2004 Honda VFR800 Overview and Review | A Racer's Pedigree
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- Опубліковано 17 сер 2020
- An overview of the 6th generation, 2004 VFR800 as well as my thoughts on the bike after owning one for about a year.
Liking and subscribing is appreciated! I’ll be trying to do more bike reviews in the future.
Follow me on Instagram: / mason_van_bike
Intro music courtesy of LilBitOfNic: / lilbitofnic - Авто та транспорт
I disagree with adverse comments about your voice and presentation style. After watching so many super enthusiastic hyped up bloggers, yours was down to earth and a breath of fresh air. Good for my insomnia too! 😂
Ha, thanks dude. I’ll take the compliments where I can get em
My 2002 VFR has been from Vancouver to Alaska and back, taken many road trips, track days, and embarrassed posers on sport bikes. She is heavy, comfy and sounds great.
love how everyone gives you a long ass history lesson whenever they talk about their vfr
“Hey nice bike! What what is it?”
“You see after World War 2 a man named Soichiro…”
I've had my 2004 VFR for a few years now and tell folks it's my "do everything well" bike. It's one of the favorite bikes I've either owned or ridden, and it's a timeless look. Cheers!
It’s fantastic, eh? Thanks for watching!
Love the VFR and that addictive V4 especially at the VTEC transition.
Had my 2008 from new and 55,000 miles and 12 years later still in love
So stable, agile, reliable and fun when you want to get a wiggle on.
A true classic
Thanks for the review!Never i thought to buy this bike but after a small research and reviews i will buy her.I found one with 35000 kilometers 2005 model for 2900 euro
Best VFR800 review on UA-cam! I was tired whilst watching it and your gentle voice put me to sleep soundly half way through. Your voice has magic qualities! 😂
Thanks a million for such a positive review. I just bought a clean looking 2002 today. I was won over by its do-it-all character immediately. (A shame the sound quality of your video is a little dogdy at times, but I'm sure you'll improve!). Cheers from Denmark.
Thanks for your positive comment :) in sure you’ll love it!
I know the audio quality in this video is a bit poor but it was my first attempt at a video. Audio quality will improve going forward :)
One of the best VFR 800 reviews on the Internet! Thanks a lot!
Thank you so much for that quick answer ! Appreciate it ! I’m gonna start shopping for one ☝️
So excited
Without doubt the 6th gen is the pinnacle of combining one of the best production bikes ever made with sexy timeless styling. I still want one, but I had to buy a 5th gen for some reason, there's a dated purity or nostalgia to it. But essentially the same bike. Good video.
Thanks for your kind words! I’d love to try a 5th gen too. I agree that the 5th gen has more of a nostalgic/90s feel to it than the 6th, despite not having too many changes.
I had a 99, absolutely my favorite bike, gear driven cams sounded great all through the rev range
Nice review. I have the exact same bike, year and color. Love it. The side mounted radiators do add unwanted heat to your legs in the summer weather when you're stopped, but on the flipside they make for great hand warmers in the winter. Just slide your hand down between the fairing and the radiator and your hand gets toasty very quickly.
Best VFR800 review till date
Nice vid. I have a silver '08 VFR800A with Delks. Would have loved to have heard your VTEC kick in at some point in the vid tho! Can't get enough of that sound.
Nice review. Love how it sounds and looks. Great bike
Great users review. The VFR line certainly has a long history and been through quite an evolution. Still riding my '94 750. I keep thinking to upgrade to a newer model, but then I go for a ride and say what for? This one is perfect! Cheap on insurance, easy maintenance, reliable and a blast to ride. 62k and 27 years old and she still turns heads.
I'm only 48 seconds in and it's so refreshing to see and here a relaxed casual report. If I wanted BS hype I'll turn on the TV. Looking forward to the rest. I just bought a 2007 black one with 3500km on it!!! Yay me. 😇
Great vid! I have the 07' Anniversary Edition. It is beautiful and I love it. As you said, just a good all around bike. Goldilocks.
Awesome review man, you’ve got a new subscriber!
Thank you very much for the review. Very informative and well produced. J/Sweden
100% agree with your comments, I have the exact same stock, year & colour. While I have had higher CC sport touring bikes this is a perfect all rounder.
One thing it is not is a “Two-up tourer” when fully loaded up with the 3 x boxes but that’s okay as there are so many alternatives out there.
Same here, same bike with silver wheels
As a vfr owner myself,a 2007 model, I must say this review is accurate and informative, my thoughts on the bike having owned it 5 years are,its one of the best all round sports tourers on the market for the money.
