Best Sounding Motorcycle? Gen 5 Honda VFR800 Road Test Review (1998-2001)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 лют 2024
- Special thanks to my friend Paul for letting me review this beautiful VFR800! The 5th generation VFR (RC46) was introduced in 1998 and production ran through 2001. The displacement of the VFRs liquid-cooled, 16-valve, V-4 was increased to 782cc. Honda also added fuel-injection in 1998 while retaining the gear-driven cams that give the VFR such an exotic sound. In this road test review video, we'll talk about the history, specs, and performance of the VFR800 and then I'll bring the camera along as we check out what the VFR is like to ride. Is this the best sounding street bike ever produced? Let's find out together!
- Авто та транспорт
I cringe every time someone says Japanese bikes lack character, I think Japanese bikes reflect their own culture of being very efficient, smooth and reliable. Even the design reflects their culture which is beinging very subtle and humble (almost comes of being boring sometimes), which makes it very unique and full of character in its own way.
That's a great viewpoint! Very well put. Cheers!
A few years ago in a European bike magazine , it said this VFR model is so loved in Europe a two year old used machine could be sold for the same price as a new one . Even police loved them .
I believe it. They are great machines!
A lot of police had them for their personal bike.
i've owned my '00 VFR800 for 10+ years now, and have owned -and sold- 8 other bikes since and no bike have given me as much joy and fun as the VFR does. once you crack the throttle wide open above 6,000rpm, the combination of instant torque, smooth immediate power, gears whirring and loud induction noise is like a well orchestrated immersive experience that no bike has ever given me
Right on! The VFR is a soulful machine. Cheers!
I am the 777 viewer, and I bought a 1999, 12 days ago.
I absolutely love the machine.
Right on, very cool 😎!
I've had a 99 since 2001. In that year I had never ridden a sports style bike and a friend of mine lent me his VFR 98 to ride with him all day in the mountains north of Montreal. It felt like I had written it all my life the moment I got on it.
@2bikemikesguitartopics145 Right on, Mike! The VFR is the definition of "confidence inspiring". Cheers!
@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
Additionally I can mention that I still have this bike and I ride it now that I'm down here in Southern Ontario, although there are no more twisty Road mountains here. Even though, every time I take it out I just can't believe how nice it is to ride. I also have to keep looking down constantly to see how fast I'm going because it's so smooth you just don't feel the speed. I think I'm going to go out today
@@2bikemikesguitartopics145 Right on! Enjoy the ride!
In 1997 we test drove a used 1994 VFR in wet conditions and I fell in love with the bike. So in 1998 when I saw a VFR800 on the showroom floor, had to purchase. I put a Two Brothers pipe on it. Have not ridden enough over the years due to working too much. Also purchased an ST1100 that same year. Another great Honda.
Right on! It sounds like you've got two nice ones there! Cheers!
Greetings from Ireland I have a 1998 VFR800 love it it's getting hard to get a clean 1 was on the lookout for 2 years before one came up.Never going to sell it.
Right on! They're amazing motorcycles. Cheers!
Just bought one in the us today with 7500 miles on it for 500$
@@MindYourDashTV Sounds like you got a good deal. What kind of shape is it in?
Pretty great! Been wrenching on it this morning and got it running. No issues so far. @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
I had a 1993 that got stolen, and now have a 1999 I picked up 2 Years ago, I couldn't be happier!
Right on!
ive been looking into getting one of these for a long time and i think your video about it just sealed the deal for me on getting one!
@@FoxEarGaming Right on!
Agreed with everything said 100%! Very good descriptive words in summarising the VFR800.... soulful, sexy, exotic etc. I ride a 2015 VFR800F, same red colour, single side swingarm, looks "hot" with its Acropovic exhaust and whilst it doesnt quite sound as dreamy as the 5th Gen, it is definitely, as was pointed out at the end of the vid, a great choice of bike if you only own one. The only thing ommitted from this enjoyable little presentation is that it is a perfect choice of bike for pillions also. My wife finds it extremely comfortable on the back. Cheerio! 👌
Nice! It's great to hear feedback from bike owners on the bikes I review. Thanks for the info about pillion comfort! Cheers!
Many thanks to my friend Paul for letting me review this beautiful bike!
Paul is the man, the more bikes you get to review the better
@@reed785M For sure!
I like it alot
@@mariomedina1517 Right on!
