The Incredible History of the Honda VFR
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
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Overwhelmed by the amount of support I've received from this video. It seems everyone wants to see a CBR history video next, well let me know that by liking this video! I'll begin doing some research now :)
I subscribed a long time ago... I have liked your content ever since I watched your channel for the first time ... All the best!!!
Fireblade video for sure
i'd love to see that, as i'm about to buy a CBR900RR SC44. But there's a 750cc VFR RC36 on offer that makes me think twice about my wish for the Fireblade.
Yeahh do the cbr video
Fantastic review - well done. May I add a bit of trivia (as a long term Vfr nut). My first (Vf750f back at uni) was excellent. Fixed the chocolate cam and loved its firing order in particular - sort of vee twin like. It had one peculiar trait though? It would start reliably until the spark plugs got a bit older (not quite due for changes).... and then suddenly become almost impossible to start until you changed the plugs? I never worked out why and just changed the plugs? anyone else had that? Anyway, you missed one which I thought was the best one of that early era - the 1984 Vf1000r - here it is..... (at least we got it in Australia?).
th-cam.com/video/H_b8El1zbyI/w-d-xo.html
Now this was niiiiiiice.... Utterly loved mine for ages but Aus dropped 1000 Vf's and I didn't like the VTEC 800 (+ wanted more power) - so went Honda Vtr for a few years until the Vfr1200f turned up. I've still got that one and here's what I think.... Heavy - yes but not bad at all. Brakes - phenomenal. Engine note - Ummm, they must have changed the firing order or something because now it sounds more like an inline 4 than the old ones (and even current Vfr800) that sound more "vee twin"? Excellent power though - but the exhaust note has lost its old character. Traction control...... DOESN'T HAVE IT - seriously Honda? Fuel tank size.... Bit more please Mr Honda.... Heat dissipation - Sheer brilliance - coolest bike I've ever ridden and the twin fairing sucks out hot air better than anything out there (big issue in Hot Aus). Overall - still love it but its like the orange haired adopted kid - the world didn't like it... whilst I think its styling is great?
Once again - great review and try find that missing Vf1000r for a test ride. You'll love it
There are so many bikes out there that are faster, lighter, more powerful and handle better. I would not trade my VFR for any of them! VFR forever!
I'm shopping for a 6th or 8th gen right now. They have the best possible combination of practicality, sportiness, character, and reliability
I completely agree Tim :)
Spot on Tim. I got my RC46 new in 2001 and will be riding it until I stop riding.
i grew up in the 80's...the VFR's were amazing..that and GPZ's..so many models i'd loved to have owned.
Same here...
I have a RC36-2 after having a RC36, and the more I try my mates' bikes the more I will keep my VFR !
As someone who rides a 5th generation 1998 VFR 800 Fi: GO GET ONE. The design is timeless and it will look amazing even in 20 years. For me personally it is the best motorcycle I have ever been on, both for sporty curve hunting and from a long range travel (while you're still younger). The iconic whistling at cruising speeds and the intense screaming when you give it the beans just fills my heart with joy every time.
I feel you man, this bike and its v4 is otherworldly.
I too have aV4 Honda: a 1999 VFR800Fi which is universally considered the finest VFR. Such a shame it was discontinued after only 3 years! Having made the best sports-tourer around, why on earth didn't they just keep it in production with its fuel injection and gear-driven cams? Honda could have make desirable upgrades, such as shedding some weight (say 15 kg), increasing to capacity to 850cc, and upgraded the forks, bikers would have bought them in droves! The gear-driven models were allegedly very expensive to produce, but keeping production for fifteen years instead of just three, the huge development costs of new models would have been avoided. The introduction of the 1200cc VFR seems to show that Honda have lost the plot a bit. By the way, in 1989 I had the Mk1a VFR7f0F (aka 2nd generation), and today (as well as the VFR800Fi) I have a Yamaha TRX850 that is ideal for a solo rider like me of advancing years!
Picking up a fifth gen tomorrow . Not been on one for 15 years can’t wait
@@EcclefechanHotel This deserved an update^
Looks like you featured my VFR 1994 Gen 4. Photo location is Wellington New Zealand and that bike has today turned 190,000K and runs as good now as when I first bought her all those years ago.
That’s awesome! You have a beautiful VFR. Thanks for keeping such an awesome example of a great bike.
I would love a 1983 vf750f 90hp and 480lb was good for the time
I have a VTR Honda.