No it isnt best, best sport/tourer on the market for the money is suzuki gsx s1000f
Good video. I bought an 02 VFR800 a couple months ago and agree with just about everything you said here. It’s very versatile, a lot of fun to ride, and that v4 sound - especially when the vtec kicks in - is amazing! One thing I’d add is that it feels super planted at speed on the highway. The bike just wants to eat up miles, and it feels effortless to ride for hours. But the bike is not at its best in city traffic. It tends to run a little hot, and between the fairing, dual radiators, and pipes under the seat, there were definitely some moments this summer I was feeling cooked on 95+ days here in Virginia! But all in all I have to admit I have really fallen in love with it!
It does get a lil warm on hot days....you could install a switch on the fan so you can control when it comes on ...do u could engage it sooner if you find it really uncomfortable.... the fan (despite it's small size wrks well to cool it down though), admittedly it won't do anything to help cool the rider.
Great video, been a HD guy for a long time, 114 Softail currently. Picked up a 99 VFR with the gear cams, 4k miles original miles and mint. Love it so much picked up a 15 deluxe with matching side bags. To different bikes but love that V4. Maybe the best of both would be the 99 engine in the 15's body. Gotta love that sound of the gear driven cams.
I miss my 99, those cams were amazing to listen to while riding
Nice video about your 6th gen VFR. I love the looks of that gen. I also like the looks of the RC36 version 2 , maybe the best looking classic VFR. I have maintained and riden a 4th Gen VFR ( a RC36 version 1) and it is a great bike.
In the video you say that after riding a V4 engine, you can't go back to parrallel twins or 4 in line bikes. I know exactly what you mean by that , a VFR is always willing to pull ....BUT... One day you should ride a triple engine. You 'd be surprised. These engines pull lineair from down low in every gear, and rev up to 13000rpm. I own 2010 triumph street triple and I have riden yamaha's CP3 engine ( MT09 and tracer ) and they also sound good . Just give it a try one day.
You are so right on the fact that these VFR are a real do it all bike. Commuting , sporty, touring. And they do it good.
The one thing that annoys me on a VFR is its weight. I like my bikes a little lighter.
Anyway , nice video, lovely bike, have fun with it.
Great video good history combined with used information about your upgrades... Well done
Useful that meant to say 🤣
Thanks a lot! Appreciate your kind words
Nice review! I'm picking up a 2014 next week. My last one was a new '99 Red one. This one is white and beautiful.
great video man, very informative
Nicely shot video 👍 enjoyed it
I have a 2002, owned since 2005 and have had a number of other similar size bikes since then, and I still prefer my old VFR over all of them. Amazing all-rounder, and on Micron exhausts, it sounds amazing.
I had 2 of these over a period of 5 years and would definitely be happy with another. Great bikes.
What made you get a second?
@@Mason_van_Bike Ha. I got knocked off the 1st one, 2003 red one, and got a new one on the other parties insurance. A 2004 Silver one. I had that until 2008 when I traded it for a R1200GS.
Good taste in bikes! The silver ones look great as well.
That’s was an incredible review!!
I’m
Only 5’3’’ , going to take a look at one very soon hopefully
See how it fits me . Can’t beat the price at 2,000 bucks
I think you have produced a very good video. Thank you
Great upload, very informative. I'm considering buying a vfr and trying to decide between 5th and 6th generation.
Great review and info 👍🏻
Good review
Found this useful. One of the best 6th Gen reviews I have seen. Your clarifying the VTEC differences between your bike & later 06 onwards models well explained.
Nice to see someone do a review without goofy mates, showcasing , shouting or annoying music.
I read somewhere that VTEC kick in at 6.8k rpm in highest gear is around 160 KPH . I am fairly safety focused & not planning to cruise at such speeds in the U.K.
Couple of Q's :
Q1 : Any experiences using the VFR800 ABS in wet &/or dry ?
Q2 : Any road situations when 6.8k rpm VTEC kick in caused an unwanted issue ?
Thanks
@@Mason_van_Bike
Really helpful reply ..appreciated.
All makes sense & understood
Stay safe
Thanks again
Doesn't matter how fast you're going ...Vtech kicks in at 6800rpm (2005 up until the newer ones where Honda lowered it) .....you notice it more the harder or more aggressively you haul back on the throttle... if you're gentle with it you won't even notice it.
I've ridden a 2005 non ABS for the last 6yrs and love it .
Great video!
Nice review... Out all the bikes I had.. The VFR is the beloved ..
