Classic Hondas - Fireblade vs VFR750. An owner's view 

Regardless of which is 'best', can we agree that the 90's era Honda's were truly the brand's golden age. From Cub to Goldwing, they literally had the class leader in every category...

I now own my second VFR750FV, and there great. I think the only winner there is you for owning both bikes. Lucky boy.

I Loved your retro bike comparison. Hopefully more to come. I own a VFR750FR for over 22years now and it run over 100k miles. It has a lot of modifications undertaken e.g suspension upgrade (WP) dynojet mod. Full stainless steel exhaust system (Delkevic) Scorpion carbon exhaust. Hel brake lines. Heatergrips! Best mod ever. And more… Sometimes I I feel lonely on the road with all those GS’s these days. I love to talk to those riders about the VFR and tell them whats not on it….. ABS traction control fuel injection TFT and a lot more I guess. And yes, I still dare to ride it..

Thanks for a very thoughtful video. I own a 97 VFR and love it. A bit like you say in the video and comments, it feels faster than the engine power would suggest and it also feels a lot heavier than the weight would suggest. A brilliant all rounder as long as you aren't riding sub 5mph.

I have owned both. With mentioning the white tank 900rr is a rare HRC paint scheme 😁 I wish you had gone a little bit more into the over engineered gear driven cam VFR engine but that aside, great video. This level of Honda will never be seen again. No ABS, No electronic aids, just man & machine. The 20 somethings have no clue what real motorcycles are all about

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these 2 machines, i found it really informative !, i own a 2001 Blade & a 95 & a 91 vfr, all great bikes in their own rights, the blade i have to say has the edge in terms of power, agility & a deep storage space under the pillion seat, keep them coming, love them all ❤️👌🏻🏍️💨

I love "old" Hondas. They age so well

RC36 was my favourite bike when I was young. I still love them.

Enjoyed your thoughts on the bikes- I have a 97 Viffer and a 99 Blade and the two are so different in character that they are not really comparable. The VFR is my every day go anywhere, do anything bike and the Blade is a fun toy. The VFR is the keeper...

That was relly well done and entertaining, you done well on describing the merits of both machines, but I'm gonna stick with my vfr

Really good vid this mate 👌 I own a 1995 sc28 fireblade and my brother has just today bought a 1996 rc36 vfr750! It's going to be a fun summer!!

I had a Honda VFR-750 American version which is just a little different than the one you have in your video. One of the differences between the two is that the American version. The blinkers are not set into the faring like so your VFR are. But instead they put the blinkers on those usual black rubber mounts on each side of the bike. Kind of like your CBR 900RR has, but back then I bought a kit that I could put the blinkers. Pretty much in the same areas on your VFR. That and of course like you I put a bunch of aftermarket parts. On my VFR starting with of course a new exhaust system and then I had the front suspension revalved and a new rear shock setup for my riding style. I also did the same thing as you and put a better taller windshield on it. That really helped for those long rides because even though the VFR. Is a very comfortable touring type sport bike that can do or go just about anywhere anytime. It's the small little upgrades that can make a big difference between. Getting off and feeling like a Pretzel for the next hour like on something like your CBR. I know this because when I had my VFR, it was the second year for the Honda RC-51\RVT 1000 V-Twin. And my local Honda Motorcycle dealer happened to be a good friend of mine. He only could receive 5 of them each year and I wanted to wait until the first year. Before I pulled the trigger on buying one just in case there were some problems with them. Like Honda did with the first version of the VFR and having issues with the either the cams or something in the valve train. Anyway, back to what I was talking about with feeling like a Pretzel. After riding for a long time was exactly how I felt when I got off of my RC-51. And one of the reasons I originally bought my VFR was that it looked a lot like the Honda NR-750. That was my dream bike back in the day, but ended up being a huge failure. Because of the engine design having oval pistons and rings. But from what I have heard is that when a NR-750 was running perfectly. They had a maximum RPM of around some 14000 but was still low on Horse Power. By the way, when I had my Honda RC-51 I just had to put some aftermarket parts on it as well. I pretty much did the same thing as with my VFR but step it up a notch. And spent some big bucks on the suspension upgrades, not to mention the exhaust system and the HRC stage two performance upgrade package. Which included a new and much better rear swingarm, and some internal engine parts. My riding buddy had a motorcycle performance shop. Which included a Dynometer that we put my RC-51 on while it was still in stock condition. It pulled around 128 HP during the three test runs we did on it. After I had my local Honda shop install the HRC stage two performance upgrade package on it. I probably could have done it with my riding buddy at his shop. But I wanted to keep the warranty and the only way to do that. Was to have a authorized Honda shop install it. But afterwards we put it back on my friends Dyno and now it pulled a good 142 HP. Man was it fun to ride on track days where I could really open it up!!!

