Newbie Question about VFR 800s in general...

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by emilio pagano, Aug 6, 2018.

  1. emilio pagano

    emilio pagano New Member

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    Little background...I am 68 yrs old, have rode HDs have been 6 of the 8 motorcycles I have owned in my lifetime, the first 2 being a Honda and a BSA. I have not been riding since 2007 or so, back issues, which are finally resolved to the point where I can think about riding again, plus a move to the Georgia Mountains has got that old itch stirred up pretty good.

    I have always admired the VFRs, but, never having the coin for a 2nd cycle, never owned one. Well, the area I live in is suited to sport touring, and as my wife no longer wants to be a passenger, I have kind of set my sights on two VFRs, one on ebay, the other elsewhere. Here is where the question part starts; what year did Honda stop production of the VFR 800, this is very confusing to me as the web offers conflicting answers. Also, assuming it is out of production and will stay that way, what does that mean, or how does it look for the availability of parts?

    Thanks in advance, Emilio
     
  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Welcome to the Madhouse Emillio.

    The sales and availability of brand new 800 VFRs from Dealers varies around the globe. Over in Europe new 800vtec (6th Gen) models continued to be sold right until 2014 at which point the next 8th Gen VFR arrived - so there was no gap in 800 sales at all.

    In the States there was a gap in the official availability to buy new 800s from dealers as Honda wrongly assumed all their loyal VFR buying audience would flock to the 1200 model VFRs which they launched in 2010 but at eyewatering prices.

    However many dealers still had plenty of unregistered 2009 models in stock, so if people wanted a new 800 the dealers were still available to shuffle stock around to meet demand.

    Once the misconception that the 1200 VFR was all the US market would buy was recognised by Honda, they introduced 8th Gen models into the US market alongside the 1200.

    So in short if you are considering:

    5th Gen - getting many parts beyond mainstream service items is becoming a major challenge hence many 5th gen owners are scouring Craigslist and salvage yards to bag a parts bike as it can be cheaper to buy a complete bike to raid for spares than pay a dealer silly money for new old stock.

    6th Gen - service parts are still widely available through both dealers and specialists like David Silver. However special parts - especially replacement fairing sections in weird liveries or colours are fast becoming unobtainium.

    If you are thinking of 8th Gens then obviously parts availability is pretty good.

    Have fun shopping BUT if you have had significant back issues - then you should probably arrange to take an 800 for a decent (hour +) test ride to see whether the riding position and other ergos feel right.

    If that shows there is far too much weight on your wrists then there are things like Helibars which can bring the bars back and up towards you slightly which actually makes a big difference over the stock position. But if you have been used to riding a cruiser style Harley then perhaps the VFR riding position may be a bit too uncomfortable.


    SkiMad
     
  3. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    Still a current model, listed on Honda's website under the Sport category. Model is called "Interceptor", but we know it affectionately as the 8th generation VFR800. It is a sport touring bike, leaning more towards sport. I have lowered my pegs and raised my bars to make it more comfortable for us more "mature" riders ( I am 73 and don't bend as well as I used to). Might take some getting used to if you ridden Harleys primarily.

    7th gens refer to the VFR1200's and 6th gens are the most prevalent older models. I got back into bikes with a used 2003 VFR800 back in 2013, traded it in on a 2014 8th gen Deluxe in Dec 2014. World of difference, much better made model, lots of improvements, if you can afford it, go for an 8th gen. Note: there are two models in the US. first there is a "Standard" and then there is a "Deluxe". I have the Deluxe and would recommend that for you. It has a center stand, ABS, traction control, grip heaters, and self-canceling turn signals.

    As far as your back goes, only you can tell how any bike is going to affect you. For me, I have arthritis in some neck vertebrae, and general stiffness. I find my back bothers me after 10 mins of standing, probably doe to some excess weight I have put on. But, I am most comfortable on my bike and can ride it for a couple of hours before I start to ache. Good luck in finding a ride. (I wrote my comments before I read SkidMad's, but his post beat mine, you will get a lot of support from the guys here, but you will get hassled for pictures when you buy one!)
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2018
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  4. emilio pagano

    emilio pagano New Member

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    Thanks for the responses. The two Interceptors I mentioned are 2014 and 2015 models. Which generation would those be? 8th, 6th, ?
     
  5. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    8th
     
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  6. Nelix

    Nelix New Member

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    If you are looking at 8th gens, make sure you get an extended test ride. I came from a ZX10R Ninja to an 8th gen and still felt the need to put motopumps 1.25 inch bar risers on.
    I'm 55, 5'5 and 65kg, so seat is on the lower setting.
    You may want to try the seat in both settings to see which suits.
     
  7. Keager

    Keager Member

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    If you intend on keeping it quite a while, see what kind of deal the new one can be had for. Parts will be available longer.
     
  8. pandes

    pandes New Member

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    sub'd to this thread[​IMG]
     
  9. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Back issues are a bitch. I've had three surgeries to the lower back and now have permanent damage. But! I bought this one, 2006 which is a 6th gen, well after my last go around with surgeries. Like was mentioned, your back issue is a very personal thing. I have managed very well on mine with the back. I am not saying it does not ache something awful at times, but on longer rides, I stand up when traffic permits, go for a walk about whenever I stop for fuel and that keeps the pain relatively in check. I have some what I believe is some serious trips on mine. These include a couple Iron Butt rides which is 1000 miles in 24 hours. Those were fairly hard on the back, but in my case they were doable.

    I have also done a 5 week, 8000 mile tour and a three week 5000 mile tour all the while sleeping in a tent on the ground. But your back may be different than mine. I am sure it is.

    I bought mine in the crate back in 2006 and now have over 212,000 km on it so it has been ridden. I have never regretted it. I would like to get a new 8th gen someday, maybe an Africa Twin. Haven't decided on that yet. If I do get the Africa Twin, I will keep my 6th gen and rebuild it.

    I am a youngish 63 years old also suffering arthritis in the hips. I still ride fairly comfortably over long distances. Good luck in your decision.
     
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