“A superbly built bike with a smooth power delivery. Whether commuting through town or on twisting country roads, the VFR does it with no fuss. The gear box is a dream with a positive feel dropping in first with a quality 'click' and no drama moving up through the remaining 5 cogs. The engine is possible the best ever made (CBR 600 ? ) with enough power to lift your heart rate or tour 2 up with luggage. Many schools of thought come up with various mods for this engine but what it really needs is leaving alone. The brakes have great feel and power hauling you to a stop with easy 2 finger pressure. The finish on my VFR is still beautiful after 16 years. Is this the best bike ever built ? Probably.”
“Honestly the best all round bike I have owned. (and I've owned many bikes)
I have had almost all the VFR models and rate the 800fi (pre vtec) as the best.
Solid handling, superb linear power delivery and that unique engine noise from the gear driven cams. Reliability has never been an issue build quality is typical Honda.
Highly recommended.”
“I purchased my VFR 800FiX to supplement my VFR 750 FH. The seat on the 800 looked more comfortable than the 750, but unfortunately, this proved not to be the case, after a touring holiday in Spain.
I purchased an Airhawk seat, which improved comfort.
I added a laminar lip screen to the existing screen - improving wind protection dramatically.
Checking / changing valve clearances is a real pain - much easier on the 750.
Fuel consumption averages around 40mpg, whilst my 750 averaged 48mpg.
Overall, the 800 is a very good sports tourer.”
“Everything you read says this bike excels at nothing, but yet , somehow it manages to be more than the sum of its parts. Of course I am not a motorcycle journo, with years testing everything made, but I think it is better than that.
The essentials .........Reliability ; check. There are bikes that have done over 100K miles with nothing but service items replaced. Comfort; check , great seat and it is perfectly sprung. Build quality; definite check . Size , Another check and its a slim bike , plus of course your radiators don't get attacked by everything the front wheel throws at it as they are mounted on the sides. As for the rest, well its all good. Looks good, that V4 sounds great and you will never feel embarrassed getting off a VFR. Some bikes have this myth around them or a certain reputation. The proof is in the riding. Is the VFR as good as they say it is ? Yes, it is and I think it is better. Most are the wrong side of 15 years old now and they still do exactly what it says on the tin and a little more. If you look at the bike market, its a myth to me why these bikes are so cheap. Its a harsh reality that these days your £ doesnt go too far . I am amazed then that you can get a well looked after VFR for little cash. Decent examples seem to start at £2000 and that people , is knock down rock bottom for such a great bike. Get them whilst you still can.”
