New VFR800 rider: is it slow? vibrating?

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by smirson, Jun 18, 2011.

  1. smirson

    smirson New Member

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    Folks, asking advice from anyone who rides 6th gen. Got a 2007 VFR800 ABS today. The bike looks brand new, has only 6000mi on it. Rode it for two hours on a highway, and few things seem strange to me (after seven years on Yamaha YZF600R):
    * Going 80 at 6th (about 5500rpm or so), can't even feel the engine, dead smooth. However as soon as feed the throttle my foot pegs vibrate very noticably, nothing subtle about the vibration. If I knew nothing better I'd compare it to a 4cyl engine with a dead spark plug on one, if you know what I mean. It accelerates, but the punch is just not what I would expect, and the vibration (if not rattling) just doesn't feel right. Of course perception of acceleration is strickly personal, but do you guys feel that footpeg rattle when you open throttle below 6-7K?
    Just wonder if I have a misfiring engine... or rather hoping I do, would rather have it fixed than "man, thats what it is"... thanks!
    IMG00173-20110618-1449.jpg
     
  2. havcar

    havcar New Member

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    Could be that you're beginning the heavy acceleration in the infamous VTEC dead-zone; which is easily rectified. However, if you're not feeling a healthy dose of acceleration (feeling faster than the FZ) from 7K through redline, then something is wrong. In stock form, you shouldn't be experiencing any vibrations that wouldn't be considered normal for any other machine, short of a Harley. In fact, if memory serves, the 6 gen was very smooth as stock.
     
  3. smirson

    smirson New Member

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    Thanks bud, appreciate the input!
    on 6th gear I'm not feeling more acceleration at full throttle then my 6speed Maxima would give on 4th at the same speed, and I used to feel a real kick in the butt from my 600, kind of like when you really have to hang on to the handlebars...It feels more like driving a 4cyl Camry now... Will definitely get the bike to a dealer.
     
  4. havcar

    havcar New Member

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    Just keep in mind that the VFR really likes higher rpm's. It probably won't get on it quite as early as the 600. Trying to get it to accelerate between 5400 and 6500 is essentially useless with stock fuel mapping: there is a major power hole in that range unless corrected (PCIII). Almost as if the bike is trying to run with a "choke" at full on.
     
  5. smirson

    smirson New Member

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    Your example of "a choke at full on" is right on, I could accelerate faster by pedaling... perhaps its just the way the bike is... I just hope that it is not, since i have that definite and very real rattle on foot pegs that you didn't say was normal.
     
  6. havcar

    havcar New Member

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    What's your temp at while running? I ask because the VTEC won't operate properly with a faulty thermostat, which happens much more frequently than Honda cares to admit. When all four valves kick in, it is unmistakeable. So if that's not happening....
     
  7. smirson

    smirson New Member

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    That’s a very good question, I should have thought about it... But riding the bike right after the purchase I didn't even know how to check the coolant temperature... but once you said that I recalled that when I arrived I kept the ignition on for about a minute to let the fan stop. It was 86F yesterday, for the last 40 mi i was going regular hwy speed and the last 4 mi I was doing about 50mph with a few traffic stops, so I don't know if the spinning fan is normal. With VFR radiators position I wouldn't be surprised if it is... The throttle response has not changed during the 2 hours trip, so if high engine temperature is a result of a malfunction, it didn’t seem to affect the power production…
     
  8. havcar

    havcar New Member

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    It's actually the opposite: a power related problem will occur if the bike thinks it's running too cool. And yes, VFR's (like other V4's) do run hot. Temps to the mid 220's are common, but don't pose a problem. After the bike has had time to warm, do you feel a surge of power at 7000rpm feeling similar to a turbo kicking in? There should also be a very noticable change in the exhaust note.
     
  9. smirson

    smirson New Member

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    Yes, there is definite change in power after 7000 or 7500. really changes the character of the engine to better. But I was thinking more in terms of overly-lean mixture causing cylinders to overheat, while at the not giving producing the power, or may be cams slightly out of timing, that would explain the vibes.... well, will have to wait for a week to bring the bike to a dealer, glad it came with a warranty...
     
  10. chickunfut

    chickunfut New Member

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    Ok it's friggin HOT Texas
    Downshift... VFR has "lazy" power compared to a 600... I have a new 08 and it will do the same thing you are talking about. Cruising in 6th, highway speeds, roll on throttle and it's like stomping on the pedal of a Honda Civic,,,, Drop it in fifth, kick revs up and hammer,,, Then you have to hold on. The downshift will kick the VTEC in..
    Bike sucks at low revs no matter what (herky jerky). I'm hoping the power commander will cure all that nonsense.
     
  11. smirson

    smirson New Member

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    Are you thinking PC + new cans, or just PC? My first thought was to get the gearing down, I have it done on YZF - both sprockets up/dn a bit, and the bike really changed for better...
     