Great video. Information, background, editing, sound quality.
Well done 👍🏻
Thanks!
I have a 2000 vfr, my dad crashed it in 03, just before I was born. He put 47k miles on it in just those 3 years of ownership. We just brought it back to life last summer, pouring many hours into fixing it, it’s one of the greatest experiences to ride.
So cool! And what a great project to work on with your dad. Cheers!
The VFR800 is beautiful. I had the opportunity to ride a buddy's many years ago, and it was fabulous. The sound is so addictive.
Right on! It's the sound that gets me in trouble 😬. Cheers!
Hi Jon, I am fairly new to your channel, but subbed straight away, love the content. You have the balance of factual chat, then terrific road riding video on great biker roads just right, good job Sir.
Thanks, Tony! I really appreciate the feedback. Cheers!
Welcome Tony
Very nice review. I have a pair of 2001 VFRs, both with Staintune exhaust. One of them I bought new. Great bikes.
They truly are! Cheers
Very nice video, I have mine from 2001 and I still love it. Greetings from Belgium
Thanks, Chris! The VFR is a great bike. Cheers from Pennsylvania, USA!
What a great bike Jon. It sounds more like a twin than a four cylinder. Excellent review.
Right on, thank you! Cheers
I have a 98 and I absolutely love it. The V4 is a gem of an engine. Really fun bike. I need to get new rubber on mine so I can take her out this season!
Very cool, Joe! The VFR is a great bike. Cheers!
Very nice. It's said that the 98-2001 is the cream of the crop. With timing gears and fi. I love my 96. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Right on! This one had the Staintune slip-on and a Power Commander as well as some airbox mods. The fueling was perfect, and the sound from the gear-drive is so cool on deceleration. I really enjoyed my 1997 as well. Even with carbs, it ran great. You've got a nice one there! Cheers
Another great video! I was strongly considering one of this generation of VFR 800 for all the reasons you stated for my next bike, but the allure of the FJ1200 won me over. I won't say never on the VFR 800 though!
Thanks, John! I'm planning to ride my FJ1200 today if I get the chance. I won't rule out a VFR in the future either. Cheers!
Good morning Jon. ☕️ I really enjoy your way of describing the bike's character and feel as well as the technical aspects. Yes, I've been guilty of bikes tempting me to "override" them. I'm reminded of an incident with my 83 V65Magna, where I came into a tight corner way too fast and lost my nerve on the steep lean angle. I straightened, got up on the pegs, and went through a muddy ditchbank before going severely airborne and then lowsiding into a tree. (at low speed) I was extremely lucky with no severe injury to me or bike.
My KLR holds no thrills in the powerplant, but I enjoy being able to wind her out and explore dirt roads, firelanes and mild trails.
***still interested in another bike...the new Transalp750 looks interesting.
Eric in NC
Right on! Your Magna story reminds me of a very similar incident on a beautiful first-generation FZ1 😕. Both the bike and I got away with light damage, fortunately. The new Transalp does look fun! Cheers
5th Generation has the greatest sounding motor of all time, period. Great review. I love my 00, a perfect all arounder! Enjoy.
Thanks, Greg! Enjoy your VFR!
I’ve heard much about the unique VFR engine gear sound and until now nobody has ever captured it. Now I know. Great vid as usual. 👍
Right on! I'm glad that came through in the video. Cheers!
Yes 👍
@@TheRosycruxian Thanks!
Great vid, thanks for sharing. Just brought a '99 without knowing very much about them, totally standard with only 13.5k miles on the clock. Am experiencing the same thing, very easy to be naughty on it! I'm finding it is a great all rounder, my last bike was a Ducati 600 Pantah, and much prefer this, these are addictive which explains why there's so many owners groups out there..
Right on, Paul! Fast, intuitive, nice-looking, fun, and sounds great, too! What's not to love? Enjoy your VFR! Cheers
I have ridden a stock VFR 800, and it was not comfortable for me, because of my back and wrist issues. But i noticed two things immediately, and that is the handling is really good, but most of all, the power for a 780 cc engine is way more than i thought it would have !
Right on! While not quite a literbike, it pulls cleanly and quickly from lower rpm to redline. It's a fun bike to ride. Cheers!
I don't think I can part with mine. That engine has soul, hard to be good! Thanks for the insights.
Right on! The VFR is a great one! Cheers!
