VFR Which year and Why?

[jeffreyjames]

I'm just wondering what VFR to get.. I'm leaning towards the 2006+, but that's just because of ignorance.. It always seems wiser to buy new, but it seems with the VFR there are conflicting arguments.. I like smoothness, I like refined engines, and if the technology in the newer bikes improved that, then I'd like to go that way.. What do you think? It looks like the 2006+ are fetching around 6500-7500.. I could get a 2011 Ninja 1000 for 10k, so I'm wondering what direction to go.

[DangerMoney]

I've owned several Acura/Honda cars with VTEC. When the engine would switchover to the other cam profile (VTEC), some of them would have noticeable change in torque and others would not. I had a 2005 VFR (sixth generation - 2002 to 2009 VTEC)  and found the switchover abrupt. This was particularly annoying when in a curve and accelerating. The bike was nice otherwise.

If you like a driveable engine (i.e. linear power delivery), I would suggest staying away from the 2002 to 2009  MYs.

You might spend some time at

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com

[Rigger]

Any year that makes you happy!  A few weeks ago I was at a motorcyclist bbq sponsored by Crown Honda in Winnipeg and someone rode in on a 1986 VFR and he had the biggest smile on his face.  You dont need the latest high tech gagdet filled bike to get that kind of happiness.

[M.Brane]

 I love my '98, and don't need any special tools for valve adjustments. A shim kit is about the same cost as 1 VTEC lifter.

[spaceman]

I have a 2008 with ABS and do not find the VTEC transition abrupt. Yes, you can feel it kick in, but that's about it. The bike is extremely comfortable, and actually a joy to ride all day. I did change the seat and lower the pegs.

[stratus17]

I had one 2001, non VTEC, and now a 2007 VFR, VTEC-ABS. I love them both and like the 2007 even better. They are both reliable, smooth, plenty powerfull (for me) and very enjoyable. I do not find the VTEC switchover annoying as that problem had been solved for the newer models.

[veefer800canuck]

If you like smoothness, you may not appreciate the VTEC step in the powerband.

The '98-'01 geardrive bikes have a very linear powerband.

Here's mine:

[motormike]

I'm interesred in 2007 or 2008 for the reliability (newness) and color choices, but I haven't ridden any VFR.

[gritsngravy]

My first v4 was an 85 vf700 tariff buster.  It was purchased used for $900.00 and had cam issues yet it ran good enough to get me around..... thing was still solid despite the mileage and abuse.    Many years and bikes later I jumped on a new leftover '07 when honda decided to blow em out of their warehouses.   Its been said a billion times but the vfr is just a nice all round bike.  I find the vtec very entertaining and the package as a whole is great for the street rider.  Centerstand, good lighting, luggage options, easy chain adjustment  and easy rear wheel removal seal the deal.   Soft enough to be comfortable yet fun in the mountains.   No issues with mine in 2 years of ownership.    

[T.Senchuk]

I rode a 2005 last summer when I was shopping for a new steed.  I liked the motor but the suspension seemed way too soft, and not adjustable.  I ended up finding a 2002 954 Fireblade with low miles and I can't lose the smile it gives me.

I have heard the older ones with the gear driven cams are ultra durable.

[Bryan217]

I'll add my +1 for 06 and up. In 2006, Honda smoothed out the VTEC transition some. Also, by 06 they corrected the wiring for which the earlier 6th Gens had a recall for.

If you look real hard, you may still be able to find some leftover 07's. I got mine for a song.

Also, I have to agree with DangerMonkey, www.vfrdiscussion.com is the best place to learn anything about VFR's.

[vfrrider]

93!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right now a white 93 is for sale over at VFRD.

Go, buy it, its cheap. And NO, its not mine, I already have one and will NEVER sale it.

Larry
VFRrider

[Mastros2]

I really enjoy my 2003 VFR.  Yes, the vtec can take time getting use to but if you rode dirt bikes with a powerband, think of that.  I tend to keep the rpms higher than the vtec or lower. Very rarely do I go back and forth.

I have to say that the 6th gens are all day comfortable, imo.  The valve check will be expensive though.  Other than that, the bike is a honda.  

[Corbeau]

02 VFR here, non ABS, close to 60k miles on the engine. 700+ miles of backroads in a day with stock ergos and seat? Only on a VFR.

Any other bike would complement, not replace, mine. (KTM Adv bike? DRZ to play in the woods? Blackbird for the sheer acceleration? Duc 848 for local twisties? The choices are too numerous. But the VFR will stay in my garage until it falls apart, possibly in the next century...)

[Rogue]

Always happy to help a possible future VFR owner.

Regarding VTEC and VTEC valve Adjustment, the VTEC engagement is very smooth as long as you have a properly done Starter Valve Sychronization.  

Further refinement to the 6th Generation VFR800 fueling can be done with a Powercommander III or higher.  

When both of the above are done on any 6th Generation VFR800, especially those made after 2006, the throttle response and VTEC engagement are smooth as silk.

I posted this thread not long ago regarding the above:  http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,60263.0.html

[XLR8]

I don't know which year but it's still purty enough to make the front page.  

VTEC is a non issue. It's actually kind of disappointing after everything I had heard about it.

[suwand28]

Looking to pick up a VFR myself.
All the info here has been great.
Thanks guys.

[06_wi_vfr]

Very subjectively - my 06 is the perfect "one bike in the stable" choice.

[atadaskew]

The 1998-01 VFRs IMO were the best.  No Vtec, wonderful gear driven cams (amazing sound), lighter than the VTEC bikes, more powah than the VTEC bikes, simpler maintenance.

Only problem is that it will be much harder to find a decent low mileage example if that matters.

[Rogue]

Engine-wise, I tend to agree that the '00-'01 VFR800's were better in that they were not that complex.

Chassis-wise, the '02-'10 were superior in handling.  

Nothing a revalved shock/revised forks won't cure.  I do prefer the looks of the 6th gen the best.  Love the chiselled nose and twin underseat exhaust.  Going back to the single cannister to one side was a styling mistake in my opinion.

[FJRmgm]

I ended up finding a 2002 954 Fireblade with low miles and I can't lose the smile it gives me.

Amen to that brother!!   I have one too and it is a hoot.

[CanadianBird]

Personally, I would buy the new VFR, 2011. But then I will never sell my BlackBird.