5th Generation UK Anniversary models.

In 1998 Honda UK produced a 50th Anniversary special batch of their performance bikes. The paint scheme was red and black, not the more frequently seen red and silver coloured anniversary models that followed.
These machines were Honda VFR 800fi, Fireblades, CBR600, and Fire Storms.
Only 50 were made in each category and they all carried a nameplate on the steering yolk with the serial number out of the 50 built.
As well as a special paint job, carbon bits, foot rests and rear sets, exhaust can, suspension enhancements, a special bike cover, and pit jacket, the engine was reworked for improved performance.

My bike was was bought from new to replace a VFR 750, it is number 6 of the 50, and to date has covered 2,000 miles in its 18 year life. I have kept it in store and used it only on high days and holidays.

I wonder how many of these specials are still around or in collections.

Would be good to hear if you have one?

Will post more photos in due course.

 

I know there are at least two here in New Zealand that have come up for sale on our local auction site in the last year. I nearly bought one as it was pretty cheap and low km (7000?) but cosmetically a bit rough and had a rusty tank. On the test ride it was not really any difference to my high mileage well-loved bike, smoother clutch and gearbox and that was it. Wasn't sure I needed a 2nd VFR at the time. The guy selling it had no idea what he had.

The second one (#38) is a minter 35000km and imported by its owner from UK, he apparently used to have a business specialising in VFRs there.

 

Anniversary models

Thanks for that Cadbury64, can you recall were the ones you saw the red with a silver fairing models, a much longer production run of machines or red and black like mine, a limited run.

My dealer only had one to sell, covering East Anglia, and I only got it because the customer it was promised to had to cancel the order when it was delivered and I was there at the right time to snap it up!

My wife Jane and I had tried many bikes to find the most comfortable for touring on but most were poor, especially for the pillion rider.

The VFR is both comfortable and not overly heavy which is good when fitted with a pannier set and top box.

It also has a beautiful surge of power and intake roar when you hit it's sweet spot and goes like the proverbial.

What is your machine, did you buy it in N.Z?

 

The two bikes I referred to were both the Honda UK 50th anniversary models in red/black with Nitron shock and new muffler (Remus?). This is one of them:


I own two bikes (lucky me!) a 1999 VFR800FiX, and a 1997 VTR1000FW. Their similarities make maintenance a little easier, but they have very different characters. The total price I paid for these two is about 1/3rd the price of a new VFR800!!!

 

Thanks for your help, a nice pair of bikes, what differences other than the obvious?

So we have three VFR 50th Anniv British models, mine, a number 38 and one unknown. I guess owners have emigrated from the UK and taken their bikes with them.

Interesting that the bike you show, I guess its the 38, has non standard silver wheels.

I hope to have cured my non starting problems, it has been narrowed down to the fuel pump not priming. There is power to the terminal but no movement.

I took the tank off and removed the fuel pump housing, it turned out that having been stored for a while the pump had become blocked with some debris.

A new unit from Honda Uk has been quoted at £870, so bought a nearly new assembly off Ebay for £58!!!

Hope to have it back and running in a few days.

Any advice as to what tyres work best?

 

The other Anniversary bike here had the black wheels.

I use Metzeler Z8 tyres and think they're great, but I can't comment on other brands. Michelin Pilot 4's have had lots of positive comments on this forum.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Hi , replying to an old post here , but i bought #22 that you speak of here in new zealand , had about 2000 miles on it when i bought it in 2015

 

Good for you; no-one ever regretted buying a VFR800!

I sold my red 99 a couple of years back, but then missed it too badly so had to buy another, this time in yellow, that has been very well-loved by all the previous owners. It keeps company with a 2017 Yamaha MT-10SP (because I wanted something newer and high tech) and a 2005 ST1300 (becuase its the best for looong rides). But the VFR is definitely the special one.

 

i have no 32 vfr800 , you should join the rs performance 50th anniversary group on facebook, theres a table on there showing whos got what number, i think so far there are 15 /50 vfrs accounted for.