Can’t really agree with most of your impressions. After 20y of riding all kinds of bikes, this latest VFR800 is one of my favorite rides today. Sure it could loose some weight and gain some horses, but regardless, it performs effortlessly on a day to day basis and it never fails to put a smile on my face, it’s plenty fast and very nimble for a touring bike, it’s comfortable for a sportsbike, just what Honda had in mind at the time, so to say. The build quality is still excellent and the styling is better than ever. On paper there are many ‘better’ bikes, but there are only few that are as good in real life I think.

i have a 2014 VFR800f and i love it, i feel you was expecting too much from it. im 5.11 No modifications ie bar risers etc its fine for me been Spain twice and ridden it back through france no problems. PS i know what your problem was, you was on the wrong colour everybody knows red is the fastest colour lol

The VFR800 were set up as a sport touring motorcycle in 1988 they were rather mild in the power delivery. Today sport touring bike are more aggressively tuned. Honda has a tendency to not upgrade certain models other than paint and a few minor parts. They do have a very good reliability history. I had a 1986 VFR750 when it was still a sport bike and it was far more sport oriented than the later models it just had white wheels that drove me mad since every ride they had to be cleaned lol

As a owner of a new vfr800f i find the bike very comfortable and ride all day with no issues, as for power i find it plenty for the roads, had the bike for 12 months and still looks like new. No its not a sport bike and does not get to those sort of speeds . I dont think the bike you rode had been looked after if it had rust on it already so starts to make you think what else has been neglected. i find the seat comfortable so maybe could be suspension set up wrong. Wind noise is loud at higher speeds but you can change the screen to cure this. Respect for giving your honest opinion and no if i was you dont buy one, lol, as for me, love the vfr and is a keeper

Its a VTEC, read the power curve specs to understand what that means, Below 6500 RPM its 2 valves per cyl, this delivers around 60 BHP push it over that line and you open the other 2 valves and then you have a true 16v engine which above 9500 RPM delivers the 100+ BHP. If you short shift below the 6500/7000 rev level, yes your only accessing around 60BHP, but you get corresponding higher MPG of between 50-60. Push on use all the power and watch the MPG drop to the 45ish mark. Its 2 engines in 1, you use the throttle to choose your riding style. IF you want all the power ride it like a sports bike and keep the gear changes above 9000 revs, then it sings ! And yes the standard screen is too short, on that many VFR Gen 8 riders will agree, swap it out for Puig dble bubble.

When I set out to buy a new bike, it came down to a New 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 (1000SX) and a New (showroom leftover) 2015 Honda Interceptor (VFR) Deluxe. Although I've always been in love with VFRs, I had to go with the Kawasaki. Not only was it priced less but had traction control that didn't look like a tacked-on afterthought. The reviews on the Kawasaki were also consistently more complementary. Needless to say, I bought the Kawasaki and have never regretted it. Honda REALLY dropped the ball with this VFR, it should have been so much more than it is. If this ends up being the last VFR model it will be a sad send-off to a historic series of motorbikes.

Try these 'fixes', drop the seat at the rear only, soften the rear suspension but increase the preload a little. Remove the screen or add a new screen or screen extension from fleabay. Use ear plugs. The brakes I've found are spongy, the pickup should be pretty quick over 6k revs... Try turning off the traction control too.... May help.

I think you did a honest review unfortunately. I owned a 2001 VFR FI and it was a great bike. My companion for 18 loving years. Never let me down and it was reliable and the engine was there. It was live, at least. Then we had an accident and I felt kind of lost and bought the new model (exactly the same as you showed) and the first thing I noticed was lack of power. Also didn't like the VTEC. So I felt disappointed, like you mentioned. I installed a quickshifter and later on, a SC Project exhaust, but it's still lacking power. Recently I found that Honda simply discontinued the VFR model and I felt kind of sad. I was hoping that they would release a 850cc model and take all the criticism and make it right this time, but no. Honda simply shutdown the VFR project. On the other hand, there are some positive things in the new model: more stable, turns better (more agile), breaks better; the heatgrips work fine. Not everything is bad, but the engine could have been improved. If you look closely it's a 2002 engine with an almost 1986 engine block. Nothing really changed much. Same displacement as 1999's engine, at least. I thought of making a new upgrade with a PowerCommander, but abandoned the idea in the meantime. As for the suspension, it's fine. You probably need to adjust it. Mine is working fine and I don't have any complains. I believe that Honds should rethink this model. If they rethink on the displacement, for 850cc, for instance; replace the VTEC by electronics with riding modes, like other brands do, I think it would be more than enough. Reliability is there and even lacking some engine it's fun to ride amd very versatile for several circumstances, as commuting, for trips. It's only not good for racing. It's missing the R. Would be better just to call it Honda VF 😅

