This is a timely vid for me. My last bike was a 99' VFR. Sold it after a year. Now, getting back into riding and pick up a '14 VFR exactly like the one you're reviewing this week. I'm sure this bike will not disappoint for what I am purchasing it for. Thanks again. R
Off the bat, I've only ridden a pre-vtec VFR800F.. Having watched several reviews of the 2014 model, journalists tend to complain about the engine's power output and the presence of vtec. I love power, I love speed, I love track days, but strongly feel that much over 150 bhp is essentially pointless for a road bike. Torque is more relevant to the shape of the torque curve as much as anything else. The point that journalists-especially, seem to miss/overlook, is that the VFR is setup as a sports-tourer in every sense of the genre. It has resonable peak power, good enough for around 145mph flat out, but more importantly generates decent torque at much lower revs than a highly tuned sports bike engine. The other point missed seems to be exactly what benefit the vtec system does actually bring to the party other than an interesting noise. That is principally that the low rev, two valve/cylinder operation, allows the bike to return decent fuel economy - many report a real world tank range whilst touring, of between 200-230 miles. If many journalists had their way they'd instantly have Honda insert a slightly detuned Fireblade engine and then ask Honda to lighten the chassis.. Basically they want a VFR-1000R - on the other hand, they could just buy a Fireblade and put a big screen on it and a centre stand. Worth pointing out here that if they got their way on the engine front, the VFR would get a tank range of a very useful 90-120 mile. Honda, if you're listening, please ignore these journalists who just want everything to be a race rep (or slightly de-tuned race rep). I'd love a 2017 Fireblade, but for the road, a VFR every day of the week..
Great post! Nothing you've noted is off-base in any major way. But we journalists are critical for good reasons! In the VFR's case, i don't think anyone in the press corps wanted to see a VFR800 with a GSX-R-style motor shoved into it. We agree that usable torque is where the V4 shines. But here's a few facts: The Vtec engine got heavier, became far more complicated and expensive to maintain, and actually lost power and torque over the years. And until the 2014 model, it actually got worse fuel economy than the old gear-cam models ('98-'01). Bikes shouldn't become objectively worse. For nearly $13,000, the VFR800 needs to remain competitive in a world full of some very good sporty-sport-tourer options, and horsepower figures in the low nineties don't quite compete with things like the Ninja 1000 and FJ-09. Hell, Honda's own CBR650F does most everything the VFR does so well, and costs $4k less. Furthermore, there are fewer and fewer options on the market that combine comfort with center stands and decent fuel ranges, so these bikes need to carry a bright torch, because you can't just "throw a center stand onto a Fireblade" if you were so inclined. Make no mistake, the VFR800 is still a good bike. But it needs to do some soul searching. I say this not only as 'one of those journalists' but as a three-time VFR800 owner as well.
Jme Be and Bruce Steever. This is what youtube should be! I like this review and I completely understand the fact that Honda missed the boat a little when it comes to overall horsepower. I could spend much less for more speed, that is for certain. (Considering factory base prices) However, there is still a few of us out there who love the sound of a V4 so much, that the numbers don't really matter. I will say that my 2014 Interceptor engine doesn't sound as fantastically raucous as my 1997 Vmax, and it doesn't have as much character; but I love it nonetheless. For those of us who are looking for the sound of a V4, wrapped around a good chassis and good looks, the Interceptor is the only option. (My opinion) It's also worth noting that, these days, you can walk out of a dealership with an Interceptor for aruond $8,000. ( standard model, of course ) At that price, you can't go wrong.
I feel like all journalists these days are compensating for something... they want more and more power as though states are raising speed limits... what good is power you cant use? This isnt a track bike!
I agree, we have 2 of them, but Honda has missed the boat on the VFR, other manufacturers are making better power and lighter bikes with better suspension at the same or lower price.
I just bought a 2007 VFR800 ABS about 3 months ago, and really do like it. It is so much more comfortable than the literbikes I have spent my life riding (32 years experience), but, it does need more power. And the current version is not helping me think about buying it. My 2007, to my eyes, is a gorgeous bike, but the current one is bland, and without the power that it needs, my next bike might be something else. Such a great noise they make, though. Unique and intoxicating when Vtec (yo!) kicks in. Just wish the acceleration matched the bark.