I have a 2000 fire engine red like this one. Got it as a prize for passing test! Had to fix a few light wires in dash. It is super fun, cool sound and cool looking. Oozes character.
Very cool!
I have one with the Staintune exhaust also. Had it for 25 years and still love the sound. Don't see the need for a newer bike!
That's awesome! Still great bikes!
Downshifting and a vfr800 and letting off the gas is the best sound ever when you're pulling up to a light next to people
Right on!
Grest Video: Thankyou from England 🏴
Thank you! Cheers!
Honda certainly got their act together with the VFR compared with the early VF750 "chocolate cams". Considered for many years as one of the best sports tourers money could buy. Sadly no longer made but great second-hand choice and will serve you reliably for many a year to come.
Right on! My friend just bought this one, and he was kind enough to let me review it. He can't stop raving about it and modifying it here and there. He has a garage full of nice bikes, so the high praise is noteworthy. Cheers!
Excellent review 👏
Thanks!
I own a VRF800fi and can say its an amazing machine. Runs like a Swiss clock. Very smooth and lots of torgue. The sound of the geared cams and the V4 with a open exhaust is lovely. Its also handles very easily at low speeds. I love it. The only thing i would like is even more sound out of the exhaust. I have a carbon Bos muffler without db killer and stainless headers but still its a bit quite for my taste. But maybe its just me, I'm used to Ducati twins with open exhausts and they sound like monsters. But the Honda is far easier to drive and more relaxing. And its a soulful bike, which many japanese bike lack
Well said, Mike! The Staintune exhaust on this VFR seemed to get quieter with revs, and I wouldn't have minded a bit more sound as well. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538Скажите пожалуйста почему на нем с увеличением оборотов зарядка становится меньше? На холостых 14.
you're right there, i have a '00 VFR800 and have owned a couple of Ducatis (Monster and MTS), nothing sound as loud as a Ducati with open exhaust!
i just helped a friend install a full system Akrapovic racing exhaust on his KTM1290 Super Duke, and its nowhere as loud and raw as a Ducati!
@@raoufhakam5936 Right on!
I'm used to Kawasaki Ninjas a good while ago, but this came up recently, locally (ish..Im in Finland now) and I'm intrigued and really tempted!
Right on! VFR is a great all-around motorcycle.
Having owned a '96 VFR750 for nearly 22 years, one of the best modifications you can do is actually to your ears. Don't use foam earplugs, instead get some musician's earplugs as after all, it is the most sublime symphony you're listening to.
Right on!
I have an eight generation from 2016 so one of the last ones. I have a Cobra speed pro exhaust on it and it sounds just like a MotoGP bike. And just like you I use musicians ear plugs so I can hear the fantastic engine noise.
Hola jhon .Excelente Maquina . Me acuerdo cuando lanzaron la Vf750 llamaba mucho la atencion por su grafica y su motor en V. Al tiempo por revistas españolas decian que su punto debil eran las cadenas de distribucion ... tal era asi que Honda volvió a fabricar la CBX750(made in Brasil). Luego volvieron a lanzarla con la sigla VFR 750..( cascada de engranajes) se acabaron los problemas y fue el mejor motor por duracion de toda la decada del 90. No tuve la suerte de manejar ninguna pero siempre escuché elogios. Aparte con tu prueba me conformo. Saludos .
Olá Ricardo, você está certo ao dizer que houve alguns problemas mecânicos com as primeiras motos. Os 750 e 1100 Magnas e Sabres com motor V-4 também sofreram alguns problemas de confiabilidade na época. Felizmente, a Honda se recuperou desse impacto em sua reputação de qualidade. Saúde!
Hey Jon, another nice one. That sound is awesome! Dont think I heard the gears though.
Never rode one but I had a V65 Sabre a long time. Didn't sound like this. Is there something different in the crank angles, ignition timing from my V65?? Had an St1300 too. All V4's, but they all sound different.
Thanks, Pete! The exhaust makes a big difference. 4-into-1 sounds completely different than the 4-into-2 systems. I'm not sure about any crank angle differences. You can hear the gear whine on decel mostly. The exhaust note drounds it out under acceleration. I love those V-4s as well. Cheers!
Thank you so much for this review, bought a 99 last year, can't stop grinning! I like the mirrors, better than stock. Which ones are they?
