Is the 5th Generation VFR800 a bike of passion, or just practicality?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- I have owned many "all rounder" motorcycles - but never a VFR. I recently changed that, picking up my first ever Interceptor - a 1999 5th gen VFR800. This is the story of that first few hundred miles on that bike, as I try to discover what's behind the cult-like love for the VFR800i (interceptor) all these years after it was introduced.
I have been researching the vfr for the past 3 months and it is definitely my next purchase. Thanks for giving me a little bit more information. What do you guys think, gen 5 or gen 6?
Okay VFR community - lets help Angelo decide! 5th Gen, or 6th Gen for a first VFR?
...I know where my vote comes down, but maybe VTEC will win the day?
5th gen for me. Cleaner lines, nicer headlights (to me), pillion cover that doesn't leave the grab handles sticking out... and most importantly, that cam whine. It's so organic and intoxicating. And this is certainly highly subjective, but the vtec on the 6th gen sounds kind of artificial to me in the way it kicks in. I'd much rather have the cam whine from idle all the way to redline.
I have both ('01 and an '07 Anniversary) and can say that even though I like the way 6th Gen looks just a bit more, the 5th Gen is my preferred mount. The riding position is perfect for me. The gear whine, as EddieLivesOnLincoln said, is intoxicating and never gets old. The V-TEC on mine is the second generation, so it's not as abrupt, but you can still feel it. They each serve a different purpose for me; the 6th Gen has panniers, so it's my commuter and "get a gallon of milk on the way home" mount. The 5th Gen is my Ferrari (for lack of a better term); only comes out on pristine weather days to burn down backroads and have some fun.
I have owned one of these bikes for about 13 years and i like the gear whine....the v-tec bikes that came out later i dont think they sound as great....very comfortable ride that inspires confidence even when pushing a little hard.
5th Gen all the way
Hi guys, this is Curtis the seller of that VFR800. I just happen to be looking at bikes on TH-cam and came across your video, I missed that bike so much I had to find another one. I just purchased a 2001 VFR800 last week and nothing but happiness again. I hope you enjoy it and great job on the video.
Curtis!! Thanks for taking such good care of this VFR while it was in your care! Here's hoping you'll never part with the next one... Although, if you do, whomever buys it from you is in for a treat! Thanks for helping making this trip such a memorable one!
Hey curtis I know the feeling! Believe me he's enjoying it! His damn video was almost transcending for VFR800, I'm looking for the exact same bike now!, LOL ♥️
+1 5th Gen is the VFR to get and to get hold on (especially years 00-01 IMHO). i made the same mistake, in a weak moment sold a very mint red 01er and ended up going through the hurdles to get another one.
@@yellowbearworks2535 i did the same thing. I pick up my "new" 2001 on Friday and I'll be riding it 1000 miles to get back home. Can't wait!
@Curtis Fortson, seems aircraft mechanics just love this bike 😅
Dude created one of the best VFR videos there are and then dipped. We need a sequel!
Judging by the face mask, he’s probably on his 6th booster and not feeling so well..
@@hellfire08cry moar it was filmed 2 years ago
How is this your only video? The quality is 9/10, you've made a better video than 99% of TH-camrs will ever make. Whatever inspiration you need to make more videos, I hope you find it. I'd also love to hear what's happened in the two years since this video was made regarding this particular VFR.
It's got me wondering if he got killed on the bike shortly after making this video.
Agreed! I can learn from this master editor!
His IG account doesn’t work either. Hopefully he’s ok, but nothing is guaranteed to any of us, and at least he owned a beautiful VFR for a time.
Instant subscribe just to find this one video... But it is quite brilliant!
The fact that this is his only video. May be the biggest travesty in motorcycle TH-cam. This man had something
Came for the VFR, stayed for the beautifully written poetic narration.
I came for the VFR too, only to find the narrator indulging in a showcase of his own creative writing.
By all means do your own version of Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, but don’t imply it’s about passion or practicality. All I really learned was that you can ride one for many miles in the rain without feeling tired at the end of the ride.
Nothing about power, acceleration, the practicality of the combined braking system etc.