Two lovely bikes, i think you have the best blade in the best colour. I had the 5th gen vfr800fi...great bike but heavy and over complicated to work on. I now own a CBR900RRX and absolutely love it in every way.

Cool video. I never owned or rode a VFR but always admired them for the engine noise and the single sided swing arm. Pretty racing looking for a sports tourer as well. I did own 4 Fireblades though, an RRV and 3 RRWs. I agree with pretty much everything you said about them, I had a real love affair with the things. Personally (having thrown the RRV down the road at high speed with a monster tank slapper!) I'd consider changing the 16" front wheel for the CBR600 17" .. although I never actually did the swap on future bikes. I guess I concluded that Baba knew what he was doing, but still ... they were prone to slap a bit when pushed ... terrifying ! lol. Super bikes though in every way. On a '96 CBR600F3 these days which is much more forgiving and still got a bit of punch, but I do miss the kudos and rawness of the Blade. A real animal, an iconic bit of motorcycling design and history. Cheers for the video, enjoyed it.

Had both the rrv & rrw loved them both. Enjoying a zx12 and v2 tuono at the moment but still miss my old carb blades, might have to get another😂

Watching this one, long form. My style. Makes me feel like i am learning something

Hey i have a honda vfr 750 f rc 24 from 1986 and i love it the best bike in the word nothing come close to the honda vfr the best bike ever made in the hole world its my opinion

Nice bikes ,love you're videos 🎉,I'm struggling between 3 bikes vfr rc 36 ,the fireblade ,and a suzuki 750 srad,but I must say the vfr is leading🎉🎉 greetings from holland

I had a monoshck VFR750, it was stolen, I tested a CBR900 as a possible replacement. I took along my girlfiend (who was lightweight and very practiced pillion). Lesson learnt... You put a girl on the pillion and the CBR is completely unstable. I just touched a puddle in the road in a corner and it went sideways. Yes it has amazing handling and I could catch that and spend a fair amount of the time on the back wherel (not the best way to corner). I live in France and do long distances touring with Girl on the back and baggage thrown over VFR does that VERY well. Solo, without baggage it is still fast compared with 99% that you will meet on the road. On my current VFR800 I came up behinf a brand new 911 softop who was reving and bullying traffic. I slipped in behind him and out of a roundabout Screamed npast him at 12 000 RPM. He didn't know what hit him. It is fast enough in these times of Radar.

That VFR is the best version of the best bike ever made .. such wonderful engine breaking ..

So interesting this comparison! Btw, it's not the first time you're talking about super sport bikes in front of a graveyard😂. I guess that's just pure coincidence 😊. Thanks for this great video.

Interesting video, it’s always good to hear other opinions.. I have a ‘99 Fireblade, and 6 other 90s era sport bikes.. But I just had delivered yesterday, a totally original 1991, VFR750 with 14k miles, in white (I wanted a white one 😊).. But as I haven’t ridden it yet (thank you UK weather 🌧️) I can’t make a comparison. I’ve had my Blade 5 years, and it’s a great bike..but I haven’t bonded with it as I have my other bikes. It’s a typical Honda, it does most things well. And even after 25 years, it’s still doing things well, even though modern fuels are determined to bugger those things up. I have just refitted the carbs after cleaning.. & boy were they horrible.. Ethanol 👎🏼 I am looking forward to putting some miles on the VFR. I may then return back to this video with a better understanding of both. Cheers for the video 👍🏼

I own the same VFR, but a MK1 FireBlade. I personally look upon them as very different motorcycles, with the blade my choice if I want to go a bit mad, but the Veeeefa my go to machine for a comfortable more relaxed ride.

