I bought the thing. AMA

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 07/03/2020 at 17:01 • Filed to: None

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1998 VFR800FI. 17k miles. My first real bike*

It’s not quite the “instant love” that I felt from that first Miata test-drive years ago, but it’s close.

I’m not scared of the bike, but I have a healthy respect for it. 110hp, no ABS, no rider modes, and an incredibly direct throttle. At over 500 pounds, it’s also noticeably heavier than anything else I’ve spent more than half an hour on.

Some quick notes, bulletpoint style...

-previous owner kitted it out as a touring bike. There’s a rack, two givi side cases, a top case, t ank bag, h andlebar risers, aftermarket seat, heated grips, and a fair bit of other parts, in addition to all stock items. Moto-camping, here I come.

-it is immaculate. He pointed out the two scratches on the bike, and to be honest... I didn’t even see one of them looking directly at it, and the other was so small as to be basically unnoticeable from 8 inches away. I kind of feel bad that I don’t have a garage for this thing...

-sound is i ntoxicating. I don’t know what gear-driven cams mean, but I do know that that whirring sound that is apparently a result of said cam-drive setup is pretty grand. That said, a slightly louder exhaust note is definitely in the cards.

-fuel-injected, with a choke?! First time seeing that. Was that a common thing?

-rock-solid on the freeway up to triple digit speeds. Allegedly. I don’t feel buffeted in the slightest, and the bike is supremely stable. To be fair, the only other fully-faired bike I’ve spent time on is KTM’s RC390.

-back to the weight. I tried and failed to back out of a driveway that was on a slight incline and instead had to do a 10 point turn. I definitely can’t manhandle this like a little ninja. I am SO GLAD I didn’t go with an FJR1300.

- It doesn’t lean quite as easily as I’d like, and I’m not sure if that’s due to the weight distribution or tires that look a bit squared off. The PO said he did 95% freeway miles and few twisties.

-IT’S F*CKING FAST. I have mixed feelings about owning a fancy bicycle that can hit 60 in three-point-something seconds and top out at 150ish, but... The kid inside me is doing cartwheels so it must be a good thing.

*I had a 250 Ninja for three months in high school seven years ago, and the scooter you all know and love(?) up until last week. But this Honda is *basically* my first bike.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:11

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Gorgeous bike and an excellent choice!

I almost bought one before I got my CBR1000RR. With the amount of long distance riding I did, there were a lot of times I regretted not getting the VFR.

As for the electric choke, thats kind of a weird early EFI bike thing. Bikes didn’t get EFI until well after cars did due to needing miniaturized everything.

Gear driven cams are exactly what they sound like. Instead of a timing belt or chain, there is a gear on the crank that drives a set of idler gears which in turn drive the intake and exhaust cams. Its a near noise, for sure. I have a Honda CB-1 with gear driven cams.

Enjoy it and keep it shiny side up, and again congrats!!!

Tekamul > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:16

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Co ngrats on finding the right one! It looks to be in amazing shape.

The 90 degree V4 is a great motor, smooth like butter.

vondon302 > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:19

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Looks gorgeous bet it sounds better.

As a guy that wrecked multiple small bore dirt bikes and got a little stupid with a 550 maxim in the late 80s. Plz stay safe. That's alot of bike.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:29

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Niceeeeeeee. Nothing all’s good with big red *thumbs up*.

Yeah, heavy bikes are always going to feel piggish. You’ll just have to take it slow adapt to it. Eventually you’ll learn to muscle throw it into a lean and hang off. I t has the contact patch for it , it’s a mental thing and you’ll get used to it .

Honda really needs another V4 sport bike.

facw > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:31

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So when are the yellow flames going on?

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:32

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Will you be outfitting it with flames and making curb-jumping gifs for us?

Nom De Plume > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:34

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“That said, a slightly louder exhaust note is definitely in the cards.”

Imma cut to the chase here and tell you to quit painting with a fantasy brush before you screw this bike up. It has a lowkey exhaust because it makes it rideable for long distances without the droning killing any enjoyment. When you start to realize how much stuff you still can’t hear that you really would like to it will make more sense.

That said.  Congratulations, treat it and yourself well.  Well balanced set of sport touring tires would be a good start.  Play it safe until you’re better acquainted.  She ain’t doing stoppies and parking lots tricks at county highway speeds.

Cash Rewards > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:35

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Congrats!

AestheticsInMotion > Nom De Plume 07/03/2020 at 17:36

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I’ll definitely need to ride one with a slip-on before making a decision, but you bring up a good point. I’ve had plenty of experience with too much exhaust noise in the past, and I need to find a good balance.