I have had one of these for a couple of years. It is powerful and fast but only does about 150mph (indicated) at full throttle. It guzzles petrol. It feels bloody heavy, with a high centre of gravity and unless you are an Olympic weight lifter, it is not very tolerant if you lean it off its centre of gravity when wheeling it out of the garage. It sounds beautiful - especially with an Akrapovič exhaust. It turns heads and upsets dogs.
It hugs the road and feels planted. I don’t ride it in the rain so cannot comment on its handling in wet or slippery conditions.
The gearing is such that pulling away and riding at low speeds (20 - 30mph) it feels like you have actually engaged 2nd gear instead of 1st. It feels like it was made for racing and not city riding (which, of course, it was).
It feels heavy when braking hard so you really have to put some pressure on the “rear” brake pedal, which also activates the front brake and vice versa as well as the front brake lever if a roundabout is rushing towards you.
There is a modification you can do to bypass the noise emissions attenuation at lower revs, but that might make the bike unpopular with neighbours - especially at night.
I know my comments were not particularly poetic, but hopefully were informative.
Anyway, here’s some poetry :-
My VFR is very fast,
Cars look slow as I go past.
Thank you and good night.
@@nicholasmartin297 hahaha geez. Yeah that was both informative and accurate. My 6th gen matches your description but for most people looking into this bike this will not be the only video they will watch. I’ve found my self having seen almost every VFR video out there and I even own one.
I’m sure this particular one doesn’t get into the bike too much rather than a light overview however if differentiates from the rest and poses as a nice change inside all the technical videos out there.
I know right. 🎉🎉👏🏾👏🏾
Seriously. What a story he tells.
Dude, you haven’t continued the story. This video was great. Would be cool to hear of your journey with this bike. Hope you are well.
100% agree, this video definitely deserves a sequel. A proper real world review. Warm Regards from Summer 23 Perth AU
I can't imagine how your buddy felt after those same six hours on an RC51. Ouch!
He's an animal - he was totally fine! That said, I spent a little time on that RC a couple weeks ago, and I am surprised at how rideable, and comfortable it is, compared to the reputation it has. Maybe I got ruined riding some mid-90s ducatis (748 was a total torture rack!).
VFR 5th gen is passion and practicality. The engine is very smooth and not brutal at low and medium RPM, perfect for the rain days. Don't be afraid to loose you rear in a wet curve. After 6000, it becomes a race bike with the metalic sound that I like so much (with the stock exhaust). I have a gen 5 from 2001 since 2013 and I don't want another motorbike. This one is perfact, cheap and reliable.
Back in 2004 I was in search of a GSXR 750. I came upon a deal on a yellow 2000 VFR. I figured I could ride it a few months until I found the gixxer then flip it for a small profit. Took it on a cross country tour of the US back in 2005. It saw both coasts and couple passes on the tail of the dragon. Clicked off 10K miles in 26 days. I had to stop for tires towards the end but otherwise it was faultless. I don't ride much these days. It has its share of scuffs, a small dent in the fuel tank, and the aluminum isn't as bright as it used to be. I see it as perfect, with every imperfection a part a story of the great times I've had with it. I grim when I walk past it everyday in the garage. I have no intention of ever parting with it. These bikes are good for what they are. They just happen to be great.
Dude. Subscribed.
This is not far off from Fortnine-level writing, right outta the gate. Very well done man, keep it up.
I’m debating selling my oh-so-beloved Buell to get a 5th gen instead. More practical, more travelable, maximum reliable, better two-up, Great at Everything, yada yada.
And maaaaan this video is pushing me.....
Very well done.
Wow! Thanks for the kind words! Sounds like you're looking for all the right things in the 5th Gen - a clean example is out there waiting for you. (Do it.... Do it...)
@@fuelishmind9505 I’ll add…. I’m also an aircraft mechanic, hahahaha🛩🛩
That's well put!
Dude, you should be writing movies, that was some damn good narration!
Wow! Thanks very much! Maybe I set the bar too high for my first vid... XD
I bought too a '99 VFR800 with 33k km, like a new bike. That sound ohh my god...goose-flesh every time. And definitely passion for me because of gear driven cams, single sided fork, V4. Unique! I bet there won't be another like this series (RC46 98-01). Thank you Honda, I am in love.
Couldn't agree more!
