2 year review of my 1998 Honda vfr 800 fi 5 gen Help support the channel with a tip! withkoji.com/@... Socials ▼ ► Instagram - bit.ly/37XzEGz ► Facebook - bit.ly/31o8UN3
After I sold my red RC24 VFR 750F, I bought a red 2001 VFR 800FI in 2003 but I had to sell it in 2007 with about 8000 km. 13 years have passed, and in 2020 October I bought a red 2001 VFR 800FI again. :) I like this bike, I have a lot of beautiful memories. :)
Aaaaah reunited at last :D It's good to hear you bought another one, but then again, theres no other bike like it, unless you wanna buy an RC45 :P Red is the best too haha
I did the same thing. Bought a 2001 new and rode for 5 years before selling it. Then in 2020 I bought another 2001. Had to have one again! Staintune exhaust FTW! 🏁
I miss my 98' VFR so so so much. Everything you say is spot on. Wish I never sold it. Flawless and reliable. It was my last bike I owned. I was an every day rider off and on for 20 years. I've owned at least 5 bikes and was blessed to not ever go down. The sound of the gears winding up like a jet engine flying over head still thrills me. Great video.
I bought a 09 VFR800 in 2011 and shortly after bought a 01 VFR (5 Gen), so now I have 2 VFRs. At just over 100k miles, the 09 started to burn coolant, not n external leak but one internal into one of the cylinders. Ended up grabbing a 99 VFR800 engine and replaced the engine in the 09 with it. So now I have 2 gear driven cam VFR engines but 2 different style VFRs. The 01 is my official track and play bike and the 09 is my commuter/tourer, love them both and will try and keep both of them running for as long as I can!
Bought my '99 in 2005 with 3000kms, now have 120,000kms, only once did it have a problem, the dreaded R/R, replaced with Honda's upgraded version with larger fins. Thought about trading it in on a new VFR about 5 years ago, but changed my mind, in my mind I already own the best Bike on the planet....
Dude, you just menfioned everything i needed to hear at this point in time. I own a '98 VFR 800 fi, mine's silver. I was shopping around for a new bike. Was lusting after a Aprilia RSV 1000 factory. Great sound, more power, better specs and suposedly a more engaging ride. The dealer said he'd knock 900 off the deal for trading in the VFR for the RSV. I know..he's got to sell it with some profit, but to me that was almost insulting. I've spent that amount on upgrades and maintanance last year! Granted, the VFR may be the less sexy of the two, but she is never shy of power (and torque!), rides and sounds phenomenal. And then there is reliability.. Nuff said. I am hanging on to this baby 'till she dies. And that may take a decade. Cheers for this nudge into reality where the grass is as green as i could want it to be ;) Nice vid!
That is insulting considering they are not dropping in value, trading in is never worth it! What year was the RSV? Could you buy it and also keep the vfr? I would love a big Italian v twin but you will need a backup bike haha. I think the vfr will turn to rust before the engine dies 😉
@@RHauto To keep the VFR and buy this sumptuous v twin would be the best option. Not to my wife, however. When i'd have to order a part for the RSV i'd still have a bike to ride for the remainder of the year ;) The RSV is a 2006, but kind of a Frankenstein café racer build, so not (entirely) a factory after all. If you fancy a gander, check moto puro website. Thanks again!
I watched this to help motivate me to get my 5th gen VFR back on the road. It's gonna take some serious work, but nothing else I can find will fit the midsized role with that amazing sound!
I have a 4th gen 97 VFR. Ive had her since April '21 and have added just over 10.000km since then. She's now done 91.000km in total. I ride her in winter (I fitted heated grips), I commute on her, she stands outside and doesn't get cleaned regularly, though I do necessary maintenance. I have even crashed her twice. Yet she keeps running and keeps putting a big smile on my face, especially above 7500 revs. She has never let me down, always starts right up. I will never sell her (unless maybe replacing her with a better condition 97 VFR). Looking to change the suspension to something harder for better cornering confidence and replacing the seat cushioning... other than that she's perfect to me. Keep the rubber side down, happy riding!
