5 Things I Hate About My Honda VFR 800 | 2003 Gen 6 VFR800 VTEC Issues & Dislikes | 06

[@bernardomazondaher]

I fantasized of owning this bike for almost 2 years, and finally yesterday I got my hands on one. It has only been one day, and yet I can confirm all of these points.

[@SPANNERRASH]

There is so much to like as well though, so I hope you aren't dis-heartened. Like I said, the issues are there but I may still have it for a good while yet, because overall it is a fantastic bike.

[@RJ-cq8dd]

I changed the windscreen so that is a nonissue (mra vario touring). The topheavy part is true but only the first few weeks or so. I can manouvre it easily by now. LOVE this bike. No numb hands either but i guess that's personal (i have thick soft grips). I am travelling through Sri lanka right now and am watching a vfr video, so it definifely is on my mind when not riding. :)

[@Vickeviren]

Agreed on all points. The riding position and top heavyness is what bothers me the most but I did just buy the streetfighter kit to be a bit more upright. Hoping to be a bit more comfortable and confident at lower speeds, probably will cure the hand numbness aswell. Im coming from a 2017 tracer 900 prior which was super nimble and light weight compared to my 07 VFR. Dont forget that with weight comes stability too. The VFR is super stable at higher speeds and taking those long corners is truly joy on it.

[@SPANNERRASH]

It will be interesting to hear how you go on with the new bars. I suspect coming to the VFR from a Tracer makes it seem even more top heavy. It is a great bike and and it is pleasure to ride when out and about, it's only when you are moving it around the garage, and riding slow that you notice the weight.

[@gallagher4141]

I had a 2008 VFR, I always got numb hands so was interesting to hear you say that, also never felt comfortable with the weight distribution and was scared to move it at low speed or in the garage, cracking bike though especially when you hear that VTEC kick in

[@SPANNERRASH]

I wondered if it was only me. But lots of comments confirm what I have observed. I think that compared to its contemporaries it was a remarkable bike. We have all become a little more discerning now. :)

[@leemorley4194]

so glad you mentioned visibilty problem at junctions, i thought it was just me !.. the vfr800 is my first bike in 25yrs , i last had a vf500f11 in my early 20s and never recall having any vision problems, i was begining to think i was imagining it.

[@SPANNERRASH]

It is a bit of an age thing. Although you would expect it on a sports bike, I was surprised how much of an issue it is with the VFR. Risers on the handlebars improve it a (very) little bit.

[@GeeBeeMike]

I owned a white and black one of these for a couple of years. It was in the stable at the time with a 2010 Fireblade and a ‘94 GSX-R750. (Which I still own). I thought the VFR was a fabulous looking bike and it has the best headlights of any bike I’ve owned bar none. I actually bought it with the intention of riding to the Alps on it one summer…..but that’s where the dream ended. I’m 6ft 1” tall. The bike had a more sport than tourer riding position, giving me the same wrist and neck ache I got on the Fireblade which was only a bike I tracked and did weekend jaunts on. I found the V4 engine to be very marmite. It has a big following I know, but I felt it lacked any real power unless it was sitting above 3500 revs, which to me made it feel like you had to thrash the thing on revs to get it to lift its skirt and get a trot on. The V-Tech was also an acquired taste I never really acquired. When it engaged mid turn, whilst it wouldn’t de-stabilise the bike, it definitely created a wobble you knew was coming. Finally, I fitted mine with the Honda touring bubble screen to try and deflect more wind up and over my helmet to stop the motorway head bobber thing I used to get, but all that did was put the lip of the screen literally a few inches in front of my visor and the wind blast just hit my head straight on rather than just my upper body. For shorter riders than me it probably ticks a lot of boxes, but being used to the smooth, effortless torque and power of the in-line four of the Fireblade without the V-Tech ‘character’, I felt the Viffer overall just wasn’t for me. I still think they look great though. I eventually traded both it and the Fireblade for a brand new 2013 CB1000R which I also still own. Cracking bike all round. Smooth effortless power of a Fireblade lump, upright riding position and apart from lack of pillion and luggage it was just a much better bike for me. Hence why I still own it. I suppose my VFR replacement for touring eventually became an Africa Twin Adventure Sport which me and the Mrs use quite a lot now and it’s a keeper. The VFR has a legendary status for lots of good reasons, but the engine characteristics and sporty forward leaning riding position just killed it as a tourer, for me at least.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Great write up, thanks. And you have added another bike to my list of ones to consider, the CB1000R, I had never really considered them before. I had the 900 Hornet on the list, but now you have replaced it :) Africa Twins are still more than I would want to invest into a bike, but maybe one day. Take care.

