That was one fun bike.

[Aero]

With so many people commenting on Honda's present lacklustre lineup and now them dropping the XX and VFR, I could almost believe that they are thinking of ceasing motorcycle manufacture altogether to concentrate on cars. Soichiro Honda was the motorcycle enthusiast and since his death the focus seems more on cars to me, or is that just my imagination?

[Mighty Joe]

One thing is for sure!  VFR owners love there bikes as much or more than any other brands enthusiasts.

[spirit]

Hi-Tech (ie Vtec) will only become more prevalent in bikes -

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=3909&Page=1#

[Norseman]

I hope they keep it; upgrade capacity to 1000cc and shove a shaft drive on it. Most owners tend to buy them for their sports touring abilities after all, and personally I'd rather not have to bother with messy chains if poss. For '94 they based the styling on the oval piston NR 750 but didn't really go far enough in my humble opinion. I still reckon the NR rocks in terms of styling. Honda seemed to have reached a styling pinnacle with the NR and I appreciate a manufacturer will want to keep with the times but I'm not convinced the angular styling route really hits the mark. That old addage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind. So, let's have a REAL NR look-a-like viffer, 1000cc with shaft drive and re introduce cam gear drive minus the VTEC carry on. Have I lost the plot or wot?

[Aero]

Hi-Tech (ie Vtec) will only become more prevalent in bikes -
 
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=3909&Page=1#

We don't need no steenkin' Vtec!
 
If Vtec is so good, why do most VFR owners say that the pre-Vtec models are the best ones? That article that you linked to wasn't exactly a glowing endorsement of Honda's variable cylinder management system either. So much for high tech.

[Oilhed]

So, let's have a REAL NR look-a-like viffer, 1000cc with shaft drive and re introduce cam gear drive minus the VTEC carry on. Have I lost the plot or wot?

That's very interesting!  It might have got my cash this year but I'm not buying again soon.

[steve.ski]

I like them too! Yellow VFRs are the fastest, I understand...
 
Oh, and the Yello Grips are long gone. Don't know quite what I was thinking with that...
 

[zero]

We don't need no steenkin' Vtec!
 
If Vtec is so good, why do most VFR owners say that the pre-Vtec models are the best ones? That article that you linked to wasn't exactly a glowing endorsement of Honda's variable cylinder management system either. So much for high tech.

I like the vtec on mine. I went from a 5th gen to a 6th and while I missed the gear driven cams at first, now I could care less. And after getting used to the vtec, I really like it. Every time I ride I am more and more thrilled with the bike and after my wife finally rode it our last ride, she has decided to get her own.

[tbzep]

We don't need no steenkin' Vtec!
 
If Vtec is so good, why do most VFR owners say that the pre-Vtec models are the best ones? That article that you linked to wasn't exactly a glowing endorsement of Honda's variable cylinder management system either. So much for high tech.

VTEC is no big deal...most of us don't even think about it when we ride.  People who are chicken-shit to lean a bike are scared to death of it because there's a tiny bit of a flat spot and then the bike starts pulling again at the transition.  Many bikes have flat spots in the torque/hp curve, but the VTEC makes a lot more noise when it takes place.  The people who complain loudest about VTEC are the ones that have 2 inch chicken strips, or the ones that have never spent a lot of seat time on them and realize that the transition fades over time to the point that it's not a factor at all.  Most owners see a pronounced difference in the transition of a new bike compared to one that has several thousand miles on it.

However, if I had a no-cost choice I would choose the 5th gen motor to go in my 6th gen frame because I like geared cam reliability...no chain adjusters to go whacky, and I love the gear whine.  Otherwise, I like the VTEC motor just fine.

Now that more and more cars are showing up with some sort of variable cam setup, I do expect it to eventually show up on more bikes.  However, I doubt this first generation VTEC technology (2 valve/4 valve) will be the type that shows up in the future.

[2DFlyer]

Hey! No worries...I've already got one!
 

 

I like what Honda was trying to do with Gen 6 but that exhaust and a bit of a face lift is all the VFR needed!
 
