2006 Honda VFR800 Test Ride- Too Good To Be True?!

I've had my eyes on a VFR 800 for awhile now, and I finally found a deal good enough to make it worth checking out! I wasn't planning on filming during the test ride, but the owner told me to go ahead and do it, so I threw together this impromptu test ride/first impressions video for you guys! So, what do you think?...should I buy it?! Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks for watching, and be sure to follow me on Instagram for more daily stuff! @Life.Of.Burch
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[@dynomantar9733]

Homeboy shifting the milisecond it hit VTEC every time was driving me nuts. Just ring it out my guy, why VTEC if you're not even gonna VTEC?

[@jddenham]

It's a biker's built-in response when speed limit is 35 or less. Makes us feel like we're not breaking the law as much LOL.

[@stephenscharf6293]

Just a tip: Check your tire pressures before _every_ ride. Making a mistake like tire pressures being way too low can have disastrous consequences on a motorcycle. Another tip: on a bike that age, check the valve stems, too. The rubber of a valve stem that old can crack and split, and you can imagine what could happen if the valve stem split open or failed at speed. Lastly, you seem like a nice guy, bright, and articulate, so if I may, let me provide a recommendation: get some _proper riding leathers._ *Wear them.* If you go down at speed on a bike like that, you're going to end up in the... *burn ward.* This is because jeans last *4 feet* on pavement from a crash at ~45-50 mph. I've seen first-hand what happens to guys wearing only jeans that crash on the road; their jeans _literally_ blow apart like tissue-paper. And, guess what? They were going to the burn ward, too. Cheers, mate.

[@vali69]

From my short life experience I can tell actions mean more than words. He could speak in the most intelligent and articulate way possible, but his action, or you could say inaction of putting on proper gear tells me he doesn't give a penny about himself. And this also makes my brain apply the bias of dumb, irresponsible and potentially reckless rider. When I saw your comment I just thought 'nah mate how are other people supposed to see his gold strap apple watch with a jacket and proper gloves on? Another dumb squid in the vast ocean.' One day he'll pull a yammie noob or a slide and learn the hard way.

[@Me-vl4qp]

replace valve stems with each set of tires.

[@Herblegreatness17]

Thank you✊🏽 spreading knowledge to one another is what life’s all about

[@casperi2]

