Honda VFR800 New Bike | 2003 6th Generation VFR 800 Review | 01
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2023
- Honda VFR 800 New Bike | 2003 6th Generation VFR800 Review | 01
In this episode I reveal my latest motorcycle acquisition, a 2003 Honda VFR800 VTEC, and explain a little about why I have bought it.
I used Stu Coupland for the delivery, and I thoroughly recommend him.
S.R.Coupland (07757 220927)
If you have followed my other videos you will see that this bike replaces my 1996 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade which I owned for nearly 2 years. I did really enjoy that bike, but I fancied a change, and having frequently thought about making the Fireblade more comfortable to ride decided that I would go for something more ergonomic. Now, take a deep breath before you go onto the next paragraph… Are you ready?
I also wanted a top box! I had even considered fitting one to the Fireblade! For all of my motorcycling life I had always sneered at top boxes, and wouldn’t consider a bike with one, that was until I bought the Triumph Sprint 1050. It was only after I had moved on from it that I realised how much I missed the top box. Probably more than anything else.
I bought the Sprint with the intention of doing a little light touring, maybe build up to a longer trip. Then came the Covid Lockdown so that never happened. And as the touring ideas disappeared because we had the Campervan, I moved on from the Sprint. However, now that Camper has gone, and our ideas about replacement are becoming a little more protracted, I thought that maybe some light touring by bike might be back on.
But really I wanted the top box 🙂 I do frequently have a pillion, and we do go to East Yorkshire Coast touristy destinations, Scarborough, Whitby and the like. Having a top box means you can leave most of your riding paraphernalia with the bike while you are on foot. Doing the same with the Fireblade was a real faff. Although my pillion did think that the seat and riding position on the Fireblade was better than on the Sprint.
Having decided on a Top Box and a little more comfort it only made sense to get a VFR800 to carry it around. 😂 I have had a couple of the Honda V Fours before, and I know they get a really good press, especially the VTEC engine. I had nearly bought a 6th Generation VFR a couple of times before, even when I got the Sprint it was on the list, but I never quite closed a deal on one.
I bought this one on eBay, and with me it has always got to be a good deal. I had only just missed out on another one from FB Marketplace when I saw this. I could see that it was not well advertised and was on bidding. The images were not great, all from the same view, no MOT and a little bit of damage. But it had been owned for a couple of years by the seller and the HPI check seemed good. Oh and it wasn’t too far away. There is no point in getting a bargain then having to spend hundreds to get it home.
I contacted the seller and found out quite a bit about the bike, all of which was reassuring. I do make an effort to assess the seller as much as the information about the bike when buying without looking. But I have successfully bought at least 6 or 7 bikes like this and it has always worked out, so far! I did make him an offer of exactly £1 less than I ended up paying for it on bidding, to end the listing early. But he was honourable in that he didn’t want to let the existing bidders down, quite a good sign actually. At the end of the auction I sniped it with exactly £1 over the price I had offered, and I beat the next highest bidder by exactly £1 😂 If you are looking for a good “great” deal you have to be prepared to walk away from a number of deals before you close one. If I had gone to see this bike I may have offered up to 20% more, but this is the reduction I am comfortable with if I am buying unseen. This bike might have been worth 20% less when it arrived!
In the event I am thrilled with the bike, watch the video, and you will see apart from a little cosmetic damage, some caused post delivery 😣 it is pretty good.
For more helpful how-to guides and restoration project logs, visit our blog: www.spannerrash.com/
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#vfr800 #hondamotorcycles #vtec - Авто та транспорт
![Honda VFR 800 Service Guide [Oil, Filters, Spark Plugs] 2003 VFR800 VTEC Rough Running Solved | 02](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/65WyKaPKdls/mqdefault.jpg)
![Honda VFR 800 Service Guide [Oil, Filters, Spark Plugs] 2003 VFR800 VTEC Rough Running Solved | 02](/img/tr.png)
I have a 1997 750 VFR with still only 15,000 miles on the clock. I do admit to dropping it once. Came to a roundabout, gave way to an artic, but didn't see the car close to the rear of the trailer. Braked ok, but I couldn't get my feet down quick enough. The only damage was a bent clutch lever, which I removed and bashed back into shape. Happy riding.