The mirrors are stock with polished stalks and risers underneath for a better rearward view. Cheers!
Had a green fi in 2001 loved it
Right on!
I have a mint 1990 VFR750 and I have to say it sounds every bit as good as the VFR800.
I'm sure it does. It's the same engine configuration, just a slightly smaller bore. Cheers!
I test rode a VFR750 as part of a used bike sale from a Honda dealer.
It was stunningly competent, but under heavy braking the whole front end shook like mad and scared me. I told the dealer and he just shrugged.
So I walked away from it.
Some time later I figured the headstock bearings just needed adjustment, which I could have done in a morning. But too late............
Yep, it could have been the bearing adjustment or warped rotors, possibly, which is a more expensive fix. Either way, I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Cheers!
Love my VFR 800 fi, it a great bike
Right on!
こんにちは😃
自分は2000年のvfrに乗ってます。
日本でも台数が減ってきているので大事にしています😊
とてもかっこいい！ 2000 VFRは素晴らしいバイクです！
Thanks for this Nice document! I have the same bike, same color ,
Where can i find the sames reaview mirors?
Impossible to find in metal like this..they are wonderfull!
Thanks for the answer!
@yoeloy-i6r The mirrors are the stock mirrors that have the stalks polished. They also have risers on the base. Cheers!
The 2000 and 2001 came out with the mirrors not having the stupid rubbers on them. I got a set and put on my 99. I don't have any risers on mine and they work just fine. Although I got mine back in 2000 when I first got the bike directly from honda, I found that there are similar mirrors on AliExpress for much cheaper money. I haven't been on there lately but in the past I have noticed them there
@@2bikemikesguitartopics145 Thanks, Mike!
Had the same bike.I found they run hot very hot stuck in traffic in summer you start preying your fan doesn't stop...Its not a city bike for sure.Its open road touring.Weakness is from factory poor thin wires from stator and your rectifier will fry.Its so common that there is after market solution VFress wire kit.Anyway I had fun but now much happier on CB 750
Right on! You bring up some good points. Engine heat on a hot day is a common issue on fully-faired motorcycles. The VFR can get toasty, especially between your legs, where the rear cylinders are wrapped by the frame. The electrical problem is there, but thankfully, it is easily solved. Cheers!
i have the same bike exactly it is very nice motorcycle
Right on!
I am going to go ahead and agree with 'best sounding'. It reminds me of a time when side pipes (on cars) were common, and one bank of the V8 would exhaust on one side near the car door without combining with the other bank of cylinders. The effect was that under load and 50-150 feet away, you were only hearing four of the eight cylinders. Even if I didn't have this bike at #1, for sure it would be in the top 5 of all time. Is there a better sounding bike?
@@BigKandRtv Right on!
Man, I love your country side and roads. I have a gen 5 vfr here in South Australia. Best engine ever.
What part of the country are you from?
Thanks! I'm in Pennsylvania, USA. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 it must get very cold up your way. So I'd guess no riding a motorbike in the cold months
@Mothy2014 We get a real mixed bag of weather over the winter. It could be a blizzard or 50 degrees and sunny. Cheers!
I am also from PA (s. central) and I thought I recognized some of those roads. We have some of the best riding roads in the States. My 98 has been on a table lift for a few years now, other bikes have come and gone, I can vouch for what Jon says about this machine, including it luring a rider into going a bit more faster. Jon you may be aiding and abetting a resurrection. Great review.
@charlosd532 Thanks, Carlos! Cheers
Great review! What slipon exhaust is that ?
Thanks, Jon! It's a Staintune slip-on. Cheers!
yeah they are nice , but I cant find them anywhere 😅
that bike is on my bucket list...someday....someday....
Right on, Steve!
Do it, it's a great machine.
I brought my vfr800 1999 back 2 days ago managed to get hold of the guy I sold it he only rode it 300 miles in the time he had it and still only on 22k miles its immaculate
@@Epiccosplays Sounds like you got a nice one. Congratulations!
@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thank-you buddy yeah I regret letting her go first time but as my bicep snapped at the time and couldn't move the bike into the garage I didn't want it rotting so sold it ASAP but no I'm better and healed I knew I had to track it down and so happy got her back I plan to make a video of her she's very clean and in the UK pretty rare bikes now so glad I didn't have to hunt and also every mot since new not any advisories or repairs etc clean sheet so a fabulous machine for sure
I knew it was Pa. I recognize the lousy roads and weather.