FYI, here is your DYI LIST, Do the following, check the entire charging system, Feel the battery and see if its swollen. if it is that is a bad sign the R&R has gone bad. Those do go out over time and can cost 250 ish regardless if you stay with Honda's POS R&R or swap over to a Yamaha R1 version "Highly recommended". Check fluids, and cables, ask when was the last time the brake fluid was flushed from the brake system, if longer than 12 months add that to the list of things you need to do, check Rotors and brake pads wear and how much life is left on the pads, "The VFR CBS braking system tends to eat rear pads much sooner." look at the fork dust seals and rear shock dust seal for any cracking, and or leaking. If they are leaking add that to your list. Ask when the last time the fork seals were last changed and if not done when atleast was the fluid last changed, add that to your list. Bikes this heavy that sit up for long period of time can flat spot their steering head bearings and that can cost alot money to get them replaced "correctly." Check all the electrical lines for any melting or blacking at their multi-connectors if he's ok with taking off the right and left fairings. Finally See if he will let you take it to a shop and have a tech look it over really good if you can't do all this. The very last thing you want to buy is a VFR that needs electrical work even though you will be doing all of this at some point of ownership anyway and the head bearings. If those head bearings have settled and governed themselves then they need to come out and be replaced. Owning a VFR is awesome but there are things that Honda just didn't get right about them and that is the charging system. Hell the newest model has the same problem as the rest. It would be worth your time unless your a motorcycle tech yourself, to have a tech go through the bike pick one that has VFR experience as well. Also tell him that it did sit up for some time so to check the head bearings. Sry for the long post bro just don't want you to hate on a VFR when you find out your going to need to do a ton of work on it regardless. How much work depends on your motorcycle mechanical experience level. Ask if he has any service docs to go with the bike. The valve lash needs to be checked "per hondas orders" at 16k and 32k. Hence the reason he might be trying to sell it. That costs should run you $400-750 depending on the shop and they need Honda's special tools for that. If you go to a shop ask to see that set of tools or they might have made their own. It doesn't honestly matter if they made their own, then you know , that they know, that you know, that they know how to work on VTEC VFR's. You said it was alittle hesitant on the low end and the cans had been gutted. Sounds like some dyno tuning is in you near future if you get this bike. Its a nice bike but not worth $3150. Maybe $2650 if he can prove the valves have been checked. But Tim Cope is correct $2,500 would be a good price if the valves haven't been done or the other stuff I listed. Also with only 18k there is a very slim chance that any of the valves really need adjusting but I have seen a few in my time that were way out. So after 30 years of working on these nothing really surprises me anymore. When shopping for a"VFR'" the owners usually are not the type to rev them out much if ever as all the HP and torque is around 7600 RPM to 9000. So when you pull the air filter off and can look down into the intake valves you will tend to see a fair amount of carbon build up. I usually just ran them to the rev limiter for 30 mins or so going through the gears and back down with high quality fuel and a gas additive to remove the carbon. So you might want to have a tech do that before he does the dyno tuning on your bike as carbon build up is very common. Last note, never ride a VFR like its a lazy harley !!! They will always be begging to be in the VTEC range so ride it as such . If you already have a 750 you understand to a point what I mean but yours doesn't have VTEC so when you get one that does you will understand and understand with a SMILE. Also a VFR 800 is not a beginners bike to wrench on. Get or make friends that have VTEC's and they will show you the ropes. I will check this post every few days for a say week if you have any questions. Or you can just block me and tell me F$$7 off wink :) Good luck to you Casperi

[@MoorlandMoss]

+1 The Stator, Voltage Regulator, and some of the harness are absolute TRASH from the factory, and have to be upgraded. I've reviews of this amazing bike on my channel too.

[@dredzysaint]

Thanks for taking the time out to write all this kind stranger! You will be helping people for years to come who come across your comment. 👏

[@steveo4141]

RR/ Charging system is probably the weak spot in most bikes....I ride a 2005 - no problems yet after 15yrs....still run a 5yr old battery

[@dobbythefreeelf9638]

I will literally risk wasting money on a messed up bike than read all that. but thank you for the incredible effort

[@matkoklobucar1989]

This is gold, thank you! I am about to check one out, this helped a bunch!

[@srenemiljensen6413]

Probably one of the best bikes ever! Honda reliability!

[@AndreSilva-ky5hu]

It's a beautiful bike. Although it as 14 years, still looks a very modern model. 👌

[@donmacquarrie574]

A hard bike not to love. I've owned two of them. trouble free. The regulator/rectifier problem on this model is well documented on the forums and is easily fixed. MOSFET reg/ rec is the way to go. The Engine \Transmission are rock solid reliable. Some European owners have over 250K on theirs with no problems, so 18K is hardly broken in IMHO. The fun starts at 5000 RPM and just gets better when the two other valves come into play. Tons of aftermarket goodies available, because this model has been in production so long. Runs better on Higher octane fuel (91 recommended) Heli risers and an aftermarket seat upgrade are worth it.

[@Dee-hm5gf]

Good for first bike?

[@V4demon_]

​@Dee-hm5gf this is my 1st bike. Not what I wanted but got an awesome deal on it and now I love it. Its a bit weighty moving it about and the vtec kicking in around a corner can be a bit jerky on older models like mine ( an 02) the newer ones are alot more smoothed out from what I've read. I recommend it, I don't care what anyone says its fast enough. It's not fireblade fast but good enough.

[@tombork2281]

I have a 2007 VFR 800 and I love mine!! After I bought it I decided to get a new rear tire cuz it was a different brand from the front. I figured now was the time to decide if it had enough balls to do a burnout and I was pleasantly surprised!! It smoked up the old Dunlop really easy!!

