Paging ex-Viffer owners

[sagerat]

Ural Ballast Babe and I were sitting in the parking lot killing time before doing Christmas shopping when we got to yacking about bike's I've owned (see list at left for current crop plus I've had an '82 CB750F Supersport and an '02 Viffer) and bikes I yearn to own (today's list, kids, includes Suzuki Wee Strom, Royal Enfield Bullet, Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 and I reserve the right to lust for others  ) when she stunned me.  UBB said "sometimes I miss the Viffer because I loved seeing how much you enjoyed it."

Well, let's see:  Best headlights on any vehicle I've ever had, regardless of number of wheels; handle excellently above 10mph; 50-55 mpg on the hwy and 40-45 mpg in town and 39-42 mpg if I got too enthusiastic with the happy handle; fairly comfy although a skoosh cramped for my size; valve adjustment interval of 16,000 miles; and as reliable as an anvil.

The few drawbacks, were lousy handling at parking lot speeds and my love/hate relationship with softbags as they never were truly waterproof; riding position was fairly comfy but not as comfy as on the GS, and the Beemers and Ural shaft drives have spoiled me vs. chain maintenance.  Still, in the eternal roundrobin of "if you could only have one bike" a Viffer scores pretty high.

I'd be interested in the thoughts of other ex-Viffer owners.

[Bjorn Toulouse]

I'd be interested in the thoughts of other ex-Viffer owners.

I bought an '02 this past January. I was a very happy guy. I put 3700 miles on it during day trips to the twisties in SE oHIo of 3-400 miles each. When the new owner rode it out of my driveway in October, I was a very happy guy.

When I bought it, I thought it was going to be "The Bike"....I was wrong.


Rex

[JrGman]

What didn't you like Rex, was looking for something more suited for longer rides than my '05 Hayabusa and had always "heard" the VFR was well liked by owners?

[Dr. Lost]

I have logged 27K miles on my '02 VFR I bought new.  I'm totally jonesing for a new ride, the KTM Super Duke is my current obsession, but noting I would consider replacing the viffer with can do what the viffer does.  If I bought a Super Duke, I effectively can't tour on it (no bags) :-(.  I only tour a couple times a year but I look forward to those tours all year long and when I go I like to have all the "tour goodies" that I can throw on the VFR in an hour (Bags, bar risers, corbin seat, DB windscreen, harder compound rear tire) and still be able to carve twisties with ease.

I have a K1100LT that I ride some if I'm slabbing, riding two up, in cold temperatures or other wise need to haul "Stuff" and I suppose I could tour on that full time but what fun would that be in the mountains of West Virginia or hills of southern OH when I could be on a VFR?  If I did pick up a Super Duke and ended up using the LT for all touring duties, I would be pissed that I was on such great roads on that big barge of a bike.  I mean the LT handles OK if I feel like flogging it but it's not the same.

I would love more power and less weight but I find I value available hard bags & weather protection too much to go with such a purpose built machine like a Super Duke.  So this winter the viffer gets a catless header, stiffer front springs, gold valves and an Ohlins shock.  ::sigh::

[Bjorn Toulouse]

What didn't you like Rex, was looking for something more suited for longer rides than my '05 Hayabusa and had always "heard" the VFR was well liked by owners?

The riding position was too much for my arthritic neck and shoulders. 300 miles Sunday, Aleve for 2 days following.

In hindsight, I was never really comfortable with the VFR. Every time I rode it seemed like the first time.

The Tiger 1050 is the exact opposite, less than a mile out from the dealer, on the initial test ride, it seemed we had been dancing together for years.

The VFR is a slick motorcycle, it just wasn't the right bike for me.


Rex

[Jetpilot5]

Great bike.  I owned my 99 for five years and 41,000 miles.  Replaced the regulator rectifier once and other than that it never skipped a beat.  I was finally seduced by bikes with more power.  I'm one of the many that are waiting for the 1,000cc version that's never going to arrive.  My K12S is as close to a VFR on steroids as I've found so far.

[sagerat]

Have the Viffer drop about 50 pounds and I'd be happy with that 800 motor.  Although to be honest, if in its current porkey configuration that engine had enough oomph to make me do stupid things occasionally.

And I love that V4 sound.  

[Jetpilot5]

No question, plenty fast enough to get in trouble, and they do sound amazing when you wick it up.

[kebrider]

My thoughts:

 - I missed my 01 so much that I bought an 07.
 - A couple of free mods that take 10 minutes turns the bike into one of the most refined bikes on the planet.
 - From track days to touring it does it all reasonably well and asks very little from the rider.
 - It has an effortless feel in a variety of riding situations that relaxes me when I ride.

To complain it is underpowered and overweight, while valid complaints on the track and in all out sport riding, is somewhat missing the point. Its heavy in a durable way and underpowered in an understressed way.

