I've been trawling the net lately to see what kind of bike I fancy for doing a bit of touring with the missus. I've basically narrowed it down to a VFR800 and was just wondering if anyone on here has or has had 1, for a little feedback on it. I'm looking at between 1998-2001 model and also the 2002 model. Thanks
A mate has just bought a near minter 02 version in blue. He's chuffed with it, and says its dead comfy. He paid £1500! Unfortunately, it's off the road at mo awaiting a reg/rectifier, but seems like an easy fix. The dash needed solder work to the pcb too, all common probs and realatively inexpensive to fix yourself.
Hi Colin, I used to have a VFR 800 Vtech, brought it new in 2002. You probably know the fors and against arguments about the Fi and Vtech models. I did find the sudden surge when it opened all cylinders a bit strange at first and it did come in a little swiftly, but that was easily cured with a PC, it was then as smooth as anything. The comfort and build quality was excellent and I used it solo and with pillion. Never really got tired when riding it or sore. Great bike IMO. I even had Arrow exhausts put on her when I had the PC put on. Very capable tourer and quite happy at speed, although the suspension is more geared to touring than tearing around. I never could understand how some people favoured the Triumph. Whilst it was a very capable bike the build was way down on the Honda and resale values held much better on the VFR's. The big service on the Vtech put off some people, but I used to have Ducatis and in comparison the VFR was cheap. Go and try one would be my advice, you can ride sedately or give them a little push. happy hunting.
Great bikes but early ones do suffer badly from regultor/rectifier problems. Also develop a really nasty weave at the bars with a top box, however as an all rounder you cannot really go wrong. I would consider a similar aged Blackie 1st though. I might be biased though as I had 2, they have more grunt for pillions etc
Thanks KRL I never even thought of a blackbird till now. Got to admit the build qaulity on them looks superb.
I had an 02 VTEC model for a few months. I traded in because I couldn't live with the VTEC surging and the terrible Combined ABS.
Just rode down to Portugal, l didnt have a bike to go on and was looking between the vfr800 (98-02) and blackbird. bought a 2000 blackbird for 800 pound from the salvage got it built and mot'd for 1200 pound then found it wasn't comfy enough to ride to Portugal (we did 750 one day). Trawled ebay and ended up buying a rough but low mileage Pan European big but comfy and reliable.