Far as I know VTEC is only there to fill in a flat spot between what was it, 4-7K or something like that.  From everything I ever read anyone willing to wick up a Gen 5 motor never had any complaints.  I've not ridden a VTEC but loved riding the Gen 5.

[tbzep]

I like what Honda was trying to do with Gen 6 but that exhaust and a bit of a face lift is all the VFR needed!
 
Far as I know VTEC is only there to fill in a flat spot between what was it, 4-7K or something like that.  From everything I ever read anyone willing to wick up a Gen 5 motor never had any complaints.  I've not ridden a VTEC but loved riding the Gen 5.

Honda advertised it as something to give better torque down low while giving better horsepower at high rpm's and lower exhaust emissions to boot.  If you compare the two on a dyno, there isn't much difference in 5th and 6th gen motors.

The real skinny was finally uncovered where Honda actually used VTEC to cut sound emissions from the intake in order to come in under a set of sound emissions standards that haven't even taken effect yet.

[Flightar]

I have ridden a 2000 5th gen numreous times and I own a 2004 6th gen. With the exception of the Transition from 2 to 4 valves (No big deal really)the engines are identical. I too like the gear driven cams but the syling of the 6th gen is better IMHO. The 6th gen is a better bike for what I wanted because I required hard bags from the factory and ABS brakes. The VFR simply gets overshadowed by the newer bikes in it's class and by the bikes the squids, stunters, drag racers and more importantly the bench racers want to be seen on and around. Honda does need to do something with the bike to make it better and that means at least 900cc while putting out around 125 Bhp to me.
 
Honda could simply use the ST 1300 engine sleeved down to around 1000 cc for a new VFR (Of course with hotter cams and more compression) and then bump the displacement of the actual ST to around 1400cc or so to give some seperation. Then put this new VFR in as light a package as practical while retaining the virtues and features that make the current bike so loved.

[tbzep]

I don't think they could squeeze the ST-1300 engine into the VFR's frame.  It looks a lot bigger to me.

[2DFlyer]

Honda advertised it as something to give better torque down low while giving better horsepower at high rpm's and lower exhaust emissions to boot. If you compare the two on a dyno, there isn't much difference in 5th and 6th gen motors.
 
The real skinny was finally uncovered where Honda actually used VTEC to cut sound emissions from the intake in order to come in under a set of sound emissions standards that haven't even taken effect yet.

Interesting about the sound regs.  Gear noise probably played into their elimination also.  Wonder what that means for exhaust noise?

[jude]

As if to say, 'neener, neener', they throw this at us VFRistas:




Oh, why oh why did I sell mine?!:mad2:

[Ian]

Interesting about the sound regs. Gear noise probably played into their elimination also. Wonder what that means for exhaust noise?

They still have gear driven cams on the RC51... That seems to do all right in passing noise regs. BMW's new 1200cc engine has gear driven cams without any problems.
 
I had read somewhere that the Europeans complained the bike was too noisy with the gear driven cams, so Honda catered to their biggest market.
 
Personally I'd like to slap each every person who would not choose to have gear driven cams over a cam chain.  Silly, silly people.

[tbzep]

Interesting about the sound regs.  Gear noise probably played into their elimination also.  Wonder what that means for exhaust noise?

It is my understanding that noise was the reason to move away from gear driven cams too.  Some claim it was for cheaper costs, but it seems that changing the design and tooling up for it would have cost them more.

If you've heard the VFR with its stock exhausts, you can barely hear it running at idle.  It's very quiet and deserves the "sewing machine" nickname it gets sometimes.  My Remus pipes solved that problem, however.  

[tbzep]

They still have gear driven cams on the RC51... That seems to do all right in passing noise regs. BMW's new 1200cc engine has gear driven cams without any problems.

You must not have noticed that I said the VFR was designed to come in under noise regulations that haven't even come into effect yet.  When they do, the current RC51 will likely fail unless it gets changed also.

[girvin02]

As if to say, 'neener, neener', they throw this at us VFRistas:
 

 
 
Oh, why oh why did I sell mine?!:mad2:

That is about the nicest paint scheme I've seen in a long time - very sharp bike.