5th gen '98 VFR was my first bike and I will never get rid of it. Its my favorite bike to this day.. half because of nostalgia, half because its a 5th gen VFR.
Oh man - good work keeping your first bike ever! I wish I still had all my previous bikes. :)
I purchased one new back in 1997. Sold it, under sad circumstances. 23 years later, today I anxiously await tomorrow, I pick up a 1999 VFR. Great video and narration.
The first VFR800s were and are magic. The first VFR750 monoshock was prettier but the 800 solved one problem. On a hot summer day, in traffic the 750 would cook my legs even through Leathers. The 800 does not. Both motors amazed me. You fill it up with oil, nice and clear, 2000 km later I check the oil, it is still clear, not black. I'm 67 years old, have had many fast bikes and cars, I have never seen that on another bike or car. Sochiro Honda told them, the VFR is made to tolerances beyond anyone else. When I was a younger man 100 BHP on a motorbike could win a Grand Prix, 300 BHP in a car Could win an FI GP.
So in my garage I have My VFR800 Around 100Bhp and a Mercedes VG8 5litre 300Bhp. It's enough to be exciting for an old man. In the alpes I came up behind a Hayasbhusa, solo, I was on VFR800 twoo up. I watched, outbreaked then walked away. VFR800 can be seriously fast. What it can't do? MX and Enduro, It is comple crap offroad
I just picked up my 99 VFR800 as my first bike yesterday, and it is even better than I expected. I absolutely love it.
Your style reminds me of FortNine, who I love.
Thank you very much for this. I think your writing skills are crazy good and will be looking for the upcoming content :)
I love this machine. While riding in the rain with the SVS was exhausting, I don't care as much with the wide fairings of the VFR (red and '99 just as you!)
Wow, thank you! And yes - the VFR fairing is definitely a "poor weather minimizer" for sure!
Welcome to the 5th Gen owners club.
Good to be here. ;)
I absolutely love my 5th gen '98 VFR 800. Best street bike I've owned. An incredibly versatile and sophisticated experience for the lucky pilot. The transmission. OMFG the transmission is fun to shift too; it's basically the most perfect motorcycle transmission ever made, bolted to an absolute jewel of a sport bike engine. And the mirrors are the most clear and effective of any motorcycle that I've ever ridden.
The transmission is indeed slick - but I the mirrors are even better! World class for sure!
Agreed. I've owned a bunch of very nice sportbikes, mostly CBR6s, but in my experience, the 5th Gen VFR is the BEST bike I've owned.
Had a very similar purchasing experience with my 2000 VFR. I think people that bought these tended to be serious about their rides. Meticulously-maintained and full service records in an Excel spreadsheet, along with a folder full of verifying garage documentation. Even at 54,000 miles, I had no hesitation forking over the very-reasonable asking price. That was a year ago, and I've put over 7000 miles on it since, almost half of that on two long-distance trips. It's got more agressive ergos than modern sport-tourers, but 'way more relaxed than a sport bike, and after all day in the saddle, outside of a slightly sore butt, I'm feeling pretty good, even at 65. I think the fact that it's a lot of fun to ride makes it easier.
Seems VFR owners are the best kind of folks to buy motorcycles from for piece of mind! Great to hear that you are enjoying your 2000, and that it's still bringing smiles at 61,000+ miles!
Awesome! Welcome to the cult, er, club. I have an ‘01 and an ‘07 (which replaced a ‘15). The sixth generation has the styling but the fifth generation is damn near as close to perfection as I have ever found.
Looking forward to future videos. Speed safely.
Cult indeed! So cool to see all the VFR love coming my way from this vid - update coming soon!
I got a 99 and I only want one other bike, the 954 👌it’s a really good bike
@@fuelishmind9505 That was 6 months ago :((( need an update, and more videos!
Jeez , man, you’ve never seen weather, C’mon , other than ,TORNADOS. 😉👌🏻
Going to buy a 99 vfr in the next month or so, this is one of the best 5th gen vfr videos I’ve found
Same here. Certainly top 3, probly top 1 or 2.
Thanks so much! Had a blast making it - and working on more!
@@fuelishmind9505 I will definitely be here to watch them!
