Honda VFR800 for a commuter?

[mrzuzzo]

Sounds like you already had the perfect commuter bike! What happened?

The ABS system on the new BMWs is nothing like the old school ABS on some of these older Japanese bikes where it'd just let go of the front brake for you and you had to sort out the rest.

I commuted on a 5th gen VFR for a couple of years. Good bike. Typical Honda, did everything well but did absolutely nothing great. I had aftermarket suspension to help and of course exhaust to make it sing. Comfy position for a sportbike but so many better options out there now...including the S1000XR

Crashed the XR into a deer and totaled it.

Not really feeling any of the new bikes out there right now, and the XR is getting old. The new one should be right around the corner.

Would rather wait, get a commuter now, and get something I really want once it comes out later.

 

[mrzuzzo]

In wet weather I'm sure it could. Not in the dry though

Yeah, the newer ABS is pretty good though. I've only had it engage on gravel in the dry, on the S1000XR. I also always rode in Dynamic mode which was very low interference.

 

[roytmani]

Crashed the XR into a deer and totaled it.

Not really feeling any of the new bikes out there right now, and the XR is getting old. The new one should be right around the corner.

Would rather wait, get a commuter now, and get something I really want once it comes out later.

Totally agree that the XR is due for an update.

If you're looking for an all-around bike, the new GS is tough to beat. For commuting purposes it's a bit bulky but still very doable and smooth, with all the latest and greatest tech.

If you're just looking to hold yourself over with a cheap commuter, get the 5th gen VFR, also take a look at an FZ-07 or FZ-09.

 

[Entoptic]

If you don’t need luggage buy a Dragster!!! Insanely comfy for the style

 

[fuldog]

5th generation is the best overall.

From 1998 to 2001 After that it's VTEC the answer to a question no one asked.

 

[ST Guy]

Yeah, I like the sound of those but I need ABS at a minimum.

I was going to recommend ABS. :thumb

I also like a larger fairing and hard bags. And traction control is nice.

 

[thepretender]

I've used my 6th gen (2002-2009)as a courier in LA for at least 20000 miles It worked great always comfortable and handled the situation great. I preferred splitting on the FZ1 simply because with a liter bike its hard to be in the wrong gear as you have so much torque The current 8th gen (2014 and newer) is better in every way and would make an excellent commuter. Smother low in the revs and lighter and handles better Bullet proof and indeed many a VFR has done 100k without a valve adjustment. https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/ is a great place to visit if you have more questions.

 

[Entoptic]

From 1998 to 2001 After that it's VTEC the answer to a question no one asked.

I disagree. That gen has dual linked brakes. Something I really did not like.

 

[Caddywumpus]

Eh the linked breaks are fine for normal riding but you would and can delink them for the track. It's a pigly bike for the track

 

[wxduff]

I just bought my '14 interceptor last week. If you can find a deluxe model get that over the base. ABS is the main reason, also traction control, heated grips, center stand, and more adjustments for the front suspension and tool-less rear preload adjustment.

Its labeled a sports tourer but I'd say it's a bit more sport than tourer.

The factory hardcases are well integrated but if you are splitting they are wide. The factory top case is grossly expensive. I have the side cases but I'm just using a backpack for commuting. I may add a soft tailbag and small tank bag. Those can then compliment the sidecases on longer trips

The new vfr is better for the commuter. The v-tec is not intimidating, even for someone who has never experienced v-tec before. The center of gravity is lower and total weight is down its also narrower. These all benefit the commuter. An aftermarket exhaust (I have the ixil hyperlow) and a lithium battery will trim another 10-15 lbs.

I bought the vfr because I wanted a street useable 4 cylinder bike. Certainly fits the bill.

Only mods I plan on now it's to add the Honda quickshifter and the Honda riser plate. The quickshifter is just for fun, the riser plate adds less than an inch up and back to the clipons, which should lead to a slightly more friendly commuter/touring riding position. If you find you need more, there is an aftermarket riser plate that puts you pretty upright, something like 1.25" of lift for the clip ons.

 

[WWWobble]

I've had 3 VFRs in the past. No trouble with any except for the alternator / RegRec issue. At least both are a relatively easy fix.

Two of the three I owned went over 80,000 miles. I had the valves on my Gen 5 (non V-TEC) checked at about 60,000 and they were in spec.

For the V-TEC models, regarding valve checks, VFR forum word was: just don't. Run them until they won't start, then throw the bike away. Chances are it will be with you, running fine, longer than you want to keep it.

In retrospect, the VFR seems like a "high tech" old tech type machine. Smooth engine, nice gearbox, adequate suspension. All of mine got about 40 mpg running on regular so range shouldn't be an issue.

Oh, and yeah, run synthetic oil because yes, they tend to run hot. But mine never got to the point of venting coolant out the overflow, even the one I had in LA with heat and traffic.

 

[kuksul08]

I would not recommend it unless your entire commute is open roads. They run really hot for city traffic of any kind.

 

[afm199]

Side radiator VFR= overheating in slow traffic.

 

[wxduff]

I would not recommend it unless your entire commute is open roads. They run really hot for city traffic of any kind.

Do you know this to be true with the 8th gen? The 8th gens cooling system is different than prior editions, as are the fairings. The radiators are front mounted for instance.

 

[Entoptic]

That’s good to hear they went back to front rads. Thebside ones made for an unpleasant ride imo.

 

[silver types]

I had a 2002 version, and commuted many years. Even with two up, it was very comfortable. Pretty reliable except the things you mentioned. Hate to let it go, but no space. Oh well.

I commuted on an '04 VTEC for years, 60-mile roundtrip. It's a great bike, slightly sporty ergo for me, but still pretty reasonable. If you're looking for something with clip-ons as a commuter, it's about as good as it's going to get.

 

[afm199]

Eh the linked breaks are fine for normal riding but you would and can delink them for the track. It's a pigly bike for the track

Nope. Not the first several generations. I've seen Reggie Pridmore fly on one. I have ridden mine two at Streets of Willow ( with suspension valved and sprung two up) and it handles quite well. Also, two up, the linked brakes are amazing.

 

[89fj]

Get an older gen with the gear driven cams and some nice pipes and enjoy that glorious, glorious mechanical V4 engine.

I had a 2000 model and agree. I really liked the linked brakes for the street. Track, not so much

 

[kuksul08]

Do you know this to be true with the 8th gen? The 8th gens cooling system is different than prior editions, as are the fairings. The radiators are front mounted for instance.

Oh I didn't realize they went to front rads. The V4 is notorious for getting hot but I am sure the 8th gen is better than the old ones.


The real answer here is a VStrom 650. Duh.

 

[WWWobble]

Side radiator VFR= overheating in slow traffic.

My Gen 5 never overheated in traffic. I define too hot as venting coolant, which it never did in the 85,000 miles I owned it.

Many of the VFRs that claimed overheating to that extent, had radiator caps that were not holding adequate pressure.

Having said this, I think central radiator VFRs cool better, and I sure do agree with you that Reg Pridmore could get a VFR around a track solo or two up pretty, pretty darn quickly.