Lovely comparison, I would choose the VFR cause of it's timeless design but I'm biased

I owned an earlier VF1000F, and that big V4 was a wonderful lusty engine and full of character. Brakes scared the shit out of me though!

Don't forget the Yamaha YZF750 R Probably beats both of these but over shadowed by the Blade launch Just thought I would mention the shy one !!!

Im glad I kept Ikept my 1990 26k miler. In red of course

rc36/2 is still a beauty even by todays standards.. but so is the sc33!

You just cost me £2k but i feel it may be the best 2k i ever spent. Bought a beautiful 97 rc36 model. If its anything like as enjoyable as the RC30 I had 28 years ago I'll be very happy. Really good intelligent review, thanks.

I have both the same models. Pretty much all the same views as yours except I much prefer the fireblade. Its a huge win for the blade on my eyes. Its supposed to be a sports bike but compared to modern sports bikes it so comfortable and nice to ride. The vfr is just sooooo heavy even if the gearbox and clutch are way better. I swear its way heavier than quoted. I also feel the fireblade is lighter than my R1s. It would be great to actually weigh them to compare. Ps great video but a little constructive critisism, a few less (erm's) in your talks would be better 😊

Had the rrt blade and it was a weapon on the road. Weaknesses included fragile 2nd gear and a propensity for eating steering head bearings due to ease of wheelying😆. Economical and would tour at 60mpg (measured) commute (commuted daily on mine) and wipe the floor with most bikes of the day until the aprilia mille rsvr came along. Great bike. Reliable, fast and great fun.

I have the very same issue in finding neutral on the blade. Can be a right pain!

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think you have quoted wheel bhp for the VFR,and crank bhp for the blade.....I'm sure it's atleast 105 bhp for the 750 as a direct comparison to the 900. Good video,thanks for the upload

Enjoyed, visit Minneapolis and do a similar video on my 97 VFR and 98 VTR1000f Superhawk- why stop ? I call em Honda gold

Having also ridden both of the above mentioned bikes, I’ve owned a 97 Vfr same colour as yours since the last 6 years.Here’s a list of the changes made; 🟢 Sbk Handlebars 🟢 „GeL“ seat insert 🟢 YSS rear shock 🟢 Progressive fork-springs 🟢 V-Trec hand Levers You’re feeling good and hardly tyred after long hauls. I’m using Hepco Becker Journey (42Lit each side!!!) for hard luggage when touring. Positively unrecognizable after the above mentioned changes. My back hurts after 60mins of riding the Blade, a Vfr‘s got more long distance sympathy 😉 Thanks for an informative review…

fireblade , are you considering the airbox mod on it? its very effective the gearbox yes could be better, when coming to a halt be sure you downshift before. could try different oil. i am switching to motul. have to try it out . will let you know.

Well, I find myself here again. We seem to share the same taste in bikes… truly the Golden Age of Honda. I own the exact same model VFR and the slightly earlier SC28 Blade, and I would agree with you on most points. Both truly great bikes that hold their own in the modern world. Honda’s build quality from that era was jewel-like. If I had to keep only one, it’d be the Blade, as I have the iconic Urban Tiger color scheme, and it still has that snarling, squat presence. To keep one purely for riding, I think it would be the VFR, as it is that bit more comfortable and refined for my ageing bones and back nowadays, but can still hitch up its skirt, accompanied by that V4 symphony. An interesting design feature of the VFR was that the fairing was designed to look like a Samurai helmet from the front. Could I ask what brand that tasteful carbon can is, as well? Keep up the good work.