I had a new 1995 VFR 750, well made and a quality feel to the engine but it wasn't quick, had a painful seat and was noisy with no wind protection. 25 years later and it still has the same problems. Shame because I like the V4 engine and the looks of this model (in red) but I'll be giving it a miss. Thanks for a good honest review.

Ha ha, I fall very much in love with this bike category, but it's fascinating listening to the opposite opinion! I have the previous 6th gen model, which engine wise is pretty similar although there are some other diffs. Re the speed, once up in the vtec revs, I can honestly say I wouldnt want any more speed, it's even been known to pop wheelies when the vtec kicks in. I've never owned a 1000cc 140 bhp plus machine so it's quite likely a case I don't know what I'm missing, but for longevity reasons I'm going to keep it that way. I'd also say the engine note on that one sounded very sedate, I do have an after market exhaust but combined mine sounds much angrier up in the revs. I know when they replaced the 6th, they split it in 2, the f and x. The f got more sporty and cramped and the x went faux adventure, I'm sticking with mine! Be interesting to see what steals your heart?

Probably being stifled to comply with latest regulations. Maybe an exhaust system with de-cat and a re-map would sort it. But that's more cost and still may not give you what you want.

After a night of watching a lot of videos, I've learned they are really strangled, get the cat off,all the airbox restrictions, PARE Valve etc,then get it on the dyno...night n day difference...screens are screens, get one to suit your height! Cruise control, superbike(ADV style)bar conversion also available, keeping the Honda top yoke! Was over £3000 cheaper than its Kawasaki and Suzuki counterparts when it was discontinued in 2021,still be a few new ones kicking around yet in November '23!

Love the looks of this bike, but I bought the VFR1200F 170hp v4 monster. Not a disappointing bike at all. Rocket ship sport tourer!

Am surprised to hear you didn't like it, as so many folk rave about it. The modern VFRs have never really been on my radar, used to have a little VFR400 in my early biking days, that was fun! :D but that was no touring bike :-)

It's a personal thing. Can't explain the power thing. I've owned S1000RR, FJR1300, Fireblade; K1300S and now have a 1998 VFR800Fi. OK it's definitely slower than those and from a 100mph acceleration drops significantly in comparison, however, I certainly wouldn't say it was slow: I've ridden through Europe on it along with my mate on an S1000XR - there's not that much between them in terms of acceleration e.g. off of roundabouts etc. The std screen on mine is actually very good. I did experiment with a tall screen which made noise and turbulence quite bad. I'm 5ft10 and find it to be one of the most comfortable bikes I've ever ridden - prefer it to the likes of Pans, FJRs, RTs, GSs etc. You also get great tank range, light compared to things like FJRs, great headlights and Honda build quality. Top bike imo

Not going to lie, but the 800 (rc79) is not as comfortable as the 750 (cr36). I own both at the moment and featured also both on my channel RED ON VFR. I feel closer to the handle bar on 750.

