Which is the Best Affordable VFR Honda (750-800)

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popkat
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Re: Which is the Best Affordable VFR Honda (750-800)

Post by popkat »

I currently have two first gen 750's and have previously had another 1st gen, a 2nd and 4th (last of the 750's) also had an early V-tec.

You can't really compare them to a storm, they're very different but can be every bit as good on the road and just as quick from A to B.

The sportiest are the early ones (RC24) of these there's essentially 2 models, first had 16/18" wheels, 2nd had 17" wheels, there's much more but they look the same. these models can bought for anything from £600-1200 depending on condition which makes them the best bargain ever as they never go wrong

Next was the RC36 these had single side swingarms, the first ones 1991-1994 (FL-FN) were overweight bikes and probably the least best of the 750''s, then there was the 1994-1997 (FP-FV) model, without doubt the best looking VFR of them all, lost a bit of weight (but not as light as the first models) but had soft suspension as standard.

The 800 was a good bike but a bit ugly.

the first V-tec's can be a bit annoying around the v tec zone, sometimes they're fine but other times the jerk about a bit, they feel heavy too, later v tec's from 06 were better.

A few weeks ago I test rode the latest VFR800, new styling, led lights, traction control ( :? ) I took my 1987 model along and the impression was there's really is nothing much different, the early one seemed just as good for most riding, except when it comes to brakes , I prefer the early engine too, can't beat gear driven cams.
http://www.bidefordmotorcycles.co.uk
2014 CRMC Post classic Superbike champion.
2014 CRMC Post classic senior production champion. On a Suzuki Katana 1100
My bikes, Firestorm, Suzuki GSX-s1000 Katana, VFR800Fi. Projects, 1986 popup Katana, 3 XJ600’s
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Pete.L
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Re: Which is the Best Affordable VFR Honda (750-800)

Post by Pete.L »

popkat wrote: I took my 1987 model along and the impression was there's really is nothing much different
Flippen Heck Malc.
Twenty seven years old and still keeping up with the new model. That says something about Honda build and quality back then :thumbup:

Pete.l

Excellent bit of knowledge btw thanks for the input :D
My new ride is a bit of a Howler and I love to make her Squeal
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popkat
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Re: Which is the Best Affordable VFR Honda (750-800)

Post by popkat »

Pete.L wrote:
popkat wrote: I took my 1987 model along and the impression was there's really is nothing much different
Flippen Heck Malc.
Twenty seven years old and still keeping up with the new model. That says something about Honda build and quality back then :thumbup:

Pete.l

Excellent bit of knowledge btw thanks for the input :D

The riding position is different, you sit on the new one and more in the old one. when the new one kicks in the v-tec it seems to go off like crazy but it's just an impression, it may be a tiny bit quicker up top but hardly noticeable if it is. In fact I found the v-tec a bit tiresome, a bit like a 2 stroke power band, great for fun but not all the time, if you want to go quick on the twisties you'd need to keep it in 3rd gear most of the time to keep the revs up, a bit at odds with the sport tourer tag, it's a bit buzzy and vibey up there too.. you can ride it around all day under the v-tec zone which is 6750 revs but then that seems pointless to have the extra revs and never use them.. don't get me wrong these are small niggles, the bike would definitely be better with no v-tec but as said I'd still consider one if I was looking, all I'd say is if anyone is thinking of buying one get an extended test ride and try all types of riding.
http://www.bidefordmotorcycles.co.uk
2014 CRMC Post classic Superbike champion.
2014 CRMC Post classic senior production champion. On a Suzuki Katana 1100
My bikes, Firestorm, Suzuki GSX-s1000 Katana, VFR800Fi. Projects, 1986 popup Katana, 3 XJ600’s
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darkember
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Re: Which is the Best Affordable VFR Honda (750-800)

Post by darkember »

In my view you should look at the models with the gear driven cams as all the newer versions Honda reverted back to chains and tensioners. what a step backwards :thumbdown: to honda for going backwards
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thunderbolt
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Re: Which is the Best Affordable VFR Honda (750-800)

Post by thunderbolt »

popkat wrote:I currently have two first gen 750's and have previously had another 1st gen, a 2nd and 4th (last of the 750's) also had an early V-tec.

You can't really compare them to a storm, they're very different but can be every bit as good on the road and just as quick from A to B.

The sportiest are the early ones (RC24) of these there's essentially 2 models, first had 16/18" wheels, 2nd had 17" wheels, there's much more but they look the same. these models can bought for anything from £600-1200 depending on condition which makes them the best bargain ever as they never go wrong

Next was the RC36 these had single side swingarms, the first ones 1991-1994 (FL-FN) were overweight bikes and probably the least best of the 750''s, then there was the 1994-1997 (FP-FV) model, without doubt the best looking VFR of them all, lost a bit of weight (but not as light as the first models) but had soft suspension as standard.

The 800 was a good bike but a bit ugly.

the first V-tec's can be a bit annoying around the v tec zone, sometimes they're fine but other times the jerk about a bit, they feel heavy too, later v tec's from 06 were better.

A few weeks ago I test rode the latest VFR800, new styling, led lights, traction control ( :? ) I took my 1987 model along and the impression was there's really is nothing much different, the early one seemed just as good for most riding, except when it comes to brakes , I prefer the early engine too, can't beat gear driven cams.
Thanks popkat, an excellent history on the model for those of us that don't know the differences between the models.

Thanks again.
Cheers
Don
____________________________________________

Bikes:
1977 Suzuki GS550/700 - modified significantly
1981 Moto Guzzi 850 T4
1990 Suzuki VX800
2003 Honda Firestorm VTR1000
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mattster
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Re: Which is the Best Affordable VFR Honda (750-800)

Post by mattster »

A mate of mine had a 2000 model (pre-Vtec) 800, that he commuted on for about 8 years. Finally had to get rid after it went away from him on black ice one winter morning. Odo had just gone over 104,000 miles... still rode and looked like a 20k mile bike though. At the time I was considering buying it off him as my first bike!! :whatever

Anyways, they are typical Honda - if looked after, they are perfectly reliable. Vtec ones cost a hell of a lot for valve checks, the pre-Vtec ones can be done at home by a competent home mechanic.

Storm looks better and sounds better. That's all that matters. :beer:
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thunderbolt
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Re: Which is the Best Affordable VFR Honda (750-800)

Post by thunderbolt »

mattster wrote:Storm looks better and sounds better. That's all that matters. :beer:
AGREED :lol:
Cheers
Don
____________________________________________

Bikes:
1977 Suzuki GS550/700 - modified significantly
1981 Moto Guzzi 850 T4
1990 Suzuki VX800
2003 Honda Firestorm VTR1000
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