[@Thegreatoutdoors2024]

Thanks, I enjoyed the video. I'm a 33 year old, I also have a Silver 2003 VFR and this is the biggest bike I've owned (in weight and in power) and I have to agree with your assessment, except the opinion on VTEC, I do enjoy the sound and launch feeling it gives. I'm not a big guy (176cm, 71kg) and it did take me a while to get used to this machine, unfortunately dropped it a couple of times attempting some very low speed U-turns on narrow, hilly Welsh country roads - luckily I had crash bobbins and soft paniers at the time so the only thing damaged was my pride :) this was back in June this year when the bike was still quite new to me. Anyway, this made my realise I needed practice in a car park on the low speed stuff, which I try do regularly now, low speed confidence and skill is now climbing. Since then, I've ridden up through Europe to Norway, great times. After about an hour I do also find it uncomfortable on the legs, right wrist and right shoulder but whats helped me a lot is doing regular full body strength training and stretching, my shoulder doesn't bother me now which is great! Time will tell whether I decide to sample some of the many other bike options out there, esoecially living in central London where I know a lighter bike would be easier, but there is something special about this bike. Safe riding - cheers!

[@SPANNERRASH]

It is a great bike. Like I said the jury is out on VTEC, sometimes I love it sometimes I don't. It certainly isn't as rewarding an engine as the 'Blade that I had last. As for when it kicks in, I can't help comparing it with 2 strokes I have had in the past. I do think you would find a more sit up and beg lighter bike more of a weapon in London. I used to commute through North Manchester on a ZX6R which was a much lighter bike. Like I said the VFR is great, but you really should try a few other bikes.

[@Thegreatoutdoors2024]

@@SPANNERRASH the blade must be amazing to experience. I'm often on auto-trader, window shopping all the possibilities. Among others, I quite like the look of the new Honda CB750 parallel twin. I think it looks decent for a modern bike and is lighter and practical. Also, the Royal Enfield interceptor 650, and Yamaha XSR900 are bikes on the path I'm heading toward.

[@glassmakerx]

I have a 5th generation VFR, so the V-Tech isn't an issue for me. And without it there's plenty of power. But I agree with all the other issues you mentioned 100%. In particular I would love a more upright riding position and higher windscreen.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I've never ridden a 5th gen, it would be interesting to see. I know that they are much loved, but then so are 6th, maybe different reasons for both. I can see the advantage of the 5th gen design, maybe I'll have one in the future, but if the other issues are similar maybe not :)

[@gerrybailey447]

I rode one years ago and loved the motor but hated that top heavy feeling, was at the time thinking of buying one, never gave it a second thought after that initial spin.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I still do like the bike, and I have ridden/owned bikes that are more top heavy. But anything at low speed needs concentration.

[@javispiq01]

Hi there, greetings from Spain. Proud owner of a 6th gen also. If the front of the bike feels too heavy it may have to do with the front forks. These bikes are almost 20 years old… if that is the case and the suspension is a bit off, you can take the forks for maintenance. It is something that, at least in the Spanish forum for the VFR is many a times mentioned. Hope that it helped! Btw, I’m 23 years old and I get the numb hands 😂😂😂 even with raisers

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks for the info! I am planning to get some new tyres and go through the suspension early next year. I had wondered if the tyres were part of the issue, they are getting a little old, 5 years or so. The numb hands are a pain aren't they! :)

[@javispiq01]

@ surely, I’ve had to change my posture so that I don’t get them as badly now. I’ve heard great things about AVON SPIRIT ST tires and MITAS touring force. They are very street focused and don’t respond bad to wet climates like the uk.

[@phildavis42]

I agree with the top heavy part, at speed its a fantastic machine I love it but I was getting worried about slow speed cornering

[@SPANNERRASH]

You and me both! Once you are rolling it is great, but there is something about it at slow speed, and I am really not 100% sure what iti is.

[@mototakahe836]

Do the grip puppies, and loosen your grip a bit. I am nearly 78. I am down to a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, but you have me thinking of trying one. Damn!

[@SPANNERRASH]

They are a great bike. It was hard to pick faults and I am not overly in a hurry to move on to a different bike.

[@woodyamsterdam]

I have bought a 5th gen about two months ago and it is the best bike I’ve ever owned. I re-rolled into biking after a 22 years hiatus with a GSX 600F a year and a half ago but the seating position was a bit too cramped, especially on my hip joints. (I am 6’5”) When I first test fitted the VFR in the showroom I immediately felt that it was a perfect fit; a little less extreme seating position but still sporty. This 1999 bike only had one previous owner and that owner also happened to be the owner of the bike shop who had it in its private collection for many years. So needless to say that it was both optically and technically in pristine condition. Meanwhile I did about 1000 miles and the only physical issue I have is my right hand cramping up after an hour of riding. I am 70 years old so that is probably an age related thing. Yes, it’s a heavy bike but for me still perfectly manageable. Since I only ride solo without panniers or a top box, I find the handling both in corners as well as in a straight line at highway speeds very stable. Power delivery is smooth and even without VTEC you get that kick in the rear once you reach 7000 revs. So yeah this is a keeper and I will enjoy it as long as my body allows.