@@Mason_van_Bike really is... it's just a different breed
Thorough review. Where were you riding for most of the video? Looks like you have some nice roads.
I love the VFR and this is an excellent review. One point to note is that the Moto Guzzi Galletto was the first motorcycle to have a single sided swing arm back in the 50s.
I bought a used 2002 with 35,000 miles, never had a problem. So comfortable 22ltr tank. Great reliability and so well made. The engine was a brick, great for computing to work and motorways
Massive vfr myself got 2 750 models and the latest 800 model ridden every model of the vfr all great bikes had most sport touring bikes but always come back to the honda its a perfect all round package. Been a honda they are well built if you get a chance try the new model like mine its a lot smaller and compact v tec is a lot smother bottom line is which ever model you have they are a great bike had many happy miles on all of mine that v4 motor is a beauty .
In all honesty these are a brilliant mid drift bike. As you say it does everything. Previously had L4, L3, v twins and parallel twins. There a brilliant all-rounder had 2002, 1998 and now on a 1999 and have used a vfr750 1992 for motorcycle instructions before. Personally I do Personally I do favor the gen 5 as the best only because of the smooth engine and the 929 rear shock conversion for better handling mine has 50k Miles and still tight with a pc3 power commander it's definitely will keep up with bigger more powerful bike in the corners road and track.
4:05 digging the Yamaha jacket, while riding the Honda :-) i’m currently on a 2023 Yamaha MT 10 so I just found that funny.
Great review, I too am interested in these bikes after a long hiatus from bikes for nearly 20 years.
This is the best VFR800 review on YT!
ok, now this is one of the best reviews i have watched. I am a 49 yo biker, been riding non stop since 1988. I had a 5th gen vfr which i really loved, now im riding a 1st gen 2007 busa and a xx blackbird. If i can convince my dear wife😂, im gonna get a tidy 6th gen vfr just like yours! Keep it up buddy, i subscrided!! Cheers from Athens, Greece. 👍❤👍
@@Mason_van_Bike
Like all Hondas, the xx is very well built and high quality motorcycle.
All thow I love my 2007 Hayabusa, I must admit that the blackbird is a better bike but not as fast. If we were closer I would happily given you my xx to ride and review.
Take care my friend and keep on riding!!
I loved my one !!! I gutted the standard pipes for a lovely sound....BUT I felt it shorted about another (at least)30kph....so I bought(on my 3rd one) The Triumph Sprint ST, I would buy a VFR800i tomorrow though, lovely motorcycle !!!
I have owned at least a dozen bikes. From a 500 Interceptor to 1000RRs. My favorite is my 05 VFR800....🎉
I agree with everything you say. I'd love to try one, I love your detailed understanding of the history too ! Just one thing, you need to try the Triumph Sprint, every description you use could apply to it.. it's another do anything bike, with lots of charm that is a pure classic !
Thanks for watching!
I’d love to try the Sprint! I’ve seen pictures and videos of it, but Triumphs of that age aren’t super common in Canada, sadly. I’ll see if I can find one someday.
Another similar bike I’d love to try is the Aprilia Futura!
@@Mason_van_Bike Don't know the Aprilla but will go look on yr recommendation. Shame I'm in UK otherwise would'a tried to meet up n swap bikes for a day 🙂🤗
@@Mason_van_Bike Found it, the Aprilla Futura. Lyke it a lot. In terms of HP and torque it ain't far off the Sprint's 1050 triple 👌
It actually looks quite similar to the VFR, eh? But with a big stonking V-Twin.
@@Mason_van_Bike It does YEAH, very nice would like to see one, better ride one 😁 Don't know where I came across it or how, (mentioned by u maybe or here somewhere ?) but in looking for the Futura I also came across the Ducati ST4S an interesting and older "L" twin making near the same HP and torque 🤗
Getting it in a few days as a tick I’m bucket list basically, hope I get attached with it and keep it
I owned the exact bike in year and color. The aesthetics and sound are definitely it's best feature. I actually liked the VTEC "boost". It was _really_ hot in the summer, both between the knees and under the seat. I also felt like the seat was angled too steeply forward, making you feel like your family jewels were constantly in peril. The ergos were fine for sport riding, but not the best for 3 or 4 day trips. I ended up with the same seat and screen. Handling was acceptable, but did feel a little porky when pushed hard. A good looking bike, with excellent fit and finish. Heat management, weight, and a poorly designed seat (at least for my frame), prevented me from loving it. It was probably over engineered. I've heard that the previous gen was the one to own long term. Thanks for your review.
Thanks for sharing. Did the heat make the bike more comfortably warm during colder months?