[@kghwanadoo]

I’ve just bought an Italian Red VFR800 gen 6 after Christmas 2023 to add to my VF750F, which if yours is the older brother makes mine the grand daddy to ALL the VF’s and VFR’s. The VFR gen 6 is a rocket ship compared to the VF. I love it.

[@giovannimaraniello4073]

Loved this bike. Got it a month ago, dark blue with 60000k one owner. She is basically brand new. Always kept in a garage drove only during summer and spring. Amazing!!!

[@thepanglannas]

Hey, even I am considering to buy but not sure if I would be paying the right price so was wondering how much it cost you. Thanks in advance

[@arashomar1665]

Buy it, that's a steal for that price. I have a 2000 model and I love it. Paid. $2k for it about 4 years go (has 74,000kms on it) but drive smooth as butter, specially with that hydro clutch

[@NickMasseyRideon]

We have his and Her VFR800's an 02 and an 09. Fantastic bikes, one of the best all-around sports tourers around imo. great highway back roads bike. Not so great in the city cause its heavy. The only thing I think I miss about the VFR800 is the lack of HP/LB's 110 HP ( with pipes and power commander) is not great. if it had 120 or 125 HP it would be puuuuufect, Not that we are getting rid of ours anytime soon, the V4 is amazing and easy to work on the whole nose comes off with 2 bolts and the timing chain tensioners replacement job is easily doable at home.

[@redryder464]

I just bought a 2008 with 25000 miles for $2600. Mine was stored outside and has been dropped. You’re right there with price.

[@BrosefRides]

Good looking bike, sounds great and I'm a big fan of single sided swing arm bikes.

[@robcanaryondrums]

That EFI makes a helluva difference in the giddyup over aspirated mechanical carburetors.

[@MetikalMan]

Isn’t it the younger brother?

[@brandensteele4486]

I've got a CB300R and I'm considering getting this as my 2nd bike.

[@garymartin7842]

I made a similar progression from my Ninja 250 to a VFR800, it's an easy rider with more heft and speed

[@herbertsiegl7762]

How is that a question? Best bike ever

[@badshroom]

Paid 3100 for a 98 with 7k on the bike two owner a little over two years back. She is close to 85k now and runs strong. Actually just had vortex press a 50 tooth for her. Only downside was hunting down a r/r one weekend :)

[@bsxxfurballxx692]

Whats r/r? I'm looking at a 2002 with 62k for 2500....

[@ispbrotherwolf]

I have a 2007 Red (bought it 2008 - only owner) and I never sell 😁

[@Realcrimes]

best bike i owned and still own i have a honda vfr 2009 its the last year of that model mine is black and white wich we call oreo or panda! you should get the cover on the back seat it will look even better trust me!

[@compajuansinpiedad6646]

I just purchased my 4th Vfr 800 same gen but i finally found a 2002 with 5 thousand miles yup a 2002 almost brand new….. by the way my 3rd vfr is my sons 17 th year old birthday gift…

[@calebbaker5]

Hope you’ve changed your tires by now, the 1101 stands for 11th month of 2001. So 10 years older than what you said

[@calebbaker5]

Btw, thanks for the review. There’s an 03 one for sale in my area

[@tonysimm9001]

It's week 11 year 2001

[@BlueWafer]

11th week of 2001

[@splodge57]

How about 1st month of 2011.

[@McKnightBlade]

11/01 on the tire means it was manufactured the 11th week of 2001! Change the tiirrrrreeeeesss

[@nickthegreekgreek156]

One of the best all around bikes ever made ❤️😍

[@absolutelynonameslef]

"Older brother" even though it's newer?

[@stravsmajstr]

he f... this up ;)

[@goffryboss]

Because it has a bigger engine.

[@absolutelynonameslef]

@@goffryboss still makes no sense to call it older.

[@goffryboss]

@@absolutelynonameslef true, "bigger brother" would actually make sense

[@Lew1125CR]

It is a nice bike. Friend off mine had one just like it. That gutted exhaust and the V4 sound amazing. I'd say $2700 just because it needs some work.