[@SPANNERRASH]

It does seem that the 5th Gen was a sweet spot, and most owners of both generations seem to prefer the earlier bike. I think the gear driven non-VTEC engine will be more rewarding. For me the jury is still out on VTEC.

[@indy-biker-stevie]

I've got a 2011 vtec & fitted Hela bar risers, the higher riding position is a vast improvement as the bar risers are 3" higher & 1/2" backwards, I also fitted a Givi touring screen & thats also a massive improvement over the stock screen. I've also got a 2020 vfr800x crossrunner, thats got the newer 800f vtec engine, the riding style is a huge improvement with the normal shaped handlebars fitted, though the one area I did notice the difference is that the Crossrunner seems to have a more flightier front feel as the fork rake is slightly different. The vtec can hit a genuine 140+ on the German autobahns easily, though with the Crossrunner, sitting upright at the same speeds is a bit hairy 👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

They sound like good mods. I am surprised you have modified your older VFR whilst having the Crossrunner too! But great that you can compare both impassionately. We have to remember that the VFR came out as a tourer when everybody was riding sports bikes, compared to the GSXRs etc of the time the riding position was really laid back. It is still a great bike, with lots going for it.

[@indy-biker-stevie]

I use my vtec for longer trips if I'm on the bike myself & I only got the crossrunner as my son wanted to go pillion, I felt that he was a bit too exposed on the vtec.

[@etherboy3540]

I read somewhere that you can get bar-end weights that help with the vibration. they're not that expensive so maybe worth trying?

[@SPANNERRASH]

Yes, I will have a look into that. Seems like a great idea.

[@will7947]

I went from a 2003 vfr to a 2016 vfr crossrunner (800). I much prefer the upright riding position and wider bars but still get the benefit of that beautiful vfr engine.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I would love to try a cross runner, I suspect they are a very under-rated bike. But they do seem to hold their value, which has stopped me looking at them.

[@will7947]

@SPANNERRASH yes they are a fantastic bike, I love mine. Don't see many of them about on the road, oddly. I wonder whether it was because they were up against the tracer 900 as competition, which objectively has more gadgets and better fuel economy. I've put 11,000 miles on mine this last year and had absolutely no issues! A fantastic sports tourer.

[@MrVulcan1963]

Agree with the points made on this video. I own the 8th gen, and of all the points made the VTEC is something I could do without. This is reinforced due the fact I've personally performed the valve inspection twice, and it is a royal pain.

[@SPANNERRASH]

The 8th Gen does look really nice, I very nearly had one a year or two ago, just got pipped at the post when negotiating. I am not convinced by VTEC, I suspect that it does have a marginal effect on economy and low down power, but I bet it is hardly noticeable. The valve clearances check and adjustment does seem overly complicated. What happened to KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) at Honda, although lack of easy serviceability seems to be being built into all modern bikes and cars.

[@keithbrennan6563]

I’m 45 and this is my first bike. The numb hands bit is spot on. I just thought it was part & parcel of driving a bike 😂

[@SPANNERRASH]

Yes it does seem to be an issue that affects a lot of people. Somebody suggested different bar end weights, I haven't tried it, but thought you might be interested.

[@keithbrennan6563]

@ interesting. I’ll look into that. I’m a complete newbie to the whole biking world so a lot to learn but loving it and loving this bike. She’s a belter. Bought her from another KZbinr in Ireland.

[@SPANNERRASH]

@@keithbrennan6563 Haha no way, if its WheelieGoodTV's VFR, he spent a fortune on it so you'll have done well. 😃

[@keithbrennan6563]

@ the very one ☺️👌🏼

[@SPANNERRASH]

@@keithbrennan6563 Congratulations, I hope the bike is good to you. 😃

[@VFR-Owl]

I have owned two 5th Gen VFR 800's and tend to agree with a lot of what you said. 1 Screen, I fitted a double bubble, it works for me. 2 View over shoulder, Oh Yes, I think my age doesn't help (65) but the lower bars and reaching forwards puts you in a poor position to look over your shoulder. 3 Top Heavy, definitely, though the 6th Gen is slightly heavier due to the double, higher exhausts. Straight/higher bars would be great (see the Japanese Police riding 5th Gen VFR's doing Gymkhana in the wet) but you would have to get longer hoses and maybe throttle cables. 4 Numb Hands, could be reaching to the bars again and putting more weight on your hands. I have problems getting gloves to fit with my long fingers, gloves feel great in the shop but on a ride my fingers and thumbs go numb, I buy the next size up and put up with baggy palms. 5 VTEC, I actually chose the 5th Gen because it didn't have VTEC, I wanted a bike with a flat torque curve, it still goes like stink as the revs rise but it is uniform. Another reason for the 5th Gen was that I wanted to service it myself including shimming the valves, I can do that on my bike, I wouldn't attempt it on a 6th Gen. I keep looking at other bikes (the 750 and now the 1000 Hornets are tempting) but the VFR 750/800 are such iconic bikes that as long as I don't throw another one down the road I think I will keep it, it is 23years old but will outlive me.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I do like the idea of a 5th gen. But haven't got one on my bikes to look at list at the moment. I really liked the 900 hornet with the old Fireblade engine. I could be tempted with one of those.