The motorcycle equivalent of the 5 series BMW.

It is the definitive Gentlemans Express.

I have owned many many bikes and I missed my VFR more than any other model when it was gone.

KEB

   

[sagerat]

The motorcycle equivalent of the 5 series BMW.

Hunh, that is an interesting comparo and one that had never occurred to me.  I figured the Viffer was more like an RS as the /5 is fairly low tech.  And while I felt mine was overweight, I never felt it was underpowered.  

[FiremanBob]

This thread has me jonesing for a viffer.  I'm thinking of downsizing from my V65 Sabre to get lighter weight, more sporty handling, less top-heavy, comfortable fairing including hand and leg coverage from wind and rain, and hard luggage.  All my research so far points in the VFR direction.

[sagerat]

I put 15K on mine in about three seasons, so I can tell you Viffers are comfy rides and I enjoyed the 225-250 mile range, although I once stretched it 258 miles before the low fuel light began to flash.  Good thing as I was in the Mojave Desert at the time and running out fuel would've made me buzzard meat.

I also liked the outside air temp gauge.  So they really do make a great everyday commuter as well as solo sport-tourer.  I looked into adding heated grips and hard luggage to mine, but went with the GS, instead.  Still, part of me still misses that red Honda.

[todao]

I put 12K on my 02 VFR over about a year.  I liked it and although it endeared itself to me while I had it, I have never regretted selling it. the position was great but I just wanted more power.  I liked the linear power but eventually got tired of it.  But now I have the ZX14 so you know where my priorities are.

If Honda had listened and bumped it up to a 1200 and found a decent replacement of the XX, I would've definitely considered.  but the rumor goes around every year before new  bike launch time and it never comes.

to me the ZX is everything the VFR was (weight, comfort, great styling, sporty yet not too extreme) and all the things the VFR wasn't (power EVERYWHERE and then some, updated styling, a real sport touring mount that never requires a downshift).

My first Kawi after many Hondas...

[tpierce (MP)]

Can current VFR owners reply?

I've got just over 13,000 VFR miles since mid April of this year.  I love the bike, as it seems to be able to fill all my needs.  I have to spend a good amount of time on the highway just getting to the good twisties around here, meaning i have had many 500+ mile days on her.  As others have mentioned, reliable as gravity.  Mine does have a warranty until 2011 (ty previous owner...), and will go in for the recall sometime when it starts snowing.  The thing looks great (i always get compliments on it, people love the SSSA, the exhaust, and the fact it isn't another GSX-R or Hyabusa...), sounds awesome (Staintunes...), runs great, hauls all my shit (OEM hard bags, a nice tank bag, and still room on the rear pillon to tie down stuff), and is nice and smooth.  And as for he power concerns, it has always done fine for me, even 2-up loaded, it just may need a little more VTEC time  .  It has no problem breaking every speed limit in the country, very quickly.

I can't think of another bike out there, particularly in it's price range, that can do all that.

[bizarro]

I had three vfrs, a 2000 and a 2001 800, and a '95 750. Of the three I liked the 750 the best. I don't know the specs well enough to say whether it was really that far down on power or if it weighed less or more, but it was certainly more comfortable and I felt it handled better despite having older brakes and suspension. I suppose it mostly came down to character for me. The 750 was looser, funkier, older, more worn-in and homey somehow. I rode it to the first WCRM in '04 and had the ride of my life. Still, I don't think I'll ever go back to a VFR. My riding has changed a great a deal since then and so then has what I want from a bike. These days I really don't want or need something that is all that fast or that can cover great distances comfortably because I have neither the time nor the money for that, so I need a commuter workhorse that can also double as a fun weekend bike for near-home rides. The T does that and also makes me laugh because it's such an anachronism at the same time. I owned many of Honda's offerings from the last ten to fifteen years or so and they just don't make a bike that appeals to me at this point. Of course, if I had the money for another RC30 I would buy one in a heartbeat, but honestly, even if I did, I'm not sure I would. I could have a Speed Triple, a Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport, and a project bike for less probably. VFRs, like BMWs, are great bikes, and they are the perfect bike for some, but not me anymore.

[Nitro]

Sure they are a great bike..If they fit you..they have been a good bike for me, had a 05, currently a 00, after mistakenly selling the 05 and buying a  #$^ camel, ugh!...then back to a 00 as it was available.  vfr 800 so far best compromise  bike I have found for the long trips in 30 yrs riding..

  Lots I have tried that  didnt  do it.  But lots more out there I need to  (will) try! ..so it goes...

[samuidave]

OK, I was jonesing for a VFR since 1984 when they hit the showroom nearby.  Eventually, in 1999 I finally got one, a 1997 model.

Long story short, it was a disappointment.

After hearing how it was the ultimate all-round bike, a single trip from Vancouver, BC to southern California and back (roughly 15,000 kms) was more than proof for me that this bike was not what I needed.  Almost fortunately, it was stolen.