I have owned the VTR for 6 years and have had a lot of fun on it.
I remember way back in the early 80s and I owned a Suzuki 750 GT Waterbottle with a 3 into one expansion chamber that was that loud that cars used to swerve when they heard it at speed as you overtook them at speeds around 120 ish.
I was out in the middle of the bush here in Australia sitting on $160' and a VFR 1000 went past me like I was sitting still.
Remember that was way back in the early 80s, nearly 40 years ago and it was impressive.
Another great Honda, easily the most rewarding bikes out of the 43 I have owned.
Honda build a good bike , I have owned a few.
CR 125! Elsinore 125 back in 74, a CB350 that was rooted but still went and only cost me $100- an Sl175, a Motosport 250 .
An Africa twin would suit me at my age !
I had a 86 vfr interceptor down in Christchurch back in the early 90's. It was the 700cc version. My only gripe was you couldnt turn the head light off as i think it was made for the yank market.
@@kw4690 i hate that headlight on all the time thing. It's really bad when it's on before the bike engine is even started. If the battery is weak the headlight drains it right down before you even start the bike. Also a bump start is less likely to work as those damb lights are taking all the power for the ecu and sparks. On my bmw it only comes on after the engine is going. And if you hold the indicator switch in for 10 seconds the hold it right it goes off. Does come back on once you start moving. Also the new bikes having DRL lights no means the main headlight is not on all the time.
Rode my VFR 800 from S France to N Scotland with only fuel stops 20 hour ride and i felt great, great bike
Exactly which parts of you felt great after 20 hours?
heroic performance, respect
Honda VFR , one of the best motorcycles for sport tourism !
The engine of the 1200f is underrated. It is legendary how they build it.
20 years later and I still love my '99 VFR. Not the best at anything but great at everything.
I don't waste my time watching Netflix, this is exactly the type of content that I enjoy watching in my free time.
Net who?
I had a 1994 VFR750 and a 1998 VFR800. Both wonderful motorcycles. The sound of the engine sounded like a big block V8 was underneath you. The engine was vibration free and you could ride them for hours on end. I never tired of their looks. The 1994 looked like the motorcycle version of a Ferrari F40. The attention to detail on both bikes was beyond expectation. When I hear in the video that they were loss leaders makes me appreciate them more. They were (are) mechanical works of art.
I own a VFR 5th Gen RC46. Love it, never to be sold. Gear driven cams are awesome.
Me too. Bought it new in 2002 (2001 build) on sale as the gen 6 had come out. What a bargain. 93000 km and only had to change the oil tyres chain and a few light bulbs (and on the quite the rectifier after 15 years)
I'm at 50k on a 98.
I need to do the clutch, chain, sprockets and steering bearings.
After that and a new rear shock from daugherty and it'll be like new.
my daughter`s name is Gen
I got my hands on a vfr 750 rc24 1988 two years ago. It was the first motorcycle I bought and the one I learned to ride on. I had only ridden a ktm duke 390 before which I rented a few times so I had nothing to really compare to. What astonished me while test riding the vfr before buying it, was how "agreeable" it was although it was much more powerful than the duke I rode before. It didn't feel theatening at all which I welcomed as a beginner, yet it sounded amazing.
That is, until I took it to the swiss alps for the first time and started to learn how to properly corner. During a friendly race with a friend (who rode a R6) I got comfortable riding in the spectrum over 6000rpm and suddenly it felt like I was riding a different motorcycle. As you said, the handeling is amazing and the sound at high rpms is a revelation too. What stuck to was that it never feels like it tries to kill me, which I what I experienced riding a monster 900 (which of course has its charm because of that). I would never sell her and it hurts thinking back at the times I dropped her or even slid that one time out of a corner as a complete beginner, at the time not knowing what a gem I had because I got her for a ridiculous low price (less than 2k which is very little in Switzerland). Now I study mechanical engineering and I work constantly on her and try to keep her in the best shape I can. Thank you for the video, I love to see the lineage appreciated!
I'm an Ulster man and grew up watching Joey Dunlap riding an RC45. I'm a BMW rider but Honda will always hold a special place in my heart because of 'Yer Maun'
Gerard Montgomery Agree!!!They forgot Joey and Robert Dunlop and many other brave racers who made the V-fours so famous in road racing like the Isle of Man!But many people remember that still today!Greetings from the Netherlands!