[@BlinkMDK]

3 years in on an 02 VFR 30,000 miles and 1 breakdown 30amp fuse.cant find anything better. have to agree on the wind issue and screen some suggest cutting it down to trim the noise.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Never thought of that, but I did feel that the standard screen was a little better than the double bubble.

[@dereksonego440]

I bought a 2012 2 years ago and I agree with your comments about the handle bars, l have put on bar risers,different wind screen with a deflector,and after a 300k trip l have a sore neck and tired. I have also bought a set of helle bars which I have not yet fitted as I’m not convinced that they won’t make that much difference. I also have a Honda Varadero 1000 which I can do 500ks plus a day a still feel ok.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I was thinking about helle bars, or maybe street fighter style bars. But it doesn't really make sense when you can see other bikes with that kind of riding position straight out of the box. I'm not surprised the Varedero is and armchair of a ride, I bet it goes well too. It just doesn't get on my list of bikes to look at.

[@CastleandHolmesDecoratingPaint]

I loved the way your wife looks around when you said "£80" 🤣

[@Peter-Alexander]

I noticed it too 😂

[@SPANNERRASH]

We have to be judicious in the way with present the costs of our hobbies :)

[@SPANNERRASH]

I'll have to be careful what I say :)

[@casaamaril]

@@SPANNERRASH 😁

[@TNTma]

I added a laminar deflector. It just serves to make a howling noise now, but the wind deflection is better

[@SPANNERRASH]

First I have heard of howling, not sure I would like that :) A lot of comments have recommended a deflector, I may give it a go, when/if the rain stops :)

[@roycosford546]

Agree 100%. Love mine, my main gripes are, left/right vision even with risers, at junctions. 2/ Riding position is, foot pegs too high, racing style crouch. This I don’t like! 3/ Top heavy👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

Far more comments are agreeing with us, than saying the oposite. Thanks.

[@glennwilliams5920]

Have got one and had it since 2010 having it that amount of time you can tell I obviously love it ( although I did have plenty of other types before it) in context to a few points you made ,started with the stock bars then risers and now have street fighter type bars ( all as i am aging) as it is now has definitely helped with two issues vision and screen wind turbulence ,and it is also better for the numbness problem but not completely.Don’t really notice it being top heavy but then having had it so long don’t really have anything to gauge it against. Personally I like the V tec aspect especially when it kicks in when going faster in the higher gears. What is not good is the MPG especially by today’s bike standards.Why do I not change it probably because I love the engine configuration (V Four) and what that gives me when riding.

[@SPANNERRASH]

They are great bikes. It does seem that the same issues (probably an overstatement) come up for a lot of owners, probably as we are all getting over. It is interesting that you say the higher bars cure/alleviate three of the issues, and probably a fourth. Maybe I should try them. Not sure if I will yet. For me the juryy is still out about VTEC. It doesn't seem to deliver the low down enhancements in any great it is for, whilst not really giving better MPG. My experience with '90s 'Fireblades is that they were great on fuel, even on track days. So Honda did know how to make efficient engines.

[@joebloggs2228]

i have a 58 plate vfr800 bought it in march after selling my fireblade 3 yrs previously i bought the vfr on a whim ..im 6 foot 2 i think its heavy .im not too fussed with them .im getting rid shortly im going to try the africa twin im just looking for something more upright .i

[@SPANNERRASH]

I haven't ridden an Africa Twin, or any of the bigger Adventure Bikes. I wonder what I will find when I do. I'm hankering after a 954 now, to hell with comfort, no let's not go back down that route. YET!

[@andywrollo2915]

I've got a Daytona 650 2004. Moved handlebars to fit new indicator and block on frame holding side stand on snapped off. Dropped bike. Lifted it up. Back hurting, right side and leg hurting since. Had to get block welded back onto frame. It's supposed to be 165 kilos. Was worried a vfr800 would be too heavy to lift. Got plenty low down grunt. My hands go numb. Especially the right. Handles brilliant. Best I've ridden.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Numb hands can be such a nuisance. But dropping the bike is even worse. Love Daytonas, but they are a little too tight for me now, maybe I am just getting old!

[@davidmatthews3093]

In my experience wind noise is far more about which helmet I am wearing than the screen.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I have wondered about that, and I have tried my 2 different helmets. Maybe they are both noisy!