Perhaps your 2014 test ride example had some problem? My 2014 VFR800 has in the lower rpm's the acceleration about the equivalent of a modern Triumph T900 twin, until it passes the VTEC transition at 6800rpm. In second or third gear that transition has a definite acceleration kick to it, announcing the switch to the performance side. I estimate then bike has about 85hp max at the rear wheel but it's a bit porky so acceleration while quite OK, it is just not Z1000 fast (by a fairly large margin). What is nice about the motor's character is the smooth rhythmic beat the V-4 engine produces. As an older rider now I appreciate the fine engineering of V-4 RC79, and the feeling of satisfaction that "beat" vibe provides while motoring ("tootling") about at street legal speeds, in the same way the classic retro bikes do also too of course. Call it road user sanity, not forever being tormented to launch the rocket ship into hyper speeds to "feel normal" by letting loose the beast. But then when some canyon carving opportunities arise, you can crack on with hard charging fun ('wringing its neck") with a bonkers 12,000rpm red-line on a bullet-proof donk, without the Warp speed risk factors you'd get from your 150hp rocket ships. Other good points are it's low seat height, decent fuel economy, 400km's highway from its 21litre tank if you go lightly(!), centre-stand and good LED headlights. Sorely missed is cruise-control, a higher windscreen and in a perfect world the VFR800 could be another 20kg's lighter. You can get there if you put on a shorty muffler, go with half a tank of fuel and lose a few personal kilos on keto diet! 😊🤣😉

I had a VTEC 800 years ago and thought it was great.

A bit curious as to why you couldn’t be bothered to alter the rear suspension if it had a remote adjustment, maybe the last test rider was heavier than you and wound it up to compensate, you have to give it half a chance, I don’t own an 8th gen I have a 6th gen (previous 800), I love it, the V4 in these aren’t the quickest bikes but they’re smooth and that’s the way you ride them (mine is anyway) perhaps you were expecting different or maybe even it was a bit of a lemon, rusting fasteners on a 2014 Honda off, possibly not been looked after very well, who knows how the previous owner has treated it, mines a 2003 and still polishes up nicely, I’d take another one out just to confirm. 👍

That surprised me. I thought it would be fast. I thought it would not rust.

Definitely try another one ( sounds a duffer ), like you've commented i've only heard amazing things about the bike.

How about an often overlooked bike, the Honda CBF1000 MK2 ( single exhaust). Most do have full hard luggage. Only about 105bhp but does go well, 3 position seat height ( mine is on the middle setting, and I'm 5ft9 with a 29" inseam). Screen can cause buffeting, but is height adjustable, better at lowest setting. Owners have swapped screen mounts for Palmer products brackets, not adjustability and apparently cures buffeting. Seat is comfy enough, at least for a couple of hours. Top sellerie do some nice seats. Not too heavy either at 245kg.

Is it true that the TC 'on' mode on this bike, in addition to being traction control, limits the power like a rain mode on other bikes? If so could that have been part of what was happening here?

Shifting at 8000 rpm and saying it's not quick ..... we have a winner!

Did you ever find out if there was an issue with the bike? That v4 motor should be nice and torquey with a very decent top end. I've had two vfr800s; the gen 6 vtech followed by the gen 5 (no vtech; gear driven cams). Both were plenty powerful enough and accelerated really well. The 5th gen was a much better bike imo btw. I haven't ridden this latest version though.

My brothers fave bike and took him years to get permission from his Mrs 🤣 ... suffice to say he now owns his dream bike. However he now wants a Triumph ST1050 so me getting one before him has him envious. Great all rounders both.

Makes me wonder if the air filter is clogged.

I get why you are saying it IS a personal thing. I'm six foot four and love commuting on my vfr800f.i thing that particular bike needs setting up . If you get chance try one again and set up your sag correctly - also make sure the adjustable seat is set correctly for you . I have little experience of other bikes except off road thumpers and vfr750f. both bikes excellent commuters and tourers and fun when you push them.

My KTM 1290GT weighs less and has a lot more power, I thought the V4 engines eg mille, would have a lot more performance. You are absolutely right about having a test ride first, it has taken years to make that the normal approach, lets not give it up

Just goes to show that KZfaq is no substitute for a test ride.

CalmBiker, what on earth makes you look at the VFR800 as potentially good for luggage?! Just looking at the bike's side profile, one has to ask - Where am I supposed to put my stuff? It's completely the wrong shape to take luggage. If that's not the case, then your Z1000 could equally well take luggage. From the pictures the panniers for the VFR800 have to be sticking out the back a unnaturally long way in order not to be too high.