I've been the proud owner of a 1997 rc36 for ten and a half years now. Every time I contemplate getting another motorcycle I end up going off the idea when I get on my VFR the next morning. Currently 63k miles on the clock. Looking forward to the next 63k. Great video.
Very high quality video and best history video of the VFR we mostly likely have seen. Would be ecstatic to see you make a CBR600 history video of the same caliber!!
I own a 5th gen VFR, what a good bike it is and a timeles design! Never lets me down.
Nice and interesting video , you put a lot of work in it , respect!!
Keep up the good work!!
Nice video man, always loved the old school VFR 400/750's
Dammit I wish Harley got killed
My 1st gear bike was a VFR 400 I would buy 1 today if they weren't so expensive. I love my Hanspree cbr600rr but it's nothing compared to the VFR 400
I love my ‘98 red Interceptor. Drove over 300 miles to get it.
Nice! I JUST landed one, delivered to me the 99' yellow edition with 30k mileage 😍 beauties !.
@@letteringtypes mine has 37k on the odometer now. It is having an electrical issue, though. Sometimes, with the key on there is no power to any of the instrument cluster and sometimes there is. I wonder if it is because somebody i know pushed it over two times.
@@pdx650 oh wow... I bet the prick who pushed it over probably didn't help it . Why they doing that ?... have you checked google forums for anything similar ?
I had one and I had a hard time selling it. The guy made me an offer that was too difficult to refuse. Still, I hated parting with it.
I love my white 98, Has a power commander 2 and 94k" Mileage, Still runs like the first day I got it. Ill never get rid of it.
Love all your videos man...... Long time binge watcher. I have never asked or done this before but would love to collaborate a 636 video. Let me know on here or a message back brother... Brian 636
Ron "Hall-some"??? Oh, you mean Ron "Has-lam"!!! 😊
The last time I rode my RC46 was January 25th, 2019. I bought it brand new in 2001 and already had 124k km on it. Never had a single issue with her. Not a single one. Always serviced on time and never had anything missing in it. My top of the head responsibilities were gas, tires and eventually break pads. Of course, also had to change transmission. Same original muffler for 18 years and I never had any complaints about it. Before I left home, I remember thinking what a great bike I was lucky to have. 10 km after, some lady just jumped to my lane while I was riding in the main road and I had less than 5 seconds to think who should live to tell the story. Wheels blocked and I had to accept the choice of falling and avoiding collision. It was our goodbye after marvelous 18 years of true companionship. I'm still mourning her and now going through hell with the insurance company (I believe it's Hell's Outpost on Earth), but I ended up ordering the new VFR800F. I know I will end up comparing every thing and just point the defects of it, and that may sound unfair. Namely the engine, which seems a big change. Looking for the way it looks, it seems a modern version of mine. Well, I hope it lasts at least more 18 years. Thank you for your videos.
Almost the exact same story for me but it was my beloved zx9 carby. But good news i now have a nicely tuned 99 vfr800 in newly painted red. Still waiting on my insurance though after almost a year hope to add some more goodies to her.
I think i may do a blog too
Glad you were ok
Hi HeroRR, I do translations of motorcycle videos for my channel. May I take some of yours? You're cool, man!
1200F is the best bike of the bunch in my opinion. I think it personifies everything that the VFR is, which is innovation around a V4 engine. I put 30,000 miles on a 2010 in less than 3 years. Also, it did have VTEC.Great video, keep them coming.
Had a 1998 VFR 800 Fi in yellow. Loved that bike, shame it met a nasty end when a car pulled into my path writing it off. Subbed. Great video.
@Spitch Grizwald Mine was definitely 1998. So it must have also been a time machine 😂
For me the honda blackbird is the best honda ever made everything I personally want in a bike and the VFR800 is a very close 2nd . I have owned two Viffers and two BB"s. Wish I could have both in my garage.
Andrew Burns I'm on my second blackbird love it also have a z1000 saving for a zzr1400 have always wanted a vfr but never got around to buying one ride safe 🏍🇬🇧
Yeah Andrew my '97 Bird just keeps going and going. The Vfr are some of the best looking bikes ever produced, imo!
yes I agree as i own a 99 vfr and an 01 bird. Love both but the bird is better in every way except sound.
Your comment really caught my attention as I've never felt that the added power of the Blackbird outweighs the lighter weight advantages of the VFR800 (the VFR never feels like it lacks power imo and 145mph is surely plenty fast enough for anyone). What is it that you prefer about the Blackbird?