Sounds like you've found "the one" :D 90s VFR' is the only bike I've come across where people say more good things about them than bad. Its good to know we have nothing to complain about! haha
Proud owner of a red '98. Bought with 25.000 km, now i'm almost at 80.000. Bulletproof bike, except for some issues to clutch and brakes. Pulls like a tractor at midrange, fantastic sound, terrible gas mileage (13 km/l in any condition). Absolutely LOVE it. I will let it go only when i die!
wuuut?? i was looking and thinking about this as it has fuel injection and it's newer than a v45 magna (and v65) which i thought it has a worse fuel consumption since it's a carburated and old v4 lol
@@Antanixthat doesn't sound good .. the difference should only be 0.3 l/ 100 kms. At least if you compare the averages of around 1000 self reports online of the 1998 versus '00/'01's However, trashing a bike non stop, doesnt really matter how big the engine is, will always burn fuel like crazy, I'm talking about 10l/100 kms crazy.
@@Rutch most of reports are from US riders. All the owners of a '98-'99 in Italy report the same consumption as me. I think that the same model year in other countries has an ECU setting much more oriented towards saving fuel and emissions.
Oooo I Like where you put those daytime running lights, "yoink" and now DnB, nicest looking, yup i'm subbing within a min...👍👌👍 Just bought my first 98 5th gen...😊
I bought a 5th gen (98) vfr 2 years ago with 44k miles. now it has 62k miles. Only done oil changes, tiers and breaks. The bike runs flawlessly. I am taking it in for a tune up soon. but yeah you can’t beat Honda’s reliability.
Bought my 97 Vfr750 five years ago with 18k Km‘s, now up to 51k Km‘s. Done the suspension, last year (2021) progressive springs up front and an YSS shock rear (which is a bitch to change!) and was rewarded with impeccable handling on Michelin. Once set up I left sports bikes in the mirrors through the Austrian alps. They’re kinda addictive in the sense that I‘m always contemplating distant places to go than before on any other bike. Changing headrace bearings was easy cos the tank and fairing didn’t need to be removed. Averaging out with mixed riding at 5.5Lit per 100Km‘s and am able to comfortably exceed 300Km‘s before re-fuelling however, nobody else can on other bikes I sometimes ride with with can handle that. Am also able to empty the tank in 200Km‘s going into warp-drive! Thanks for a decent review and best greets from Germany ps; I miss County Clare
You got the last of the 4th gen, nice! Its definitly a plus having the extra range in the tank. Hopefully I'll get around to upgrading the suspension on mine and it will feel like a brand new bike again. Thanks for the comment, and you're more than welcome back ;)
Getting one on Saturday 2000 model, must say I was a bit concerned about buying it, but after watching videos and a bit of research I'm convinced this is the right bike, so thanks for decent reviews.
I feel like I could have said a bit more but the main point I want to make is, if your looking for a bike that won't let you down, you've found it. Enjoy the many happy miles of motoring :)
I bought my silver VFR800fi in 2000 and have covered a good 140.000 km to date. Right at the beginning a typical VFR problem occurred. The regulator of the alternator and the alternator broke! Since then, only wearing parts and oil have been changed! The VFR is indestructible and doesn't even have any measurable oil consumption. In short, I love my VFR as much as I did on the first day! Best regards from Germany
I’ve got an original VF750, 1983 and although they had a pretty bad rep mines been fantastic, I’m now looking at an 800 to join it. Was going for a 6th gen but just the sound of the gear driven cams over the 6 is enough for me!
I have the chance to buy this bike as my first bike. A friend is letting one rotting away in a barn. From everything ive seen so far these machines are amazing. Im getting all excited Tnx for the review, it really enhanced my hype even further
Glad you enjoyed. It will be a great acomplishment when you get it on the road as your first bike 💪 They are really unique and I think overlooked, considering yours is in a barn. Hopefully you can rescue it 😁
mine was my 98 zx6r,only one major service at 18k miles no more only oil n filter changes up until 70k miles,I tagged it rotten and it never let me down totally reliable
I just crached my zzr1100 wich i loved. It always worked, and drove like a canonball (straightline) and was great for touring. Now im looking what to buy when ensurance comes in. And i am thinking of a FVR 800 Vtec. I hope it doesnt lack power comparing to the big ol Zed.