Think you were expecting too much. 800cc is not a big bike nowadays, maybe that particular bike wasn’t right for some reason? I’ve owned two VFR750’s and rode a mates VFR800 back in the day. None were particularly ‘quick’ but they were quick enough to enjoy.

If you are looking for a good value for money touring bike, I wonder if the Suzuki 1250 ,or it's half fairing GSF version would interest you ? Graham Calvert good give you plenty of info .

I know this is an old video, but did he ever open that bike up? I turned it off due to boredom.😅😅😅

I think you got on the bike with your expectations of it being more like a 600 sport than anything else. This is the only critical review I can find on KZfaq, it gives some insight but I think you have missed the whole point of why this exists and continues to exist

I own a vfr it’s a fantastic bike don’t quite know what you are talking about I keep mine in v tec as much as possible it flies

I’m sure they were a great bike 15 or 20 years ago, but they haven’t really changed since then, most other bikes have moved on quite a lot.

I have to say my VFR 1200 was cramped mind I’m 6ft 3 “ I must say I’m not surprised by your comments a lot have said Honda just plain got it wrong much like the VFR 1200 was no Blackbird replacement?

I own a 2001 and my first ride i hated the wind noise so a givi screen and an x-screen on top solved that. Also changed the rear sproket went up 2 much more tourqe . also put on AMB straight bar. I can cruise high speed comfortably.

Its not restricted is it ? Also whilst watching biker bits ( mark in Austalia) recently i spotted a sticker from you on his wall :)

im sorry have to disagree, dont know if its for generating interest good or bad. there must be something wrong with that bike, probably someone been messing about with fuelling or ECU

Oh! dear that's disappointing. I find that most screens cause noisey turbulance although adding a spoiler can help. Something not right with it as they generally "go" quite well , Euro 4 strangulation?? The suspension might have been (mal) adjusted by a lardy previous owner rider ( I don't know if it is a "used" bike or not) . I wouldn't have one as a gift due to the super expensive servicing especially when the valves need checking / adjusting. But they are a cracking good looker.

Thats strange Richard. There must be something wrong with that bike. Even on paper they show the VFR as having the edge. motoperf.com/motorcycles/Honda-VFR800-2002-713229/and/Kawasaki-Z750-2007-122749

I almost got this as my first big bike but opted for a zx6r instead then a Bandit because the zx6r wasn't practical for me. Im sure I would have loved the vrf but thats because I wouldn't have known any better

Don’t beat about the bush Rich, tell us what you really think? Keep the Z for the thrills and look for a decent 2nd hand Versys 650 or Vstrom 650 for the 2up tours, more grunt than your 500 had and all day comfort. Wear your weekend heels 👠 if the seats are too high and jobs a good un!

My 2018 VFR it's a perfect touring machine! Does everything, touring, spirited rides, commuting... not the fastest bike, but power enough for me.. and it runs faster than the you tested! Check my channel for fast rides and see what it's capable 😉✌

I know some owners who love them. I love your current bike, you could get a ventura rack or some nice looking panniers on it. Take care mate.

Late model Bandit 1250 with touring pack, up to 2016 I think. Good value

I've been looking for a replacement for my CBR600F 99 and did consider one of these. It's safe to say i still haven't managed to find anything close. :D

I wonder if it's A2 restricted or something?

Quite a few Hondas I’ve ridden have been quite boring☹️

I have the 04 model that Richey has, which is considered a better bike, but dude your not wrong about the wind screen, and the seat. They are terrible. But you put a Sargent seat on it, and a double bubble touring wind screen, it will transform the bike. And you have to get it up to 7500 rpms and the V-tech will kick in, and it will became another bike. I'm never getting rid of mine. Richey Vida turned me on to them.

Did anyone else shake there head when they heard him say its slow for a sports bike then later he says would be ok as a tourer? Dude it is a sports tourer and you should know that doing a review ha ha

What about something like a Tracer 700 or 900?