It was a little too smooth for my tastes, almost sterile

This may sound funny, but growing up on two strokes since the late 1960s leaves a guy like me enjoying the rawness of a motorcycle.  And The VFR did not fit me at all. It was very short in the top tube length (mountain bike terminology, not sure it is correct)  too, meaning from where I sat to the handle bars was way too cramped -- and I am only 5'10"!

Though much heavier and slower than the VFR, a BMW R1100RS was a better all round machine.  In fact, the earlier R1100S felt very much like the VFR I owned.  

But even better is any Yamaha FJ1100.  I have owned a FJ1100 '84 (crashed by friend), a FJ1200 '89 (sold because I did not like it as much as my older '84), and currently own a FJ1100 '85.  

To each their own  

[bizarro]

Those FJs are sure sweet. Kitkat has a smoking modded FJ that'll rip the lungs off of most bikes on the road these days.  

[Bjorn Toulouse]

 Its heavy in a durable way and underpowered in an understressed way.    

Dood, you must write ad copy for a living! What an excellent piece of gobbledygook!


Rex

[ol Rocket]

My '97 felt like it was carved from a block of steel.  The Triumph doesn't seem as well constructed, at least, as together as the Vif.  I had Gen Mars on the Honda and really the riding positions are fairly similar.  But I'm with the others who were seduced  by more power/torque.  Now I feel like I can let myself go physically and gain 20 pounds and be OK on the bike .

I also remember, Peter, how excited you got the first time you scraped a peg on the Viffer...

[Rogue]

To me the VFR is the benchmark.  The fit and finish, the refinement, the reliability.  Plus that wonderfully free revving V4 motor and the sounds it makes.  That surprisingly well sorted out chassis that can deliver the goods from seemingly inexpensive OEM parts.  Finally, the capability to do everything well (but nothing extremely well).  

[kebrider]

Dood, you must write ad copy for a living! What an excellent piece of gobbledygook!


Rex

Not an ad man but I do try to not let the facts get in the way of a good VFR description.

KEB - The Spin Doctor

[cbennett5199]

I ride my '04 VFR like crazy and really like it. For the first several months after I bought it I struggled to get it set up so that it was comfortable. I wasn't even sure that I liked the sound and feel of the V4, having come from IL4 sport bikes. I'm 6-4, and I definitely needed more room on it. I tweaked the seat, put on some Helibars, got some softbags, tank grips (on all my bikes), etc. Now that it's getting a bit colder, I'd like to add a higher screen on it as well. Overall, it seems after about 10K to be a great bike for me.

Something that hasn't been mentioned here concerns insurance costs. The VFR is considered a sports-touring bike (at least with Progressive), which puts it in a much lower cost category. For the amount of sport bike functionality that it brings to the table, it's great to pay sport-touring insurance rates. Paying insurance on my GSXR really sucked. The VFR -- yeah, it's heavier -- comes pretty damn close to the GSXR at working the twisties and is a lot better for grinding out the highway miles to get there and back.

Of course, if I had unlimited $$ I'd probably be getting a new bike every 2 months. But until that happens  , I'm a happy rider with the VFR.

[SWriverstone]

Good thread Peter! As you might know, I sold my '04 VFR (after 16,000 miles) for a Wee-Strom. I worship the Wee as much as you're loving the KLR (which I also love).  But I admit, I do miss the VFR at times. I wanted to love it...but in the end, what got me was the riding position (and it was the KLR that turned me on to the upright position).

I loved the sound of the V-4. Just awesome, especially in VTEC mode. The fit and finish were incredible, it started flawlessly every time, never had a problem with it. I loved the perfectly neutral, perfectly balanced center of gravity. I loved my Givi E41's, even if they did make the bike's rear look w-i-d-e. And yes! Why can't other bikes have a thermometer??? I miss that!  

And I don't give a sh*t what anyone else says...the VFR had *more* than enough power to blast up mountains, pass anyone in a heartbeat, and make you giggle when you rolled on hard. I miss the power. I also miss those FLAWLESS ABS brakes. Yes, I said FLAWLESS. I'd brake hard with front and rear and that bike would slow down perfectly with ZERO bobble in the chassis---it remained perfectly level to a dead stop. Amazing. I'll always promote the benefits of ABS and linked brakes. They are state-of-the-art, period. Someday all bikes will have them.

I rode 265 miles yesterday on Holly's ST3, very similar riding position as the VFR. It was a blast...but by the end of the day, all those old familiar wrist and forearm arches and pains came back to haunt me...and just confirmed I made the right decision (going to an upright bike like the Strom). And no, I wasn't riding with any weight on my arms/wrists/hands, supporting myself with my hands, using proper form, etc. As you said, some folks just aren't built for that position!