[@tuzo3200]

Power commander and custom dyno-tune changes the VTEC transition and basically changes the bike. Also, low speed throttle on-off sensitivity also is fixed. VTEC on these bike out of the box is terrible as is low speed throttle on-off sensitivity. I have the same year as you.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I never see anybody else commenting about the low speed throttle on-off issue. I thought it was just me. I did cut a lot of me talking about it out of the video. I think that this along with top heaviness and another issue I have found (for a future video) causes me to lack confidence in the low speed capabilities of the bike. At first I thought it was old age and rusty riding after the Winter, but having ridden a couple of other bikes lately there is definitely something (or a combination of a small things) that makes you need a lot more concentration for low speed set offs on this bike. Maybe I would look at your suggestion of a Power Commander and tune, but that starts to put more expense into a bike I might not keep. Thanks for the advice though, it has got me thinking.

[@scottcates]

I bet some handlebar risers would improve things a bit--maybe even peg lowering kit. Bar end weights might cut down on the grip vibrations, too.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I have risers already, but bar end weights are an idea. Not sure if peg lowering is necessary, the seating positon seems quite comfortable.

[@scottcates]

@@SPANNERRASH I've ridden a few hundred K on the ZG1000 and they can have an uncomfortable buzz in the bars, depending on how the countershaft is set. And the addition of bar-end weights sometimes helps to dampen it.

[@casaamaril]

I have the VFR 800 vtec now for two years, I agree it is a great bike, but I do believe that it has given me a tennis arm and sore shoulders. It's hard to look up at the traffic lights sometimes. I have the Moto CNC handle bar risers, but I haven't fitted them yet. Maybe I will

[@SPANNERRASH]

The risers are a 5 minute job, it is in one of my earlier videos on this bike. I don't think they make a tremendous difference, but I would give them a go, you might find a bigger difference for you.

[@MaxGoesPlaces-tn5ku]

Thanks for the video. Do you owe any other helmets? The exo tech is one of the loudest helmets I ever had... You might wanna consider a different helmet to reduce wind noise! Even my new race helmet is a lot more quiet. Cheers!

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks, that is a good thought. I have been thinking that a better helmet might be part of the solution.

[@zxrd2753]

I don’t really understand; the motorcycle should adapt to the rider, not the rider to the motorcycle. Most things aren’t actual problems; it’s simply that this isn’t the bike for you. It’s basically a sports bike adapted to be a bit more comfortable, but it seems like a lot of people here want a trail l bike, so why buy a VFR? The VFR is comfortable but still a sports bike. You could try an R1 or a GSXR and then get on a VFR… Yes, it’s heavy, but the V engine lowers the center of gravity. I’ve never seen anyone say that this bike has stability issues-quite the opposite, you can go very fast, and it’s incredibly stable, which is the advantage that its weight and V engine provide. The real issues with the VFR, at least the VTEC version, are its electrical problems and the stator’s short lifespan due to poor cooling. Other than that, it’s an excellent sport touring bike.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Is any bike completely right. I have had a few. 4 'Blades a GSXR, a YPVS, ZXR sadly never an R1 (yet) plus many others including 2 earlier VFs even a Harley and I am not a quarter of the way through the list. I love having a new (to me) bike. Like I said in the video the VFR is probably the best bike ever, but isn't perferct. I have had a lot of comments from people, like me, that love the VFR and do forgive it, its short comings. As the song says " I still haven't found what I am looking for". Which is probably just as well! I'm hoping my Triumph and CB Cafe Racer builds ( see other vids ) scratch my emotional itch, while I get me kicks riding the VFR. We'll see.

[@davidwrigley5457]

Hi great channel I been thinking of vfr for a while I have cbr 900 sc33 I find my blade cumphy even at 5,4 height Question is what did you prefare?

[@SPANNERRASH]

If you are comfortable on the 'Blade I would stay with it. The VFR is a great bike, and there is more room on so I am more comfortable. Some of the issues I talk about it in this video are common to both, probably wind noise, but I didn't notice on the 'Blade, occasional hand numbness, definitely over shoulder visibility, etc. But the 'Blade engine is much more rewarding, and I think just as efficient. And I never felt it being top heavy, but I didn't have a (very handy) topbox and luggage. But the thing that would do it for me if I was you, is the emotions that the 'Blade gives you which are a big thing with motorcycles. Although sense is leading me to an ADV bike, my heart yearns for a 954 or even a Ducati! Hope this helps. :)

[@davidwrigley5457]

@@SPANNERRASH thankyou helped me grately I want a 954 naw lol No am sticking with it been out 3hrs no ache But I believe out of all the old blades the 954 is best Be interesting see how you get on if you buy one Again thankyou and again great channel Ps I had the 999 ducati it was very top heavy Horridly ride on road but I imagine fantastic on track I wouldn't have another ducati myself I traded r6 for the ducati instantly regretted But you are taller so will not matter so much being top heavy Seat was terrible to lol

[@stevenbrown5237]

Have you considered grip puppies to help with vibes through bars?

[@SPANNERRASH]

Yes, I have been looking for them. I used them on my Sprint in the past, should be somewhere in one of my cupboards.