[Bad Boy]

The VFR is a practical functional bike that appeals to those guided by the intellect. Logically it is an ideal bike, it does everything well. For those driven by emotion and passion it falls short of being the best of anything. There is no one thing to get really excited about.
 
Manufactures realize that there is more money in passion than in intellect. The average VFR owner keeps their bike too long, buying fewer bikes, because it is the best logical choice for them. On the other hand if one's buy decision is based on how owning this bike makes them feel about themselves, logic and practicality go out the window. The choices get more expensive and they end up with more bike than you need, the passion fades and there is always something new that will make them feel better.
 
Maybe sport tourers that are more passionate about riding than what they ride don't generate enough revenue to be taken seriously. We are dwarfed by the more profitable Cruisers and Squids.

[KillerB]

. The average VFR owner keeps their bike too long, buying fewer bikes, because it is the best logical choice for them.

 
That's a good point.  I'm lusting after that '07 , but my '01 just keeps rolling along.  It wouldn't be practical to have 2 VFR's would it?

[oldmanweirdon]

That's a good point.  I'm lusting after that '07 , but my '01 just keeps rolling along.  It wouldn't be practical to have 2 VFR's would it?

actually that might make your garage doubly ideal, so in turn extra practical

[Chumly]

The VFR is a practical functional bike that appeals to those guided by the intellect. Logically it is an ideal bike, it does everything well.

Why couldn't the same be said for the FZ-1, or Sprint ST or the ST1300 or the FJR or the DL1000? I think the same could easily be said for the aforementioned bikes.
 
As to your "does everything well" it falls well short on longer highway travel, two up travel, any pretence to off road, any expectation of ease of maintenance (SSSA not withstanding), wet weather protection, comfortable seat, reasonably upright ergonomics and linear low speed throttle response, to name a few.
 
In fact, I might argue the Burgman 650 is a more practical, more functional bike, than the VFR, let alone the others as mentioned above, which are at least as practical and functional if not considerably more so in some cases.
 
I would also argue that for real world intents and purposes, the YZF600R meets the VFR (not including the VFR's optional OEM bags and ABS) and does so for considerably less money thus in fact making it a more logical choice.
 
The VFR is an aging sport bike, with Honda high tech add-ons such as LBS / ABS / VTEC that's now marketed as a sport tourer, and that's fine but.....as some kind of ideal bike thinking man's bike, nope.
 
In the light of the other bikes I first mentioned, it does not stand apart so much as it rests on its laurels and competes well in some cases not so well in others.

[Bad Boy]

Why couldn't the same be said for the FZ-1, or Sprint ST or the ST1300 or the FJR or the DL1000? I think the same could easily be said for the aforementioned bikes.
 
As to your "does everything well" it falls well short on longer highway travel, two up travel, any pretence to off road, any expectation of ease of maintenance (SSSA not withstanding), wet weather protection, comfortable seat, reasonably upright ergonomics and linear low speed throttle response, to name a few.
 
In fact, I might argue the Burgman 650 is a more practical, more functional bike, than the VFR, let alone the others as mentioned above, which are at least as practical and functional if not considerably more so in some cases.
 
I would also argue that for real world intents and purposes, the YZF600R meets the VFR (not including the VFR's optional OEM bags and ABS) and does so for considerably less money thus in fact making it a more logical choice.
 
The VFR is an aging sport bike, with Honda high tech add-ons such as LBS / ABS / VTEC that's now marketed as a sport tourer, and that's fine but.....as some kind of ideal bike thinking man's bike, nope.
 
In the light of the other bikes I first mentioned, it does not stand apart so much as it rests on its laurels and competes well in some cases not so well in others.

 
Nothing to argue about here.  Not all people have the same values or needs.  Different bikes, as you mentioned, would be the logical choice for different people.  The VFR has been described as an all arounder and is thus a compromise.  It is hard to feel passionate about a compromise. The point is that for most who appreciate it, I would guess, it is for more practical reasons,  I do not think it is the kind of bike that someone would buy on emotional apart from reason.  We are discussing the end of VFR in the US.  What sells here cruisers and race bikes, I think that image is driving the market here and it is profitable.  
 
