vtec vs non-vtec

new rider looking for a bike, the 97 750 looked appealing, as did the 99-00 years of the 800. i also like the anniversary bike as well, 07. so i was just curious why so many people seem to HATE the vtec motor, is it really that bad?

 

Like anything else, it depends on who you ask. When I was bike shopping I had a choice of a 99 or the 04 I bought. They were asking similar prices and had almost the same mods. I was hesitant on the 04 because I had heard such bad things about the VTEC transition. I ended up buying the 04. At least on my bike, the transition is smooth and I don't hesitate to go through it while in a turn. The main draw back as far as I can see it the 16K mile valve check. Its expensive if you have it done. You'll hear both ends of the spectrum; from the VTEC's great to it's unridable junk. All I can say is try to ride one and see what you think.

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Before buying my '07, I did a lot of research about all the issues and concerns that I had heard about the VTEC. What I found is that there are no real issues or problems. They are all based on opinion - and many times from people who don't own one or even rode one. The VTEC transition is mainly noticeable due to the change in exhaust note and don't believe that it pulls much, if any harder than the 5th Gen at the same RPM. I was coming off a '99 and really wanted the RWB bike. I still have a 2nd Gen non-VTEC and the experience of my old 5th Gen to compare against. What I can tell you is I'd buy whatever you come across that is good shape and at a good price. The 1st Gen is the only one that I'd stay away from due to the cam wear problems.

 

I have heard so many horror stories about the 16k mile valve adjustment. However, I checked around a little and the Honda shop that my buddies and I use did it for 275 dollars, and that was after replacing some shims. They quoted me 210 plus tax before bringing it to the shop. I will say another Honda shop quoted 600 dollars. So, in my opinion it doesn't have to break the bank if you check around. By the way I absolutely love the vtec transition, and it doesn't bother me in the turn either.

 

IMO the VTEC kicks a$$! I like being able to hit it just about the time my buddies try to pass me. They can't believe that a 800 can launch like that. I haven't had to deal with the adjustment yet, but whatever it costs, it is worth it. I've heard that most don't require adjustment, only a check to be sure. The last thing you want are tight valves. It seems like most of the people who complain about the VTEC don't even own one. Don't knock it 'til you try it.

 

That reminds me of one of the great things about the vtec transition. In 6th when you pull out to pass a cage and roll it on but then see an approaching cage, just as you think to yourself, "hmm, maybe I should downshift", you hit the VTEC and pass with plenty of room.

It's like dipping into the secondaries on a 4 barrel carb on a small block. Probably dating myself now....

 

YEP! That is a great way to describe the action of the vetc. It feels and sounds just like an old 4bbl carb opening up.
Why didn't I think of describing it that way?:smash:

 

Ride them and decide by what you like and fits the budget. I don't think Honda ever built a bad VFR. I like the vtec, its not abrupt at all actually a smooth transition with a great sound to go along with it. On a winding backroad keeping it up there is magic..... great sound, great chassis. If you get a set of aftermarket pipes its even better.

 

hey guys, thanks for the responses, i guess all i have to do now is find a good deal on an rwb 07.

 

Hey! had em both, love em both! It aint bad, just different, and most of the disappointments with it is because it didnt perform any better than the old one, just got more complicated for no gain.That i think is the biggest problem.

I found i can take it or leave the vtech.No horror stories there at all for me.....yes It is a useless gizmo, but it sure never hurt my enjoyment any. Was mostly noise anyway far as i could tell and the hp drop off just before the vtech, sure made the vtech hit feel very cool.. yes just more hp woulda been better, but its a cool enough gizmo that the rest of the bike makes up for easy enough.

.yes my 05 was jerky down low, but the gear change masked it pretty well.

Too bad for all that complexity it is slower than my current 00 and used more fuel....but the vtech hit was fun either way! I dropped the front sprocket a tooth and it ran with the 00..simple as that. never as good on fuel tho.
yes I like the non engine better as of my 2 the old one is a bit quicker and a fair bit better on fuel and enjoy the gear whine...BUT I liked the rest of the new model better.especially for me was the noticeably better handling on the roads I ride on...weight I never noticed..

It sure wont stop me from buying a newer one down the road again..

a large issue...the dreaded valve adjustment..If it wasnt for the cost of the valve adjustment, I doubt there would be much of a issue ever brought up..The trick is get a manual, wait till winter, and just do it yourself..odds are it will be in spec, but either way..If you can read, or better yet have a mech type buddy,(who can read) you can do it given some time..then it wont matter...


or just drive the crap outaa it ,forget the valves, + just change the oil, and unload it in 4-5 years!! (like a lot do)


one thing..a lot shops I have run into have never done a vtec, so its not unusual for their estimate to be mistakenly based on a normal engine..just be aware of that at the time..


I would be ghappy to have either in my garage..and I probably will again, cause new is nicer if i can afford it!!

 

My only complaints about my 06 is not about how the Vtec works or doesn't work, but rather how fooked up the throttle response and timing is. notchy, on-off at low speed inputs. I have never heard of 5th gens having this problem.....

 

I don't know about every one else but I love the second PUNCH I get on my 07 25ths VTEC. Around 93 ish MPH she launches and you see 120 in a flash and climbing! Here is a photo of what yours could look like that may help you deside.

 

It's like dipping into the secondaries on a 4 barrel carb on a small block. Probably dating myself now.... [/QUOTE]

Humm, I hadn't thought of it like that, but you're right! I guess that's why I ran a sheet metal screw into the linkage so all four barrels opened at the same time. I'm not overly fond of the VTEC, but I don't hate it either. I would have prefered they left it off, but it's not that big a deal. I just think It's unnessary.

 

A PCIII fixes that problem. It just runs lean in stok condition.

 

Owned a Gen 6 and agree while the VTec kick and delightfully engaging noise change adds some excitment in a straight line the sublimely linear delivery of the Gen 5's motor suits my riding style better and found is the VFR's greatest ally through the tight twisties when riding hard with my Sports bike friends.

 

Then again I prefer the 6th Gens looks and the Red White Blue is coming to Oz so may even tempt me back. :noidea:

 

It funny how things can be different for different people. I found my 6th Gen to be more sporty and capable than my 5th Gen. It's all based on rider perception and what bike fits you better.

 

saw the rwb today, not too bad, maybe it looks better in the sunlight? local dealer had an 06 abs model, however compared to other prices was steep.

if i were to get a used model? which of the 750 years are tops? or the pre-vtec 800s?

is over-heating an issue with 800s? i recall hearing about this somewhere along the way

as it sits , i was thinking of a 97 750 model or perhaps a 99 800?

the 06 vfr i saw was very comfortable, are the late nineties bikes also good?

thx guys

 

The 43mm 6th Gen forks work better and guess the stiffer Frame counts as I also found the 6th Gen had more front end feel and handled better out of the crate than my 5th does even with a rebuild and tweaking. In my mind the VTec itself and more sensitive FI are the only negatives of the 6th Gen.