[@mattadkin4628]

I’ve had my Vfr for 4 years now. Identical to yours. Yep she’s a heavy and I generally agree with most things you said. The biggest problem I find is what to replace it with??! Mines a 2002 with 40k mileage. She’s clean and tidy and does everything I want. Have toured 2 up and it certainly has enough power. I’m at an age where getting my knee down is far gone. I’ve test ridden the z1000sx, 900 tiger gt pro and I also like the look of voge900. But… essentially I need to spend a lot of money to get something that essentially does the same thing…. What would replace it with ?

[@SPANNERRASH]

It's a great question. I was looking at Tiger 800's, but a couple of things have put me off. Welded on subframe, engine not so torquey low down, some say top heavy too! For me though I know that I am unlikely to keep any bike much longer than 1 year, so I am willing to try things out. I have even considered an early BMW GS. I try to keep my bike purchase costs, cost neutral. What I mean is buy well, and sell well usually for what I paid or a little bit more. To be fair I have generally improved the bikes I have. But I won't buy anything unless I think there is headroom for when I come to sell it. I might just stay with the VFR for a while. It is a great alround bike, but it will depend on nothing catching my eye on eBay or Marketplace. I think it would be likely to be more sit up and beg, next, but this isn't a fixed thing. One that is high on my list is a Tuono, but more from my heart than my head. Tuono for the looks, different engine characteristics (I have had a Mille in the past) and the Italian flair. The bikes you have tried are all great bikes, but I wouldn't want to spend the extra to gain so little. I am really not interested in bikes with lots of electronics, so more modern stuff doesn't make the cut for me at the moment. Good luck with your search.

[@stevenhoward8792]

Hi ,just watched your video on the 5 things you hate about your vfr, and I personally agree with most of what you presented, I have unfortunately just sold my 2016 gen 8 because I find it so uncomfortable and I was finding it harder to ride over a extended period of time and like you I was struggling with observation at junctions and roundabouts, my right hand was suffering with numbness and I was constantly having to stretch my hand out , and finally I find the clutch really stiff and again it was hurting my hand after a while particularly in town ,it was my 3rd vfr over the years but I think the gen 8 is more sporty in its riding position and I just couldn't ride it for any distance so unfortunately it had to go 😢

[@SPANNERRASH]

Interesting what you say about the Gen 8. It looks so good, and some of the changes they have made, cooling, vtec, etc, seem to be on the right track. I didn't think about it having a sportier riding postion, which seems obvious now you have mentioned it. Maybe we need an adventure bike next :)

[@ravinvlogs]

Nice video, but please make sure you do up your helmet! You're unstrapped the whole ride! I agree with a lot of your points, I've just got rid of my Vtec. Purchased it blind whilst still bed bound from my crash last year and ended up needing fix issue after issue which after a crash with disabilities was getting harder and harder to keep working on and became too unreliable whilst out riding so sold it to a gentleman who is going to strip it over xmas rebuild it. Areal shame as I suck a lot of money into it and so many hours. I found the vtec annoying tbh. I'm not one to want to have almost abuse the bike to get the full power I've paid for, prefer to have power the whole rev range not half till 6k or so revs. I can see the fuel saving side of it but just felt a bit lacking. I hear a lot of people saying they are fast and such but coming from 1200s it's really not. My partner said she felt the back seat and the way the honda top rack was shaped meant she had more room than most sports tourers she has been pillion on but felt the bike became very back heavy. This was true as even with the rear shock on max the front could lift so easily when accelerating. Would definitely invest in something like a Hagon with the adjuster. In regards to the screen I used to feel it just under my chin so almost wanting to try and lift my helmet at times but I added the extender and it did help. They seem common and feel if you was to sell it the next owner would appreciate it there to be honest rather than see it as damaging the screen. Plus you need to make it more comfortable for you now, not for in the future of ifs or maybe's :) Make sure you adjust your levers so your hands are straighter to your arms. Too many have theirs too high up so your hands then needs to bend back to use them... this puts all the forces and weight onto the palms of you hands and restricts blood flow causing more numbness and discomfort. It's easy to adjust but on the vrf they can only go forward/down so far but even a little adjustment can help. Check it next time you are on... are your has like __ or are they like _/ when using the brake or clutch. Gripping the tank with your knees strongly greatly reduces the weight on your hands and wrists... to the point almost weightless. Try it. If you service the bike yourself you can do all 4 sparks without tanking the tank off for the rear 2. :) Just get it raised quite high (undo the retaining wire). A little tight but I've manage even with big hands. The flapper mod and snorkal removal (both easy and reversable) did smooth out the lower end for me, it was a bit boggy and unresponsive before doing these two things. Check out Kevs Shed for some great videos. Keep an eye on the voltages, would recommend fitting a voltage meter. If you can catch high voltages quickly you can avoid the usual regulator failing causing wires to burn out especially the 3 stator wires and the main fuse B fuse, holder and wires by the battery. Hopefully it helps :)

