What are your thoughts on the 2012 VFR??

Hey guys,

To begin i just want to say it's good to be on this forum with all the pro VFR owners.

Also If the post is in the wrong place or would do better somewhere else just let me know and i will move it.. Sorry in advance!

With all the formality out the way... I have been looking into treating my self to a VFR for some time now and i finally have the cash to do so. But this is a very different bike from what i normally buy. From before i was allowed on the roads (i was young) i have had scooters which are just convenient or off road bikes because i have always loved them the style and speed, getting it on the back end... As you can see now i'm looking at Sport touring bikes but i'm clueless when it comes to this type of bike so i will need as much info as you can share. I have been looking online at some VFR for sale sites and have come across quite a few nice in good condition bikes. It's Obvious i am going to have to go out and test drive a couple to see if i can get a real feel for the bike. But what should i look out for when buying the VFR? Any pointers on a poorly kept VFR? and anything on maintenance that you can give, anything that is known to fail or is it easy to maintain? So lets see what you thoughts are, some specs and pricing below.

SPECS/PRICE
Year: 2012
Model: Honda VFR 800
Engine type: V4 4-stroke
Gear box: 6 speed
Mileage: 15,995
Price: $5,999 - $7,000

Higher end price the seller states in his description that the bike is in perfect condition and has a few modification added. The cheaper bike the seller said in his description a few scratches down the right hand side and that it's been dropped twice.

Any information and advice would be greatly appreciated guys looking forward to chatting to you all

Example image below


Thanks guys

 

Hi Newbie

Welcome to the forum, lots of helpful souls here, so ask away. Let me start by saying that the picture above is a VFR1200, a very different machine to the VFR800 that you refer to.

VFR's have been made since 1986 and have grown from 750 (1986) to 800 cc (1998) with gear drive cams which remained in production until 2001. After that a thoroughly revised machine was launched in 2002 and these remained in production until 2012 with a mid-life update in 2006. This model is usually referred to as a 6th generation characterised by undertail exhausts and chain driven cams, with VTEC valve actuation. I assume it is this model you are referring to. The 6th gen has been replaced by the 8th gen which kept a lot of the mechanical parts but with updated styling, brakes and suspension.

All VFRs are reliable and well built, if you lurk here long enough you'll learn that electrical faults (especially the regulator/rectifier and associated wiring) are over-represented, and the cam chain tensioners can fail on the 6th gen (but are inexpensive to repair).

We're generally a bit biased towards Honda V4s so objectivity may be in short supply.

Cheers, Terry

 

Sorry the picture is only an example found on google, i am referring to the 6th gen there is something about it that i just love!! but there is more to it than loving a bike haha

 

So the 2012 you're looking at is definitely the VFR800F? The last model year available in the US was the 2009 if I'm not mistaken - kind of sort of replaced in the US by the VFR1200F for 2010 - until the 8th gen 800 came out for the '14 model year. I had heard that they were still making the 6th gen 800 for overseas markets but I didn't know they were selling them in Canada too - Honda is so weird. I'm assuming you're in Canada based on the flag even though you list your location as "secret" :beguiled:

 

Crazy Honda, one never knows. But like Cad mention that's a 1200 whole different animal as you are aware of now. Like Gator, 09 was the last year production USA wise, then 014 for the 8th. which now for a few more coin, I'd seriously look at one. IMO the 014-015 version is leaps and bounds better, just saying, and whats cool now is a lot of dealers are having blowout discounts.

 

I'm sure the 8th Gen is better engineered bike, but IMO looks terrible. The 6th Gen is a awesome bike does everything well. Buy yourself a Stator and a Regulator/Rectifier at your leisure and keep them on the shelf for when they fail because they will. But its a small price to pay for a machine that so glorious to ride and look at. Good luck with your search.

 

Just bought a 2008 VFR, loving it so far! A very well rounded bike. If your looking a getting into the sport touring scene it is a very capable machine. I think the 6th gen looks the best, considering the design is 17 years old, it looks like it could have rolled out of production this year.

I have only put on a couple thousand km's so far, but am extremely satisfied in the purchase. Bought one with low klm, and had a few decent upgrades.

 

Decisions decisions I have a lot to think about now guys you have made me start thinking of the 8th generation VFR..... I'm going to have to test drive both and see which i prefer but if the 08-09 models are all round better i will be more towards that, but i am sure they both have there benefits

 

Better ? now that's a personal perspective. Yes you need to ride both back to back if you can. But we all know the 5th gen rocks it...

 

Blackvfr, maybe you would feel differently if you could get your hands on a black Euro 8th gen here in the USA? :beguiled: How can you possibly say this black beauty looks terrible? She's gorgeous!

 

Not piss on your picnic but, Euro 8th gen American 8th gen. Doesnt matter. Honda dropped the ball on the design of that bike. If you put the 6th gen and 8th gen next to each other and had a person who knows nothing about motorcycles to pick the new bike of the two I'm sure that 6th gen would be picked. I think Honda better get there shit together on the next design and not play it too safe. Just my opinion of course. Ride safe out there.

 

Why would you want someone that knows nothing about bikes picking a bike?
Looks will always be subjective, however the 8th gen is slimmer and thus certainly looks better from the front.

 

As I said, subjective.

 

Indeed it is.

 

Very subjective. I would rather have my modded 6th gen, than a stock 8th gen, but stock for stock I would rather have a stock 8th gen. Stock for stock the 8th gen is much better, I like the styling of the 8th gen (maybe not quite as much as the 6th but its still nice), though it is in dire need of a high mount.