If money were no obstacle, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat!

Scott

[tripledigits]

I owned a 2002 for a couple of years and did some commuting and canyon riding with it.  Sold the VFR for a Blackbird, and it was certainly the right move for me.  The VFR was just too underpowered at altitude to be satisfying.  Freeway commuting required downshifting to pass.  In the powerband, the engine felt barely adequate, below 6000 rpm, it was positively anemic.  Other than that, it was a great bike in every department.  Maybe living at 6000 feet had something to do with it.

[opus]

I put almost 20 thousand miles on my 04 VFR in 9 months.  I really loved that bike.  

However, after wrecking it, it will not be my replacement bike.  My current fave is the 2007 BMW R1200S with Ohlins.  Less plastic, valves I can easily check and adjust, air-cooled, shaft drive, lighter wet weight, higher carrying capacity, and it also has a gorgeous SSS.  I've got a thing for SSS, don't know why.

The viffer will always be my first love, though...

[Jes_VFR]

Hey what about us current VFR owners???

I got my first taste of VFR's back in 91, while TLC'ng a buddies while he was over in Iraq. It was an '88 if I remember correctly and I loved it.
I had owned other bikes, but that VFR was a great machine.
When He got back, he rode it for a few years, but I never got a chance to lay my hands on it again.

Then in 01, I was ready to come back to riding. my hands had been done and I was chomping at the bit.
I was also a lot older than I was back in 91, so did my research and found that the VFR was then even more the bike for me than it had been before.

I still have my 2001 VFR and will be keeping it for as long as possible.

Yeah Honda could have built it with better suspension, a bigger motor and lighter weight, but I love it for what it is.
A comfortable bike that fits me and I can ride it all day.

I may buy a bigger second bike, or I may infuse my VFR with more power, or any number of other things, but I'm not going to get rid of it.
Its the bike that I measure all the other bikes I see by.
I know that it won't do everything, but it does what I want.

If a VFR does what you want, then get one. It's as simple as that.

[twist]

...snip...

  Taking a break from AWOT?

[jfremder]

 - A couple of free mods that take 10 minutes turns the bike into one of the most refined bikes on the planet.
 KEB

Can you elaborate on the mods?

[kebrider]

Can you elaborate on the mods?

PAIR and flapper valve removal, of which you can get all the info you ever wanted over at the VFR Discussion forum. With the PAIR removal the low and midrange fuel injection is improved darmatically. The flapper valve mod "improves" intake sound by eliminating an airbox restriction at low RPM.

PAIR (pulse secondary air injection) is an emmissions related system that injects air directly into the exhaust system for improved/enhanced combustion of unburnt gases. The flapper valve appears to be a sound deadening technique utilized by Honda to pass noise regulations.

After riding my 07 for 6,000 miles I performed the PAIR mod by simply pulling the 2-prong electrical connector from the PAIR solenoid. The following test ride was all I needed to convince me that no further mods were needed to improve the low and medium speed surging that I had grown accustomed to. Before the mods the VFR felt like a 70's 2-stroke wich was kind of cool.

I did some mixed riding this weekend and it seems as if the bike is running cooler as well. The next day in the 90's should prove or disprove this theory. I have never heard of the PAIR removal resulting in cooler running temps so it seems unlikely.

KEB

[black hills]

WHile my VFR was an old model (1990). I prefer my CBR954 (with mods: Corbin seat, heli-bars, double bubble) in every way. I do kind of miss the exhaust note of the V-4, but I guess you have to give up something..

[Jes_VFR]

PAIR and flapper valve removal, of which you can get all the info you ever wanted over at the VFR Discussion forum. With the PAIR removal the low and midrange fuel injection is improved darmatically. The flapper valve mod "improves" intake sound by eliminating an airbox restriction at low RPM.

PAIR (pulse secondary air injection) is an emmissions related system that injects air directly into the exhaust system for improved/enhanced combustion of unburnt gases. The flapper valve appears to be a sound deadening technique utilized by Honda to pass noise regulations.

After riding my 07 for 6,000 miles I performed the PAIR mod by simply pulling the 2-prong electrical connector from the PAIR solenoid. The following test ride was all I needed to convince me that no further mods were needed to improve the low and medium speed surging that I had grown accustomed to. Before the mods the VFR felt like a 70's 2-stroke wich was kind of cool.

I did some mixed riding this weekend and it seems as if the bike is running cooler as well. The next day in the 90's should prove or disprove this theory. I have never heard of the PAIR removal resulting in cooler running temps so it seems unlikely.

KEB

Well I would not compare my VFR to any 70's two stroke, but I'm definitely looking into the PAIR removal. I was trying to hold out for a really nice looking set of billet block off plates, but I think I'm gonna just do the unplug for now.

I'm definitely watching the Supercharging thread over on VFRd, but a big bore kit and possible crank change are also clamoring for attention.