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks for the long and informative comment. I am still not sold on the VTEC, I don't think the fuel consumption is overly good, so it doesn't seem to help there. My wife finds that the Honda top box hinge can be a nuisance depending upon which jacket she has on. It keeps catching the back protector on some. She prefered my 'Blade for comfort, but no top box. I will have another look at the levers, but I seem to remember there isn't a lot of movement you can put into them. But that may have been on another bike. I have done the plugs and filter. Look back at my earlier videos. It transformed the bike, fron snatchy at low revs to running really well and you can go down to 2.5k revs and there is no issues. I bought a PAIR delete kit and was intending to do the flapper and snorkle, thinking they would help, but the plug service did the trick and the more I read about PAIR delete from people that I felt I could trust the opinion of, the more it didn't seem a good idea. Now it is running great at low revs I don't want to risk changing it. I have fitted a voltage gauge, and already have a MOSFET reg/rec for the future if I keep it. Take care.

[@ravinvlogs]

@@SPANNERRASH Awesome to hear. Maybe with it being half valves until the vtec range it means you have to throttle more to get a reasonable response and acceleration feel this counteracting the fuel saving aspect? It's a heavy bike to be running half power for half the rev range I feel! My top box had the back rest bit on it so my partner said it was ok and hasn't mentioned being caught on the hinges. Maybe worth a try? Have to say I love having the power back with the ZZR1200.

[@ravinvlogs]

@@SPANNERRASH I just realised I watched your video on the sparks a while ago... I remember the BIRDS! :)

[@PaulMappud]

Apart from the pillion seat I found a 90's CBR600 a better all rounder...

[@SPANNERRASH]

That's probably why they sold them by the boatload. They just never looked like a bike I lusted after back then. Now they all seem to be stripped and on the track, probably some really good reasons for that, cheap, easy to mod, reliable and small enough to thrash!! :)

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

I thought it a little Top Heavy with a full tank of fuel too.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I didn't think it would be an issue with the VFR. Makes me long for the low down balance of the 'Blade again :)

[@martinlye7111]

I’ve had my Vfr since 2000 pre vetec love it .low screen standard. Have brought 5 other bikes to improve on it. 1050st. Bandit 1250, versy1000, triumph tiger. Still love Vfr. Had all the same troubles as you. Something to do with 21 stone n 60 years old. Ps was glad to get rid of 1050 sprint. They did good at triumph making a pile of shit look so nice. There’s always royal Enfield

[@SPANNERRASH]

Looks like we both might try a GS before too long. I'd be interest in which Tiger it is and how you found it.

[@martinlye7111]

@@SPANNERRASH tiger 800. Ok for pootle round. Full on throttle count to five before you feel anything. 900 is same. 1050 was ok but never trusted it to start.

[@WheezyAK]

I’ve got an early VFR and I’ve dropped it twice. 🤦🏻‍♂️. Once when I lost my balance and once where it was parked slightly downhill in neutral, on the side stand. I’m getting quite adept at fixing the fairings!

[@WheezyAK]

And I agree about the windscreen, too. Not a lot of protection and gets uncomfortable on a long ride.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Dropping it really put me out. I move bikes in and out of my garage all of the time. And I have had lots of different ones. TBH it was one of the reasons I got rid of the Sprint, but the VFR really caught me by surprise, now I think it has made me over cautious.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I used to do long, into Europe, trips on naked bikes a lot in the '80s and it wasn't something that I ever thought about. Maybe our expectations have changed too. But maybe it is just sending the air into the wrong place.

[@THECONTROVERSIALCYCLIST]

Great video. I have a Honda Transalp 650 and 4 out 5 problems I have, no VTEC on this old girl. You have nailed it with ownership and the lack of thought about it? It's a greAt bike but it's never a bike you think about? 😮😂 May be it's a honda thing??

[@SPANNERRASH]

Read Andre's comment, especially the last sentence, maybe that says it all. You have just moved the Transalp lower down my list of possible future bikes :)

[@hansolsson3409]

I dislike the linked brakes, the vtec and the very poor space below the seat. I also gets numb hands.

[@SPANNERRASH]

The linked brakes don't really offend me, but I haven't had to work on them yet! The space below the seat is an issue, especially coming to it from an early fireblade, which basically had a boot.

[@hansolsson3409]

@SPANNERRASH The linked brakes adds weight and complexity imo. How old/which year was the CBR?

[@SPANNERRASH]

@@hansolsson3409 It was a 1996 SC33, really lovely bike that. I have had a 929 and an SC29 as well over the years. You can't beat a blade really.

[@hectorshouse7348]

Just admit it…you need the Blackbird👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

Sounds appealing on some levels, but not sure the riding postion would be any better. We'll see.

[@cabovermike]

I had a test ride on the previous model and i found it bland, your model looks alot better, i remember a mate hankering after one of the early chocolate cams models and at the time they looked great , i think its a marmite bike,. looking at your biking past you maybe moving this along in the new year ?..