Sport tourers are the forgotten cousin.  The Duc ST, the VFR, sure they need to be updated and improved, now they will be dropped.  We will see fewer ST choices in the future particularly below 1000cc.

[Chumly]

Very nicely put, excellent & thoughtful response!

[goodhawk]

I'm with Chumly - to me, VFR is old school, if Honda updates,  I'k like to see two versions, say 3 /4 the same bike :
a tourer similar to today, without the high tech do dads ( or, optional), that is mid displacement,  V 4 or twin, keep  the  SSSA, drop 40 lbs.
a sportier street fighter - same frame /engine, no fairing, sportier riding position, etc.
I'm sorta maybe in market fer a new bike - Honda makes NOTHING I want to spend $$ on, even thou I'm willing to say their products are excel. machines.  ( I'd rather have an FZ1 or even SV 1000 than VFR.)

[kwb377]

The VFR has been described as an all arounder and is thus a compromise. It is hard to feel passionate about a compromise. The point is that for most who appreciate it, I would guess, it is for more practical reasons, I do not think it is the kind of bike that someone would buy on emotional apart from reason.

In my case, I'd have to disagree. I always wanted a VFR ever since the '86 750's came out while I was in high school. Since buying my '98 two years ago, I've become quite attached to the character and soul of the bike...to me the growl of the V4, the whine of the cam gears, the look of the SSA (especially with an 8 spoke wheel and hi-mount exhaust to show it off), and the pedigree of some of Hondas exotic racers in it's bloodline impart much more character and emotion than any inline 4 bike I've ever owned. Although the CBR (and others) are much faster than the VFR...my VFR is still much faster than I'm capable of going...it would be ridiculous for me to buy a bike just because it's faster on paper than my current one.
 
It may not do "everything" well...but it does everything that I need it to do well. I can go out on Sunday morning and play Johnny Road Racer, or load it with 150 lbs. of gear/luggage (yeah, I overpack ) and head on a 2000 mile round trip.

[zero]

In my case, I'd have to disagree. I always wanted a VFR ever since the '86 750's came out while I was in high school. Since buying my '98 two years ago, I've become quite attached to the character and soul of the bike...to me the growl of the V4, the whine of the cam gears, the look of the SSA (especially with an 8 spoke wheel and hi-mount exhaust to show it off), and the pedigree of some of Hondas exotic racers in it's bloodline impart much more character and emotion than any inline 4 bike I've ever owned. Although the CBR (and others) are much faster than the VFR...my VFR is still much faster than I'm capable of going...it would be ridiculous for me to buy a bike just because it's faster on paper than my current one.
 
It may not do "everything" well...but it does everything that I need it to do well. I can go out on Sunday morning and play Johnny Road Racer, or load it with 150 lbs. of gear/luggage (yeah, I overpack ) and head on a 2000 mile round trip.

I feel the same way(although mine is a 6th gen and I don't have gear driven cams). Every time I get off of my bike I have a better appreciation for it and every time I think about riding it, it cheers me up. I think they have plenty of character, the main one being that it is not all that common and it is the only(for the time being) v-4 sport bike out there. I can't remember how many people ask me what kinda bike I'm riding.

[ZmZmOn2]

In my case, I'd have to disagree. I always wanted a VFR ever since the '86 750's came out while I was in high school. Since buying my '98 two years ago, I've become quite attached to the character and soul of the bike...to me the growl of the V4, the whine of the cam gears, the look of the SSA (especially with an 8 spoke wheel and hi-mount exhaust to show it off), and the pedigree of some of Hondas exotic racers in it's bloodline impart much more character and emotion than any inline 4 bike I've ever owned. Although the CBR (and others) are much faster than the VFR...my VFR is still much faster than I'm capable of going...it would be ridiculous for me to buy a bike just because it's faster on paper than my current one.

My VFR was my second bike after rebuilding and "cutting teeth" on a XS400SH.  I'd say at fist my decision to find a VFR was driven more on practicality.  I could only afford one bike and I didn't want a cruiser and something with sporting intentions without needing a chiorpractor after each ride.  