My vfr doesn't need any of these mods, I just want them.
I like to tinker and modify my bikes/cages. In fact I don't think that I can ever leave a bike or car stock.

Current bike mod - Add a heated pad to a Stock vfr seat pan with new foam (its a fleabay special) and add extra padding to boost up the pillion for my son.

[daddysbike]

I do miss my '04. Great looking bike, Honda hardbags, bike looked good with bags on or off, good erogs for a sportbike, plenty of power, Honda reliability. Sargent seat and bar risers made it better but I prefered still to be riding hard in the mtns and not so much sport-touring all day (FJR beats it for all day and back to back days). Great bike though. I didn't like the Vtec kicking in and out at 6000 rpms, it got on my nerves (always thinking about 6k rpm). Get rid of the Vtec and great bike. I still wish I had it but I'm trying to stick with larger less speedy all day comfort bikes maybe add a GS or a KLR and add fire roads to my list of fun.

Steve

[sagerat]

I still wish I had it but I'm trying to stick with larger less speedy all day comfort bikes maybe add a GS or a KLR and add fire roads to my list of fun.

Egads, my garage has a doppelganger!  That is the exact progression my stable went GS>KLR.  You don't have a Ural sidecar over there, too, do you?  

ol' rocket remembers correctly my giddiness when I finally touched a peg on the Viffer.  Again, it was a great bike and one of my riding buddies has 70K on his '98 with a Micron pipe which sounds heavenly.

I found the riding position comfy for all day rides once I adjusted my riding position and rode enough to build up the necessary muscles, although never to the rippling physique of my Prosser, WA, compadre who now toddles about sipping tea and munching crumpets aboard his Triumph...

If the garage had the room and the wallet had the freeboard, I'd re-add a Viffer to the stable.  Although I will agree with Scott that a KLR, particularly with the Happy Trails hwy pegs, is one of the most comfy bikes I've ever ridden.  Yes, you read that sentence correctly.  In a freak of nature meets design, the ergos on the thumper Kawi fit me like a glove, even more comfy than my GS and for 1/4 of the price.  

The VTEC never bothered me and the Viffer had excellent mirrors crystal clear even at STN touring speeds.  And while I only had the linked brakes, not the ABS version, they were superb.  

[RRA]

In 3 seasons I put 30k miles on my 97 and it was the best handling bike I've ridden to date (see list). The viffer fit my riding style to a tee. Very smooth, who needs anymore power when you have such high entrance speeds? Nobody could keep up as it was. The VFR would do anything you asked it to in a corner, willingly. Slower, faster, more lean, it could always give more.

I think the trick to appreciating a motorcycle is not to ask it to do more than it was designed to do. The viffer is not the bike that wins at the drag strip or can eat 600 miles of expressway. The weather protection on the viffer is not as good as an FJR, ST or others. But it does get you head/helmet into clean air and a relaxed enough riding position to do 350-400 miles in the twisties.

It was a great bike for what I was doing with it. Ride to SW Wisconsin for the weekend or toss on a trailer and take to the mountains.

The FJR is probably a more practical bike for me and will allow me to do more LD stuff but It remains to be seen if the FJR will fill the void left by my VFR.

There will always be a spot in my garage for another VFR.


What I've ridden (CONTEXT for my comments).
79 CB750F 20k miles
89 Kat 750 26k  miles
91 Kat 1100 18k miles
92 Concours 30k miles
94 RF900R  49k miles
95 GPZ100 1k miles
97 VFR750F 31k miles
05 FJR1300A 1k miles

RRA  

[gradus]

Can you elaborate on the mods?

Another mod that accomplishes the same thing as the PAIR removal is to eliminate the Oxygen sensors.  You can buy O2 eliminators for $25 each ($50 total) or accomplish the same thing for $0.99 with two 330ohm resistors from Radio Shack.  Takes 5 minutes once you remove the left side fairing.  

This was a 'must do' mod for my bike, but it fixed all surging issues.  I'll probably also do the PAIR removal just for the hell of it.  

[Zerosum]

I love my '97.  I got such a deal on it that I bought first, and asked questions later.  I was actually lukewarm about it at the time, but I knew I could flip it for a profit, so I figured "what the hell?".  I've had it for about a year now, and it has really grown on me.  It's taught me a lot about how to ride a heavier bike.  It has more than enough power for me, especially in the midrange.  Sure it runs out of steam after 110 or so, and the squids on 1000c I-4s can smoke me on the highway, but who cares?  It's a great bike for the type of riding I do.

[Jes_VFR]

I love my '97.  I got such a deal on it that I bought first, and asked questions later.  I was actually lukewarm about it at the time, but I knew I could flip it for a profit, so I figured "what the hell?".  I've had it for about a year now, and it has really grown on me.  It's taught me a lot about how to ride a heavier bike.  It has more than enough power for me, especially in the midrange.  Sure it runs out of steam after 110 or so, and the squids on 1000c I-4s can smoke me on the highway, but who cares?  It's a great bike for the type of riding I do.

your VFR runs out of steam at 110?????