The question to my mind is, not whether it is a track weapon (94Hp to the wheel, so it obviously isn't) but is this V4 motorcycle enjoyable to ride within the speed limits, as a "gentleman's sports tourer"? Does it have that certain 'je ne sais quoi' that leaves you satisfied after an hour or two's ride? Well I guess I'll find out shortly, as I have just purchased a low km example. More to follow in a month or two...
It's not bad, especially for a sportbike, but the bars are low, the low-rpm power isn't ideal for the bike's weight, and fuel economy isn't great. Again, you can do a lot worse - and I lived on VFRs for years as daily transport - but it's not great.
Bruce Steever, appreciate the reply and honest review. I've heard conflicting reports on the fuel economy, but I get the impression that it's just a matter of controlling yourself around the vtec. It also carries 2.5 litres more fuel than I've seen in any other bike in its class. What I care about more is fuel range than actual economy. What range did you get when you had it? What in this class would you call a better commuter option? I'm thinking of getting one as my daily ride. Note that they sell for just under $10k in Australia basically new
As much as i love the VFR800 platform, the "all-purpose sporty practical bike" segment has moved on. In no particular order, you have the Versys 650, the DL650 V-Strom, the Tiger 800 series and the Tracer 900. I'm a big fan of the Tracer, considering i just bought the new 900 GT. It's got more engine than the VFR, it's easier on fuel, it's more comfortable, and boasts more (functional) technology. Of course, i also work at Yamaha these days, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt if you'd like.
Modern expectations for performance are somewhat inflated. I don’t go to the track so anything over 80-90 hp is a waste on me. Above that, the bike becomes boring since I can’t use most of its potential without going crazy on the street. A 70ish hp Monster S2R with aftermarket suspension was the most fun bike I’ve ever had.
I agree for the most part - once you start climbing too far above 100 hp, you're not going to use it. But the VFR is a heavy bike, pushed by only 94 hp... and you really feel the lack of power on the street. On the track, it's painful. For comparison, take a look at the Tracer 900, which is pushing less mass with more power and torque, resulting in a much more engaging machine, especially in the mountains. Of course, the VFR is not trying to place the same game as a modern supersport machine and it's still only 782cc, but even so, this engine and platform deserves better, and we all know Honda could do better if they wanted to.
Bruce Steever maybe if the price was lower it would catch less flak. Considering it’s mostly unchanged from 2002, Honda isn’t in to the Interceptor for R&D, at least not compared to a newly developed bike. Then it would make more sense as price-performance buy, lowering expectations. Luckily these are selling below MSRP.
Fair points, all. If the deluxe version was $10k and change, that would definitely make a huge difference. But that'll never happen with a V4 engine, single-sided swingers, LED lights, etc.
@@BruceSteever seems like the us bikes have less power than the eurpoean versions.. I have a 2018 model around 110hp stock.. thats more than enough for sport touring for me. It's rock solid bike, well put together and reliable.. Cheers ✌
How did Mickey do with tuning your bike? I have the 2015, same color, and I live near his shop. I want to see of getting a tune and removing the cat is in the cards
Ok, This is the only video of your's I've seen. Been checking out the VFR800. Just thought it was unusual to run the high beams during the day and through dense traffic.
Oh yeah - run those damn things all day long! Unless i'm droning directly behind someone, or riding in low-light conditions, i'm always going to run high beams, especially on a bike with good lights like the latest VFR. Be visible, or be dead.
Cough, runs like carbed crap in anything less than perfect conditions, cough, can't go around corners, cough, lacks ABS, TCS, and EFI, cough... As much as those old V-fours were impressive, times have more than moved on. Yes, the 1100 was faster in a straight line. But if you're buying sport bikes for their straight-line speed, may i interest sir in a car?
Bruce Steever Im not hating on the bike, it's a a lot more advanced, and it would be a bike I'd be interested in, but like the narrator says, 90 horses is that seems like holding a lot back from what the V4 did back in its day, I know, I have an 83 that I've been tuning on, making it a bobber / drag bike, I've got videos of it on my other channel John of Montana
pretty sad, 16 years later, and right back to where it started with the 1998. ugly low mount exhaust that covers the beautiful rear wheel. non USD forks No compression dampening adjustments Only rebound adjustable on the rear shock (forks only have rebound adjustments on the Deluxe model) The "deluxe" is now 11 pounds heavier than the 1998 while being down 3 hp in the process....