It's not my first drop on the side, but at least it was a no speed and I wasn't actually on it. Makes a change :)
I bought one of these just over 3 weeks ago. Rode it 85 miles on the day I bought it. Like you I controlled dropped it 😂. 2 days after buying this I was going to work on my 125 and got smashed into by a car. 2 broken wrists, ruptured nuts, multi knee ligaments damage. 😞
I hope you are OK now! Sounds awful! I am very pleased with the VFR, wait until you see my comments after I serviced it. Let us know how you are going on, your accident sounds really rough.
Reading this makes me want to ride with a cup on
Ruptured nuts 😵😵💫🫨🫨🫨🫨 oh gosh
Coming on good. Went out the other week. Felt great to be back on bike after 6 months. Thought I might forget how to ride, but it was all still there.
I did that at the end of my drive , same bike but in red mine .😊
Reading on forums, apparently we all do it, and if you haven't, you will :)
I am sorry to see that you dropped your bike, but glad to hear that you will probably be able to repair the damage. I will follow your channel to see how things are progressing and if you like the VFR
It was really annoying, but these things happen. It is more frustrating when you have only just got the bike. It's a shame that the Winter has arrived, puts a stop to my developing relatisonship with it :)
I had two VFR's and they were both fantastic. Also had a Sabre- which was a very clever bike in its day. I love Honda's V4.
This one is my 3rd Honda V4, each one a later generation than it's predecessor, and each one better than before. Roll on Spring.
Great machines, have had 'a few'. Bar risers are a good improvement. Some suffer surging at low speed particularly in warm weather, a remap and dyno work but costs... just burning a couple of tanks of fuel is a new one on me as a cure to get the engine to "settle down" 😂 but serious miles on a bike that had stood around is always a good idea. Still got my Fi model and the rare occasions I ride it still love it, nothing sounds like a VFR being caned and they love it too. Strangely, although the Fi is older it doesnt seem to suffer any surging issues... Never use a drop of oil, no matter how hard ridden. Future classic
Thanks for the advice, I have now serviced the bike, there will be video shortly. It didn't run well at low speeds. You will be surprised/pleased at how it turns out, I was.
I love Honda VFR's amazing bikes
They are easy to love. :)
Great bike mate . I've had 2 of them Great all rounder.
Nice 👍 I am enjoying it.
Yes sir nice, I have a 2001 VFR and I put on ABM straight bar. Price was comparable to risers. Doesn't seem quite right the roughness of motor. Plugs, tune up. My brakes work just fine, I did tear into them clean new seals, also rebuild master. Takes a lot of pressure to lock them. Givi windscreen with x-tra on top excellent wind protection. It grows on me the longer I own it. Gear driven cams are sweet.
I know what you mean about growing on you. Next video on this is a plugs, oil and filters service, whith surprising results, for me anyway. Gear driven cams would have been a bonus, but Honda deleted them by the time this one came out.
Love the VFR. I have a nice 4th gen, not in red but in metallic blue (also original Honda). I recommissioned it and it is close to perfect. I use it for pleasure rides only. It is comfortable but has almost no weather protection. For commuting and serious travel I got myself a R1150RT. Very different from the VFR. To me both bikes have lots of character!
Thanks for sharing! The v4s are great, some say that is the ultimate engine layout. Interesting that you have a BMW another engine layout that some say is the ultimate :)
Great bikes .enjoy
Thanks, you too!
I could listen to you all day long.
Haha thanks Mark!
@@SPANNERRASH The pleasure is all mine. I am on my 3rd VFR800…currently a silver 08 example. 2 fifth generation models, both red…preceded.
You captured the gamut of emotions I had when I purchased my most recent moto.
Cheers!
Well done, great buy. Seriously, how does a big guy like you drop it? I subscribed.
