Any ideas: why did Honda discontinue the VFR800?

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by svtkarma, Oct 3, 2017.

  1. Lint

    Lint Member

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    Not in the least, but honestly it's probably because the rear brake doesn't work very well at all. Almost like it's unlinked, but without the weight savings. It does still work well enough to operate the center center pistons up front though. Even on my 6th gen I had, it didn't do that. When I've had new tires, it's gotten the rear loose a couple of times, but to me it's fun! It's easy enough to control.. it only ever affected anything when I actually used the back brake.
     
  2. Gator

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    I think the learning curve with linked brakes would be difficult for me. But then again I get the ass in the air occasionally and wagging that a little rear brake can straighten out, just afraid of too much rear brake.
     
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  3. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I've listed the rear Couple of times, but I've never noticed a downside, except of course the complexity and weight.
     
  4. Gator

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  5. Lint

    Lint Member

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  6. Eagle Six

    Eagle Six New Member

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    I think high 30's to low 40's mpg would be more realistic for this bike and the type of rider who will tour with it. Not much different than my ZX14r. It's still on the top of my list for the next bike.
     
  7. Gator

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    I bet you could get even lower mileage. lol That thing is a beast. A friend has a Connie and loves it.
     
  8. Eagle Six

    Eagle Six New Member

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    Yea! Last year I was shooting some video of a friend on his Aprilia RSV4RF at our favorite local twistie road (including a mile run section). He did make a few more passes than I but not much. We both had to cruise back at the speed limit to make it to a fueling stop! When you are constantly cracking it above the 8 grand mark, those little fuel gauge bars disappear quite rapidly. The Connie is a great bike, just a bit big for my liking.
     
  9. Gator

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    I'm trying to remember what a few us were getting at the track one time, I think we were in the low teens on CBR 1000's.
     
  10. Sniper

    Sniper New Member

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    How often do you have your good old VFR at Redline in one of the lower gears, and thought to yourself: "Gosh, this thing is such a slug, I need more power"? Yeah me neither. I think the average rider has no idea how to deal with more than 115 hp.

    So why is it the rage to have something with 150+ rw hp? You got me.

    But then they put all sorts of electronic devices on those fire breathing machines, so that the knuckle heads that bought way too much bike, won't hurt themselves.

    My two favorite bikes right now are my KRM 990 when I'm feeling rowdy, and my G5 when I'm feeling a bit more civilized. No electronic crap needed. I learned how to ride.
     
  11. Gator

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    For those that know how to ride good electronics shine even more. And as far as power to weight ratio, most have wanted more on everything they’ve ever owned. Most, not all.
    Even Harley guys bolt on Screaming Eagle parts. Lol
     
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  12. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Hark!! Someone thinking with logic!
     
  13. Eagle Six

    Eagle Six New Member

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    I quit often red lined my VFR800 and every time I did I wanted more! If it had upwards of 160-170 rwhp I would most likely kept it, worked on the suspension a bit and still have it to enjoy. As it was, it was a bit anemic and not a worthwhile platform for the extras needed to spiffy it up. For me the ZX14 at the same weight was more stable and more comfortable. For others the VFR's are adequate, for some more than they need, for others it falls a bit short. Different folks, different strokes. Personally I don't see the electronics as a bad thing, most can be turned on or off, riders choice. And, most electronics are good for both the experienced and inexperienced rider. Of course none of that changes my opinion about the VFR, it still remains the 2nd best bike I have ever owned, and if they ever offer it in the future with a bit more top end, I may very well have another.
     
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  14. Gator

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    And there is some other fine logic.
    I have Owned a lotta bikes from a lot of manufacturers except the Italians. If it’s good two wheels I like it. I have been on a lot of different forums for most of the bikes once the Internet age made that possible. Including race forums like WERA. Some bike forums you find extreme opinions and defensiveness for that particular bike. Interceptors tend to be one of these and a lot of owners think they are the ultimate. They are a wonderful bike and I truly do love mine. Do I wish it had more horsepower, lighter weight, better suspension, modern electronics, no VTEC or linked brakes? Sure but all those things would make it as expensive as such a bike with those things. For the price you can get in interceptor for you can’t beat it.
     
  15. X73

    X73 New Member

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    I totally agree with this having spent $6299 + tax and lic for a new leftover 2014 6 months ago . I still think it's one of the greatest bang for bucks mid-size bikes right now........ to get most of what a lot of posters say is lacking you would have to pay 12k for a new Ducati Super Sport {SPEED COST's MONEY HOW FAST DO YOU WANT TO GO}
     
  16. Sniper

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    How are you putting 170 hp to use?

    How does having an electronic crutch make you a better rider?
     
  17. Gator

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    The same way that you can put 105 hp to use only more. There are a lot of people who own VFR’s who can ring their neck for every bit they have. Others will never use the 100+ horsepower that they have. Just because you don’t think it needs any more horsepower does not mean that someone else is wrong for wanting more. As far as electronics go they not only make it safer for the average rider they make it much safer for somebody who likes to find the limits. Learning to use electronics with old-school riding skills makes you a very good rider. I remember the first time I used electronics on the track. Some of the guys were laughing because I was blipping the throttle while downshifting from a long fast straight away. They said “what the hell are you doing blipping the throttle“ I said that’s how I learned to match Gear and speed while downshifting and trail braking. Modern electronics allow me to not modulate my hand while trailbraking in all I have to do is downshift with no clutch. Same with coming out of the corners and trusting electronics to not high side me to the Moon. ABS, multisensor gyroscopic that know your position, lean angle, traction control, etc. are great for the track but also much much more useful to street riding. On the street being able to compartmentalize your focus to traffic and environmental circumstances and not things like how much traction you have makes it safer for instance. Electronics are so much faster than humans, if you learn to use them you can help you be a better rider. I’m old-school to the core, but I try to keep an open mind to new things and electronics are here to stay. Try them, I think you might like it. And having lots of horsepower and torque on hand is a lot of fun.
     
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  18. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Welcome Mad Doctor. I live in Utah obviously in the Salt Lake Valley, where are you located? As far as the bike I think that I got the last one in Utah back in 2016 from the former Honda of Salt Lake. I did see deals in Wisconsin back when I was looking and it was a shit storm of different stories to get to their posted price of a 2014 VFR800F. Some needed me there to sign the papers and arrange transport. One said it would ship and one would not. Again to many details to post. Where are you seeing a good price and what model are you looking for. I did not know that there are 2 the "F" or the Deluxe and prices vary. Private message me and I can give you some of my experience looking out of state for the bike. I also had a SV but mine was the 1000s and I miss it.
     
  19. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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  20. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    You lucky bastard getting $6299. DAMNIT! :wheelie:I paid $7000. Did you get this locally from your dealers in you area of go out of state? Getting any bike listed originally at $11,999 or $12,999 for the Deluxe is an amazing deal. And Speed does cost more money every month with insurance as well . I would have paid the same monthly for a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 for insurance as I am paying monthly on the bike (145.00). I paid $26 a month for my Sv1000s with more horses than the VFR. Why because the V-Strom and the SV1000s shared the same engine. Insurance companies lost the know how on that one. A bike that weighed in at 417lbs dry and some site claimed 107-113hp it was a very lovable bike indeed.
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2018
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