Worth every penny, love my 99
@@yournamehere3679 I can’t wait to ride mine, picked it up a little over a week ago and have only got to ride it around the block a couple times, once the bad weather is outta here I’m putting some miles on it
Where is the follow up from this video? ☹️ this first one was so good you’ve got to do another! 🥺🙏 great narration man good job 👍
Youre just going to drop one great video and then bail? You're genuine TH-camr material man
No disrespect but i wonder if this guy is dead. With a quality video like that, theres no reason not to continue the channel.
Dude. I keep coming back to this review and this channel, even after the 5th gen isn’t automatically at the top of my acquisition list (955i Sprint ST? Duc ST3? Blackbird 1100?), and I am legit disappointed in mah soul to not see an update for the VFR or a new video of whatever bike topic.
You obviously put alot of time, a script, attention, and a whole lotta thought into this initial VFR video, and it really shows.
Please.
PLEASE.
Bring us another one.
It’s been a while, how’ve you liked the bike since? Great or meh? Honestly.
You’ve got a real talent for this. Keep it up. You’re really good.
Please.
Thank you so much! Been quite a year... lemme see what I can do!
@@fuelishmind9505 You have an amazing talent for writing. You should seriously consider Pursuing your channel. I could easily give you ideas for content that is simply not being done on other motorcycle channels, but with your talent could make some very profitable videos.
I ride a vfr. 2019. I'm in. Love with it. 3 years in .
Been riding a 2005 VFR800 for the last 7yrs...love the Vtech kick....gear whine is overrated...6th gen looks waaay better ...underseat exhaust much cleaner looking...6th gen all the way.
Longest ride =700km ....no broken back...it's a great bike.
Hard to argue with your points - beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Have had a 5th gen for 14 years now. Only trouble was the rectifier and a air temp sensor that went bad o and the LCD display died and needed a grounding wire soldered in the cluster after years of corrosion. I did it myself thanks to youtube. I ride her real hard at times and love it. Have had no trouble with the engine etc. V4 sound with the timing gears to the cams sound epic. I pulled the silencer off a while ago. Loud real loud but man it sounds like a well tuned musical instrument that just begs to be played through all the notes. Mate of mine is a bike mechanic and wants first option should I want to sell. Says the 5th gen is a easier bike to ride than the 6th gen and later models. Tons of torque from 3000rpm. Top speed I still get is 258kmh indicated on the dial. Know a guy with 4 of them that he uses as delivery bikes. One model has over 400 000kms on the clock. No problems with it other than chains, brakes, tires etc.
i have my bike now 6 years, i bought it with appr. 26500 km/16500mls on. The guy who i bought it frome was a car mechanic... and it lookt awesome, and stil is.
A great bike to ride, nice sound from de V4 and the new installed italian sports exaust. never gone sell it.
greetings from the Netherlands.
My friend had a 98 with 150,000 miles on it that he just sold last year. He fully maintained it….except for the valve checks, he did that one time at 60k miles and never bothered again! So after 24 years together he sold his 98 and purchased a 2014 with 1000 miles on it. He’s 70 years old and going strong. The 2014 has 10,000 miles already. He’s a real Honda fanatic.
Whyd you just abandon this channel
Best narration of any TH-cam video! Can't wait for the next installment. Picked up a 2007 VFR a few months ago and can attest to the love... records and fastidious maintenance is a VFR owner trademark
Wow, thanks! And congratulations on your new '07 - I'd love to ride one of the VTEC motors someday!
Not sure if you replaced the clutch cover, but
You can get a clear clutch cover from sebcustom
Thanks for the tip! I have an OEM cover and gasket waiting to go on - but always appreciate recommendations!
Wow this video is amazing. Love my '01 vfr800 aswell, its glorious. No "mods", just improvements on it. Flapper mod, SS brakelines (not delinked), HH brakepads, clear and LED blinkers with LED relais, mosfet rectifier, some 2002 mirrors, european cnc levers, and a deeptone exhaust with DB killer for some very slight plops on hard deceleration.
The bike is glorious. Would rather buy a second bike than replace this one.
Not a cam chain between us? Great line. Great channel.
:)
Enjoyed this. Just bought a ‘99 VFR with 43k on the clock. Looking forward to next instalment.