Love the roads and the weather MOST of the time. Cheers!
Might be picking up a 2000 with 8500 original miles all stock.
Nice!
I have a 25th anniversary and these are good bikes with good range and stability and comfort, gear drive 800s are best , these are heavy bikes with fair brakes and dated front end ,smooth motor lacking in real power and torque and they wallow in really tight stuff,I would expect maybe 85 hp on dyno and 50 lbs.
Right on! As you said, they're more sport-tourer 750 than supersport 750. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 oh a good rider can push them farther than most would think, check out You tube Freddy Spencer Hinda VTec and see his lean angle....lol
Great channel mate, congratulations and greetings from Rome
Thanks, Mario! Greetings from Pennsylvania, USA!
Да, этот мотоцикл очень красивый, несмотря на возраст. Мне очень нравятся фонари. Хочется его купить, сейчас езжу на Yamaha Dragstar 400, но болит поясница если езжу на своём мотоцикле, поэтому хочется купить VFR 800 потому что посадка удобнее.
Привет Влад! Согласен, поясница у меня тоже болит на мотоциклах типа круизер. Спортивно-туристические мотоциклы, такие как VFR, для меня более удобны. Ваше здоровье!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 какая цена этого мотоцикла в США?
Despite the engine, what are they like compared to the vtr1000 twin?
If I had to pick, I'd go with the VFR because it is much more intuitive in the handling and doesn't have the massive engine braking of the twin. It means I can go faster with confidence in most riding situations. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I rode the vtr1000 and cbr900 in 1998, despite the blade being a faster bike there was something special about the vtr, I really wish Honda and Suzuki would release a new 1200 twin, even as a semi retro like the speed triple r.
Has the VFR800 got low end torque…?
@@markmallinson935 The VFR spools up quickly but doesn't have literbike torque. If it was 1000cc, it would have been perfect. Cheers!
I bought a brand new 2001 VTR 1000. Fantastic engine, great handling, great torque. I did some track ride days on it. Loved it. More of a vtwin sports bike.
I now own a 2000 vfr800, totally different feel to the VTR. The V4 is silky smooth, power band is linear, feels softer in the suspension. I don't think it handles as well as the VTR.
Vfr is definitely a Sports tourer based bike.
@Mothy2014 Having ridden both bikes recently, it would be fun to do some track laps on each to see which one is quicker. The VTR feels faster, but the VFR is sneaky fast. Both great machines. Cheers!
mirrors..where can I get same?
They are the stock mirrors with polished stalks.
One of the several bikes I always wanted but never got. I recently had an opportunity to buy a low mileage,, very nice condition, nicely modified 2015 model for dirt cheap. But I snoozed and losed! On the negative, the most recent gen VFRs were pigs, weighing in around 550 pounds! Oh well, no bike is perfect. No better sounding bike, especially w/aftermarket cans.
Right on! I didn't realize that the later bikes got heavier. But they do sound great. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah, they got heavy, the biggest complaint of the last gen, but this bike was set up for light duty touring, w/risers, Honda bags, well maintained, pretty red. I just hemmed and hawed for 25m too long! Oh well, wasn't meant to be.
@@leviefrauim1425 Right on!
what is the exhaust?
Staintune slip-on exhaust.
Thank you must say though best sounding to me is cb 750
Right on!
Never saw one on the road.
I've seen several in my area. Where are you located? Cheers!
its hard to beat a v4 for wide powerband.untill you have to pull the carbs multiple times to get them right.what a P.I.A. but its generally worth the effort.
I have a rule for myself because of the difficulty of messing with V-4 carbs: I will not buy a V-4 motorcycle that doesn't run or runs poorly. Only great-running V-4s for me. Life is too short 😉. Cheers!
Ветер в шлем дует?
Ветер не дул в мой шлем благодаря более высокому лобовому стеклу VFR. Я ездил на мотоциклах, и это было проблемой. Ваше здоровье!
shame that the exhaust can is all crunched up
It's an easy replacement if the owner decides that it bothers him enough to change it. Cheers!
11 sec stock 1/4 mile? never) I think 12,5 sec at best.
In Cycle World testing it ran an 11.14 second 1/4 mile at 122 mph.
It looks like "Karizma ZMR" V1 🤍💯