+jonathan mravic Hard to argue with that, but at least most of the errors of the 2002 remake are fixed... The problem is not so much with the VFR itself, but with the competition. For VFR800 money, there are plenty of other bikes out there that do this mission better: FJ-09, Versys 1000, Ninja 1000, etc.
+jonathan mravic VTEC, pointless weight, old mechanical linked ABS, poor suspension tuning, clunky dual radiator setup... The 2015 bike still has VTEC, sadly, but ABS is better and separated, weight is reduced a bit, suspension is better (but still not great), and so on.
I've sorted most of those issues out on my 2007. VTEC is fine after tuning. I upgraded my bike with an elka 4 way rear shock and a 2005 R1 front end (forks and brakes). I am at 460 pounds ready to ride with a gallon in the tank. I would still like to do an aluminum sub frame and front mount radiator though. Hopefully I'll do that with in the next few years.
+jonathan mravic I'll say that suspension isn't better simply because they're not USD forks. The FZ-09, for example, comes with fancy looking bronze USD forks and they are complete garbage. What matters for a street bike is spring rate, oil level, and proper rebound and compression damping. All of which can be achieved with a traditional fork. If you can actually feel fork flex, you're probably on the wrong bike and missed your calling as a professional road racer. That's not to say that the Viffer has top shelf components, but the presence of USD forks isn't a guarantee of anything.
This is a timely vid for me. My last bike was a 99' VFR. Sold it after a year. Now, getting back into riding and pick up a '14 VFR exactly like the one you're reviewing this week. I'm sure this bike will not disappoint for what I am purchasing it for. Thanks again. R
Off the bat, I've only ridden a pre-vtec VFR800F.. Having watched several reviews of the 2014 model, journalists tend to complain about the engine's power output and the presence of vtec. I love power, I love speed, I love track days, but strongly feel that much over 150 bhp is essentially pointless for a road bike. Torque is more relevant to the shape of the torque curve as much as anything else. The point that journalists-especially, seem to miss/overlook, is that the VFR is setup as a sports-tourer in every sense of the genre. It has resonable peak power, good enough for around 145mph flat out, but more importantly generates decent torque at much lower revs than a highly tuned sports bike engine. The other point missed seems to be exactly what benefit the vtec system does actually bring to the party other than an interesting noise. That is principally that the low rev, two valve/cylinder operation, allows the bike to return decent fuel economy - many report a real world tank range whilst touring, of between 200-230 miles. If many journalists had their way they'd instantly have Honda insert a slightly detuned Fireblade engine and then ask Honda to lighten the chassis.. Basically they want a VFR-1000R - on the other hand, they could just buy a Fireblade and put a big screen on it and a centre stand. Worth pointing out here that if they got their way on the engine front, the VFR would get a tank range of a very useful 90-120 mile. Honda, if you're listening, please ignore these journalists who just want everything to be a race rep (or slightly de-tuned race rep). I'd love a 2017 Fireblade, but for the road, a VFR every day of the week..
Great post! Nothing you've noted is off-base in any major way. But we journalists are critical for good reasons!
In the VFR's case, i don't think anyone in the press corps wanted to see a VFR800 with a GSX-R-style motor shoved into it. We agree that usable torque is where the V4 shines. But here's a few facts: The Vtec engine got heavier, became far more complicated and expensive to maintain, and actually lost power and torque over the years. And until the 2014 model, it actually got worse fuel economy than the old gear-cam models ('98-'01). Bikes shouldn't become objectively worse.
For nearly $13,000, the VFR800 needs to remain competitive in a world full of some very good sporty-sport-tourer options, and horsepower figures in the low nineties don't quite compete with things like the Ninja 1000 and FJ-09. Hell, Honda's own CBR650F does most everything the VFR does so well, and costs $4k less.
Furthermore, there are fewer and fewer options on the market that combine comfort with center stands and decent fuel ranges, so these bikes need to carry a bright torch, because you can't just "throw a center stand onto a Fireblade" if you were so inclined.
Make no mistake, the VFR800 is still a good bike. But it needs to do some soul searching. I say this not only as 'one of those journalists' but as a three-time VFR800 owner as well.