@@emromw Yes it did, but we don't get many of those in the SE US. Later in my bike journey, I had a KTM 990 Adventure. I guess that I didn't learn my roasted chestnuts lesson well enough :D. Never shall I own a bike with under seat exhaust again.
yeah 5th gen is the best. its better in every way
Beautiful
You just made me buy a VFR 800 with 7k Miles!
11:12 you defiantly feel it on the track, and slow maneuvering. it is a heavy bike for an 800, not that I would get rid of ours but its heavy.
Can you make a detailed video on the racing clip-ons? Please and thank you
I ride a 2006 Kawi Z1000. Which is hella comfy and hasn't let me down as a daily for the last 15,000 miles. But I'm always looking to upgrade.
I saw one of these in silver Thursday night at Ace cafe in Orlando and boy oh boy what a looker! Thanks for the info. Video doesn't translate sound well so imma hafta look at test riding one.
Test ride one for sure, the engine is the best part. Z1000 would be a fun bike to try as well!
@@Mason_van_Bike oh it's a hoot. I love it. Just looking for something that hugs the ground a lil better at higher speeds
How does the Vfr compares to the Cbr 600 f4i?
Adjusting the valves per maintenance schedule AND adding a Rapid Bike Evo fuel management module completely eliminated the VTEC transition "jump" on my 2007 VFR 800.
Couldn't agree more...add a Sergeant Seat......Voltmeter and Soundbomb Horn ( tucks into left side of front fairing) and yer good to go.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the VFR800, and If it is God's Will I will have one by May, 2021. As of today I have a 2001 Honda Shadow ACE 750, and a 2004 Honda ST1300.... and I LOVE them both!... and I'm not selling any of them...LOL... but by May there WILL be a VFR in my drive way! I am not a Honda fan boy, I have had Suzuki's, Yamaha's and Harley's. Just Sub you, awesome video keep them coming.
Thanks for subscribing!
@@Mason_van_Bike thank you sir!
Just under 14k miles on my red 2004 VFR800 with silver wheels, May 2021 is coming up soon!
Hey bro, I'm actually looking at either an 05 vfr800 or a 2010 model (just tossing up between the two in regards to kms, one has the sideboxes, the other has exhaust, oggys etc) but havent gotten the chance to sit on one. Whats the riding position like? You mentioned it but couldnt actually see a good shot of you sitting on it. I'm coming from a ninja 300 most recently but having riden supersports in the past. I feel like the riding position is really similar to that of the ninja 300 with the neutral pegs but the clip on bars?
Yeah, super similar honestly. I used to ride a Ninja 250 and it feels very similar. I think the VFR feels a little longer so you might be slightly bent forward, but it’s really similar. More leg room on the VFR as well!
I’m comfortable on it at 6’5, as is my buddy who owns one and he’s 6’0.
You gotta start making motovlogs 😊
sick review ! thanks alot,
I shopping for one vfr around 2002-2004 my main question is here in Canada they have alot of millage between 50-70 000km use. I wonder is it realiable still or I will start to have problem with it ? thanks !
Hey! I had over 50,000 on my VFR and I know others who have taken them well over 100,000. As long as they’ve been well maintained with oil, and filters you should be fine.
The valves can be a little expensive to have done but some people say you can double the manufacturer recommended service interval without issues.
thnx, good work.Tip never put more keys on the contact key! Just the HONDA- key. Just saying, love the VFR!
Great review but I can’t see why it’s so heavy. It must be around 240kg with a full tank of fuel. Does the VFR feel top heavy with 4 cylinders and two large high mounted cans? I was at the 24hr Le Mans when the rc30 debuted and demolished the opposition. Warp speed forward and the early 2000s and I was at Magny Cours (also France) when the Bol d’Or 24hr endurance race was evicted from Paul Richard circuit by that philistine Ecclestone. The SP1 was ripping through the field that day and it looked equally amazing. I owned a few Hondas in the 80s and loved them but seriously my CB900f2 was not much heavier than the VFR but my bike handled like a bucket of mud through the bends. Lovely looking classic you have there my friend. Thanks for sharing.
A combination of being top heavy and having a less aggressive geometry. Quick changes of directions aren't its forte but it performs beautifully while trail braking and even outbrakes its lighter brethren.
Excellent review
,can we know what's the avg fuel consumption on full 22 litre tank range ??
Depending on how I rode it, I was getting anywhere between 200 - 250km out of a tank. I think my best ever tank, all highway and 6th gear was just a hair under 300km.