Thanks! Working on more content now, and will upload as soon as I can! Fighting a little more rain and a LOT of wind lately... Maybe all my vids will be in terrible weather. XD
I got 150k miles on mine, still runs past 130mph regularly with no effort 👌
Fuelish Mind = FortNine Lite
And then he never made another video, nice
Seriously one of the best bike vids I've seen on YT in quite a while. Subscribed!
Wow, thanks!
This is such a good video. I myself am on the fence of grabbing a VFR or getting something bigger like a FJR or Concours... Main concern is comfort for my previously broken back, but I definitely want fun too. This video certainly has some encouraging words for the VFR in that regard. It'd be great if I just won the lottery and could have like 50 motorcycles lol.
Damn! That's a great narrative :D I bought mine, a couple of months ago. Great, great bike! Great performer and one of the best looking bikes out there!
Thanks so much!
3 years later.. no part 2
We need the second part bro :D
Great vid, you got a new subscriber. I bought my 2001 VFR 9 years ago as my first bike. I still really really enjoy it and I am scared to miss it if I sell it. I can only describe this bike as ''Never the best at anything but great in everything''! Enjoy it as much as I do! Great purchase!
Thanks for the sub, and enjoy the 5th Gen! I like your summary - seems about right, as I spend more miles on mine!
I had a 1999 VFR800 10 years ago and missed it dearly once I sold it. Your video perfectly summed up my nostalgia for that bike.
So, today I bought another 5th gen VFR800. Can't wait to get back out on the road.
Right on! It's amazing how many people come back to a VFR!
99' model with 2000 mirrors.Bar risers is also a mod in this bike
Nice!
Gear Driven Cams are best (In my humble opinion, Had both) If you do the Snorkel Mod, Remove Pair Valve and Flapper mod, Upgrade front pipes and add rear sport exhaust, You release some horses. A friend posted me a video of his 1999 VFR 800 reaching 162mph (Pretty much standard apart from rear can) (Who honestly needs to go faster than that! speed cameras everywhere and dangerously overcrowded roads, you never use the speed) I believe you can put high lift stage 3 cams in these (and valve clearance re-done) and get some more horses and power! (Is it worth the cost?) Some Denso Iridium Power plugs and a good air filter added a boost too. The bike pulls to 60mph in just over 3 seconds and glides down the motorway all day with ease, long distance is comfy and wind protection is good! loads of aftermarket parts and better on fuel than my 600 Hornet was! You can add a Power Commander.. but dont feel the need! high octane fuel makes a difference (Shell V-Power) as does using fuel injection cleaner every month to keep injectors clean. I cant help knowing that there are ways to improve performance by re-programming the ECU. Removing the 3 Emissions mods, smoothed out the power and let the bike breathe much better ;o) My only issue is WEIGHT! Its a beast! 230kgs (I trimmed some weight off too) Dropping front sprocket is supposed to make better acceleration (but will put your speedo out, dont need loads of speeding tickets thanks) Handles well on the road, corners and leans well too.
Bike was partially dropped due to side stand being thin at the bottom and catching the floor! Added a BIGGER foot and no issues (only a scratch, as I caught the bike and slowed the fall!) The sound is lovely.. it comes alive the last 1000 rpms and sounds like a race bike, I cant help thinking this could easily be tuned and go another 200RPMS higher..The engine is so relaxed, must be the Cams low lift and wide lobes.. Cams machined for racing, the bike will gain 10HP (SO THEY SAY) and give higher RPMS. But its a high cost for small gains! The inlet valves are smaller than Exhaust and the intakes are small too, I think a bigger injector plus bigger valves and inlets could add power? maybe they were designed for touring so Limited the power? I'm sure a race tuner could help release some horses ;o) Not enough to warrant spending 1000's of pounds though.. If you want to race get a 1LTR Sport bike. I have had many bikes and keeping this one, it does everything I want ;o)
Anderson Timothy Lewis Matthew Miller Nancy
Man, if this is the quality of your first video, your channel is going to shoot sky high. You definitely will not regret this purchase. To put things in perspective, I've owned nine motorcycles to date. Most have averaged about two years or less before I parted ways with them. One motorcycle I have yet to resell? My '98 VFR800, of which I've had for six years now. It even was stable mates with an '06 CBR600RR for a time, but when that time came, the VFR was the one to stay.