Want luggage And comfort for Mrs C try a goldwing

Get in touch with Richy Vida, you might like the older version of the 1200 ( I think that's what he has)

Are you sure you set the bike up correctly? Many comments you made are about you personal comfort (wind, seating, legs, sport position, seat height, harsh ride, hurting in the gentleman’s area, cramped etc) which just suggests to me that you’ve not taken the time or trouble to set the bike up. Set the bike up, then do the review that way you will come across as a serious reviewer.

J'ai acheté cette VFR en juillet 2020 neuve ; elle est repartie au bout de 24h et 300 km parcourus sur une dépanneuse. Un clip de maintien de soupape a lâché : soupape et bougie explosées, cylindre et culasse fortement abimés. Honda France a mis 6 semaines pour accepter le remplacement du modèle (après intervention de mon service d'assistance juridique) ; initialement, proposition de réparation simple et 200€ d'avoir en pièces Honda...lamentable de la part de leur service client. Heureusement, le concessionnaire m'a dès le début soutenu dans ma démarche.

Change sprocket?

Defo think this bike is faulty. I had an 800 fi and during 3000 miles in spain and portugal riding with bmw 1000rr and aprilia tuomo and and gsx1000, my bike was fractionally slower on roads. On track another story. On the road whipping out of bends and up mountains was right. All other riders commented that 21 yr old bike was so competent. I did change it because of my age and skeleton. All in all a fab road bike. Awful on fuel.

Horses for courses , not my thing I have a KTM 790 ADV and love it.

Nice bike but seems disappointing performance, I’d still say get an FJR if you want a very comfortable rocket ship with luggage.

for this straaaaaaaight roads get some cruiser

If you do not like the bike then that's all you need to know. Someone else will and you can pass it by for a nice little punch M50 GP ;-).

I have an 09 800 VFR and that is not up to spec not even close. Something isnt right.

had a 6th gen sold it-- first gear you could not ride at slow speeds without clutching- then up top no power just a slug what a waste of money

The Honda VFR800 is the closest you can get to a perfect bike... it's a SPORTS TOURING motorcycle... what the hell were you riding? What were you even looking for exactly?? Bad video over all, bc this is the BEST bike I ever rode... you need to try another bike sir.

Are you kidding! Try touring, this is a bike with a proven pedigree!

I've tested it and agreed with you 100% about this 💩💩💩💩 motorcycle 😆🤣😂

I am not sure how many miles do you have on a bike , but to compare 272 kg sport tourer with 220 kg naked bike is ... , yes go back in 2004 and buy yourself kawasaki 750 r , and revise it before every season , enjoy the sloppy brakes and harsh ride , inability to turn and many more features , yes - call them character , and leave the refine sport touring bike , more touring than sport , for others . Compare bikes that are in the same segment , era , price ... that will be fear .

You can see the screen is in line with your head and hear the turbulent that its firing at your head meaning it really bloody noisy. oops jump the gun. Spring is wound up and rebound is to fast hence the seat smacking you up the rear. "if someone gave you one Chortles" standards Mr Calm standards ha ha ha

Se provavi a tirarla sopra gli 8000 giri (regime di coppia max) magari trovavi la potenza massima....

way drive 65 in 6 gear then you dont have power to acc.

Nothing about that bike sounds like a VFR. Are you sure it's not a nag?

Something wrong with that lol

I personally think these sound awful. They sound like a 125

Ok listen buddy, I would really like an answer! You say the bike is not quick. It’s not quick because you’re not letting it rev up to what it’s supposed to when you do an acceleration test. I can see it on your rpm meter! There are more than a couple other videos on the tube that shows it and they show it properly. So. Do the test properly! Show the rpm’s when you do a test like that! Put more gas on it and don’t say it’s not quick because you obviously can’t ride the bike! Makes me pissed that you say it’s a test ride and you put yourself out there as a test driver and the first thing you do is to put the bike in a bad rep because you’re not doing it correctly. You realise that you wont get many followers if you keep up this crap?

This review was as superfluous and lacking proper information one could expect from a decent review as an average tea time conversation

It sounds like a V twin to me too!

You no nothing about these bikes

NOOooooooo! It's horrible. ;-)