@@MrBoybergs Dont get me wrong I really loved my vfr.(the engine is a gem and didnt want for more power as it felt like it had more than the power figures said) but for me the bird is more comfortable, has a lower center of gravity, better brakes, better engineered, and better build quality. The 50% greater power is just a bonus.
i feel like a very lucky man, having owned a '86 750 and a '98 800. i spent 10 years with the '86.... working to make it "better." that might have been the reason for my second divorce, the first one was blamed on a '68 norton road atlas. at 59 years young i bought the '98 slightly used from a guy who said his wife was scared to ride with him. since i was single i felt safe.....until i moved up to the north cascades national park. i never crashed the '98 but as my vision got worse, in 2013 i was blind in my left eye and lost my depth perception, which made setting up for curves impossible. after 2 eye surgeries my vision is good enough to get back on the road with '06 sv 650. i'll never get back to my past ridding level but at least, at 72 i'm back up on 2 wheels and fully loving life. thanks for the history of a truly great motorcycle.
Make a video about a history of CBR?
Milos Jocic agree
now where talking.
Well I better give the people what they want! CBR History video is going to happen, i'll begin now.
@@HeroRR Thank you brother! You are making the best youtube videos and your channel deserve more views and subs
@@HeroRR you absolute legend
I love this engine V4 !!!! I have the Crossrunner Travel edition 2017 (VFR800X) is Unbelievable !!!!
i got myself the 6th generation after seeing your videos.
confortable bike, good power, good looks (in my opinion)
thank you for the info
keep it up
Had a 4th Gen VFR 750 awesome bike also had a 1200 which I also did enjoy and would love the latest edition they are superb the NR 750 is my all time favourite I actually saw one in the flesh it was everything I hoped it would be would love an 841 defiantly my favourite I really enjoyed your Vlog thanks for sharing it 👍👍👍 all my bikes were 🇬🇧market machines .
For me, the longer the video, the better. (as long as the content is this great)
You totally made my day with that video! I bought a 2nd gen VFR new when I was 21 in 1989 (in Germany) which I owned until I left he country for the U.S. in 2005. Best thing (not just motorbike) I've ever owned. Nothing compared to the incredible sound (I had Sebring exhausts), torque and power delivery, and it was so very reliable and versatile. I rode a friend's Yamaha FZ1000 of the same era thinking the extra horsepower would make the VFR feel disappointing. It didn't. The character of that early VFR is still unmatched to me. Big THANKS!
I've owned quite a few VFRs, including an 1986, 1998, 2002 and a 1990 RC30. My favorite street bike was the 1998 VFR800! The RC30 was basically a track bike. On the street it would overheat easily and was geared a little too high. IMHO, the 5th generation is the best! Even today (March 2019), I would choose it over the new bikes.
My dad wouldn’t let me get a VFR for obvious reasons. He said no sport bikes. BUT NEVER SAID NO SPORT BIKE ENGINES, I did a compromise and got a 03’ Honda Magna and I love it, i wish I could get deep in the corners but the bike is low and i will scrape pegs and pipes.
dude. this is amazing. at first i thought is one of those video where they just show you some pics, but the level of work and detail you put into these is fantastic. Liked and subbed.
What is the price of. the VFR 800
I don’t have a Vfr but I do have a st 1300 , love those Honda v4s. One thing no one mentions when comparing Honda v4 bikes to competitions inline bikes is the much higher cost of manufacturing. Name one cheap v4 bike ?
Sales have slowly dwindled over the years, as this bike has gotten further away from its roots. It's almost like Honda is ignoring their customers.
They sure are. They can't even give their CRF1000L AT cruise control!!! They are just so off the money at the moment. Other manufacturers are offering far more exciting bikes.
@@alexmorgan3435 Yeah... It's no secret that Honda is my favorite brand... but they just don't make exciting bikes anymore... although I do really like the new fireblade and 450L.
This actually a really crazy thing that Honda’s been doing for years, so I’m a Honda certified tech and when I went through my training I got a fair bit of insight into why they do the things they do it’s not that they’re ignoring their customers it’s that they are treating their customers like children as in you want this but this is what you actually need, however they are starting to transition away from that because of slumping sales
The new 2018 crf250r and 450r are the indicators of said shift
Hmm. I agree that Honda seem to have lost their way. Certainly in oz.
