| Above: The 2008 VFR800. When the 6th generation VFR came out in 2002, a lot of people complained about its weight gain and VTEC. Nobody complained louder than the motorcycle magazine testers even though they frequently put the VFR800 at the top of most comparison articles. The negativity about the 6th generation VFR's weight (550 wet) and VTEC (high cost of maintenance, abruptness) became so widespread as to become a near-urban legend among many motorcyclists, including many who have NEVER ridden nor owned an actual VFR800. Honda improved the VTEC power delivery and modernized the VFR's looks in 2006. But by then, the naysayers were complaining about the VFR's replacement and why it has taken Honda so long to come up with a new one. Apparently, these same naggers have not heard about the saying: "If it aint' broke, don't fix it". The truth is, besides the Triumph Sprint ST and BMW's F800ST, the Honda VFR800 has no other competitors in this very small market. In fact, the VFR800 is frequently used as the benchmark for this class. Even after 6 years in production, it is still unmatched in many areas. The naysayers really need to shut up or put up because when Honda does come up with an improved VFR, the same people will be the LAST to put their money where their mouths are and buy one. Instead, they will come up with all kinds of other excuses because in reality, none of them have any intention of buying! Photo above courtesy of Motorcycle USA. |