[@trog6050]

I’m going to get one Saturday that’s got 4900 miles on her and she’s an 08. She’s only gonna cost 4600 and I’m so stoked

[@FineTouchLLC]

Are they heavy bikes?

[@trog6050]

@@FineTouchLLC um yes and no. Depends on what you mean by heavy. Are they heavier than a sports bike? Yes heavier than a cruiser? No

[@yungcream9208]

One of these sitting in a dealership near me at a really good price, its so tempting :/

[@zayybelike3842]

heard one drive by & thought it was a R1 , came outside and seen this . shit sounds meannn

[@pdx650]

Life of Burch, 1101 is the 11th week of 2001. So, you should never see the first two numbers be over ‘52’.

[@feodiente9460]

You did better then me... Got mines at 3300 ... But it got a PCV in it aftermarket everything even Corbin seat and 19,000 miles...so I guess it worked out

[@LifeOfBurch]

That still sounds like a solid deal man! Especially with the aftermarket goodies you got.

[@feodiente9460]

@@LifeOfBurch Any advice on PC's in the VFR any mapping info?

[@grayman999]

Showa is OEM suspension at that age change the fork oil service the rear mono shock decent tyres and also check bearings the engine is Honda well made 👍👍

[@jonathanjurena]

3100k? what state are you in? I'm looking at one with more miles for $4,800

[@MrMelvinkennedy1]

3150 would be a steal in my area

[@CK.one1]

Paid 3300 euros for mine last July with 30000 miles on her to. Buy it its great bike and price

[@berkatan7846]

I paid 3300 euros today with 20000km‘s

[@CK.one1]

@berkatan7846 depends on what country live in is different price

[@nickvg556]

I got an '03, that exact colour, yesterday :p. payed 2800 euros, pretty mint tho, 21k miles, light scratches easily buffed. worth every penny v0v.

[@NickMasseyRideon]

they changed the rear shock at some point, the wifes 02 had a different stock rear shock to mine (showa)

[@garyhughes9649]

3100 is not bad see if he'll take 27 or 28 don't know if he'd go 26 you can try it's always easier to go up in price than it is to go down lower than your original offer

[@RaiinBowHoster]

18k miles is almost brand new lol most of these bikes out here have 80-100k miles on them and i just saw 1 with 200k miles on them xD

[@Ciubowski]

If the bike is newer... how can it be "older brother"?

[@LifeOfBurch]

The world may never know 🤯

[@LifeOfBurch]

(Aka I meant to say big brother. As in 800 is bigger than 750.)

[@derekstegall9811]

Dang near perfect for a street bike probably do good on track 8

[@richardgilmore2277]

How many KMs can these bikes do before they need a rebuild? Considering service is done timely. I'm looking at one that has done 97,000 KMs 3100 AUD.

[@LifeOfBurch]

As long as they’re taken care of, these things are tanks! I don’t know the AUD to USD conversion rate, but I personally wouldn’t spend $3,100 on a bike with that many KMs though. If you’re on Facebook, check out the “Honda VFR800 Owners” group. Someone actually just posted this morning that their bike passed 100,000 km! Lots of good info in there.

[@StreetfighterBrah]

Did you end up buying it? I am looking at one my mechanic owns, 2007 (Anniversary edition) model with 16k on the clock and he is asking 10k AUD. Bike is in pristine condition for its age. I am just trying to negotiate with him right now. I have found another 2014 model from a Honda dealer with 36k on the clock for 9k but the problem is that at 40k kms, it will need a valve clearance check and it costs a lot for a VTEC engine obviously which means spending around 10.5k+ AUD overall. Sounds ridiculous to spend 10 grand on a bike from 2007 but damn the ride was good. Let me know what your experience was if you bought it.

[@ValentinKiryazov]

Thanks for the video, but are those gearshifts for real? You love changing clutches or something?

