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Old 15-08-12, 11:43 AM   #1
L3nny
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Default Vfr 800 v-tec

I am very close to getting one of these.

Took one for a test ride and it just seemed a perfect road bike.

I never thought I would be interested in a lardy touring bike but while sports bikes are great on the track the ones I have had seem to get unsettled to easily on our uneven roads.

I have heard the servicing is expensive but I am sure I can get an independent mechanic to do it a bit cheaper.

Been offered a 2006 model with panniers, FSH and 13k for £4500.

Any reason why I shouldn't get it?
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Old 15-08-12, 11:55 AM   #2
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

No, I'm on my second. I don't consider it a 'lardy touring bike', it goes well enough through the twisties to keep up with most riders/bikes. Servicing is no different to any bike, except for the 16K valve clearance check which can be lengthy due to the VTEC making it a complicated job. Honda have a set charge (used to be £500 not sure these days) as if a shim needs changing it can get pricey on labour. I got mine done by an independent for about £180 IIRC. It will only get pricey if a shim needs changing, which is a rare event on the V4.
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Old 15-08-12, 12:42 PM   #3
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

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Quote:
Originally Posted by L3nny View Post
I never thought I would be interested in a lardy touring bike but while sports bikes are great on the track the ones I have had seem to get unsettled to easily on our uneven roads.
I don't consider it a 'lardy touring bike', it goes well enough through the twisties to keep up with most riders/bikes
He's not kidding, you want to try keeping up with him whether he is two's up or not... It can shift and corner

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I have heard the servicing is expensive but I am sure I can get an independent mechanic to do it a bit cheaper.
The 16K valve clearance check which can be lengthy due to the VTEC making it a complicated job. Honda have a set charge (used to be £500 not sure these days) as if a shim needs changing it can get pricey on labour. I got mine done by an independent for about £180 IIRC. It will only get pricey if a shim needs changing, which is a rare event on the V4.
Honda build. Many people on the BlackBird site report that clearances are still good at 60k, I know it's a different bike but it's a Honda tourer so I would think this is the same
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Old 15-08-12, 12:43 PM   #4
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

Thanks Mike. Do you have Honda Luggage on yours? Is it any good?

The valves were supposed to be done on my Fireblade but every mechanic I took them to said unless it's running rough don't bother as they are very rarely out.

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Old 15-08-12, 01:03 PM   #5
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

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The valves were supposed to be done on my Fireblade but every mechanic I took them to said unless it's running rough don't bother as they are very rarely out.
I cringe every time I hear this I really do...
If they're due to be checked at a given mileage, say 16,000 miles and you don't manage until, say 20k, you'd be exceedingly unlucky for it to cause you a problem. But you're a much better rider than me if you can feel or hear a tight exhaust valve, and if it gets too bad, and you end up dropping a valve none of those mechanics will say anything much more helpful than "Blimey, you've been unlucky, you really don't see that very often!"

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Old 15-08-12, 01:10 PM   #6
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

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Do you have Honda Luggage on yours? Is it any good?
I have the Honda panniers and had them on previous bike. They are made by Givi so quality is good and the colour match is excellent. Coming back from France we got rained on big style, roads flooded and all that jazz, not a drop got in the panniers - I am a fan. The locking system is secure so quite happy to leave them unattended on the bike. One pannier will just hold a full face helmet, so it's handy to put them on to go to race meets etc then dump helmets into panniers - although if you have the topbox, it will swallow two helmets. For full on touring two-up, the panniers only maybe a little small but we managed two weeks in France this summer with a pannier each for clothes and tankbag for other stuff, not overly loaded as you can see



Finally I'll say that the panniers to not limit the bikes capabilities, filtering is fine as the mirrors are still the widest part of bike, clearance is good on corners as pegs go down before panniers. The VFR is a sports tourer and the luggage reflects that, it still allows you to do this...

YouTube Video
Error: If you cannot see this video, then either YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed to play it.
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Old 15-08-12, 01:45 PM   #7
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

If a valve tightens up. The hot gasess soon put paid to the valve and seat.
Find another mech .
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Old 15-08-12, 01:49 PM   #8
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

Nice video there. I was surprised at just how well it handled especially seeing how comfortable it is. The bike I looked at only had the side panniers which IMO looks a lot better than the top box. It's unlikely I will ever have a pillion so I expect they will carry enough for a week away on my own.

Jambo, I get your point, called the local Honda dealer and they quoted £450 for the 16k service. Will just make sure I get one that has low enough miles or has already had it done.
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Old 15-08-12, 01:53 PM   #9
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

the vtec is a good bike,but one step back from the older 800 pre vtec,the vtecs are very pricey on having the shims done and the vtec valve clearances involve taking the cams out to check them,to do the valve checks and adjustments properly might involve up to 8 hours work,if you only take the covers off and check but dont put shims in the non vtec valves it will take alot less time but your only getting half the job done,some people do 100k with out touching them at all,some people have cam chain and tensioner problems at quite low milage,i run a 800 pre vtec(a real vfr)no chains or tensioner,no vtec valves,slightly more hp,and i would only have the valves checked every 40k or so(but that not what honda recomend)both bikes being around the 110 hp give or take they will do a honest 155mph, but petrol consumption on most v4 honda's aint good even when driven at sensible speeds,35mpg aint unusual,45mpg means driving like a saint,and when you compare my 929 blade and bandit 12 which if you ride at a steady 90mph on a motorway will return 55mpg,any case enjoy your new bike
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Old 15-08-12, 03:10 PM   #10
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Default Re: Vfr 800 v-tec

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Originally Posted by L3nny View Post
The bike I looked at only had the side panniers which IMO looks a lot better than the top box. It's unlikely I will ever have a pillion so I expect they will carry enough for a week away on my own.
In this configuration it is very very good. Two weeks camping is no problem. In the video you can see my camping kit and all clothes for a week on the IoM, the bike still is fun to ride when loaded like that.

Buy one
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