Jme Be and Bruce Steever. This is what youtube should be! I like this review and I completely understand the fact that Honda missed the boat a little when it comes to overall horsepower. I could spend much less for more speed, that is for certain. (Considering factory base prices)
However, there is still a few of us out there who love the sound of a V4 so much, that the numbers don't really matter. I will say that my 2014 Interceptor engine doesn't sound as fantastically raucous as my 1997 Vmax, and it doesn't have as much character; but I love it nonetheless.
For those of us who are looking for the sound of a V4, wrapped around a good chassis and good looks, the Interceptor is the only option. (My opinion) It's also worth noting that, these days, you can walk out of a dealership with an Interceptor for aruond $8,000. ( standard model, of course ) At that price, you can't go wrong.
Exactly!
I feel like all journalists these days are compensating for something... they want more and more power as though states are raising speed limits... what good is power you cant use? This isnt a track bike!
I bought one, simply a great bike :)
I agree, we have 2 of them, but Honda has missed the boat on the VFR, other manufacturers are making better power and lighter bikes with better suspension at the same or lower price.
I just bought a 2007 VFR800 ABS about 3 months ago, and really do like it. It is so much more comfortable than the literbikes I have spent my life riding (32 years experience), but, it does need more power. And the current version is not helping me think about buying it. My 2007, to my eyes, is a gorgeous bike, but the current one is bland, and without the power that it needs, my next bike might be something else.
Such a great noise they make, though. Unique and intoxicating when Vtec (yo!) kicks in. Just wish the acceleration matched the bark.
Crow T Tubebot 3
Your review is rigorous, I want to hear more!
Buy a subscription to Motorcycle Consumer News! In the meantime, if you have specific questions, feel free to ask away here...
The question to my mind is, not whether it is a track weapon (94Hp to the wheel, so it obviously isn't) but is this V4 motorcycle enjoyable to ride within the speed limits, as a "gentleman's sports tourer"? Does it have that certain 'je ne sais quoi' that leaves you satisfied after an hour or two's ride? Well I guess I'll find out shortly, as I have just purchased a low km example. More to follow in a month or two...
Well...?
You mentioned that you didn't think it was a good commuter. Any particular reason?
It's not bad, especially for a sportbike, but the bars are low, the low-rpm power isn't ideal for the bike's weight, and fuel economy isn't great. Again, you can do a lot worse - and I lived on VFRs for years as daily transport - but it's not great.
Bruce Steever, appreciate the reply and honest review. I've heard conflicting reports on the fuel economy, but I get the impression that it's just a matter of controlling yourself around the vtec. It also carries 2.5 litres more fuel than I've seen in any other bike in its class. What I care about more is fuel range than actual economy. What range did you get when you had it?
What in this class would you call a better commuter option? I'm thinking of getting one as my daily ride. Note that they sell for just under $10k in Australia basically new
As much as i love the VFR800 platform, the "all-purpose sporty practical bike" segment has moved on. In no particular order, you have the Versys 650, the DL650 V-Strom, the Tiger 800 series and the Tracer 900.
I'm a big fan of the Tracer, considering i just bought the new 900 GT. It's got more engine than the VFR, it's easier on fuel, it's more comfortable, and boasts more (functional) technology. Of course, i also work at Yamaha these days, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt if you'd like.
Modern expectations for performance are somewhat inflated. I don’t go to the track so anything over 80-90 hp is a waste on me. Above that, the bike becomes boring since I can’t use most of its potential without going crazy on the street.
A 70ish hp Monster S2R with aftermarket suspension was the most fun bike I’ve ever had.
I agree for the most part - once you start climbing too far above 100 hp, you're not going to use it.
But the VFR is a heavy bike, pushed by only 94 hp... and you really feel the lack of power on the street. On the track, it's painful. For comparison, take a look at the Tracer 900, which is pushing less mass with more power and torque, resulting in a much more engaging machine, especially in the mountains.
Of course, the VFR is not trying to place the same game as a modern supersport machine and it's still only 782cc, but even so, this engine and platform deserves better, and we all know Honda could do better if they wanted to.
Bruce Steever maybe if the price was lower it would catch less flak. Considering it’s mostly unchanged from 2002, Honda isn’t in to the Interceptor for R&D, at least not compared to a newly developed bike. Then it would make more sense as price-performance buy, lowering expectations. Luckily these are selling below MSRP.
