2014 VFR 800cc available in May!

[Archimedes]

<----

Wait, you were joking, right?

Actually the whole reason I trade SV650 for a VFR was because wifey found the SV too uncomfortable beyond 2-3 hours, and the VFR was a huge step up in the pillion accommodations department.

Yes, I was joking because I had no good response. The T is awful for passengers. Not just awful, impossible, dangerous, any terrible word you can think of to describe bad.

 

[GAJ]

There are better chain drive choices for the same or less money.

The lighter, more powerful Ninja 1000 already mentioned or the heavier and far gruntier Suzuki 1250FA.

 

[Eugene]

I think the new Ninja 1000 is the bike that the VFR line should have been *shrug*. I'll be getting my ninjar soon.

 

[ilikefood]

There are better chain drive choices for the same or less money.

The lighter, more powerful Ninja 1000 already mentioned or the heavier and far gruntier Suzuki 1250FA.

Oh I don't think so. There is more to a bike than just the spec sheet. The VFR (I mean previous 750 and 800 models; no reviews of this new one yet) has won pretty much every sport-touring comparison I've ever seen because it's been developed and improved over almost three decades and is so damn good as a result. I've owned a couple VFRs, and they have a really great balance between sportiness and long-distance comfort. I'd bet that this VFR will be great as well, while the Suzuki is wobbly and the Ninja is buzzy and uncomfortable.

 

[IT WASN'T ME!]

Oh I don't think so. There is more to a bike than just the spec sheet. The VFR (I mean previous 750 and 800 models; no reviews of this new one yet) has won pretty much every sport-touring comparison I've ever seen because it's been developed and improved over almost three decades and is so damn good as a result. I've owned a couple VFRs, and they have a really great balance between sportiness and long-distance comfort. I'd bet that this VFR will be great as well, while the Suzuki is wobbly and the Ninja is buzzy and uncomfortable.

I don't remember any tests that called the Bandit wobbly or the current ninja buzzy, or uncomfortable.

 

[Removed 4]

This 5th generation VFR owner won't be buying one because:
1) VTEC and its 8-hour valve jobs.
2) 530 lbs? In 2014? Stop making your fairing stays out of lead, Honda.
3) My current bike is just too good.

This.

 

[WWWobble]

Oh I don't think so. There is more to a bike than just the spec sheet. The VFR (I mean previous 750 and 800 models; no reviews of this new one yet) has won pretty much every sport-touring comparison I've ever seen because it's been developed and improved over almost three decades and is so damn good as a result. I've owned a couple VFRs, and they have a really great balance between sportiness and long-distance comfort. I'd bet that this VFR will be great as well, while the Suzuki is wobbly and the Ninja is buzzy and uncomfortable.

I sort of take the opposite stance. I don't think the VFR has been developed or improved very much given three decades, in fact, the Gen 5 bike is arguably better than the Gen 6. The Gen 7 shouldn't even be called a VFR.

I very much WISH Honda had "developed & improved" the VFR because I loved the V4 motor, but the 800cc VTEC has seen its day imo.

WWWobble

 

[aminalmutha]

I don't remember any tests that called the Bandit wobbly or the current ninja buzzy, or uncomfortable.

You've obviously never ridden a Kawasaki.

Banditz aren't known to be stellar handling machines either.

 

[mlm]

This 5th generation VFR owner won't be buying one because:
1) VTEC and its 8-hour valve jobs.
2) 530 lbs? In 2014? Stop making your fairing stays out of lead, Honda.
3) My current bike is just too good.

Don't forget linked brakes

 

[thenewwazoo]

Don't forget linked brakes

I like them, believe it or not. I'd prefer ABS, but for street riding, linked brakes are better than unlinked, imo. On the track, of course, I need to be able to achieve more than the 85/15 (or whatever) split that the LBS gives me, but the 5th gen is still a hoot and a half on track even keeping it at 8/10ths.

 

[Entoptic]

Where is all that weight coming from? I can see replacing the exhaust and dropping maybe 20 lbs. Replace the SSSA with a custom one and maybe lose another 30 lbs but that puts it at around 480 lbs. What other fat could you trim from it?

 

[deanzaZZR]

Surprised Honda didn't bring the Crossrunner over from Europe.
http://www.hondamc.eu/bikes/crossrunner/

 

[Removed 4]

Not much weight to lose
Heavy engine block
Heavy swing arm
Two radiators

 

[KnifeySpoony]

Surprised to see rsu forks on a bike at this price point. Do they have cartridges?

 

[thenewwazoo]

Not much weight to lose
Heavy engine block
Heavy swing arm
Two radiators

The ~460lb RC45 begs to differ :-/

 

[Busy Little Shop]

Not much weight to lose
Heavy engine block
Heavy swing arm
Two radiators

Honda knows how to trim the weight off their V4s but Sport Touring riders
aren't as vocal against increases of weight like racers are... engineers know
there are two ways to increase performance... increase the power or drop
the weight... if you give Honda's engineers enough stick they may do both...

Mr.RC45 Front Weight 212

Mr.RC45 Rear Weight 195

 

[Entoptic]

http://www.cyclenews.com/401/22944/Racing-Article/2014-Honda-VFR800-Interceptor-First-Look.aspx

 

[hophead]

http://www.cyclenews.com/401/22944/Racing-Article/2014-Honda-VFR800-Interceptor-First-Look.aspx

I'm down for one come November, deluxe version factory side bags as well. I figure it will be a good 53rd birthday present....now if i can only keep my hands off that beautiful red 2014 FJR i saw today at Berkeley Honda/Yamaha.....didn't have the balls to ask how much......

 

[cleverusername]

Nothing about the "new" vfr justifies buying it new instead of a used. The price difference could fund a lot of life changing travel, while the fundamental experience on a new vfr will be fundamentally the same as a MY05+.

 

[hophead]

^^^yeah maybe, i've had 3 vfrs and 3 fz-1s so i kinda disagree but "to each his own."