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove 07/03/2020 at 17:39

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I'll do my part to keep the people entertained 

AestheticsInMotion > facw 07/03/2020 at 17:40

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Once I'm experienced enough on the bike to handle the extra speed those flames bring

AestheticsInMotion > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 07/03/2020 at 17:41

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I really want to try their naked 650 but yes, I was sad to see they’re not currently making an Interceptor :(

kleeBRZ > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:45

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My 86 VFR is also super heavy and a challenge to push. it’s tires are also a bit squared off but compared to the Triumph Thruxton 900 i got rid of, the VFR dives into turns. Maybe your experience with the Ninja 250 is the opposite of mine.

My VFR came with a full Hindle exhaust and is sounds amazing while riding. Above 6K it sings! In the garage or driveway though, if I rev it, it’s deafening.... not cool. I would prefer a quieter exhaust.

Oh the thruxton has a fake choke also, basically just a fast idle. 

AestheticsInMotion > kleeBRZ 07/03/2020 at 17:51

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Wait, didn't you import one from Japan? 

bob and john > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:55

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gear driven cams means there is no timing belt or chain. its all gears up into the hea d


FI with a ‘fast idle’ was a brief thing in the early FI days

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 17:57

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Bread and circuses FTW.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 18:01

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looks brand new!

The choke may be for cold starts that early FI systems sometimes had problems with. I’ve see n d jetronic kits to skip the temps sensors and turn them into an on/ off to fool it.     

VincentMalamute-Kim > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 18:07

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With this, you have the option to make it semi-naked if you get tired of the full fairing look.

VincentMalamute-Kim > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 18:08

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Good looking bike.  Glad you didn’t get silver.  Now you need a matching red helmet.

MeatSaber > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 18:09

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 enjoy, I'm sure it will bring you many positive feels. 

AestheticsInMotion > bob and john 07/03/2020 at 18:11

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That is gorgeous. Thanks for the info! 

just-a-scratch > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 18:20

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Multipoint turns are annoying. Have you tried to lean it onto the sidestand and spin it around?

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 18:32

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In a way the 2 current 650 are similar to the VFR. They’re not full fledged rockets, sort of heavy, but they can hustle. A nice compromise between rather sporty but with some touring characteristics.

cmill189 - sans Volvo > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 18:34

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Congrats! The best bargain in a fast, almost do everything bike! I had the same risers and heated grips on mine and they were fantastic. 

AestheticsInMotion > cmill189 - sans Volvo 07/03/2020 at 18:48

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Thank you! I’m almost sad the weather is constantly warmish now.

Did you sell the Volvo yet? 

AestheticsInMotion > just-a-scratch 07/03/2020 at 18:49

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Hmm. Looks less intimidating than  popping a wheelie and rotating on the back tire! 

AestheticsInMotion > VincentMalamute-Kim 07/03/2020 at 18:50

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Turns out this particular generation  was only offered in red—or for one year—yellow! I just so happen to already have a red helmet too... 

shop-teacher > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 18:51

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You actually bought a bike! I thought for sure we had 2-3 more months of bike shopping posts :)

Looks like a nice one. Be careless!

cmill189 - sans Volvo > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 20:12

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I did! A very excited guy flew in last month and drove it home.

When you decide to replace the tires, I used some Michelin Pilot 5 something. Can't remember the full name. They make a variety specifically for heavy sport tourers. The rubber remains compliant below 40 degrees and they are fantastic in the wet and dry. I rode all the time in below freezing temps and still felt confident leaning it very far. Those would allow you to keep up with your winter adventures. 

OhCrikeyTheRozzers > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 22:14

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Congratulations!   Hope it’s a good bike for you and it certainly seemed well-sorted from the ad. Keep a healthy respect for the bike and ride within your limits and she should treat you well. FYI, I’ve had a Givi setup similar to that on my CBR1100XX, and later my Hayabusa, and they will indeed  cause some buffeting at *ahem* higher speeds. Not really cause for concern, but you’ll notice the bike will cut through the air more smoothly without them at a certain velocity.

OhCrikeyTheRozzers > just-a-scratch 07/03/2020 at 22:21

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Oof—we used to do this with MSF training bikes to get them into tight spots in trailers. Very difficult with a low center of gravity bike (as I recall Interceptors being) and you’ll find the side stand might start failing you if you made a habit out of this (they eventually would on the trainers). I’d just learn how to push the bike well standing beside it instead of trying to duck-walk it—once you learn how you can turn a motorcycle very tightly without the same outsized risk of dumping a 500 lb machine pivoting on a piece of metal the size of a quarter.

AestheticsInMotion > shop-teacher 07/03/2020 at 22:22

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Ha! Don’t worry, I’ll never stop window shopping!