The 5th gen is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the VFR, and rightfully so. The 00-01 years are considered best, but the differences between them and the 98-99 are minute. Nothing compares to that V4 sound and straight-cut gear driven cam whine. Hope to see more content on your experiences with this!
Ha! I had a '07 CBR600RR and my '99 VFR800. The RR was a terrific track day bike, but guess which one stayed? The VFR! Of course! 😂
Allen Timothy Rodriguez Shirley Jackson Jose
Great vid! I've owned and loved a black 1998 and 2000! I've ridden many other motorcycles and am always happy to throw my leg back over my VFR!
I have had a 5th gen for about a year now and am eagerly awaiting the next part! I think you will find it is a jack of all trades and a master of most. The only negatives I can think of is that I would want just a tiny bit more low-end grunt and a small weight reduction, then I think it would be a perfect bike.
Ooh! Sounds like we are closely aligned! I have to get that next video out...
I’ve had a 3rd Gen 1991 VFR750 since new, it’s a keeper…100,000 miles without an issue other than replacing the rear hub with a later model VFR800 hub. They run like Swiss watches…best motorcycle I’ve ever owned in 48 years of riding! 🏍️💪🇿🇦
Welcome to the cult. I'm on my 3rd 5th gen. First one bought new in 98, and since then have only been without a 5th gen for less than 30 days. Cross country 10K miles, first few trackdays, gravel roads, two-track, camping gear mule, bicycle ride marshal, you name it. Unlike many jacks-of-all-trades, this one does many things very, very well. It's not the best at any one thing (except being a VFR), but it's so very good at so many.
That is truly awesome! 23 years worth of hands-on wisdom! I am humbled!
I have one exactly like that (even same exhaust) for 21 years. I do all the maintenance on it. The only problem I've ever had with it was the rectifier about 1 year after I bought it. I read this is not uncommon for this motorcycle. Once that was replaced, I only have had to keep regular maintenance (oil, tires, brake pads and filters). Some upgrades I keep postponing are: Sargent seat and handlebar extenders to make it more comfortable. Since I don't ride it so often anymore, I can't find justification for the expense. I hope you have fun with yours.
IT IS A BIKE OF PASSION! I have a 5th and 6th gen. Best all around bikes ever made PERIOD.
I owned a 1986 VFR750 and two years later I traded it in for a GSXR 1100. To this day, I miss the VFR the most. I would sport tour on it 3-7 days once a year or more and at the end of the day I never felt like my body was brutalized. The linear acceleration kept me out trouble and the sweet sound of a Hindle aftermarket pipe was music to my ears. Best sport bike I ever had.
One of the four bikes in my garage is a 98 VFR that I bought about 10 yrs ago with only 12,000 on the odometer. About 8 yrs ago I installed the A&A Performance Supercharger kit on mine, fuel injectors from a CB1100xx to keep up with the boost, the stock injectors ran a bit lean when on the boost. The bike is amazing! I have 45,000 on the odometer now, have not had one engine component failure and it still rides just like a stock VFR till you get on the boost...then it's hold on. I'll keep this bike forever, still puts a big smile on my face when I get on it.
Envious. I was full on with a graduate degree when that kit came out, therefore couldn't afford it. I kept the kit on standby for years hoping it would still be around once I was done, but the Great Recession tanked A&A...so when I was ready to purchase they were out of business. The best thing about it was that the motor was mechanically unmodified...unlike the 840cc bore kit.
Thompson Dorothy Williams Jeffrey Lopez Ruth
What a fantastic short film of the passion-filled AND practical VFR. Would not be upset if you made more : )
The vfr is an amazing machine, I've got a 96 vfr750 and can't bring myself to get rid of it. Even though it's carbed it rides like it's fuel injected .. and that sound!!
Right on! The sound is truly special!
This is art my man, incredibly well written. "Every single fastener in the front fork assembly was fastidiously fettled and reassembled with aircraft precision...". You have the prose of a poet.
Just got a 99 vfr and fixed it up. Its red just like yours and i absolutely love it.
SUCH A GOOD QUALITY VIDEO MAN !! its hard to believe that this was his first and hopefully not his last. if so this is definitely you tube 1 hit wonder material.....BIG TIME !!!!!!