  12. havcar

    havcar New Member

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    I've done all of the above and can say that every little thing adds up to a much better overall package. +2 or 3 on the rear sprocket does wonders, as does a dyno-tuned PCIII with o2 eliminators. Not much power to be had with a new exhaust, but the weight savings can be substantial (12-20lbs depending on manufactorer) and the exhaust note is sublime. A 520 conversion on chain and sprockets is also beneficial. Unfortunately, the stock exhaust is a tank and the stock map may be one of the worst in the business.
     
  13. chickunfut

    chickunfut New Member

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    I changed the exhaust and it made the low rpm stumble much more noticeable. Definitely need the PC with the exhaust. Bike sounds excellent ! Even if the PC didn't fix it I would never take the exhaust off....
     
  14. smirson

    smirson New Member

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    I noticed there are always multiple opinionos about cans, fuel maps, etc.., but pretty much everyone's agree that getting gearing down helps... I'll bring the bike to a dealer next Monday to look at, if they tell me that there is nothing to fix i'm going to +2 or +3 on rear, as I just can't stand shifting down to 4th every time I want to overpass, and on Philadelphia 95 thats all you do.
     
  15. Spectre

    Spectre New Member

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    Remember, this is not a 1000cc+ engine with raw power, so if you're not selecting the right gears, you may not be happy.

    For example, when I want to quickly pass and get a huge burst of speed, I will first quickly but smoothly downshift by at least two gears (don't forget to blip the throttle a bit with each downshift) which will put the RPMs well above the VTech transition point which occurs at around 6600, when all four intake valves are open for business. When you then roll on the throttle from that point, the bike should accelerate like a bat out of hell without having to wonk on the throttle.

    I've previously owned a heavier BMW K1200GT with an inline 4-cylinder engine and shaft drive, and at least for my tastes, my 2007 VFR 800A is much quicker than the Beemer, and luxury BMW amenities aside, the VFR is much more fun to ride overall.

    Just listen to the cadence of, and the vibrational feel of the 800cc V4 engine... when it is sounding rather like a snoring tiger, I guess that's fine if you're just cruising along, but when you need power and speed, downshift sufficiently, roll on some throttle, and it will quickly come alive and at first sound like a snarling tiger, then a roaring tiger. From that point onward, hold on.
     
  16. Forkit

    Forkit New Member

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    I agree with everyone...for me, I would never be in 6th gear at 65 mph...that would put the revs at about 4500 rpm...yuck!!! I rarley let mine drop below 6000 rpm ever...staying just below the vtech engage gives me the option to cruise or roll on the throttle and engage the vtech and let her scream...I used 6th gear the other day...I was going about 125 and she had good roll on in 6th at that speed...under 6000 rpms it's lazy and lugs alot...but, the V4 has plenty of torque to lug around at 2-3k as well...just not my style...my bike has over 50k miles...only problems I've had are electrical (stator)... The vibration you feel is probably the V4 lugging to gain speed....mine does if it drops below 5k....
    my .02
     
  17. smirson

    smirson New Member

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    Folks, since I started the thread i feel obligated to finish it. I serviced the bike at Honda, got new front tire, oil, inspection, etc, and logged in a few more hundreds on VFR. Two seemingly close bikes - YZF600R and VFR800 are vastly different in every aspect, but mostly so in its power delivery. I absolutely enjoy smooth torque of VFR, and it's a great cruiser, but its non-linear power is a love or hate thing, and I'm not sure I'm in love, but it’s not a complete turn off. It’s like having two different engines with a pretty noticeable drop of power at 5000 or… is not for everyone. May be PC is in order… Difference in gearing was the most confusing issue for me. YZF gearing ends where VFR is only starting, no wonder I felt no power at 6th gear… it shouldn’t be even ridden above 4th to have any chance against YZF in terms of acceleration. There is definitely a force above and smoothness below the VFR rpms range, but why can't a man just have both? :) Anyway, rhetorical bitching aside I like the handling, the better riding position (with Helibars and Sargent seat), two side begs and great headlight. And even thought I do feel nostalgic about YZF "I'll rip your arms off" power, smoother and slower VFR is way more relaxed and if you will - mature ride. The smoother clutch action on VFR and abundance of torque makes taking off and slow speed maneuvers almost scooter-easy… And still having both bikes not once I felt like giving YZF a chance, so perhaps that’s the answer. Thanks everyone for the input, keep the rubber side down, and do wear your helmets :)
     
  18. camo

    camo New Member

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    Pardon my ignorance on the subject. Is there a way to change the introduction of 4 valve operation to a lower rpm or a way of just running the engine in 4 valve mode all the time.

    I am so F'n old school that if I had a big boost when the engine going from 2 to 4 valve operation I would want that point moved down. I would rather have a bit of a softness in the power band at low rpm than have one in the mid range. I can't believe that Honda would design an engine that just would be so cammy that it wouldn't idle in four valve operation with fuel injection.

    Needing two gears lower than a 600 to keep up with it, is ..... well bad. Not sure how they compare but at 4000 my 750 is coming on, building a steady rush.

    So sad to see Havacar's posts stop.
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2011
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