Message to Luckypants

[danf1234]

How are you finding the VFR800?

The reason I ask is because I had an 03 model from new and I couldn't get on with the V-TEC

I like the look of the new models and was just wondering what you thought of it.

What do you think of the V-TEC it used to do my head in going into a corner when it kicked in when you least expect it.

Also did you get the ABS model - and if so is it any good?

All said and done I loved the bike over long distance, but at the time had to sell it because the wife was pregnant,

Oh well,
Dan

[Luckypants]

Loving it. It's different yet the same as the SV. Good torquey motor, all day comfy, sweet handling with real world road handling.

The cycle parts are much better than stock SV, so the ride is smoother more forgiving and the suspension tracks the road well. The handling is as good as the SV I'd say from the N/S ride (was still being gentle on the bike and me).

I like the VTEC, it comes in fairly predictably. If rolling on the throttle you might get a little hiccup as the fuelling changes to match the extra set of valves, but with a constant throttle or even a full fist full it just growls and takes off! Not loads of power, 110bhp is not a lot, but it responds well to new cans with gains of 5-10bhp. Next on shopping list, if only to be able to hear the thing! The VTEC induction roar is very addictive. Basically, if I'm out for a bimble I'll change up at 6-7K and surf the torque - if I want speed, drop a couple of cogs and get the engine spinning over 7K and it's like a different bike - power on tap and a sweet gear box to let you use it.

Got the ABS model and had to try it on the M6 first time out! Shall we say it works with cack handed panic braking? :rolleyes: The linked brakes work fine, I hardly notice they are linked. Hard breaking is very stable with just the 'front' lever with a useful bit extra from using the foot pedal. I'm finding I can brake hard before a corner and chuck her in, the bike stays stable, due to a distinct lack of dive.

I'm off to France on it on Thursday (have I mentioned that? :cool: ) so no doubt will really have made my mind up after that.

Downsides are the pegs seem a lot higher and further back than my SV (or even my VFR750FV) which is making for achy knees on the motorway, the paint seems thin and scratches easily, no underseat storage, not able to adjust rake of brake lever, low speed throttle response is snatchy if not adjusted just right (was crap before first service, good now). The lack of noise, exhaust note is that of a hair dryer! Oh - and the price! You can get two SVs pretty much for the cost of one of these!

Pluses are center stand, really good headlights, good wind protection for a 5' 9" guy, good tank range (180 plus), excellent pillion seat, first class luggage, decent tyres (BT020) as standard, good handling, nice power, great sound with cans, looks(?).


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