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Just bought a '99 5th Gen. First bike in almost 30yrs, but have been riding a KTM 990 Adventurer regularly. Difficult to compare the 2, the KTM is probably a tad faster, much, much better suspension + brakes, but is 5 times more expensive. Loving the V4 and being able to drop into corners tho, I'm stoked! Great video BTW...
I consider the Yamaha xsr900 to be a dream bike lol... I'm considering picking this up as my first sport. But leaning towards an 09 Kawasaki verseys
Well now, i stay with you as you wished. Great narration, good footage and cuts. Any day now, i would be ready for a continuation.
Since 99, I’ve had 2 of these great motorcycles, probably one of the best bikes I’ve ever owned. With the exception of the suspension, brake rotors, exhaust (rusts out over time) I’ve left things alone. I’ve had different shocks- Fox Twin clicker and Penske, neither made much difference. In front I use Jamie Daugherty’s adjustable damping, well worth the $600. I’ve had both of Delkevic’s ss headers. The first generation didn’t fit well and I never used them and just sold them after about 10 years. A year ago I bought their 2nd Gen. set which are better but don’t fit as well as the oem system (which will rust). I had my first set JetHot coated which came out beautifully. Unfortunately the company was sold and the new owners are nitwits! Overall the bike is one of the best balanced bikes I’ve ever owned. The linked brakes work well but they will require servicing if fluid change is overlooked. People de-link them for what reason I don’t know. Riding in the mountains of West Virginia a while back during a torrential rain storm the brakes really shone- lightly using the ft and rr brakes really inspire confidence. I’ve never ever heard a great argument for delinking the brakes. Buy one if you can find a clean one- mine’s a gen5 98 model with 19,000 miles.
I put an Ohlins shock on my '99, and it now handles like a _dream._ Also had the fork shim stacks revalved. Best bike I've ever owned.
Amazing video and narration the hype is real i own a 2000 model and yep they are the best all rounder and noise 2k can buy cant wait for more content as the bike creeps into your soul with every mile that ticks by other bikes will come and go in my garage but the vfr is my constant smile in this crazy lock down i can go in the garage and listen to it all the therapy i need a reminder of how good an older bike can be greetings from the uk
Sounds like a pretty healthy way to get through the lockdown! Much better than some others I can think of!! XD
4th Gen. for me, a '96, stock bike with Corbin Beetle Bags, 67'000 miles, full brake rebuild, carb refresh, now I have to get used to riding this thing compared to an older BMW twin........Honda build quality is amazing.
Sorry to dissapoint you, you got the best VFR ever made', pinions to the head, no VTEC complexity, injection means it starts even after a rest with no carb stripping (which was a nigthtmare) . You put clean oil in that motor, two thousand miles later pull the dipstick it is clear not black. Hoiw do they do that? Ride all round Europe two up touring No complaints from me or the wife, can you imagine that? Rode the nurenberg ring solo, It's FRIGHTENING but on thge VFR I was less frightened that the ZXR that I bounced. In the alpes, two up with baggage, walked away from a solo Hayabusa who was trying. OK I am biased, I own one. Have owned VFs, the first VFR (the most beutiful) and CBRs. I own two Nortons, a Kawasaki and a Yamaha. But the best bike is that VFR. OK I admit, I will not take it on a motocross circuit
There is something about VFR. I had yellow 5th gen and missed it so much that I just bought silver 6th gen 2003. Needs some work and way overdue maintenance. Can wait to take it for a spin.
Harris Margaret Rodriguez David Brown Sharon
Thanks for sharing. Was wondering if all 5th Gen Fuel Tanks will fit from 98-00 VFR 800? Anyone have any idea? I'm trying to source a fuel tank for my 2000 Honda VFR 800 Red. Any help is appreciated. I'm located in Ontario Canada, but will pay for shipping costs from USA or UK.
Dude, this narrative sounds like something from a play off Broadway script , wtf :)
You got a good one...although the initial appearance fooled me regarding the year, as it has 00/01 mirrors (without the "condoms"). The PO did most of the best modifications, I spied bar risers there which help a lot. It's been years since the upload, but I hope you've added a Corbin seat. It really helps the ol backside on the ride. I also added a Penske rear shock which is a fabulous upgrade, highly recommended. If you can find a pair of blocks which fit underneath the mirror mounts (mirror extenders), I highly recommend those as well as they provide a fabulous view of the road behind instead of your elbows. Not much else to recommend, your slip-on is great...but the best are the high mounts as they show off that single sided swingarm.