With that said - my practical choice turned in to passion after I heard one run.  I consider myself an automotive gearhead and there's nothing on 2 wheels that sounds like a VFR in full song.  Yowza.

So, 5 years later and absolutely no regrets.  Funny enough on a recent ride I swapped saddles with someone riding a new FRJ1300.  Very much enjoyed riding it.  I had to peel the owner off my VFR.  He was stoked to say the least.  Would I like an FJR? Certainly for the longer trips I'm itching to do.  But there's no way in hell I'm selling my VFR.  I still step back after a long ride and have complete satisfaction in the purchase and say "damn that was fun".

And even though it'd make no sense whatsoever, I'd give serious thought to buying one of the red/white/blue combos too.  Dig that paint scheme.

- Brian

[sagerat]

Hope not, I really enjoyed my '02.  If money were no object, I'd buy another, but not in that red, white, and blue paint scheme.  USA color combos on a Jap bike just looks dumb IMHO.
 
I found the Viffer was a great all-arounder as I used it to commute and tour.  Put 16-hour days on it in rain/sleet and was fine, except for my hands.  
 
If the bike came with heated grips and plug-ins, I'd still have it.  The VTEC was just there, neither  a + nor a - and chain maintenance is easy.

[vguy]

Here's what it could look like...

[98SVT_LEO]

I'll take my VFR anyday of the week.....see how long a YZF POS can hang when my honda is eclipsing the 100k mile mark. I must say the VFR is an awesome bike, comfy, quick, and agile.  
 
On the other hand I would only consider a few other bikes in no order: FJR1300, ST1300, ZZR12/ZX-11, Sprint ST, Honda Blackbird....a fine machine.  And I'll keep my solid vfr....I don't need to ride 200mph.

[Flightar]

Tbzep...I never suggested that they put an ST1300 engine in a VFR800 frame. Of course, they would have to either use the ST frame and tweak the geometry or design an entirely new frame. But it would be a cheaper way to retain the V4 and still have a bigger engine (bore and maybe stroke reduced to 1000cc) for the VFR without taking sales away from the suggested bored and maybe stroked ST14-1500 all from largely existing components.
 
Just give us all of the "factory options" a bike of this type would deserve.
GPS, ABS, LBS, Jastek power ports, Fuse block, Heated grips and seat, Saddlebags, Bag liners, Trunk, Adjustable handlebars and footpegs (rider and passenger) Satellite radio, MP3 player, Autocom, adjustable windscreen (or simply options such as width, height and rake) and at least three color choices.

[kwb377]

Just give us all of the "factory options" a bike of this type would deserve. GPS, ABS, LBS, Jastek power ports, Fuse block, Heated grips and seat, Saddlebags, Bag liners, Trunk, Adjustable handlebars and footpegs (rider and passenger) Satellite radio, MP3 player, Autocom, adjustable windscreen (or simply options such as width, height and rake) and at least three color choices.

To me, this describes the ST1300. I've always considered the VFR to be a sport bike that is much more touring friendly than a hyper-sport bike. Once you add all the acoutrements above, it would wind up competing with Honda's own ST for the same type of buyer (in addition to bumping the price up a good notch).
 
Not that I wouldn't mind having some of those goodies on my own Viffer.

[Flightar]

Thats why they would be options and not standard equipment. The buyer would have the choice of whether or not he/she wanted them. It would also have the benefit to Honda of opening up those options (for the most part) to riders of other Honda models.
 
Also a good percentage of VFR owners have done most of these things anyway. Why not offer them through the factory?

[Photon]

Geez....I am planning on getting a RWB '07 come Spring.  I got convinced over on the VFRD board.  Is it still a good plan?
 
 I am currently riding 93 CBR1000 that has become a maintenance pig.  I like the big CBR but miss some of the toss-ablity of my old 85 VF500F Interceptor (RWB as well).  The Interceptor seems like a good fit between the two.
 
Naw, you guys aren't talking me out of it.

[Tilt2Turn]

Geez....I am planning on getting a RWB '07 come Spring.  I got convinced over on the VFRD board.  Is it still a good plan?
 