Many years ago, I had a 1987 VF1000R (branded the Interceptor in the US, right?) Hydraulic clutch was very nice, slipper clutch saved my bacon a couple of times, with awesome bands of torque from 4k-8k rpm.
Not very comfortable for long rides with a narrow saddle to sit on. With 4 x 42mm Mikuni carbs, was a tad thirsty, especially at pace: I did Paeroa to Hamilton (80km) in 30 minutes once & it sucked down a good 8 litres of gas.
Sucked that it didn't have a centre stand, especially as its kerb weight was like 260kg
Brilliant vid, thanks, 5th gen is the best, love mine.
Didn't talk to much about my VFR1000R CamGear Rothmans Racing. 4 into 1 exhaust. 1985 SC16. I GET phone calls wanting to by it for go-carts, lawn mowers, generates. I'm like you never heard the cam gear sound.
You'll have 100,000 subs probably sooner than you thought.
I'm still riding around my 6th Gen VFR, and I'm still loving it!!! It has the full Honda luggage kit, and I don't have the urge to upgrade to anything more modern. I just love taking it away for weekend tours.
in general, as sportbikes came along, they got ugly after '98....
wild knights™ Agreed!!! Now they all look like a SPACE SHIP crashed into a PROSTHETIC factory....😱 ugly as 💩!
'84.......
Disagree, the 98 and 99 r1 is the best looking bike ever made. Everyone else try to imitate and failed. The newest one are too naked though.
Disagree also. IMO the 6th gen is a better looking bike than the 5th gen. What I don’t like on the 5th gen is the tail. Other than that it’s a great looking bike.
Although you are obviously not a fan of the 2010 Gen #7 VFR as I am, you could have mentioned that this is the first VFR with both shaft drive and proved that Honda could build a reliable high horsepower capable dual clutch automatic transmission. It also had a totally new engine that was both lighter than its predecessor and 60% more powerful with 152 horsepower at the rear tire and sustainable 78 lbs/ft of torque past 4K RPM. The new engine was also narrower where the rider's legs are with cylinders #2 & 3 to the rear
Owned a 3rd gen and 5th gen. Miss my '99 a lot, best sounding bike on the road.
Please make a wish list video for a 9th generation VFR! All I want is an engine update, cruise control, ABS and long range comfort. I don’t want Vtec, linked brakes, center stand, iPad or rider-AIDS. Just build me a goddam V4 sex toy already!
Harley should been allowed to go under, their bikes are an over priced joke!!! 1902 technology masquerading as "modern/new"
We call them ditch pumps. The reason they are overpriced is because you pay by the pound ;)
Thank you! Air cooled, belt driven junk!
HARDLY ABLESON......
I had a 2004 883 Sportster and it was amazing .
It was agricultural and extremely loud but thats why it was brilliant.
I'm glad I experienced owning one.
Having said that I only like the Sportsters.
I personally enjoy my 2012 GSXR 750 over my 2008 HD Softail but both bikes I love. It all depends on my mood and if the wife is coming with on which one I ride but I DO ride the 750 much more.
I owned a 1986 Honda interceptor 500 what a bike recently bought a CBR 650f that actually handles the same it’s 2020 as I’m writing this
Thanks for your efforts and enthusiasm! I am picking up a VFR 1200F in about an hour. My last VFR was a 1987 VFR700 in pearl white which I simply couldn't resist on the showroom floor. That bike brought many great rides throughout the western US and I expect this new big one to carry me around europe for the next several years. I have owned MANY motorcycles over the years. My first honda was a CB450 DOHC in 1973 and have run the gamut on brands and styles. The last few years in Europe have been enjoyed astraddle different BMW variants but now I'm ready for the cool looking 2010 VFR. A little sorry to see your disappointment regarding the big monster and I will get to judge for myself whether or not the shrunken tank poses a fun barrier or not. Again, many thanks for your comprehensive retrospective.
While I can agree that maybe vfr1200 is smth different but anyway it's just an amazing bike!
I have a 2019 vfr abs model. I absolutely adore her. This video was epic. 👍
Great video. Pity you didn't mention the 1984 VF1000R with it's 130hp and gear-driven cams (unless I missed it). I had a 1984 750S, an '84 750F and my favourite the 1986 750F (E). Comfy, quick but heavy. Thanks for the great video.