Fair points, all. If the deluxe version was $10k and change, that would definitely make a huge difference. But that'll never happen with a V4 engine, single-sided swingers, LED lights, etc.
@@BruceSteever seems like the us bikes have less power than the eurpoean versions.. I have a 2018 model around 110hp stock.. thats more than enough for sport touring for me. It's rock solid bike, well put together and reliable..
Cheers ✌
How did Mickey do with tuning your bike? I have the 2015, same color, and I live near his shop. I want to see of getting a tune and removing the cat is in the cards
We only used Mickey's shop as a dyno room to verify HP and torque figures.
VFR800Fはカッコいいですよね
日本でも大人気です
The VFR800 has a strong following here in the USA, too. But it needs an update… is getting to be an old platform.
was the high beam just stuck on on your test bike? lol
Not sure what you're referring to...? I always run high beams during the day.
Ok, This is the only video of your's I've seen. Been checking out the VFR800. Just thought it was unusual to run the high beams during the day and through dense traffic.
Oh yeah - run those damn things all day long! Unless i'm droning directly behind someone, or riding in low-light conditions, i'm always going to run high beams, especially on a bike with good lights like the latest VFR. Be visible, or be dead.
It’s the same bike only benefit is slim body remounted radiators. It’s still not even close to what this bike is capable of being so sad Honda.
My 6hp CT70 handles and gets the chicks just the same
Why do people talk there the entire video and over the sound of the engine.🖓👊👣
Jack of all trades bike, good at everything but not excellent at one thing. Aside from how it sounds lol
Bit jerky..(check the url)
LOL
*cough* 83 vf1100 *cough* runs 10's *cough*
Cough, runs like carbed crap in anything less than perfect conditions, cough, can't go around corners, cough, lacks ABS, TCS, and EFI, cough...
As much as those old V-fours were impressive, times have more than moved on. Yes, the 1100 was faster in a straight line. But if you're buying sport bikes for their straight-line speed, may i interest sir in a car?
Bruce Steever Im not hating on the bike, it's a a lot more advanced, and it would be a bike I'd be interested in, but like the narrator says, 90 horses is that seems like holding a lot back from what the V4 did back in its day, I know, I have an 83 that I've been tuning on, making it a bobber / drag bike, I've got videos of it on my other channel John of Montana
Whelp, as the narrator, i agree with the narrator. :) But yeah, Honda could definitely do better with this engine.
pretty sad, 16 years later, and right back to where it started with the 1998.
ugly low mount exhaust that covers the beautiful rear wheel.
non USD forks
No compression dampening adjustments
Only rebound adjustable on the rear shock (forks only have rebound adjustments on the Deluxe model)
The "deluxe" is now 11 pounds heavier than the 1998 while being down 3 hp in the process....
+jonathan mravic Hard to argue with that, but at least most of the errors of the 2002 remake are fixed...
The problem is not so much with the VFR itself, but with the competition. For VFR800 money, there are plenty of other bikes out there that do this mission better: FJ-09, Versys 1000, Ninja 1000, etc.
But the problem is none of those bikes have a vfour. What errors on the 2002 were you referring to?
+jonathan mravic VTEC, pointless weight, old mechanical linked ABS, poor suspension tuning, clunky dual radiator setup...
The 2015 bike still has VTEC, sadly, but ABS is better and separated, weight is reduced a bit, suspension is better (but still not great), and so on.
I've sorted most of those issues out on my 2007. VTEC is fine after tuning. I upgraded my bike with an elka 4 way rear shock and a 2005 R1 front end (forks and brakes). I am at 460 pounds ready to ride with a gallon in the tank. I would still like to do an aluminum sub frame and front mount radiator though. Hopefully I'll do that with in the next few years.
+jonathan mravic I'll say that suspension isn't better simply because they're not USD forks. The FZ-09, for example, comes with fancy looking bronze USD forks and they are complete garbage. What matters for a street bike is spring rate, oil level, and proper rebound and compression damping. All of which can be achieved with a traditional fork. If you can actually feel fork flex, you're probably on the wrong bike and missed your calling as a professional road racer. That's not to say that the Viffer has top shelf components, but the presence of USD forks isn't a guarantee of anything.