Thanks for the sub! By standing on the wrong side of it when it starts to go away from you with no leverage. I have history with this, look back at the 'blade videos, in one of them I was doing some drive by shots, and when I stopped to pick up the camera I didn't put the stand down, and it flopped onto the grass, DOH! Must try harder :)
I’ve got an original VF750f which I restored a couple of years ago and I love that but was thinking of adding a VFR800 to it so thanks for your comments I’ll be interested in how you get on. Cheers
They are both great bikes. And probably both ahead of their time, but the extra development on the VTEC not just in the engine does show. You will find some interesting stuff in the next VFR vid.
did exactly the same when i first got mine, in a b&q car park lol !!.. love the bike just can be a bit heavy at times.
It's odd but I have come across more VFR owners that have dropped it on one side than with any other bike. Having had aTriumph Sprint 1050 I felt that the VFR was a lot more manageable, maybe it's complacency.
God damn amazing vfr800fi 2000 owned for 19.5 years 85000 miles. Sad, i have a different bike😢. Reliable and as fast as f**k for the road. Entry level track bike but damn I loved that bike!!❤ on that bike i felt all powerful. (I hasten to add a bike or two would pass me but not often)
It's a gift that just keeps on giving! :)
I had one of those -in red. Very nice machine. Mine was one of the very first ones, so the ‘step’ when the VTEC kicked in was quite pronounced (this was apparently refined on later models) great quality though. I now have an earlier 750 version- in red- with the gear driven cam chain system ❤. In my experience these machines tend to be owned by more mature enthusiasts, and as a result tend to be well cared for
I have had a couple of V fours before, I know that the 5th gen ones seem to get a lot of praise, but I haven't had one. Yet! :)
Gear driven cam chain 😂
Cheers.@@mickeymouse4897
@@SPANNERRASH just bought a 99 in black, and Batman would approve.
Enjoyable video thanks and quite a nice bike. I love VFRs’ . May I suggest if you’re having trouble getting on and off any bike use the side stand first…. Now for the trick….engine off, engage 1st gear clutch out ease the bike forward to take up the play in chain / shaft… side stand down then dismount. The bike will not go anywhere especially if someone nudges you from behind I.e another bike. Also right hand bends at speed tuck into nearside, better view and safer from oncoming traffic…. Cheers
Thanks. I have never go into the leaving it in gear idea, too many old bikes! But it is such a good thing to do, especially with bikes that don't lean over on the stand much. The CB I have virtually falls on it's side when I put it on the side stand. and you could use the sidestand off the other one, which you haven't seen yet, as a carpark exit pole.
Great bike , about the flapper mod , when I bought mine it was done and found that the bike bogged down at low speeds ,like when turning at a junction it seemed to dither ,i took it in thinking it could be starter valves and the mechanic 50years plus in game reconnect all pipes and said honda invested millions in designing it think they know what is best and he was right solved it
Thanks for the info! I was intending to remove the PAIR system, but the more I looked into it the less it looked like a good idea. I think the issue with these systems is that as the bike gets old, rubber lines perish and there are vacuum leaks. Now that I have serviced it, it runs great, I can't wait for the weather to improve so that I can get out on it more! :)
Do the flapper and snorkel mod to smooth out the lower revs. Pair mod too. Vtec will only kick in at 7000rpm and a temp of 78°.
Enjoy there are great bikes.
Now that the weather has started to buck up I am hoping to do a before and after with the snorkel. But I am not convinced that the PAIR mod will be a benefit with the standard exhaust. I have bought the plates etc, but subsequent reading has given me the impression that with the standard exhaust the PAIR should be left alone. I may change my mind in the future, but for now I am leaving it. It is a great bike!
Vtech kick is completely dependent on how aggressively you turn the throttle.... I own a 2005 and wouldn't swap it for anything else out there.
Make no mistake, overall I love the bike. But I am still not convinced about the way that Vtec kicks in. Judging by the way Honda have changed this over the years, it would look like I am not alone in that view. I don't find the engine as satisfying as the Fireblade engine or the Triumph triples I have had. I haven't tried a Gen 5 but I suspect I would like it more.