Nice channel, curious which one I will rate higher, I own a VFR 750 1995 and last Saturday I test drove and bought a Fireblade 1999 blue/white/gold. I thought it would be nice to own a 90's Fireblade for once after previously owning a Blackbird 1996 and now the VFR 750. For me the VFR 750 beats the Blackbird, more agile, V4 sound, more sport than tour, livelier and more character. After the test drive, the Fireblade already beats the VFR 750 and Blackbird on maneuverability and appearance, curious about the rest. Also test drove a 1995 Fireblade with superbike handlebars and lower footpegs, felt even more comfortable than my VFR, but technically and visually not as good as the 1999 Fireblade.

The VFR definitely looks and sounds better! Just a shame they are so heavy and the power doesn't match the delicious V4 noise!

I’ve god a 1996 ‘blade and love it, but very intrigued by the VFR (had an NC30 before). Is the seat hump standard / Honda? Never seen a VFR with one, and looks ace,so much better than the big double seat

VFR tank range : I’m getting 207 to the fuel light then 30 more to empty so your figure of 160 is very low. I just did a run up to Wales and back 240 miles each way and the fuel light came on at 207 and 208 miles

omg, owned that 1996 VFR. for about 10 years. Smashed by someone passing on the right. I loved that cycle. Never wanted anything else. The red-line was 11.5?

the Fireblade has a much better "luggage trunk" under the seat.. opends with the key and the passengerseat pops open with room for your lock/gloves etc. the vfr has nothing realy. i had a blade like that and i have a vfr like that now. i do miss my blade. theyr both good bikes. the estatic finish on the vfr is exelent though.. with its passenger hump and indicators build into the fairing. personally i loved the blade better. but the fuelgauge and clock, more comfortable seating position turn out to be very convieniënt.

Hi, where dis you bought your vfr windscreen?

Mid-90s Hondas. That's all you have to know.

Very simple... The RC36 I is just the Best Honda ever...

Got a vfr just in black. Was looking for a blade for that extra kick. But i think ill stick with vfr , powerfull enough to take you to Jesus 😂 and an engine which is nearly unbreakable🎉. Any idea if there is a cbr engine at tough as the vfr 🤔 Thnx for a gr8 video.lovely bikes both Cheers from Denmark

💪💪👏👏

Good video mate how ever you say you can get 160 miles to the tank I have owned 3 vfr750 and I can tell you that 200 miles is easily available fully luggaged up touring across Europe

The reason you find i hard to find neutral on your fireblade is because of your clutchbasket is worn. I had the same problem on my 97 fireblade and after a new outer and inner basket, it's perfect again. The only problem is - there is no new baskets to buy, so u can use a file to make it smooth again.

Vfr is 230 kg dry I have both mine is 93 vfr 750 though my cbr 919 is same year .

I couldn't decide what I liked so I took a vfr and 900rr and married them together. Every thing in front of the engine is 900rr everything behind is a vfr 😂

You should have added a “ease of maintenance” section too 😢

Wasn't the fox eye less than 919cc?

Don’t you think putting that VFR against a 600 would make a better match? If you had one….

lol the 900 RR isnt even in the same class the VFR 750 is just a sport tourer with a bit more on the sport side but it just didn't have the power most of the other sport bikes had of the time. An updated VR750 interceptor from the 80s Honda just didn't put more sport into the bike I think due to they have the CBR line for that .Now I like the v four hell I really like the 800 VFR but the VFR just didn't have the power that a lot of the other sport bikes had at the time the VFR is more of a long huge ride or ride to work bike the 900 RR is more of a race around on the weekend sport bike take it to the twisty roads or a track day

Not sure why you would make a comparison between these two, they are chalk and cheese!

If you're trying to define 'best' then you first of all need to define 'best at what'?

There is no winner, that's why this guy bought both off them..and why not? They are allmost for free these days. You buy them all 2 for about 3k...

i got the vfr but its not in very good condition sadly. i wish i can find a vfr 4 or 5 gen in perfect condition like urs

You are comparing chalk with cheese, totally different bikes for different purposes. 👽