Hell I must have a ringer then since I use my to run chase on the sport bikes when we need to observe something on a test ride.

I mean I know that the last GSXR1000, I was chasing the other week was not getting ridden at 10/10th's but I would not say that the VFR runs out of steam at 110.
Hell, I know that I was past 130 since, I saw the needle pass it on the way down after we checked the GSXR for the resolution of a wobble in the rear suspension (worn swing arm pivot).

[TuffguyF4i]

I rode my '99 for about 2k miles, mostly in the Smokey Mts.  

My conclusion:
Good brakes
Not enough power
Very comfy
Good wind protection
Very good handling

All in all,,, if it had more power and was an I-4 i would have kept it.  I sold it and bought an XX.

[Zerosum]

your VFR runs out of steam at 110?????

Okay... maybe I just run out of balls at 110!  What I meant was, yeah, it'll keep accelerating for a ways after 110, but it feels like the bike's really working for it, like I'm pushing it beyond what it was designed for.  I've run it up that fast once or twice to "see what it can do", but usually I'm having my fun in 4th gear and below on back roads.  Even if I'm slabbing it to get to a destination, I'll cruise at a max of 95 to 100.  Much faster than that and the wind blast gets annoying, for me at least.  YMMV.

[Jes_VFR]

I rode my '99 for about 2k miles, mostly in the Smokey Mts.  

My conclusion:
Good brakes
Not enough power
Very comfy
Good wind protection
Very good handling

All in all,,, if it had more power and was an I-4 i would have kept it.  I sold it and bought an XX.

I want to jump in here and ask you (and the others of the not enough power brigade), what exactly do you mean when you say not enough power.

Do you mean "not enough power for me", "not enough power for the class its in" or "not enough power for a 780cc bike?"
I've admitted that no bike ever has enough power for me in the end (I'm from the too much is never enough generation when it comes to hp and TQ), but I was pleased with how much power my VFR had from the factory. Add in the fact that it doesn't 'hit' like a I4 literbike and I'm satisfied (at least I'm not racing out to buy another 100 hp).
I also admit that if there had been a larger VFR (900+), I would have given it serious consideration over the 780. Hell who am I kidding, if all the other aspects were close, I would have bought the larger VFR.
It doesn't help that it is the smallest bike in its class, and it's very very optimistic model desgination (800 when it is only a 780) doesn't help it either. But even so it is not like any of the other bikes in its class are going to run away and hide from it.

By now you are thinking that I'm splitting hairs because I like my VFR, essentially making excuses for what it is or is not. Perhaps, I am.
Or maybe I'm only trying to get people to look at the VFR as I did when I decided to buy mine.
I did not see it as a 800cc bike, I saw it as a 750 with a factory bore kit. So to me it was never the underpowered BIG St bike, like so many people see it. To me it was the St equivalent to the 675 Triumph Daytona, a sort of Über 750cc class St bike.

The VFR is what it is, so either it mostly fits what you want or it doesn't. But then again if what was a reasonable fit for me, was good for everyone, then there would only be one model of motorcycle the world over.

[bizarro]

All of my VFRs, even the 400 (NC30), had plenty of power. I suspect folks are talking about torque. Once I wound them up they all scooted just fine. I've never been averse to spanking the gear box anyway so it wasn't a problem for me.

My issue with the VFR is simply one of style. VFRs leave me with a 'meh' feeling. They don't excite me in anyway. That's fine for a car, but not for a bike. Hence why I wound up on a Speed Triple (which I would still have if I hadn't desperately needed money) and now a Moto Guzzi.

[TuffguyF4i]

I want to jump in here and ask you (and the others of the not enough power brigade), what exactly do you mean when you say not enough power.

Do you mean "not enough power for me", "not enough power for the class its in" or "not enough power for a 780cc bike?"

With two people and luggage, i felt like i had to flog it to get it to pass quickly.  A quick pass is a safer pass.  

It didn't inspire in me that "you just wait till the next small straightaway" feel.  Even with just me an luggage, i felt as though i really had to rev the crap out of it to make it a passing machine.  

With my XX i simply do not have to put extra effort into making it do what i want.  I pass where ever, when ever, and the bike loves it.  But it does have 300 more CC's.

I still think its a great bike....just not the one for me.

[UFO]

My second bike is now a Viffer.  Got my first taste on my brothers '82 (or '83) Interceptor.  Loved the engine, loved the sound.  Owned a 2002 VFR that was my everyday tourer/commuter.  Replaced it with the FJR.  Missed the VFR so picked up Old Yeller.