 I am currently riding 93 CBR1000 that has become a maintenance pig.  I like the big CBR but miss some of the toss-ablity of my old 85 VF500F Interceptor (RWB as well).  The Interceptor seems like a good fit between the two.
 
Naw, you guys aren't talking me out of it.

There is always talk of what the VFR could or should be. But the fact is, the current VFR, as well as previous generations, is a great bike. Once you buy that RWB '07, it will not matter what Honda has planned for the future. You will be on a versatile, fun bike that exudes confidence.  
Yeah, I drank the Kool-Aid. So what? VFR's just rock.  

[Corbeau]

Hey, Tilt2Turn, I served the Kool Aid! (check my signature...)

[Mighty Joe]

Well, I saw the RWB abs at my local Honda stealer today!  The bike is just sweet looking!!!!  And ironically he had the RED '07 in the back room.  What a jaw dropping deep red that is too!  Its also gorgeous.  So all of us interested in the '07's!  Well, they just look (Awesome) this year!!
Amazing what the right paint can do.

MJ

[Mr Pheer]

Well, I saw the RWB abs at my local Honda stealer today!  The bike is just sweet looking!!!!  And ironically he had the RED '07 in the back room.  What a jaw dropping deep red that is too!  Its also gorgeous.  So all of us interested in the '07's!  Well, they just look (Awesome) this year!!
Amazing what the right paint can do.

MJ

I went to the dealership and saw the RWB '07 with ABS sitting on the showrrom floor.

And to make a long story short, here it is sitting in my driveway:

[Mr Pheer]

 It wouldn't be practical to have 2 VFR's would it?

Is a motorcycle really practical? Go buy yourself another VFR, I have two of them in my garage  

[hovmaven]

I went to the dealership and saw the RWB '07 with ABS sitting on the showrrom floor.

And to make a long story short, here it is sitting in my driveway:

Want to trade plastics?  I have an asphalt set all boxed and ready to go.  

Congrats on the purchase.  Glad to see you back out there.  

[Mr Pheer]

Want to trade plastics?  I have an asphalt set all boxed and ready to go.  

Congrats on the purchase.  Glad to see you back out there.  

I once bought an '04 with only 900 miles on it what was Asphalt Black... I sold the plastics and replaced them with red plastics and a red tank that I bought from ebay. Everybody thought I was crazy  

[hovmaven]

I once bought an '04 with only 900 miles on it what was Asphalt Black... I sold the plastics and replaced them with red plastics and a red tank that I bought from ebay. Everybody thought I was crazy  

I know.  

[JRinNC]

WOW SWEET COLOR SCHEME! How much did you fork over, where they dealing with you or hardcore MSRP?

[Mr Pheer]

WOW SWEET COLOR SCHEME! How much did you fork over, where they dealing with you or hardcore MSRP?

I forked over $12,670 to get it out the door. MSRP is $11,600 and then they stick you with tax and that other crap, some of which i got them to remove. They arent really dealing much, its really hard to get a deal in the Vegas area because almost all of the dealers are owned by Ride Now Inc except for one, and that one had no plans to get the RWB bike. So I took what was available, which was the one with ABS. The closest I could get to the price online was $12,300 but I would had to fly to Los Angeles to get it, and end up with a bike having more restrictive california emissions, wasnt in the mood for that.

[Nailer45]

They still have gear driven cams on the RC51... That seems to do all right in passing noise regs. BMW's new 1200cc engine has gear driven cams without any problems.
 
I had read somewhere that the Europeans complained the bike was too noisy with the gear driven cams, so Honda catered to their biggest market.
 
Personally I'd like to slap each every person who would not choose to have gear driven cams over a cam chain.  Silly, silly people.

The RC51 is also gone from the 2007 model lineup

[Mr Sunshine]

It may not do "everything" well...but it does everything that I need it to do well. I can go out on Sunday morning and play Johnny Road Racer, or load it with 150 lbs. of gear/luggage (yeah, I overpack ) and head on a 2000 mile round trip.

I can do this on my SV650S too and be just fine.  For me I think my biggest problem with the VFR is its weight.  Its around the same weight as a FJR or a '06+ R1200RT.  But both the FJR and RT are much better 2-up bikes and they do 1-up just as well as the VFR.