In 86 I bought a new VF1000R for less than MSRP. They were big, top heavy and expensive. I loved mine! The one bike I wish I had back. Fantastic engine, great sound, reliable as hell.
Trust me I have the 1994 750 and the 1998 800 and the 750 (with carbs) is far, far better. They all went slowly downhill after the last 750.
Bring back the badass, underseat exhaust or install a shorty exhaust, ala the Akropovic on the new Ducati Panigale V4.
Just put a smaller delkevic on mine and love it you can see more of the swing arm
I am so happy that I have bought a 1999 fifth gen 3 weeks ago. Best modern classics I have ever owned. Love the power delivery, the sound of the gear driven cams and of course that exhaust note! I bought it from the first owner who also happened to be the owner of the bike shop where I bought it, so it has been cared for very well and it shows.
I remember the tariffs well. I was selling motorcycles back then and we had 700’s all of a sudden. Back then every manufacturer made a sport 750 and a sport/cruiser in that cc range.
I remember my Yamaha Maxim in 86 was a 700 for that reason. Great all around bike... but man did it miss those extra 50cc
Love my Gen 4 134,000 trouble free miles and still sexier that hell
What about the 2011 VFR800 Crossrunner ?
17:08 - I guess I'm the only one who made it? Or am I the only one who bothered to respond to your request?
The RC46 is still one of my all time favorites. I wish they would've made a shaft drive version.
I bought a rc36 yesterday. The only thing i could mention about this bike is: man this bike is something different.
I just bought my first bike!! 86' vf500f
Never had a Honda, but after this video I bought my neighbors 2000 vfr800fi 😂 getting it next week. Can't wait! Thanks for all your videos. There great!
small woodshop that’s a nice bike
Was going to sell my RC46 last Autumn. Thankfully didn't make that mistake...
not a huge fan beyond the last year 6th gen. the newer bikes got ugly and the exhaust note changed quite a bit and the 14/15 has some pricey maintenance items on it. Almost picked up a 15 about a year ago but kinda of glad I didnt and went with my ninja 1000 but now on the hunt for 00/01 5th gen
7:16 That red and black 400 is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL bike I have ever seen in my life...
I have one in type one colours!
Have you taken a peak at the zx7r?
@@piedpiper1782 i know...currently trying to find a nice 99-04 zx7..first bike ive had in years and thats the one i want..58 yrs old and wanna ride again before im too old 😈
It is seriously
I own and ride a 2016 VFR800X, in Portugal. Absolutely love that bike.
Got my '02 VFR800 a year ago and I am absolutely in love with it. Handles long road trips and tight twisties flawlessly...and that ENGINE SOUND!!
Great history. I'm sort of glad my opinion wasn't swayed by riding earlier VFRs though. I have a 2010 VFR1200 and I think it's great. I like that it doesn't look like anything else on the road. Hell, I can make it look like a totally different bike depending on weather the saddle bags are on or not. I don't mind the looks at all. In fact I prefer them. To each his own I guess? (BTW, I don't have the automatic version. I do think that's ridiculous)
Great video! I have a 2001 VFR800 that I ride to work rain or shine, it has been extremely reliable over the years. The gear driven cams sound amazing and valves rarely need adjustment. You didn't mention this but before the 2000 the 5th gen had a manual fast idle. It's one of my bikes that I would never consider selling.
I'm awaiting delivery of my 99 and I heard the 01 is the best year for a few minor details, I guess that's one of the details, maybe.....👌👍
VERY BEST VIDEO!!! BRAVOS!!! :) GREAT MUSIC, GREAT ALL, ONE OF THE BEST!!!
This is an amazing video. Bring more of this type of video! there are so many bikes out there that are so interesting. It would be amazing if you did the CBR F line up!
Absolutely! What a tale to tell that bike has. I've owned an original '87 F Hurricane and now still currently own a bought new, '01 F4i. Coincidentally, both in red/black colorways. I'll never sell it, I feel like that bike was meant for me :) Absolutely love the VFRs though, always tugging at my heart strings (and the RC51)
Video was great, there was one thing I saw not mentioned, being a young 56 year old, I knew and still know that one of the greatest influences on me was Freddie Spencer, and when he won the Daytona 200 in 1985 on the VF750F. That WAS a big deal in sales in our country and putting the VF750F in the frontline of sales. Never mentioned, like it was nothing.
