Honda’s VFR has a following of riders that simply would not ride anything else. Is it the fantastic V-four engine with its gear driven cams, is it the switch like relationship between the throttle and the back wheel? Maybe it’s the fuel injection that was added in 1998 and gave the bike some attitude, no, owners were mad about VFR’s before that. Who knows but a VFR rider. Honda have still incorporated all the qualities into the new machine that made previous models popular, and they would have been mad not to.

Splendid comfort for rider and pillion alike, a range of 200 miles on a tank full of fuel, a lighter and more responsive frame and slightly sportier suspension complete with a neat body makeover, just keeps pulling people into the showrooms and the VFR800fi sells itself.

The engine is a 781cc 4-stroke V-four with 16 valves and fuel injection, driving through a 6-speed gearbox and chain putting out 105bhp.

The chassis is a new aluminium twin-spar affair, with 41mm forks at the front and a single sided swingarm at the rear. Rear single shock with rising rate linkage is fully adjustable.

17-inch wheels at both ends with a 180-section tyre at the rear giving access to all the latest sports or touring tyres depending on the use. Twin discs on the front squeezed by 4-pot Nissin calipers and the disc on the back has 2pistons. Brakes have Honda’s now famous CBS linked braking system, like by some and not by others.

With a top speed of aver 150 mph and fuel consumption at a reasonable 40mpg the VFR offers a good combination of speed with economy.

Instrument layout is excellent, with extras, such as, ambient air temperature, engine temperature, two trip-meters, odometer, fuel gauge and clock. The bike is supplied with an under seat U-lock and a centre-stand, both adding to the weight, but they are practical everyday requirements.

Build quality, reliability and finish are all excellent and are to Honda’s usual very high standard. Fairing protection is good, keeping the elements off the rider and has built in vents to redirect the airflow while keeping the rider cool in traffic.

The VFR appears to be all things to most men and will cruise the Autobahns effortlessly, while not complaining at a bit of scratching round the twisty bits either. The engine is an absolute jewel, Honda having thrown vast amounts of money at its development in an effort to recover from previous V-four reliability problems. But that was a long time ago and these worries would appear to have subsided. Pity they have not looked into the problem of clunking when engaging first gear, seems to have afflicted most Hondas for nearly 20 years.

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Last updated 16/03/02