Beautifully told story. I have the model before so can relate to a lot of what you're saying. As it happens; viffers make great wet-weather bikes (unless it's an early VTEC with snatch transition, on-cam). What you had was a 200 mile opportunity to understand one of the many facets that make these great bikes... :o)
Great one. I think the same. :) If have time, can check my content.
I expected nothing less from a VFR. It's that good.
I have had 2. A 750 RC36 and a 750 RC36II
You are some talker. Are you working in sale dep ? I envy peeps who tried all VFR gen. I have 2004 VFR GEN6 before Vtec was improved. Still love it and highly recommend that machine
Have a 1998 VFR bought it off a Cardiac doctor, every documentation and a ton off accessories! My GSXR1100rr sits in the garage crying!
I have a 98 VFR800Fi - it is the bike I've owned longest and will keep until it dies - if it ever does. However, the VTR SP2 is one of the sexiest looking bikes ever made. I'd love one (I do have a direct competitor - the ZX7R though!)
Hi man,what a great bike you have...i found a brand new grey,abandoned in yard home for 20 year, i was next to buy and restore....i left the deal and i really regret.. i already have a 2002 vtec for true,and i always wanted a vfr 98/01 red or yellow..maybe if i will patient i will get a nice deal for a red or yellow...
Hello from rural Wales in the UK. I viewed your video last night and thought it was the best motorcycle related video I'd ever seen (and heard) so I took your advice and subscribed so I could view your follow up videos and imagine my surprise when I discovered there aren't any! Maybe a channel name change?🤞
I have owned a 1999 VFR for 17 years and with a good battery she has cranked and run every time without a hitch. The only repair outside of regular maintenance was front wheel bearings. However, since I am now 50 and own a BMW K1600GTL I rarely ride the old gal.
Ohh yeah I dunt know what the life expectancy of a sport touring bike is but the one I've got has 82,000 miles on it! It rides like a dream so I'm pleased I just hope it'll take me to 100k.... I'm very much enjoying this bike....
What a great way to start a story of ownership, your narrative fitted the video perfectly.
I too picked up a vfr800fi about 6 weeks ago so are going through the same new journey as you, about 10 years ago I also had the RC51 like your buddy, great bike , not sure my back and wrists could cope with it now 😂.
Looking forward to more of your updates. Subscribed 👍
Congrats on the new bike - and thanks for the sub! I hear you on the back and wrists... my body is almost 100% tour, and 05 sport at this point! XD
I've always hankered after a VFR, but I got a GSX750F for half the price - not quite a VFR, but nearly ;)
I've only ridden my 5th Gen VFR 107,000 KM.I think it is a keeper.. Bought new in 2002 with a discount!
"...on our ride up the coast we were like fraternal twins on a W's worth of V's with nary a cam-chain between us; two amazing machines sending gear whine and Honda racing pedigree echoing across the seawall as our six collective cylinders alternately pounded and wailed- and we giggled in our helmets passing each other back and forth just to hear the noises of nostalgia; the very real sound of history and heritage playing out across our thirty year friendship and across our two amazing machines..."
If a review doesn't include wordcraft like this- well- it's not really even a review, is it?
Great wordsmithing. Great review. Great bike.
I'm trying to decide between this or a Triumph Sprint ST 1050 as my next machine...
Allen Melissa Gonzalez Edward Davis John
On my second 5th gen. Last time van to SD and back. Now back in Ireland hoping for some European spins. Great video excellent narration. Disappointed only that the second one wasn't out for me to watch immediately.
The factory service schedule says to check the steering stem adjustment for a reason. They will get loose and cause damage if ignored. Wiring issues pop up in bizarre locations, water worsening the effect. Voltage regulator, etc. Once sorted, the most satisfying ride to be had.
My 01 vfr is probably going to be the bike that I die with. Everyone I talk to regrets having sold their 5th gen.
Hernandez Edward Miller Gary White Richard
Thanks for sharing this story. It was nice to listen to it. You got my like man. :)