An RC30 or RC45 inthe garage would be very nice, or perhaps even the 400 version as a play bike? An aquaintance has a VFR 1200, which I agree is Ugly, and 6th gear has failed on it, and is to cost prohibitive to repair, at least here is New Zealand, so he rides everywhere in 5th. I don't know if this is a common fault, but it certainly makes me think twice, should I decide to sell my BMW K1200 LT?
The 6th gear failure is probably a shifter fork. Happened in my 954rr blade. Might lose 4th next (same shifter fork I think).
Still remember when Honda released the "new" VFR1200 in the USA. Price was astronomical. Thing collected dust in most dealerships and was reduced to loss pricing to move it in most cases. I mean, with the essential VFR800 engine formula and design, what did Honda do? Designed an overly complex stupidly strange 1237cc 76° SOHC V4 engine that sounds like a BMW boxer twin, bland and dull. Not to mention, this thing didn't make much power for displacement. It filled a niche no one was looking for.
Loved my '93 VFR. The sound of the gears was just out of this world. Still regret I got rid of it.
The VFR1200X is great. I'll probably trade in my GS for a Crosstourer soon.
that was great, interesting, thanks. my mate had a 400 and i had a bandit 400, so we pretty much raced if we went anywhere.
Only saw this in 2020, but great rundown of an iconic bike's history! The RC45's still dearest to my heart, but I've actually come across a sweet offering for later year 6th gen. Thanks for the details!
I have a 99 vfr800fi and I love it. It’s an amazing bike. It’s my first bike. It’s insanely enjoyable.
Back in the late '80's when I was working on these bikes, Interceptors and Magnas were everywhere, but the Sabre was pretty rare.
???
I owned an '85 V65 Sabre and was lucky to get one with good cams. straightline performance outstanding but didn't handle so well when things got tight. Also, something about them just didn't look right: sort of like Honda pulled a big magnet through the parts bins and the assembly team was told to put a bike together out of what they got.
Ralph Hugelschaffer Ive always loved the look of a sabre, I've got an '84 v65 magna. If I find a good sabre one day I'll probably get it too haha
funny how 1980s VFRs still look good. . . . hmmm actually everything from the 80s look good.
Passed my test on a NSR, and instantly bought a VFR 400. Loved it
Having both the VFR (RC36-2 from 1994) and a CBR 919 (SC33, 1996) switching between them always surprises me again how two machines can be so attractive and unique without being able to favour one over the other. The torque builtup on the VFR is somehow more planted, cool and controllable, while the CBR is simply faster. Behind all the technology, Honda has somehow injected magic in a complicated system.
Nice vid - I've always been a fan of the twin-round headlights from the 80s on the RC models :)
Currently all v4 focus seems to be on Ducati - it would be interesting to see a timeline of other manufacturer's v4 developments.
While it might be a great engine I hate the sound of the v-4 To me it doesn't sound any different than a parallel twin.
That was a real good history lesson my friend. As a Honda Tech you’ve nailed it thank you. My own passion rested in the SC30 93 on. I’d love to hear their history. Thanks again.
Amazing video
Fifth gen owner here. Already over 100k miles on the clock.
An amazing machine.
I have one too. A yellow 2000 VFR800Fi. Question for you: How often have you had the valves adjusted? I have 20K miles on mine and was thinking it's probably due for an adjustment, but it runs great, sounds great, and other reviews I've read have stated that the bike can go a long time between adjustments. Any thoughts? Thanks.
@@Chiliwack69 It indeed can go for a long time without any additional adjustments, it is made by Honda, however I don't think that it should. Bought mine four years ago, it had something about 91k miles back then. Have not checked the clearances since then, however I am about to do that during the nearest time. Check the workshop manual and the intervals stated there. If you don't know what is going on with the clearances at the moment, do that as soon as possible, even if everything seems to be OK. Preventive maintenance costs less and saves a lot of your resources.
@@murddraals : Excellent advice. Thanks! i will have it checked.
spot video bro video about a proper motorbike the vfr was made by god of the biking world .