How cool is this?!

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/d/seattle-1989-honda-vtr-250/7152550593.html

AestheticsInMotion > cmill189 - sans Volvo 07/03/2020 at 22:24

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Thank you! I was very curious about tires, and while there’s plenty of tread on these, they’re 7 years old so I may get some new rubber sooner rather than later.

That's a great way to buy a car like that. I'm sure the drive back was an absolute blast. 

jminer > AestheticsInMotion 07/03/2020 at 22:35

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Awesome! Heavy sport bikes with wider tires don’t lean in like small ones, part of the reason I’ve stuck for 500cc bikes. They have enough power bit still stay light and responsive.

That thing looks  amazing though, I can’t wait to see the adventures you take it on.

shop-teacher > AestheticsInMotion 07/04/2020 at 00:47

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Super rad!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 07/04/2020 at 00:51

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The "stealth" aspect of being able to come and go at any hour without pissing off the neighbors is invaluable too. Even aside from exhaust noise, wear ear plugs at least for more than half hour of highway; wind noise is a killer.

QCGoose > AestheticsInMotion 07/04/2020 at 00:56

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Congrats! You definitely made the right choice!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > cmill189 - sans Volvo 07/04/2020 at 00:56

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Michelin road 5's?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 07/04/2020 at 01:01

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Yay! Nice bit of kit on that thing too! Sargent seat, Oxford grips, tank bag and all the goodies!

I actually just ordered a very similar Sargent seat for the Honda earlier today, and have Oxford grips on it already, with a set of the same grips waiting to be installed on the Monster.

Nice jacket too by the way. Which model is it?

Nom De Plume > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/04/2020 at 07:11

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All of that rings true.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > AestheticsInMotion 07/04/2020 at 08:15

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That’s awesome, very nice bike and that thing is mint.....but the weird guy in me liked the scooter more :P

NojustNo > AestheticsInMotion 07/04/2020 at 08:24

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Congrats! That looks really nice for its age and sounds like it’s well cared for.

cmill189 - sans Volvo > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/04/2020 at 10:45

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That's it! I was mistaken. I had Pilot 4 GTs. I remember wanting the 5s but they were preorder or something was delaying release at the time. 

cmill189 - sans Volvo > AestheticsInMotion 07/04/2020 at 10:45

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Squared off is enough for me to change tires even if the tread is good. I hate how they feel on the initial tip over. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > cmill189 - sans Volvo 07/04/2020 at 14:09

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I’ve got road 5's on the Monster. Fantastic tire in every condition.

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/04/2020 at 17:45

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Rev’it trench gtx. It’s served me well from rainy January commutes to this week’s 80+ degree heat.

Doing a day trip next week, and one or two nights camping the following. But after that m y buddy wants to ride down to Portland. S o if you want to show off the new Honda....

Oh, any experience with comm s systems?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 07/04/2020 at 19:27

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Knew it was Rev’it. Love their stuff. Just picked up a full dominator jacket and pants set from my Ducati dealer. They had them on a killer clearance deal I couldn’t pass up.

GF and I are riding up to Helens tomorrow o n the Monster for a hike i f you want to join for that. Might have another buddy joining. It’s about 3 hours from us and mostly back roads to get there, and looks to be about the same from Seattle.

Honda is actually in the shop right now for service and a cutting out/stalling after start issue, and pre-trip inspection. Doing a two week ride on it at the end of the month.

I’ve got a cardo packtalk. Decay has a Sena of some sort. My suggestion, if you're going to talk to others that you ride with regularly, get what they have. If you're going to use it for phone and Bluetooth, then it probably doesn't really matter.

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/04/2020 at 23:48

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Ohhhh that Dominator setup looks nice for a longer trip.

No good tomorrow :( I’ve got Thursday, Friday, and Saturday off from now on, but I’m not really in a position to get more time off for at least a few months.

You two should follow 101 up a bit higher sometime. Check out Vance Creek Bridge, the Hoh rain forest, maybe even island hop in the puget sound. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 07/05/2020 at 00:01

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The jacket is amazing! Little bit scratchy on my Adam’s apple on longer rides, but waterproofing is amazing, venting is really really good, protection is awesome. I haven’t had much chance to use the pants yet, so we’ll see about those. They’re bulkier than expected, and surprisingly thick, but I wore them for about half an hour in 90 degrees and was only barely sweaty, so...?

We’ve actually talked about doing Hoh before, and maybe an Olympic trip too. Definitely want to hit up a bunch of stuff up that way one of these days.

Let me know if you're headed south on a weekend day!

kleeBRZ > AestheticsInMotion 07/05/2020 at 00:11

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yup, still waiting for the right time to take delivery of it though.