Honda VFR... No thanks!

Years ago I took a brand new VFR800i (pre Vech) out on a Honda Rideout day and I couldnt understand what the fuss was about, it was a bit dull and the gearbox was shocking.

Hmmm as Luke said...

I got one at a pretty nice price. It isn't super exciting but its very competent. I wanted a comfy no frills bike, I have the balls out throw it round the corner bike in the Falco... Having said that I have no doubt that once you get in the mood the VFR will let you have balls out occasions and handle it with little issue, just not like a sportier bike as you'd expect!

That is a lot of money for a pre Vtec bike but from a stealer you are looking at about £3k for a nice low miles one unfortunately. Try a few at stealers to make sure you know what to expect then look at some private.

As to comfort; I found my falco more comfortable than my 650s and this is more comfortable than the falco.

My initial thoughts on the VFR are (bare in mind I have had it a few days and the tyres are shot, so needs new ones);

-Comfort is pretty good though id like to straighten the bars a little, does feel a tad cramped even for me. No real weight on the bars at all so wrists should have it pretty easy.
-Engine is nice and flexable, not as much poke as the Falco but smoother and more forgiving with throttle actions.
-Chassis seems competent (with tyres not pushed this much) goes around a corner and gives a fair amount of feedback back!
-Suspension is basic (just like the SV, might even be better?) but works ok. Back seems a tad soggy but not really bad.
-Brakes are nice, the linked system makes the bike more stable when stopping. Not the outright stopping power of the falco (no surprise really) but enough to not worry.
-General notes, exhausts rot, mine has a new SS system on it so no issue now. Some other parts it seems especially the centre stand seem to like rust too, but getting that down to the powder coat shop should fix that long term.

I had an 89 double swingarm FK model for about 8 years and it was absolutely brilliant - comfy, fast and not too big --- superb bike

... till some scrote tried to have it away ...

look at the older older 750 models, a completely different riding position and a better bike in my opinion!

just so happen to have a good link on my sig

Originally Posted by victor_meldrew

I had an 89 double swingarm FK model for about 8 years and it was absolutely brilliant - comfy, fast and not too big --- superb bike

... till some scrote tried to have it away ...

I had one of those too, has to rate as one of the best bikes I ever owned. I now regret chopping it in against an unused but registered 2 year old ex-demo GSXR750L a couple of years later