Can't really keep comparing it with a Fireblade, two totally different bikes. V4 versus in line 4 but more importantly sports tourer versus sportsbike ! If you want a bit of popping on the overrun then try fitting a set of Delkevic silencers, which sound superb. Fully road legal to.
I know it isn't a fair comparison, however it is what the VFR replaced for me. It would be great to have both. I love the way the standard exhaust looks, so I am not after changing them, but ideas can and do change.
Sorry, I laughed when I saw you’d laid the thing down. I did the same with my gen4 vfr750. It’s a great bike to ride and the v4 firing order and character makes every ride memorable. But… it’s a lump to move around in and out of the garage or a car park. Very top heavy and once it goes there’s no saving it. I’m only 5’6” and riding it is fine but my heart’s in my mouth whenever I’m wheeling it around.
It was very annoying, and made me ultra cautious wheeling it about. But you want to try pushing a Triumph Sprint 1050 about, for real top heavy concerns. The Fireblade was like pushing a bicycle around :) I have fonud the engine a little less engaging than I expected, at first, especially at low speeds, but wait until I serviced it.;)
i'm 6'' tall and still dropped it twice, it's not even my bike, she's the most top heavy bike i've tried, can't image shorter guy riding this, but it's a great bike, i'll buy one if found one in good condition.
If you think this is top heavy you should try a Triumph Sprint 1050. :) Really like this bike now.
Been meaning to get One of these for the channel too, I even went as far as veiewing One a couple of Years ago, but I'm drawn more to the big brother 1200 of I'm honest 😁
The 1200s do seem to be a bargain. I tend to change my bike every year, with 1 or 2 projects on the go. TBH this VFR is great, does everything it should. You'll have to wait a bit until I give more of a verdict on it, I'm going to try a couple of the common mods first.
@@SPANNERRASH I'm playing with another GSX14000 on my channel right now, with videos coming up, but like you.... I tend to change bikes a fair bit, 40 Years and never found the "Unicorn Bike" yet 🤣
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes I have had two bikes that I kept for a while, and partly it was about the time I had them. An original Triumph Speed Triple in Orange, and a red and black Kawasaki ZXR750 H1. Funnily I was commuting on them to two different jobs, and ended up keeping each of them for 3 or more years. I still look at them as a future project bike. Oh how a top box would have been handy then. But the one that gave the most smiles, excitement, fun was a YPVS 350, I did track days, rode with friends, commuted, but always felt that it could blow up at any moment, especially the way I rode it. Part exed it for a GSXR 750 slabby!!!
@@lesmoore2514 I always wanted the RD250/350 but never managed to own One now it's way beyond my budget! thinking back to my 80's and 90's biking days, if I had kept some of those, I would be minted now 🤣
I dropped mine at an uphill stop light last year.... a slow motion lay down that broke my heart. She is a wee bit top heavy, God love her
It is devastating when that happens. Better than a high speed off, though, but does unsettle you for a long time after.
back in my imbecile day, a client of mine sent his VFR800 to my wash shop, i dropped it twice within 30 minutes result in chirped paints and scratches, never felt so sorry before, but he's chill lad, he let me off for nothing, i'm still sorry till this day, it's a good looking bike.
It’ll be interesting to see if you warm to it Les👍, thanks for showing the lay down, I did exactly the same on my R9T racer a few weeks back, minutes after fitting £500 pounds worth of Roland sands cylinder head covers 🤦, incredibly not a single scuff or scratch 😂
PS I’m starting my own UA-cam channel in January, I’m in the process of building up a stock of videos at present, I’ll let you know when it starts 👍
I was absolutely stunned that it went down, I had positioned myself completely wrong to stop it. The guy I bought it off had just done a similar thing on the other side, which knocked his confidence and partly lead to him selling it. I was pleased that there wasn't too much evidence of my indiscretion. Good luck with your UA-cam adventure, I will take a look when you launch if you let me know.
@@SPANNERRASH Cheers, btw on mine I thought the sidestand was down and it wasn’t, schoolboy error!
@@SPANNERRASH Put a nice set of crash bobbins on it for next time Les,....