[@SPANNERRASH]

I've had a couple of the ealier models, the were good in their day. Busy with the Triumph at the moment, so no time for bike shoping ;)

[@kpowers9017]

They're solid, but very, very dated now. Sportstourers arent popular anymore for good reason.😊

[@SPANNERRASH]

I can't wait for their replacements to come down to the same price :)

[@davidmallia628]

All reasons not to get one, no matter how much of a legend this bike is. So many more modern, more balanced, bikes to choose from. The boxer GS, the gold wing, on the heavier side, then, on the lighter side, a MT-07, MT-09, Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. Sports bikes with clip-on bars are just not practical.

[@SPANNERRASH]

I suspect that the later bikes would give a lot of advantages, but they don't come into my budget yet. I keep looking at GS's, they are a strong contender for a future purchase. I am not so keen on the Gold Wing, but never say never!

[@davidmallia628]

@@SPANNERRASH Keep a look out. Great Chinese bikes proving to be good all round, not to mention price. Even if you do not buy a new Chinese bike, they will certainly pull down the prices of used popular brands. Take a look at what you get in the Voge DS900X. The engine is made by Locin, based on the BMW F800GS , for whom they have been making the engine for years, now. If anything, used prices will plummet.

[@presstodelete1165]

5 things about you and why you might have chosen the wrong bike?

[@SPANNERRASH]

Maybe every bike turns out to be wrong in some way. Gives a great excuse to buy the next one :)

[@alexhoffam4170]

Very good bike but i find it ugly and the engine has a strange noise to it.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Not things on my list, but I can see where you are coming from.

[@mikehawk9156]

Zzzzzzzzzz

[@SPANNERRASH]

Sweet dreams

[@davidallen3050]

G,day bloke ,,its time for you to come over to the dark side .😂 Harley,s your friend !

[@SPANNERRASH]

Hi. You won't beleive how much I want that bike back. But I really never enjoyed riding it. But I could look and listen to it for days at a time :) I've seen an XR1200 recently that really caught my attention.

[@davidallen3050]

@@SPANNERRASH I'm almost 65 ,ride an older XL1200 ,4 speed Andrews box ,supertrapp ,drag bars . Out of all the bikes I've had in the past ,I have to say my old Harley is the most fun and handle's really well , See you on the dark side bloke.hope this helps 😂

[@andreokazaki14]

Hi from Andre in Canada. Interesting video, as I've had similar feelings with my Yamaha FZ1 (I believe it's called a Fazer in the UK?). Great bike and few complaints, but the issues I had were similar to yours. It's not imagination. If you feel your head getting turbulence, it is a problem. The turbulence from buffeting my head was so bad that I was getting headaches. I got a taller screen and lower handlebars. It improved things but never eliminated it. It was a little buzzy and my fingers would get a bit numb. It was top heavy and in the end, the handling never lived up to my expectations. In the end, a good friend bought it from me and loved it. She was taller than me and travelled on it, and it suited her riding style. On bikes that have you lean forward, shoulder checks are not as easy. For me, my shoulder is in the way and the fact that at 58, I'm not as flexible as I was. Last but no least, I had one bike that made my male parts numb. That's my '09 Ducati 848 Superbike. The original seat was smooth and sloped down at the front, forcing your parts up against the fuel tank. I did some research and I could either replace the seat with an aftermarket seat or have an upholster reshape the original seat. Both were approximately the same cost, so I bought a seat from a company called Sargeant and the difference was night and day. I don't like numb fingers or toes but I had enough of walking like a cowboy till the numbness went away. That Ducati is still with me after 15 years and I still love it. Even after that long when I walk away, I still turn back to admire my Italian beauty.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Hi Andre, sorry I haven't got back to you yet, time just dribbles away when you are making the most of the meagre Summer we have had :) Your last sentence says it all for me! I parked my VFR besides a, VTR SP1 the other day, I know which one I would keep looking at, and thinking about. Definitely food for thought. As you know my limited space means I turn my bikes over a lot more than you do :) I am/have enjoyed the VFR but my eye is roving elsewhere at the moment, especially as bike prices are litterally falling through the floor in the UK. Even classics. I was looking at putting a different seat on the VFR, but didn't feel it warranted the expense at this time. I have my other two bikes that need upholstering next year so they are much higher up my list. But my headache with the Triumph is taking up a lot of my thoughts at the moment. The VFR has really made me think about what I want out of my more frequent riding bike. I did think it was going to be a keeper (for a few years at least) and that I would attend to the issues of comfort etc. Now I am not so sure. No question, they are great bikes, but your last sentence keeps coming back to me! I did think about a paint job, which I do think this bike would benefit from, in the sunshine the silver really pops, but mostly it just looks bland. But there is no way I would put the time into it. I did a great job of my last 'Blade then sold it virtually straight away :) Anyway take care. I will be in touch.

[@queenslander954]

Amazing engine , one of the best ever but Honda would never lower itself to fact check punters that brought them to find out how they could fix all these niggling problems.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Probably not! :)