I bought my vfr800 as a first bike its one from 2005 and had only 30 km. On in that is roughly 18 to 19 k miles. The first test ride I was sold. Nothing to compare it with a mt07, the bike I did my course on. The vfr felt fantastic for those 15 to 20 minutes. Btw your channele, especially the vfr videos are so underrated mate. And that accent is amazing. Loved to watch this video
Wow, pretty much brand new! The closest you can compare it to is a Ducati, but the prices are way off then haha. I've never ridden an mt07 but had similar, a Kawasaki er6n with a fuel injected paralell twin. Couldn't compare it to the vfr in any way, its in a league of its own! Thanks for the feedback :)
Have mine coming upto two years now and planning to keep it another 5! Daily commuter.. plenty of bits and bobs done but the only real thing was that regulator rectifier! She's a keeping.. here from the south east 👌✌️
Awesome to hear man! We might bump into eachother some day haha. The reg rec is the only thing I fear on the vfr, but in fairness it could fail on any bike just as much! Always good to keep a spare in the parts bin, even just to rule out problems ;) Keep er lit
If you're a bike rider and you've had different bikes but not tried one of these yet I don't think you would be disappointed they are well up for it ,,
Hi, just fitted a high level black widow to my 1998 vfr 800. the centre stand is now too low when it hits off the rubber bung. Did you have any such issues?
Hi Greg, is the link pipe installed correctly? It should fit closely to the rear tyre when mounted, I'm thinking maybe it's twisted and sticking out/lower than where it should be? Hard to say without seeing it
I bought my 1998 VF our 800 gear driven and love it I bought it when I was 27 and 42 now I’ve put about 40,000 miles on it I just pulled it out of the garage it started right up just need some TLC
Great vid bud👍. I got my 99(2000 registered ) last year, 13300 miles on the clock, £2k.... a steal! Been toying with the idea of getting a big trailly, xt600e or gs650 to replace it, fancy a bit of forest track adventure, but I know as soon as I watch a video like this I'd end up greetin!(crying🤣). It's just so bloody gorgeous 😍 I had the standard can off to fit a new tyre the other day, the sound was pure ear porn! Your can sounds amazing. Also lovin your black indicator lenses and silver wheels. Reckon I'll be keepin it.
They are great bikes bud! I'm looking for one myself at the moment, but it's hard to source something decent in Dublin and the surrounding areas. All the best pal!
Agree, I also have a 98 Red and personally I think it is one of the most beautiful bikes on the road along with my black Honda Blackbird. I will confess though that I think the 4th gen tail looks better imo.
I purchased a1998 5th Gen Vfr in June 2021 . Traded my 1997 Honda blackbird in for it .Took Vfr out for test ride and was sold. Vfr is more comfortable and better handling with more than enough power for real world riding. Bike is standard and came with scotoiler fitted and Givi rack so my top box from blackbird fitted and added Givi panniers and heated grips.
Interesting. I see the Blackbird as the next step up from the VFR, heard lots of great feedback from people who've owned one. Glad to hear you enjoy the 5th gen more, as most of who I've talked to have never ridden a VFR to compare. Thanks for the comment :)
@@RHauto Hi mate that’s the general consensus. But this was my second blackbird and I find the VFR better in my opinion. It’s quick enough, comfier and same build quality. Vfr more character due to V4 engine and gear driven cams.
I'm in my 50's and have owned in excess of 100 bikes in my time, greedy I know but these bikes are arguably the best motorcycle ever built with everything taken into consideration. I bought one a few months ago am really enjoying it. I've been through everything on it and done a proper service, fixed the linked braking system and just love it. It's happy around town and if you have to, will still show almost 160mph on the clock pushing on. Great bike, and hopefully a keeper. It's done 29000 and 22 years old.
I’ve had two Honda 1999 vfr800s and two Honda 90cubs, both types are bulletproof but I’ll give the crown to the Cubs basically because being only 90cc they have to work way more at their limits than the 800s. Happy daze
These where the last of the proper Honda builds. Sold my 98 only after having to ride through deep water which screwed the after market immobiliser. Definitely the one bike I have loving thoughts about still. It had Ducati character with Honda engineering reliability. 80k and still pulling strong.
Nice vid, Bro! I have the exact, same, damned bike in Frogland, and I swear it will be my last! Well, maybe it will kill me in the process, but it will definitely be my last bike! It's simply the best. It even seems to have a soul, and the sound of that geared engine, its growl and its endless acceleration just put a spell on me. But you sure know what I mean, right ;-)
My Gen 5 VFR 800 which I unearthed in a shed 12 years ago and rebuilt is the best bike I have had in 40 years, I have other bikes and a Scooter for work but I am never selling the VFR, just spent a week in the IOM with it, 1600 miles in a week with no hint of complaint on a 26 year old restored bike. I have no idea what the true mileage is it had no instrument pod when I acquired it.
what brake rotors do you have under that thing? they look really off. and from first glance looks like the braking surface is much smaller than the OEMs or other aftermarket options
Just some spurious set of wavys the previous owner fitted, can't find them online so my guess is they are old. I see what you mean though, but they seem to work pretty well, can't really fault them!