[@SEATTLITERON2]

Buy it now......... any less and he would be giving it away. I had a 98 and it was a little hot rod.

[@raydl4965]

for that bike with that price is already cheap compare its price here in philippines. That bike listed here almost 4,500USD and above. I wish i can buy that bike here in Philippines with that price

[@MattSpooner69]

I am not a big fan of the first gen vtec. It comes on at a set rpm it kicks it, but it needs to be activated by load/ throttle position. If you are in a corner and just creeping up thru the Rs it can catch you a little off guard. Ps I have a 99 with 85k miles love the gear driven cam sounds like a supercharger.

[@holeephuk]

Worth every cent

[@Lando94]

One listed by me mint condition with 10k miles for $3500 I’m going to go talk him down but I’m already ready to buy it

[@LifeOfBurch]

Not a bad deal, especially if you can talk him down!

[@fvhrenheit4813]

I'm doing a driving license next year. Do you guys think this one is too big for a noobie?

[@alextruong27]

you ended up getting it? not too big

[@fvhrenheit4813]

@@alextruong27 not really, I got mt-07

[@onseki1774]

Would you recommend a VFR as a second bike after a 250?

[@steveo4141]

Vfr is a great bike.... just know it will be a big change from the 250....the vfr is heavy ( for the engine size) and it carries the weight up top.... there is a benefit to the weight though and that is stability....it keeps the bike rock steady on the highway. It's impossible to know whether a person is ready to upgrade from a 250 to 800 without riding with that person ....but I can tell you the 800 is a great bike it is heavy...throttle can be a bit twitchy at slow speeds... the Vtech kick in the earlier models can be a bit abrupt if you're hauling on the throttle in the 1st 4 gears but it is fun once you're used to it.... replace the stock seat with a Sargent seat and add a Voltmeter to keep an eye on charging system (all bikes should have one) and it'll be the best bike you will ever own. Btw a Soundbomb horn fits perfectly into the front fairing left side cavity ..and that f***ing thing will get you the attention you want when you want it🥴👍

[@notyomilostea2862]

I went from a ninja 250 to an 04 vfr800 as my second bike and absolutely loved it

[@alextruong27]

vfr800 was my first bike

[@brennan43drift]

@@alextruong27 how was the VFR as a first bike. I'm considering doing the same.

[@beastr.l.661]

I may be buying one tomorrow. How did you like it?

[@Jakijazky]

I am checking one out soon Hope this bike will be my third collection

[@anggaros1]

LOL it's not power wheeling but your clutch and throttle off motion needs some work.

[@joshffa3855]

There’s one of these in my local motorcycle shop. £3000. I’m only 17 :( only if they could catch me

[@charliebee309]

I'd pay 2500 solid us dollars don't know if I'd pay ask because chains are not cheap

[@derekjolly9815]

I would push you out of the way and pay full price and bring it home 🤣🥰

[@CK.one1]

That's a super price. Take it

[@sketchyron5025]

11/01 means 11th week of 2001.

[@brothermanv]

Wow! A motovlogger in my area. Instant sub!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Yooo thank you! Where in the area are you from?

[@brothermanv]

@@LifeOfBurch I live in PG, closer to FedEx Field. But I've spent tons of time in the Bowie/Crofton area as well as Annapolis area. I used to bowl at the bowling alley near the gas station at 0:10

[@LifeOfBurch]

That’s awesome man! If you ride we’ll have to link up sometime!

[@brothermanv]

@@LifeOfBurch Yessir 😎 I'm shooting to take the MSF course once classes reopen in February. Will continue researching and shopping for bikes in the meantime

[@LemurKrazy]

Hope you bought it. Great all round bike. Check out Richy Vida's vids.

[@Jandejongjong]

Older brother? Its younger.