@@cabovermike They are a great idea, but I am never very keen on them. I had them on the Sprint, but always felt like I was catching my leg on them. Once I sort out the cosmentics I will give them a good thinking about!
Gorgeous bike.
I love it!
@@SPANNERRASH
Thank you, sir. I'm getting money to buy one this year. I have a question.
If you had to choose a 2002 model with lower mileage vs. a 2005 model with higher mileage. Which one would you take?
About a 9000-mile difference between them. Both are in similar condition.
@@oldi184 9000 miles isn't a big difference. I would probably go for the newer bike, but price, colour and other factors such as accessories would affect my decision. Which one is the best deal, ie. giving you the best for your money. If the 2002 is a colour you like, comes with luggage, and is cheaper then that might be the best deal. 9000 difference in the mileage wouldn't be the main factor for me, these are known for doing high mileage without too many issues. I hope this helps.
@@SPANNERRASH
Thank you.
Hi mate I have a 2003 vfr and also dropped it whilst slow moving. Thet are great bikes but really top heavy I find I cant push mine backwards there is no leaverage on the bars and I cant flat foot at 5' 8"tall Love the surge from the vtec 😂
Top heavy seems to be theme with sports tourers. Especially if the panniers are full. Its why adventure bikes with their much wider bars are so popular now. It is still a great bike though, with lots of fans. It's a bugger that everybody seems to drop them at least once :)
Hi there I was thinking about getting one I’ve been reading my yzf r125 for three years. I am a careful driver. I am quite short about 5.7 5.8 is there anyway you can get this bike lowered? I did it with my Yamaha yzf bought these lowering springs can you do the same with the Honda vfr?
Hi ... I'm in Yorkshire two, Barnsley area, if u get stuck with owt gimme a shout on here .
Not a massive fan of this V-tec system . I've got a 5th Gen ... probly needs new plugs, Iridiums work well in these motors, give it a good thrash to get hot, drop old oil on side stand, allow to drain overnight, replace oil n filter & reset starter valves, it should run a lot smoother under 3,000rpm ... check fast idle wax unit is operating correctly from cold - hot & hit-cold & not sticking in either stroke ... coolant flush might be well over due?.
Brake fluid flush is a long winded exercise, but needs doing at least once a year, as does clutch fluid...
Hi, Thanks for the advice. I have done the initial part of the service with surprising results for the slow running. I will be putting a vid on soon. I am planning to do the coolant and brake fluid over the Winter. I intended to do the starter valve balance, but don't think it really needs it now. I was also going to do a PAIR delete but I am not sure it is a good idea with a stock exhaust. Why do you feel the brake and clutch fluid need doing every year? I intend to do them, but mainly because I suspect they are the original fluid. :)
@@SPANNERRASH
I'm a Honda Master Tech ... manuals have a few errors & missing info.
Dot 4's Hygroscopic, deteriates rapidly after 6-12mths, check colour of fluid @ 12mths & you'll see it's way darker than fresh Dot4, that's moisture absorption, small pressure relief port n secondary master on left front caliper, easily blocked with gummed up old fluid, locks rear brake on, potentially dangerous ... not stated in any manual, Dot 4's cheap, not worth the risk of being stranded away from home with a locked up rear caliper, worst case scenario, rear brake lock while riding, doesn't bear thinking about.
Regular oil & filter's needed on V-tec motors, at least every 3,000mls, or annually if u can afford to, system needs clean oil to actuate V-tec properly.
Pair system, leave it fitted & working unless you replace the whole exhaust system for a Cat less after market setup.
Pair system must be blocked off at both rocker covers & air box prior to a starter valve reset ... all valves need to be set to same value on V-tec motor, synch vac gauges 1st on same vac hose so they all read the same or a valve reset will be out of spec but show in spec on gauges, only an air box off job.
Leave snorkel fitted, nothing to be gained by pulling it out, only noise.