Love the engine, love the sound   love the look, love the reliability.  This one's a  play bike & garage queen...nothing more.  Sunny, warm weather only.

[UFO]

My issue with the VFR is simply one of style. VFRs leave me with a 'meh' feeling. They don't excite me in anyway. That's fine for a car, but not for a bike. Hence why I wound up on a Speed Triple (which I would still have if I hadn't desperately needed money) and now a Moto Guzzi.

Yeah, yeah, we know....you drank the "Soul Kool-aide."  

[bizarro]

It's funny 'cause it's true.  

Ruthless but bland effiency does nothing for me.    

[jackinthebox4]

The problem with commuting on my VFR comes when I arrive at work.

I'm just going to have to move farther away.

I'm lucky just for having one.

the "soul" stuff is all marketing to me.
reliability, quality, workmanship count more.

nothing finer than a VFR.  

[Rogue]

I think the VFR has plenty of soul.

When you get that V4 howling at 8k RPM, that's soul.  Oh and it does have vibes too, somewhere around 6k RPM, and mostly felt on the left peg.  In fact, of all the Honda sportbikes, the VFR has the most soul.

[Jes_VFR]

I think the VFR has plenty of soul.

When you get that V4 howling at 8k RPM, that's soul.  Oh and it does have vibes too, somewhere around 6k RPM, and mostly felt on the left peg.  In fact, of all the Honda sportbikes, the VFR has the most soul.

unfortunately the 02+ bikes don't really howl, They sort of whimper and then grumble.

The howling went out with the cam gears, kinda like when you Neuter the dog.

[sagerat]

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies and nice yellow Viffer, Skipper.

As I rode my Viffer solo, it always had enough power for me.  As for the "soul" observation, I understand that point of view, but it's never been a dealbreaker for me.  My Ural has soul and it's also had its right muffler fall off going down the road, give me gas and go reliability any day.  

The weight is what finally got to me.  Yes, the GS tips the scale at about the same weight and that's why I've looked at selling it, too.  I get aboard either my KLR or my /6 and I feel like Prometheus unbound...or at least that I'm less likely to herniate myself during garage maneuvers.

Still, there is that small voice that says "get another, get another" particularly since the Kawi/Suzuki shop in Bend has gone toes up.  

[atadaskew]

I'm wondering about all the reliability statements here.  I had a VFR750, and, yup, the RR went on it.  So, it broke down, left me stranded.  I've come across at least two travel tales on this site where peeps went on tours with their VFRs and had break downs with the RR failing.  Both current edition bikes.
So I guess the VFR is the most reliable bike on the planet, until it pukes out it's RR.  How come they STILL do this?  Mine was a 1992, now 15 years on and Honda still hasn't figured this out?

[gradus]

I'm wondering about all the reliability statements here.  I had a VFR750, and, yup, the RR went on it.  So, it broke down, left me stranded.  I've come across at least two travel tales on this site where peeps went on tours with their VFRs and had break downs with the RR failing.  Both current edition bikes.
So I guess the VFR is the most reliable bike on the planet, until it pukes out it's RR.  How come they STILL do this?  Mine was a 1992, now 15 years on and Honda still hasn't figured this out?

Haven't had this issue with my VFR.  Is this part of what is being fixed in the wiring harness recall for '02-'05 bikes?  

[SWriverstone]

Never had an RR problem with mine either in 16,000 miles. The bike ran perfectly 100% of the time. I think the whole RR thing has been blown WAY out of proportion (not denying it happens, just not at the level of a full-blown epidemic).

Scott

[atadaskew]

Mine failed at about the 20K mark.  A friend's failed at 24K.  His bike was a gen 5 (last edition with gear driven cams) 800.  They seem to pack it in  between the 20-25K mark. Opus' failed him on his legendary trek as did one of the doods who rode cross country that was recently posted in Ride Reports.
Not saying they all do that, but given that Honda early on issued a recall on the alternator/rr for the Vtec VFR, it does seem a wee bit curious that they are still failing.

edited to add:  It was Hulked Up that wrote about his RR failing on his VFR, as well as failing on his buddy's bike on their trip:

"It turned out the rectifier, stator and battery were fried on Doug’s bike.  (This is a common problem on VFR’s.  Mine went out at 30,000 miles and left me stranded.)"

[Jes_VFR]

Mine failed at about the 20K mark.  A friend's failed at 24K.  His bike was a gen 5 (last edition with gear driven cams) 800.  They seem to pack it in  between the 20-25K mark. Opus' failed him on his legendary trek as did one of the doods who rode cross country that was recently posted in Ride Reports.
Not saying they all do that, but given that Honda early on issued a recall on the alternator/rr for the Vtec VFR, it does seem a wee bit curious that they are still failing.

edited to add:  It was Hulked Up that wrote about his RR failing on his VFR, as well as failing on his buddy's bike on their trip:

"It turned out the rectifier, stator and battery were fried on Doug’s bike.  (This is a common problem on VFR’s.  Mine went out at 30,000 miles and left me stranded.)"

okay and how many GSXR's with oiling issues do I see as a service writer?? Lots.
It just seems to be that VFR's weakness is the R&R.
No Bike is perfect and it seems to me that the real failure is a know issue.
It's not like the transmisision recalls of the Vstars last year, or the suzuki starter recall?