@@RHauto ah alrightt. They look very off to me. If and when those are done for. I can definitely recommend EBC rotors + pads. Just fitted them to mine a few thousands kms ago and its a notable difference. Also the maintenance intervals never talk about fork service. Which is complete bull. Definitely also recommend having the forks serviced (new oil) makes a huge difference in rideability
@@ariesblade1 I do prefer the look of the oem rotors now that I see them, I'll definitely look into the EBC ones if I do change them over. +1 on the fork service.
@@RHauto glad i could help you a little! EBCs look similar to OEM ( the non-wavy pattern) Btw appreciate the channel my good man 👍 stumbled on it a few months ago. Great content!
The oil in the airbox may have been the engine case breather. It can be a common "issue". On a side I have a VFR800Fi. It has been in storage for years... Got scared off the roads... Started up first time after 5 years. Mental.
You really want to see how the VFR 800 FI 1999 is doing ... Watch the videos 😉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Rh956zTVk90.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LYCVgiqnSi4.html
Reliable? 100% My 1998 ST1100 is less reliable than my 2001 VFR800. Real world riding, does what the ST can do. Commuting, camping, touring. Would never sell my VFR800 5th gen, it's just too good as an all rounder. People don't realise that Honda basically overengineered the VFR motor due to the VF failures in earlier models. The engine in the 5th gen is a jewel. Best of the bunch. Cockpit dash and riding position allow all day riding with 150 - 200 miles a day. And that's after reaching your camp destination, normally a ride of about 200-250 miles. The VFR engine prefers the premium unleaded for mpg and performance 👌
@RHauto I'm yet to find a bad review and can't find any local to me, so unfortunately have to order from further afield and pay for delivery. I'm sure I'll like it.
@@RHauto Nah I use mine, but only on dry warm sunny days. It's still like new. I got it at 4,200 miles. I asked about your exhaust as I recall you fitting a BW one some time ago. It sounds epic. I have got a Delkevic hi mount stainless steel oval one 350mm which I think sounds ok. I took the pillion foot rest off on that side. I also found using a rubber bushing mounting the exhaust hanger to the rear subframe of the bike was helpful in reducing buzz and vibration from the exhaust attached to the engine being transmitted to the subframe and seat. I also bought the SS headers as well although the std ones on the bike are MINT still like new so I am now reluctant to change them as many have said it won't make any difference to the bike performance. I had it on a DYNO last summer and it is putting out bang on what it should be 98.4bhp. I have got a PC 3 to fit to it as the idle is a bit lumpy whether this is the starter valves needing balancing or fueling I don't know. I hope to take it back to the bike tuning place and DYNO for them to fit the PC and tweek it in the summer. As I say yours sounds epic. Mine maybe needs more running in or just use. I put Super in mine and it seems to run so much better. ATB.
@@alexmorgan3435 if its been sitting around a few years first thing that comes to mind would be perished rubber hoses, maybe a tiny air leak somewhere making it run lumpy, maybe you've addressed this already but it should be something simple. I wonder would the stainless headers sound raspier compared to stock ones, but even at that, its alot of messing about swapping them over. Best of luck with it anyway, keep it mint and maybe it will end up in a museum someday lol
@@RHauto Thanks for your reply. Engine and ancillaries are all mint still. Something isn't right though. Throttle below about 3.5k revs is very snatchy. Maybe the throttle cables just need lubing? Hopefully I can get it sorted out this year. I need to take it to some one who knows a thing or two about 5th gen VFRs.
Hi my vfr battery 1 then r and r no 1. Stator OK r and r no 2 professionally installed latest one non honda and second battery. Both times boiled my batteries . It's good now no breakdowns just pure v4 fun with yes a slightly loud can.
Hello. I’m new to your channel and was searching for some nice VFR videos. I’m aLao quite interested in language, and I notice you don’t pronounce the th-sound. You say tanks and tousand. Is that typical for Irish English?
Hey man, thanks for watching! There is lots of different Irish accents so it changes with location. If I said "thanks tanks", it would sound the same as I don't emphasize the H. The words would be confusing if misspelled, but in conversation I don't think it is that important to pronounce the H sound... But don't listen to me as I'm not a teacher and a bad example :P haha
@@RHauto I think the Irish English is a very good sounding "accent" if you can call it that. It reminds me of one of my old favorite TV-shows; Father Ted. But I can't recall if they left out the th-sound.