@@Mason_van_Bike that's more thirsty than my 06 R1 , V4s are pretty thirsty isn't it
For this bike, is there an aftermarket seat for a passenger? All the ones I've seen have that plastic back seat
The plastic seat cover is just that, a cover. It’s easily removed! As far as I know, all VFR seats have a passenger seat built in.
Great vid. Just bought a 8th Gen(2015) this yr. absolutely love it. I like the vtec jump for sure. So far totally pleased. Gives me a nice balance of comfort and performance in the twisties. Will probably nit tour with it as I have a goldwing for that. Otherwise, totally pleased!.
That’s awesome! I’d love to own an 8th gen someday but they’re few and far between where I live.
@@Mason_van_Bike I had to drive about 5hrs to go get mine, so not too bad for me.It is an enjoyable ride! I have not cut a vlog on it yet...hope to soon.
10:08 you need a set of Scorpions and a power commander, then come back and do a review :D
Sure wish they kept those gear driven cams
I have 2007 vfr and its best motorcycle i ever had...ill never sell it:)
bleeding the brakes is the hardest thing to do on the gen 6 VFR800, it just sux. I would rather change cam chain tensioners.
Nice review, but why no mention of the 8th gen when discussing the lineage?
Enjoy the bike, I love my 8th gen.
Do you mean after this bike which ended in 2013, there was also a 7th and 8th generation? I thought they stopped making them in 2015
@@7x779 my understanding is that the 7th gen is actually the VFR1200, the 8th gen came out in the US in 2014 was pretty much discontinued in 2015, but lived on in the rest of the world. Apparently they're to be discontinued in Europe in 2021 due to Euro5 emission standards.
VFR 800 моя любовь! Езжу на таком. Красненьком!😘😘😘
Got a fourth gen in perfevt condition and a cb 1100 i ride constantly. Cant part with that vfr... .
5th gen for the win!!!!! Almost got a 6th gen but ended up with a 98. And you can’t just talk about the sound with a stock exhaust.....cmon man...
I have the same bike with hard bags under 14k miles
Nice! Super low mileage
The change in vtec was from 2006 and on, not 2005.
I recently bought a vfr800x ,I really don't like the transition between 2 and 4 valves at 6700 revs ,if you approach the 6700 mark slowly you can feel the change, it's unrefined at high revs , not impressed.
Year 2023 pampering = update endcans.?
How tall are you ?
I’m 6’0 and I’m very comfortable on my vfr800
Have an 03 im on the fence about letting go. Shes just been a problemed child for far to long.
Surprised to hear that. What sort of issues have you had? My buddy has the same bike and we've both been super problem free.
@@Mason_van_Bike Right now FI just won't prime. I don't think it's the fuel pump as I just got it back from the shop. Not only that ... rear brake is completely useless.. it locks up after a few pumps on the brake.
If i can get the FI problem sorted out permanently it would be great, but I've already spent more than what the bike is worth. So i'll see whats to come of it.
If that Honda dosen't get a man some pussy, well then nothing will?.
I have a 2015 DLX model and every time I look at it I want to crate it up and create a time capsule to show the world its Beauty and genius. But don't want to deny its natural bend towards tearing the road up.
Please stay safe and Thanks for sharing such a gift to the motorcycling world.
But that VFR is BEAUTIFUL!.
Just amazing.
It's 107bhp not 102
Sorry, brother, I have one, but there's a problem. You can help me
107hp you said 102hp
I have a 2001 Honda VFR 800. I just got smoked by a new Corvette. This bike has no racing pedigree it's very slow lol.
Wrong tire size
You're good but shame that your audio is so terrible.
Shame shes too heavy
Sound problems. You need a decent mic.
You need a little more passion in your voice.
Honda slightly changed the frame geometry as well from 5th to 6th gen to make it turn in a little more easily. The 5th gen is still a great bike and purists would say the better bike, but the 6th gen bike does look good.
The electricals on these bikes are rubbish.
Appreciate the comments. This was my first time on camera and my first time filming so I’m aware of both the audio issues and my poor presenting skills.
If you check out the R6 review that I published in January I think you’ll find that both aspects have improved significantly. I’d like to improve my presentation style even more, and I’m hoping that comes with practice. Still snow on the roads here though, so it’ll be a while before I’m back in front of a camera.
Thanks for watching!
Last VFR was the 5 gen, that is not a real VFR to me.
The only difference is a chain driven cam... Give me a break!!! Not a big difference
Nice honest review. These are great bikes. The red rims on this one looks slightly less attractive than the all black that they came standard with but still a good looking bike.