Honda VFR800FI Reviews - Page 2 of 2

Charging issues traced back to the aftermarket rectifier installed by the previous owner.

Pretty darn comfortable; with the right modifications it can be a great touring bike.

Engine is glass smooth at highway speeds. Great passing power above 6500rpm, and decent torque above 4500.

Linked brakes work well and aren't grabby, yet give you confidence the bike won't lock up as easily if the front is grabbed too hard.

Gas mileage is great at 50mpg, especially for 100hp. 40mpg around town.

Fairly comfortable pillion seating position with lower footpegs than usual. Same for the driver, more relaxed pegs.

Stock bars put too much weight on the wrists. HeliBars are recommended for longer rides. Ditto for the stock seat.

Rear tire a snap to take off with the single swingarm.

Stock centerstand.

For a heavier 'sport' bike, it handles very well and takes low speed maneuvers with ease.

Rectifiers are a known problem on this bike. Honda has an updated part that works much better. Do NOT get the aftermarket version. Also wiring extra ground and hot wires to the battery nets a solid 14v. Previous owner spent $1500 trying to nail down the charging issue; I did it with less than $200.

Voltage regulator failed, replaced under warranty.

Filler cap lock would sometimes stick, but may have been due to contaminated fuel.

Can be ridden in a relaxed and gentle manner or like a sports bike. Suspension and handling are fine for road use, although maybe not as sharp as a pure sports bike when pushed hard.

It's comfortable, providing you're travelling at illegal speeds, when the wind pressure takes some of the weight off your arms and back.

Only sold it because as I get older, the pain in my back, knees and wrists when riding it became too much. Replaced by a more comfortable Honda XL1000 Varadero (Europe only model)

The voltage regulator quit unexpectedly at 10,000 miles.

The battery boiled all the fluid out at the same time.

The high beam switch would intermittently shut off the headlight.

Once I fixed the electrical problem, this turned out to be a good motorcycle.

The V4 has a great sound and feel to it, and it is just as fast in a half-mile as a 1998 ZX6R in repeated tests.

While the weight looks high on the spec sheet, the balance of the engine makes this bike feel very light and the handling is confidence inspiring.

Even when the regulator quit, I was still able to pop start the bike and ride it. The engine seems like it will last forever.

Regulator rectifier failed twice. Replaced once under warranty and again at 60,000km. Caused several blown headlight and instrument lighting bulbs, and a cooked battery. Replaced with a custom after-market unit with great success.

At 80,000km, major engine overheating sourced to a bit of plastic swarf inside the cooling system that jammed the thermostat. A real pain that a manufacturing fault took so long to surface, but in the end, it was a simple cure.

Clutch slips a bit under heavy load when cold, but after 100,000km that's not bad!

Rear shock damping adjuster screw has a known fault and has broken, preventing adjustment. It is stuck on the softest setting. Repair/replacement cost is significant.

Engine made in heaven. Nothing stirs the soul like this glorious gear-driven-cam V4.

EFI performs flawlessly and gives fantastic mileage on high octane (95+) fuel.

Handling is stable and forgiving, stays glued to the road, though it is a little slow in the really tight stuff.

Linked brakes give great stopping power in all conditions. Too much rear bias on the front brakes for my liking, and it overcooks the rear disc under heavy use (ie: track day or heavy sports riding)

Comfortable seating position for touring or sports riding. Pillion seat is great too.

Brilliant bike, the regulator/rectifier has to be replaced at 16000m.

This is rated as the best bike in the world by the press, and you have to agree. It's not the best at anything compared with all other bikes, it just manages to combine everything into a great package - making it the master of all trades. Handling, comfort, brakes and reliability are superb. Get the pre V-tech model like mine, this bike still has a soul!!!