Hi I bought my 2001 vfr 11 years ago and never broke down or pushed or failed a inspection (mot) and now it has 73000 miles on it the one only weak point is the charging system which I have now upgraded
Another great story to hear! Did you notice any issues with the wiring or did you just upgrade it for peace of mind? And also, did you buy the VFRness or did you beef up your oem harness?
My experience with a fifth gen VFR was... between 100 and 170 thousand miles! and i have video proof of it at 134 k, it's an old video but you can see the mileage and hear the engine working perfectly, so i wouldn't care about a 70 k one, it's not nearly half of its life if you take good care of her. If you want i can upload that and post it here. In the video i was showing how that engine revs so smoothly, i know you shouldn't just rev it but i was not rude to her, never hit the limiter and it was only for a moment, i do not tend to abuse machines.
@@RHauto I am from Russia, I managed to buy a delkevic exhaust manifold, because mine was corroded. how could a steel exhaust manifold be produced at the factory?)
I sold my vfr750 96' a year ago. I bought the newest VFR800 17' and got bored very quickly. I just hate this vtec stuff. Now I have no bike and I really miss my old lady VFR750 :))
my mate had an mc22 cbr250rr he used to wheelie it until it lost oil pressure then drop it down and clutch up again. he crashed it many times trying to ride the wheels off it and it never ever died
My DT just runs and runs I snapped a piston ring and still rode it for 2 months with a bad rattle until I took the top end off and the bottom ring fell out in 2 😂
I have a 95 and my dad has a 2000…. I think mine is prettier but his has that lovely fuel injection which is so much nicer. Both bikes will probably last forever though.
The F40 inspired vfr ;) They are both equally awesome in their own ways. If I had to pick 2 bikes for the apocalypse then you'd have the perfect lineup haha
RH Auto,,,. 'ear porn'. hahahah. I love my '98 Interceptor. I did install a Givi D200S 'touring' windscreen and some Givi luggage/pannier racks to mine. I'm painting my wheels gloss white from their OEM black color. I might sell it, but I don't really want to. I would miss the sound from the gear-driven cams too much. The OEM exhaust, my bike still has, should be replaced, but haven't decided on what to go with yet. I need to get better LED head lights as well. Any suggestions?
I just go with the cheapest pair of LED H4s I can find on ebay or AliExpress, most no brand stuff does the job. Although I did recently switch back to halogen bulbs because the cheap LEDs spill a lot of light everywhere and the lens just isn't made to focus them
I agree completely. I was thinking about putting the halogens back in that I took out. They were still operational. I just wanted to try something different. Thanks for the advice.@@RHauto
I can 100% agree having driven a couple of mk1 bandits, apart from the odd oil cooler leak they are pretty much bulletproof :D Points to consider; Altough the bikes probably weigh the same, the vfr definitly handles more "sporty" with the clip on bars, bandit maybe more comfortable for ergonomics and daily driving. The v4 is probably the main reason this bike should interest you, its definitely a fun experience off the line compared to a 4cyl. While they are both great machines, they definitely have their own pros and cons!
@@RHauto The Bandit is very comfortable but I would have expected the vfr to be more comfortable. I like the idea of a bit wind protection & a few more horses. I also think the vfr800 is still one of the best looking bikes & I'm not even a sports bike fan.
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs you could make it more comfortable with higher bars and an aftermarket seat I guess but it's bareable as is imo. Wind protection would be a big bonus too alright!
The valve tolerance check procedure is an absolute nightmare!! You need to pull the cams and do it twice. Once for the low range valves and again for the VTEC Valves!! WTF HONDA. While all other MFRs do low end combustion control without all the drama and do so efficiently while making even more power, i dont get why HONDA thought it was sooooo great to have VTEC in any engine?? If it was so great, why is it so gone now? Expensive, overcomplicated and a pain in the Asssss. I have a 2007 and i like the bike but i will never check those valves. Going to use a lot of fresh bike oil.
Hello from Russia. I have this one bike too )). Great video, very interesting watching it in cold winter, become warm in soul )). Well,i have a question. What the device on numbers ?) I want did something same, do you have review that device??) Interesting solution. I did like .
You would love Irish winter, no snow here ;) The device you see over the number plate is my tax disc. It's a requirement to display these on your vehicle, but not necessarily on the number plate. I just like to put it there, and sometimes it falls down and blocks it hahaha. Thanks for watching!
Sold mine just recently, couldn't stand the smell of exhaust fumes of non catalytic converter equipped engine vehicle used for commuting. Saying that, already missing it as it was perfect in every way otherwise. Position, comfort, sound, power, hydraulic clutch, linked brakes ect.
