MD Best Buy: 1998-2001 Honda VFR800i

[Smarti]

MD Best Buy: 1998-2001 Honda VFR800i

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/02/md-best-buy-1998-2001-honda-vfr800i/


“It’ll do 1000-mile days and it’ll do 1:45s at Laguna Seca,” says John.

[DosEquis00]

Good read and it makes me miss my 99  

[nantahala]

 

[atadaskew]

“It’ll do 1000-mile days and it’ll do 1:45s at Laguna Seca,” says John.

Pshhh.

My PX will do 100 mile days and do 1:45s at Laguna Beach
(end to end cruising the main strip)

[blackbuell]

For a brief time last year I tried to sell one or both of my '98's, but the offers I got were so ridiculously low that I decided to hang onto to both until they or I die. They are the best all-around bikes I have ever owned, and they are effortless to ride.

Jon

[M.Brane]

C'mon guys we are supposed to be bashing VFRs to bring prices down so I can pick up a few more.

[swimmer]

C'mon guys we are supposed to be bashing VFRs to bring prices down so I can pick up a few more.

The electrical system was a constant worry even after I upgraded it, my WAX unit was fucked up so it would rev WAY too high in cold weather after starting, the ignition was fucked up and in cold weather I'd have to hold pressure against the key for several seconds after starting it in order for it to keep running and, it kept leaking coolant so I traded it (an 06) for a used versys (which at 4k miles has a leaking for seal).

[M.Brane]

The electrical system was a constant worry even after I upgraded it, my WAX unit was fucked up so it would rev WAY too high in cold weather after starting, the ignition was fucked up and in cold weather I'd have to hold pressure against the key for several seconds after starting it in order for it to keep running and, it kept leaking coolant so I traded it (an 06) for a used versys (which at 4k miles has a leaking for seal).

 That's what I'm talking about!

[swimmer]

 That's what I'm talking about!

lol

[spd2918]

Buy another low-mile fifth-gen for $3000, swap out all your bolt-on goodies and sell the high-miler for $2500. Another 80,000 miles of smooth, fast sport-touring for $500? The Triumph is a great value at $13,199, but you can’t even buy a decent bicycle these days for $500. The latest, greatest technology and owning a new bike is swell, but riding that VFR is a fine experience that can’t be bested by a lot of new bikes on the market today.

That's saying a lot.

[PirateT7]

 

gee, thanks. Now I once again feel the need to troll the VFR forums to check on current year/milage/price ranges.

[motormike]

I have VFR lust, yes I do.  On paper, it seems like everything that I think I want.

 

[Hunter]

5th gen is without a doubt the best and if I were a little older would be perfectly content, alas I still have a bit of wild child in me and had to have a vfr with balls. The 9 isn't very well sorted from the factory but with a little effort outperforms the Honda product in every way.

[mountainmotor]

The electrical system was a constant worry even after I upgraded it, my WAX unit was fucked up so it would rev WAY too high in cold weather after starting, the ignition was fucked up and in cold weather I'd have to hold pressure against the key for several seconds after starting it in order for it to keep running and, it kept leaking coolant so I traded it (an 06) for a used versys (which at 4k miles has a leaking for seal).

After the first few lines of the article, and now this- i found it tough to choose a new signature.  Yours was a close second  

[ScottB]

I had an '00, it was truly a fantastic bike.  Unfortunately, at 6'5", it was not a 1000 km a day bike for me, even with heli bars.  Alas.  Fortunately, El Tigre does that job.  Other then the ergos though, I never had a problem with my rec/reg, any other electrics, or really anything.  It was smooth as hell, and the noise it makes is like none other.

[Kneescrubber]

I love mine. It handles all day riding and track days with equal aplomb. I'm sure I'll have other bikes but the VFR will never be sold.

[Kraz]

The electrical system was a constant worry even after I upgraded it, my WAX unit was fucked up so it would rev WAY too high in cold weather after starting, the ignition was fucked up and in cold weather I'd have to hold pressure against the key for several seconds after starting it in order for it to keep running and, it kept leaking coolant so I traded it (an 06) for a used versys (which at 4k miles has a leaking for seal).

Exactly... my '00 had the wax unit issue and it drove me mad trying to figure out WTF was going on for days, I spent countless hours reading electrical how-to's, ended up getting a stupid FI light for some sensor.  The book said there was one of those sensors but the fiche said I needed two - never did fix that.  I also ended up with a notched clutch basket which made the bike jumpy, and I bought a new rear shock b/c the stock was mediocre at best, but ended up selling that damned Honda and buying Guzzi instead - back to basics.

But it was comfy, fast, and handled great... and that sound...  

Love/hate.