In the end I'd rather ride my VFR than any other bike day in and day out.
It plain works, I can't say that about many other bikes (ask me about my yamaha's)

Until I find a better, bigger, more reliable bike, the VFR will be my only bike.

[opus]

Yeppers.  My RR failed around 16K, stranding me for two days in Arizona.  Of course, it was after a hard day of eluding the Colorado police...  

[googus]

I had four VFR's 97,98,02,00 for some strange reason I like the 98 the best. Maybe because I had it the longest and had it set up just right for my liking. I felt thet the 5 generation handled betterin the tight stuff and the 6th generation bettering the long bends. I liked the moter better on the 5thgen and not all because of the v-tec just a thing. I like the stlying of the 6 generation better.

Well after a dear hit me last October I was waying all my options within 4 bikes VFR, FJR, Kawi c14, Sprint st. Well I was a little disapointed the direction that Honda is going and think most of the other manufactors are trying to push the envelope so I ended up buying the Triumph Sprint St with even seeing or sitting on one in person.

Although I pretty much LOVED every VFR I ever owned and do not really have anything bad to say about them. I have to say the Sprint is a better bike for ME. The only thing the Sprint lacks is dealer network throught the US.
I also have to say that my main reason for the Sprint was the low Insurance cost $602.00 full coverage to the VFR $1475.00

Greg

[bill rowland]

Anybody out there dyno tune said vfr"s.

[traveler]

Anybody out there dyno tune said vfr"s.

Go over to VFRD. Plenty of good info there.

[RedRocket]

I can't say that I miss mine.  






I rode it yesterday.    

[High_Side]

I think the VFR has plenty of soul.

When you get that V4 howling at 8k RPM, that's soul.  Oh and it does have vibes too, somewhere around 6k RPM, and mostly felt on the left peg.  In fact, of all the Honda sportbikes, the VFR has the most soul.

  You obviously haven't ridden a piped VTR.  I love my VFR but it doesn't have 1/4 the soul that the VTR has (I just sold mine after 11 seasons).

[info]

I will be able to reply to this post in about two weeks.  

[atadaskew]

I will be able to reply to this post in about two weeks.  

You're going to sell your VFR in 2 weeks?

[OldBob]

I had a 1990 VFR for about six years.  Other than the R/R issue, no huge problems.  Being a '90, it had carbs, which did not work that well with extreme elevation changes.

Maybe it's because I'm a smaller guy, but the VFR felt top-heavy to me.  I eventually traded it on a CBR954.

Bob

[black hills]

I had a 1990 VFR for about six years.  Other than the R/R issue, no huge problems.  Being a '90, it had carbs, which did not work that well with extreme elevation changes.

Maybe it's because I'm a smaller guy, but the VFR felt top-heavy to me.  I eventually traded it on a CBR954.

Bob

I did the same! I like the 954 much better, how about you??

[OldBob]

I did the same! I like the 954 much better, how about you??

The 954 was lighter, had fuel injection, strong brakes, and confidence-inspiring handling.  However, mine required valve adjustments every couple of thousand miles.  I never did figure out what the problem was, and so I traded it for a BMW two years ago.

[black hills]

The 954 was lighter, had fuel injection, strong brakes, and confidence-inspiring handling.  However, mine required valve adjustments every couple of thousand miles.  I never did figure out what the problem was, and so I traded it for a BMW two years ago.

Hmm?? that is odd??? I didn't check mine until 20,000mi. and they were still good. I'll check them again this winter, probably need adjustment this time?

[bizarro]

Heh, I eventually traded my '01 VFR800 for a 954RR. There two bikes I wish I still had, that 954RR and my Speed Triple SE.

[OldBob]

Hmm?? that is odd??? I didn't check mine until 20,000mi. and they were still good. I'll check them again this winter, probably need adjustment this time?

I think that there was something wrong with mine.  The valves (particularly the exhaust valves) tended to get tight.  FWIW, mine was a 2002.

Bob

[Vfour]

Hello gang..

I'm a Born-Again VFRer ...

Had an 02 VFR ( Ohlin/Race Tech/ Staintune/ Heli Bars ) which I put wonderful 53k miles on in 4 years but wanted something "different"...

Tried the Vstrom 650, supermotos, and even the F800ST and I like the VFR much better so I'm getting a 2008 VFR once again...

[sagerat]

Congrats on returning to the perfect middleweight.