[@jonesjonz1]

Buy it... my exact bike, color and gutted exhaust. Love it. Just get a stator and rectifier and keep it in the stash. My bike has about 40k miles and it's a dream still. You Should be paying around 4k. Put some techron fuel cleaner in it for about 2 fill ups...and enjoy

[@ericdoe2318]

im puling off to check directions all the time

[@AlexPtc89]

Your 750 is the older brother of the 800 man🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Pomaco4U]

Haha "goes from 2 valve to 4 valve", ehm, NO. That's not what happens with VTEC. I have a 03 VFR 800. Fantastic bike!

[@marktansell9399]

That's exactly what happens

[@Pomaco4U]

@@marktansell9399 No, it is NOT! VTEC uses oil pressure to activate a third lifter for higher duration and lift in order to increase airpressure in the cylinder.

[@marktansell9399]

@@Pomaco4U I thought it ran on 8 valves then switched to 16 valves at 6700 rpm . The car version uses different cam profiles but the bike vtec does not change the cam profiles at all .....only uses 2 valves per cylinder then switches to 4 ..... unlike the car version

[@slakk5093]

@@Pomaco4U yeah do some research, bike VTEC and car VTEC are two completely different systems

[@mrantone916]

My buddy has 100k miles on his!

[@MrBoybergs]

Showa are not stock....good upgrade

[@MDHenry4]

Power wheelies in 2nd is good

[@Ruzkig]

You mean younger brother ;)

[@HenryAvery1659]

no views no likes lets go notification squad nice bike bro BUY IT haha the more bikes the better lmaoo

[@jalee6587]

Power wheelie? Try a yamaha r1 power wheelie is nothing at any speed.

[@coolvideos8864]

Please, PLEASE wear proper gear. Your body will love you for it!

[@Maskinmester-DK]

Older brother? You mean younger I hope😅

[@morganmcnamara9839]

Younger brother bro 😁 not older

[@dovydasbanys378]

hello, does this bike fit for 195cm man? or too small?

[@samuelcurran714]

Nah it fits well. I'm a similar height and mine is actually the only bike I've been on that feels the "right" size.

[@n4s117]

I'm 199cm and it's perfect

[@abisadeonasanwo2789]

definitely no more than 2700 since you're planning on putting more money into anyway

[@Nate.H]

Pay a bit more for a good condition 98-01 800. I wouldn't get a VTEC model before 2014.

[@slakk5093]

It's a tough one.. I test rode both a 5th gen and 6th gen and the 6th gen felt much better. Better brakes, better handling, all round better bike. I know the gear driven cams are ultra reliable, but everything else about the VTEC model is superior to the 5th gen

[@splodge57]

Love the Vtec!

[@orriechaffin2850]

Make another stache vid yo

[@sebastianhutton3176]

I paid 3 for mine

[@kinderutz]

You mean younger brother....because it's newer

[@LifeOfBurch]

Yea sure

[@eric62backstrom]

The eleventh week of 2001

[@blakecampbell54]

$2500 to start and maybe go up as high as $2850 but that’s the most I’d pay for it.. Just for the simple fact that those bikes aren’t very popular and aren’t the easiest to work on if any mechanical failure was to occur.. Nevertheless it definitely is a nice bike and looks as if it’s been taken care of in its life.. Go for it man!

[@AlienApe.]

Offer $1800.

[@RiceEyes420]

Offer 2750..

[@ethanneal8158]

What I care about is its 0-60

[@rls428]

It’s about 3secs flat. Quick enough

[@lindsaydaniels998]

I like the bike...but the ugly headlights though

[@Champion2Manager]

Good looking bike. Give him 400$ less lol

[@AJ_Stone]

Offer $2500

[@joestrickland5153]

Younger

[@aronemilianomartinez9471]

a

[@rowdytillwedie]

Shift way too early

[@LifeOfBurch]

…did you not see the part where the tires are over a decade old and flat? You want me to open it up on my first ride with janky ass tires? Go be an armchair quarterback somewhere else 🙄

[@networkbits8958]

Sell that old junk....buy a harley

[@Animo92]

How do people live with themselves clutching that far before off throttle, that box loves clutchless changes

[@Animo92]

1101 is 11th week of 2001

[@johncarlson8029]

Younger brother to your 92 idgit