[Ian]

The RC51 is also gone from the 2007 model lineup

And??  You think that's because of noise regulations?

[Nailer45]

And??  You think that's because of noise regulations?

NO, i believe Honda has been taken over by the green tea tree huggers  ..I see way to many cruisers in the 2007 line up but only a few sport/sport touring bikes..Noise regulations are a lame excuse for honda to get rid of the Gear driven cams ..I dont care for the Vtec or cam chains/tensioners.

Honda has dropped some great bikes the past 2 yrs, the RC51, the superhawk,and now the VFR after 2007..So what will that leave for a sport/sport touring  choices? No cbr for me, not my thing..

The squids get a new updated cbr every 2-3yrs and its been 5 yrs since they updated the VFR...As far as the noise regulations they are BS..

[JPNTourer]

For what it is worth, I do not know if Honda is or is not terminating the VFR line.  If it is indeed true, then pity.  I have had three generations of VFRs, in addition to having been lucky enough to ride D's, Bimmers, Yamis and more.

At the end of the day, the VFR for a big guy like me, 6'3" and north of 200lbs is a great bike.  Comfortable, fun, multi-purpose AND dependable.  Riding throughout North American, Asia and China, this is very important.  Currently using my vtec as a commuter in Tokyo.

[Ian]

NO, i believe Honda has been taken over by the green tea tree huggers  ..I see way to many cruisers in the 2007 line up but only a few sport/sport touring bikes..Noise regulations are a lame excuse for honda to get rid of the Gear driven cams ..I dont care for the Vtec or cam chains/tensioners.

Honda has dropped some great bikes the past 2 yrs, the RC51, the superhawk,and now the VFR after 2007..So what will that leave for a sport/sport touring  choices? No cbr for me, not my thing..

The squids get a new updated cbr every 2-3yrs and its been 5 yrs since they updated the VFR...As far as the noise regulations they are BS..

I agree, if they continue on this trajectory they may be out of bikes in a decade.  

Everything that was interesting in any way shape or form is now gone from their lineup.  Some cool features that made somewhat boring bikes cool have been engineered out.

The older I get the less interested I am in Honda.  And I was a huge Honda fan.

[bmwone]

The older I get the less interested I am in Honda.  And I was a huge Honda fan.

I own a 2000 VFR, rode it 10k to CA and back last summer. It was an awesome ride.

I agree - I keep wondering when Honda is going to rub the sleep out of their eyes and offer us something interesting.

For now, I'm looking at the FJR13 and the Guzzi Norge.

[TuffguyF4i]

I replaced my '99 VFR (totally cherry) for the '991100xx because it did not have the grunt of the large bore in line four.  It always seems that in aggressive curves, i was searching for the right gears.  
I suppose that i just like I-4's more then the V configurations.

[gritsngravy]

I agree, if they continue on this trajectory they may be out of bikes in a decade.  

Everything that was interesting in any way shape or form is now gone from their lineup.  Some cool features that made somewhat boring bikes cool have been engineered out.

The older I get the less interested I am in Honda.  And I was a huge Honda fan.

Honda still makes a lot of nice bikes.................they're just not imported to the U.S.       You can still buy a cbr1100xx and rc-51 (aka SP-2) in the UK.     A nice sport touring alternative to the Interceptor is honda's CBF1000 which of course is not available in the states.   The sky isn't falling, just the american motorcycling market has changed and honda has become a global powerhouse that sells many different products to remain very profitable in the U.S.    

[Oilhed]

I'll take a Dull-ville in flat black, please!

[Rogue]

I thought MotoGP is going to limit displacement to 800cc?

So that means Honda will field an 800cc V4 in MotoGP?

If so they will come full circle.  

[Ian]

They have already limited it to 800cc, and Honda already has an 800cc V4.

[ctfz1]

I suspect the v4 is more expencive to manufacture than an equivalent inline 4. With the competition geting stronger and more diverse its harder to pay emissions, suspension, comfort, updates without overpricing. Money gets spent to lure customers and frankly the vfr doesn't suit my riding envelope, and believe more people see it that way. The all rounder has become narrow focus.

