VFR800 Returns for 2014 - announced @ EICMA [UPDATED]

"doodon2whls" (doodon2whls) 11/04/2013 at 17:17 • Filed to: two wheels good, EICMA, VFR800, Honda

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VFR enthusiasts were up in arms with the launch of the VFR1200 in 2010 - the '7th Generation VFR'. Honda had strayed too far from the nearly 30 year old formula that had been so successful and enjoyed a cult following the world wide. The 3rd-6th generation VFR's sold amazingly well in the EU where weekend-day rides are more like 300 mile twisty ribbon workouts rather than the boulevard cruising scene in the USA where status is determined on the magazine specs of your bike, the number of stickers you have plastered all over it, and how loud/short your exhaust is.

The VFR is a quintessential formula of reasonable ergonomics, broad torque delivery across the the rev range, suspension compliant enough for all day riding and more than adequate for switchback duty, and intoxicating mechanical symphony. The 2nd-5th gen VFR's had gear driven cams, 90* V engine configuration, high compression, and aggressive cams. All of this sorcery results in one of the best sounding motorcycle powerplants in recent history. At idle or full chat, the VFR's exhaust note is distinctive as the relatively low idle (1200RPM) and high redline (north of 11,000RPM) define a wide rev range throughout which the ride is treated to mechanical symphony - especially if an aftermarket muffler is installed.

I am glad to see that Honda realized that they couldn't shelve this incredibly successful platform. Kudos to them.

[Watch this space for more updates.]

Updates and photos from !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Photos from this page (Italian Motofan site):

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > doodon2whls 11/04/2013 at 17:42

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My God, It's full of stars.

desertdog5051 > doodon2whls 11/04/2013 at 17:54

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Any specs on power?

doodon2whls > desertdog5051 11/04/2013 at 17:56

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Not that I have seen yet, but I am sure more details will spill over the next few days... Not even sure we'll get it in the US&A becuase of it's slower sales here despite it being a superior motorcycle to most of the crap we get.

I am guessing that it's based off of the last 781cc mill with VTEC and chain driven cams, so around the century mark which is more than adequate for touring and canyon carving.

desertdog5051 > doodon2whls 11/04/2013 at 18:06

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Agree. They have been in the low 100's prior. Probably some other significant upgrades, too. Never ridden one but want to.

doodon2whls > desertdog5051 11/04/2013 at 18:10

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From RideApart ...

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The new VFR800F is 22 pounds lighter than the old model and features traction control, a height adjustable seat, a single exhaust can, and self-canceling turn signals.

The weight savings come from a new, lighter subframe and new aluminum single sided swingarm.

The Pro-Link rear suspension is adjustable for preload and rebound damping.

Front brakes adopt radial calipers and 310mm discs.

Seat height is adjustable (either 31 or 31.8 inches), using a tool provided.

Front headlights are LED

The 2014 Honda VFR800F is not slated for a U.S. release.

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The last line... I haz a sad.

desertdog5051 > doodon2whls 11/04/2013 at 18:15

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Let's go have a beer and cry together.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > doodon2whls 11/04/2013 at 19:56

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>Reasonable ergonomics

For some reason, I wished they canned the VFR800 in favor of the 1200.

... Is that bad?

*Note: I am 6'2".

doodon2whls > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 11/04/2013 at 20:09

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Honda did can the VFR. The market response was: "Hey, Honda, you're tone deaf."

They responded by bringing back the VFR800 for 2014 where it sold best (EU, Asia).

The styling and needless technology in the VFR1200 (auto-shift, active exhaust, etc.), didn't resonate with the market.

I'm 6'4", and can ride the VFR all day. How is your new scoot working out ?

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > doodon2whls 11/04/2013 at 20:14

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Not bad, coming up on the periodic oil change.

... Is GN4 oil decent for a 919?

doodon2whls > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 11/04/2013 at 20:30

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Wow.. Oil debates go long and get no where. GN4 dinosaur juice is fine. How much does your dealer want for it? I run Mobil 1 10W-40 Motorcycle formula in the VFR. It has the right formula to play nice with wet clutches (no molybdenum), and additives to fight oil breakdown from shearing in the transmission (since the engine and trans share the same oil). You could really run any automotive10W-40 oil and probably be fine, though, but that's your decision.

Bruno > doodon2whls 11/05/2013 at 09:58

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The front end looks promising - we might finally get USD forks either from Honda (in next iteration) or even before from 3rd parties.