Air box lid has a Flapper valve, vac operated, it'll run better with it disconnected, either pull the whole system out & blank off vac hose that feeds it from right side of throttle body, or pull vac hose at flapper valve & seal hose with a bolt & cable tie & tie hose up, it's fine to leave flapper fitted as it defaults to fully open, or you can remove the vac actuator (twist it) comes out like a brake light bulb, flapper will need securing in open position by a self tapper if u do this method, bike will run noticeably smoother as a result.
Any info required, get in touch on here.👍
I had a 2003 vfr, too. Great bike although i found the riding position slightly uncomfortable on longer rides and it guzzled fuel. Loved the vtec engine and there is definitely something about those older hondas. I ended up moving on to the vfr crossrunner so still have the great engine but much more comfortable ride, although having watched your video, missing mine!! Great channel. Safe riding
Thanks for sharing. Compared to what I replaced, it is light and day for comfort. Surprisingly the main issue I am finding is the wind buffeting around my helmet. Seems even stranger when you know I also ride naked bikes and the previous blade and never felt it was an issue.
@SPANNERRASH I've heard the "bubble" screens are pretty good for the vfr. Interesting point you make, I also find having no fairing at all better than having one that blows the wind up at awkward angles. I'm pretty short at 5ft 8 and found the buffeting the same
Aaahh, VTEC puro nipón...!! Cuando adquirí mi CBF1000F estuve dudando si optar por la VFR800...opté por la tetracilindrica, pero me quedé con ganas de disfrutar la VTEC. 😊
Suerte que mi hijo me cedía ocasionalmente su SV 650 y saciaba mi necesidad de esa "patada de potencia" 😅
Una pregunta, en UK hay que pasar una revision oficial anual en los vehiculos de mas de ciertos años de antigüedad.???
Gracias y mucha salud para disfrutar tu magnífica montura!!😊
The VTEC does add interest to your acceleraton, but isn't as big a step up as a turbo kicking in. In the UK we have a Ministry of Transport test every year for vehicles over 1 year old. It is a basic safety test, but a lot of vehicles do fail. Luckily you can usually fix the issue and get it retested for free.
Ok, gracias !
Great vid mate. What's it like at around 120
Thanks. It handles speed surprisingly well! It wasn't me occifer! :)
Years ago I got left behind by my group over fuel and had some ground to make up. My mate on his fjr1300 stayed with me. We did 130 indicated for a very long time on french mway. The fjr had a screen and was cruising, I was head down but effortless for bike imo but fuel consumption abysmal at high speeds
I have an 06 and 120 is like 60 lol. This bikes rides really well
I must be getting old, i really like this bike, prefer the red ones tho, the silver looks classy tho, ive riden the model before this one and felt it was a bit lacking in soul, i to like the standard cans from the rear, often spoilt by ownere fitting 2 single noisy cans, for an 03 bike its in good nick, one bonus about dropping it is the definate need to *touch it up" now, and tidy that rusty under belly siamese exhaust system, i'm guessing you paid around £3000 for it, ? bargain with the luggage kit ,looking forward to seeing the bar risers and the "spanner rash" transformation, good luck,.
I am loving riding this bike. If you follow the playlist as it develops you may get to see a cosmetic refresh. I have the paint already but I think it will not be until Spring before it gets used. Interesting guess with the price, I forgot to mention it in the video, but you are a long way out, I really did get a bargain. If you read the description I do give some more info about my thoughts on looking for a bike. I will say how much I paid, but I will let it be a mystery for a while. Don't worry about getting old, just look at the alternative!
Near fridaythorpe is that? 10:30
Of course.
do the flapper mod
It is definitely on the list.
never lay down your bike unless you are going hard
I'd just stick with, never lay your bike down!
Too heavy, complex & expensive
Interesting. Possibly all true, but compared to what? All of the more modern bikes developed for the same kind of market seem to have turned up the dial on all of the points raised.
I'm between this bike and a triumph speed triple 1050. I must say I'm a sucker for the single side swingarm and those gorgeous dual under seat exhausts.
It is difficult to pick a winner, but one of the main things that comes to mind is Gear Change! The Triumph has so much going for it. I agree single sided swingarm, underseat exhaust, they both look good and do give some advanatages, but the clunky gear change on the Triumph detracts from the experience.