[Oilhed]

Yeah but the V-4 with gear driven cams just sounds awsume.  I wish I bought a 2000 VFR and kept it!

[Flightar]

A V-Four has some disadvantages when compared to an inline design. Chief in those is that they are heavier, more complex in their castings, taller, more expensive to make and harder to package. Now they do have some advantages too, such as they can be more narrow, the torque curve is usually flatter and smoother, castings are usually stiffer, radiators can be smaller, they are cooler, they are different, they sound good. they can be used in cruisers and touring bikes and will preserve the V-Twin look....a la the Yamaha Royal Star's.

The only scenario that makes sense is for Honda to merge the ST 1300 and the VFR using the same engine in different displacements for each. Bump the ST to 14-1500 cc while reducing the bore and/or stroke to say 1000 cc (while also hot Roding it) for use in the VFR...then use as many off the shelf parts as necessary to keep costs low. The only major issues would be a new frame for the VFR so the current orientation of the engine could be preserved and re designing the final drive for use in the VFR.

[DosEquis00]

the torque curve is usually flatter and smoother, castings are usually stiffer, radiators can be smaller, they are cooler, they are different, they sound good.

As Tony the Tiger would say the V-4 sounds great!

[Oilhed]

As Tony the Tiger would say the V-4 sounds great!

I agree, that older non-VTec, with gear driven cam.  They made the old V65 Magna/Sabre.  Surprised they never made one that size in the VFR.  I still want a VFR.

[ctfz1]

The less bikes sold, higher price per bike required, higher price harder sell. The VFR has always been pricey, and slow to revise/upgrade. Competition is worse.
The Suzuki Bandit 1250S and DL's take market, as do Triumph Sprints and Tigers.

[sagerat]

I know this is blasphemy to some, but what I loved about '02 Viffer is that it did not have that infernal whiney gear cam noise.  

[Oilhed]

I know this is blasphemy to some, but what I loved about '02 Viffer is that it did not have that infernal whiney gear cam noise.  

how do you feel about noisey Ducati clutches?

[sagerat]

Not a fan, but do love the L-twin sound.  

[googus]

$$ for Honda to produce?? They Love putting R&D into their bikes( I am not even going to go down the list) Honda is a very large company with alot of different directions (even jets). I am not a master by any means, but I can say what Honda does is for their reason. Not always best for our consumer base(Spec here in the US where selection is limited) but for their mastermind well being I am sure.

For One I went over to Triumph and bought a 07 Sprint St ABS. This bike is very close to the VFR ( and MOP is better than the VFR) for a grand Less with hard bags,2 yr warranty,ABS)..Plus insurance companies charge the VFR as sport bike. In turn it is about a grand more to insure. The Sprint is 510.13 Full with Rider in N.J.

Please do not get me wrong I love the VFR and I have owned 4 in three different generations(97,98,02.00) In Lew of my rant I think Honda is falling short of their drive to make us as consumers happy here in the USA. They have just grown too big (PWC,Cars,Generators, Lawmowers, Engines for Sears Etc.,Engines for boats, Bikes, and I am sure I misses some)and put their effort in the CBR line. The east is just a differnet story and we can't go there!

I do have to add that every Honda I have owned i have never had a major problem with them and I think their fit and finish is the best, plus their dealer network.

[Baz]

I am betting they are dead.

They are not selling much at all here, and are overpriced. When I was shopping last, I picked up my FJR (last year model still in the crate) for about $1,500.00 more than they quoted me for a fully equipped VFR.

I don't want to say bad things about the VFR, but it is dated.

You can get cruiser riders switching to an ST1300, but I don't think you will get many RR1000 riders switching to a VFR. It seems as though the VFR has turned into fringe bike.

With North America being into the Cruiser craze, I just don't see a future for the VFR. As the population gets older, the demand for ST1300's are going to outnumber the VFR Demand, and well we all know that the slow seller gets killed in Honda land.

[Rogue]

Honda still has the '08 VFR.  So I guess that answers the question on this thread.