5.43 the fatal floor was not the cam shaft or one of the bearings. It was that Honda totally under engineered the cylinder heads. Note lack of semi circular gromits in the sides of the head indicating that the cam bearings were not line bored with corresponding bearing caps. Result, misalignment, the heads were unable to hold oil pressure and so cams bearings and subsequently heads failed. Honda, to their shame did not do the decent thing and recall these pieces of shit, but just kept replacing cams at service visits until the bikes were out of warranty. I know this as I was sucked in by the hype and bought one. Being an engineer I stripped mine when the first of the cams began to fail with only 845 miles on the clock. Honda tried to pretend that a special tool was required to set perfectly normal tappets, I still own one of these jokes. This was used to pull the cam up into the excessive clearance the factory had machined into the heads. I blue printed mine by machining the caps to reduce the running clearance to normal values. Also the location of the cam sprockets was so poor the sprockets ran accentriclly shortening the life of the cam chain tensioners. These motors were an absolute bucket of shit. I didn't by another Honda for 25 years and went back to Suzuki's and Kawasaki's. No comparison in engineering terms that's why the drag racers of the day used them almost exclusively. Glad to get that off my chest after all these years. :-D
Wow. Makes me think of my CB750F (1982). An incredibly quiet motor when I got it, burnt a valve at around 15,000 miles. Turns out that Honda had a specific position of the camshaft at which to set the valve clearances, not the normal lobes pointing straight up approach, because adjusting the valves in the normal way gave an incredibly quiet motor with not enough valve clearance. When I mentioned this to the mechanic at the local franchised dealer, it was news to him! My now much noisier version went on to pass 100,000miles. Some very unhappy Honda owners in those days.
@@mikew2256. Hi Mike. I believe the F2 was the old single OHC engine which made about 70 bhp. This motor was really quite under stressed. Like most of this generation of engines, they were actually very reliable. The single overhead cam ran not directly in the head but in an easily replaceable or repairable bearing frame. Tappets were by traditional screw and locknut. Nice motors. All the best from GB, Mitch.
@@nigelmitchell351Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure I've remembered the model number correctly, but mine was the DOHC with shim valve adjustment that followed on from those SOHCs. It shared a frame and body parts with the much more interesting CB900 and power was a bit underwhelming for everyday use.
@@nigelmitchell351 That's the ones. Had a GSX1100EZ for a while, it didn't like me, kept throwing me off. My favourite was an early Yam FZ750, bullet proof. I did over 200,000 miles on it (I was a courier), then I met a friend of the previous owner who told me the guy used to commute on it with the speedo cable detached so it didn't record it's mileage. I've quit now, finally acknowledging the limits of my ability. Good times.
@@mikew2256. Yes they were Mike. No paranoia then about speed camera vans, sorry I meant safety cameras. No speed calming chicanes or monster humps to catch you out on poorly lit greasy suburban roads. No huge chevron signs waiting to impale the unfortunate on every country lane bend! when the price of a litre bought you an imperial gallon! Yes Mike they certainly were the days, I'm glad I lived them. But I'm afraid once biking is in your blood it's as bad as opium. ;-)
Hey, I stuck with you til the end. Nicely done, and very informative. Too bad Honda was so out of touch with the fan base for this bike and kept changing its personality instead of giving the fans more of what they loved about it. Hey companies, do customer surveys and research! Don't "fix" what ain't broke!
Dude it was always a research racing bike that made its way to the public. No RnD.. no relevance.
@@mikes.1882 true, but they went backward when they deleted the gear-driven cams. That was the number one thing that made that bike special.
this deserves a like and comment, next video gsxr750?
Never been a fan of these. I always thought they were a bit plasticky and the single side swing arm was nothing special imo. Much better performing sport bikes out there from that era that are cheaper, more reliable, better components, easier on the eyes and tons faster.
I second every one of your points with the exception of more reliable. These things are the epitome of reliability.
now these are my favorite type of video from heroRR
Great job! Thanks so much. Love it!!
Not having a dig, but he is called Ron Haslam, not Halsam 🤣🤣🤣
Yeah, I made it to the end 😁. Good video, very informative, thanks
I was wondering if the other Honda V4 would get a mention - an ST1300 owner here ;-) !
You forgot 2 important notes concerning the 5th gen which isn’t the best model (long live the 4th)
1. The gear train was moved from the middle (between the cylinders) to the right hand of the engine to make it more compact resulting in a noisier unit.
2. The swing arm wasn’t attached to the twin spar frame of the bike (which was shorter)
Instead it was attached to the engine... like the honda x11...
good video.
Ps: my father had the vf1000 (chocolate camshaft indeed)
Dude, it's Ron Haslam pronounced hass-lam not hall-sam. Just sayin'. Nice history otherwise.
John Cooper you tell him John 😉
I need more VFR videos from you... that would be great