Honda VFR800FI 1999 - 5th Generation VFR - Stock Exhaust - Review and Walkaround
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- Referenced video of this bikes' track capabilities: • Nurburgring Nordschlei...
Showing you around my 1999 Honda VFR800. This is the first fuel injected VFR and the last non-Vtec one. Many enthusiasts consider it the greatest of all VFRs.
I consider it a beautiful bike, capable all round and every bit as good a bike in 2020 as it was in 1999. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Just got done riding mine 260 miles back home, I’m in love with it, $1500 with 36k miles. It needs some work but it runs amazing.
Delighted to hear it Roderick. Keep it well and you will get a lot more than $1500 if you go to sell it in a few years.
@@FalertTheDim Yeah, it needs a bit of love but it’s running well, I enjoy riding it a lot, and looking foreword to putting love into it.
Lovely honest review. 4 years ago I had a ride on my brother's 97 VFR750. Within 200yds I knew I had to have one. 2 months later I had one of my own! Lovely power right a cross the rev range, at lower revs it sounds relaxed and very much like a big twin, at higher revs it makes a very distinct V4 noise that gets all red blooded bikers grinning from ear to ear. As others have mentioned, these are great value second hand purchases. The Honda quality in those days was second to none and the reliability (apart from the regulator) is still legendary today. They were very popular with serious riders in the day and so there are many low mileage bikes on the market thst have been stored in garages and lovingly looked after. An absolute bargain!
Fast, economical, comfortable and very reliable. The only downsides from my perspective are, they are heavy compared to similar modern bikes and (as with all fully faired bikes) if you lose balance on it, it falls over and breaks a lot of its plastic.
A fantastic bike and difficult to believe that mine is now 24 years old!
I got mine ‘99 VFR 800 two weeks ago and I can’t agree with you more. This bike is simply THE road bike. Her limits on the track are probably her best qualities on the road. She has the right amount of power, a driving position that gives you the fun of sport driving without its back and neck pain and a strong, consistent, flat braking. I’m not annoyed by the CBS, it just works as an anti-dive device. On the road you just should not look for the last possible moment to brake or try to make stoppies… so it works for anyone who’s looking for having fun on the roads.
Thank you for your nice and honest review. Got a 1986 VFR 750 for nine years (bought it 1.000€) then switched to BMW 1200R Sport for 4 boring years. So boring that I thought maybe I was done with motorcycles (going 55 soon). Sold the BMW, lost some money in the deal, and got that need again itching from within. Found a nice Yellow 1999 VFR just 35km near my place for 2250€ well maintained with history from day one and with only 63.000km on it (40K miles +/-). Went to try it, just in case, and BOOM, 100 meters, grin on my face, that noise again in my ears and I was back into business, very happily. Its been 18 months now and about 8.000km, will never go back to anything else but VFR, and most probably 5th gen and only if, unfortunalely, I have too. Just want cherish this one. I love it stock by design, exhaust included. So far, only change, a lithium battery (saved a bit over 3kgs vs regular one) and looking at renewing rear shocks with something, well...new.
that bearing sound is immaculent
Great review! I've had 3 of these, all in yellow. I miss my last one terribly, had the forks rebuild, rear shock was a custom sprung nitron, it felt like it was made for me. That muscular v8 esque powerband/sound... just the best. Had many great rides around Donegal and up the Dublin/Wicklow mountains. A real gem, loaded with character.
I love 'em. I have a MY 2000 in yellow. Took mine on a cross country tour of the US back in 2005. It saw both coasts and couple passes on the tail of the dragon. Clicked off 10K miles in 26 days. I had to stop for tires towards the end but otherwise it was faultless.
I had a 2001 FI for 18 years and I loved it.
If it wasn't by some stupid car driver that decided to jump into my lane just in front of me, I probably would still have it.
Got a newest and latest VFR when I started walking again, but despite having a lot of nice things and eventually better than the FI, the FI was more fun to ride.
I hope you enjoy yours
Glad you got back on two wheels Pedro. My dream bike is the 2013 model year and up VFR. Very interesting to hear you found the older one more fun!
@@FalertTheDim Thank you!
I know there's a difference in the VTEC engines that were released after 2001, but I can't tell exactly which one is the better one? I believe the changing point was in the 2005 model, but I can be wrong. I got mine in 2019 and it feels safer: the suspension improved, the breaks are better (I have ABS), but the engine feels slow. To improve the feeling I added the OEM quickshifter (only shifts up) and a SC Project exhaust, but I think the FI engine was faster, or it felt like it.
The new model is slimmer and turns better, though.
@@m0rph3u1st Hearing that only makes me want the newer one more. For me, the FI is crazy fast. Silly fast almost. I want a long life, so safer with better handling and brakes sounds brilliant!
Just got mine about a month ago as well out here in Los Angels! Tremendous bike! 119,000 miles under its belt!
Just barely replaced it’s original stater
Phwoar! The places that bike must have gone, the lives it has touched. You are riding a piece of history there Chuck, enjoy!
Got the same year... Red one.. put the best K & N air filter in mine.. high quality plugs... a new decent rectifier and delkevic pipes... I'll never get rid of her... even with modern other bikes in my garage. 😍
The Deuvill was hilarious on that track day! 😂😂👍🏻👍🏻
I bought a brand new VFR800 back in 1998. Bought it in Sydney and shipped it back to sunny Cork. I couldn’t part with it!! Loved the Mondello park story….fair play to you. Great review.
Just purchased a 2000 model in red with 48,000 miles.....if you like retro bike's,I think these tick all boxes, Pedigree and racing heritage and character, all for the sum of £1500 in my case for a really clean honest bike that won't loose money.
Got a new shock going on,some bar risers as well as the usual chain and sprockets...as well as the must have high level race can from Black Widow.....I'm more excited than I would be with a new bike! Next custodian of this machine.....here's to another 48,000 miles
I loved my 1998 VFR800fi. I toured in Europe, commuted, took part in further training and took part in track days (intermediate group). I wish I could afford one as a second bike to go alongside my BMW R1200GS.
Congrats! I just got mine, a month ago. Beautiful bike, power is there, and I agree - I really don't need a faster bike :/ sure for track use I would consider zx6r, r6, etc. Anyway, VFR800fi is greeeat! I love it, and the dual brake system is great, keeps the bike leveled. When I ride with a passenger, they don't press on me when I hit the breaks. The only thing I will change is the stock exhaust. Great for long road trips, but I need to hear that V4 properly :)
I found this video was really helpful to understand why the sound is so seductive: czcams.com/video/MwEbwKBic6w/video.html
yeah the stock exhaust on most cars and bikes is total shit
Had one just like that, 99 yellow! Love it, the engine in particular, the brakes not so much!
Nice video man. Great spin today, she doesn't half move 👍🤣🤘
It looks much better then modern bikes
it may not have storage but there are points for securing a rear box and panniers OEM and aftermarket options available. I have mine a while. So comfy, good weather protection, great two up and loadsa power.
Enjoy
Thanks for the review. Im coming from a Honda deauville nt650v which is my first “big” bike and it’s just not fast enough so was funny to see that clip of yours in the vid. Going to look at a yellow vfr800fi tomorrow. Hopefully it’s as good as yours looks!
nice bike. love the vfr
I have my 2001 bought new with 106,000 km and still going strong.. The original brochure states 781cc and 106 hp. I had it on the dyno 99 hp at the rear wheel.
I love how they let you see the rear valve cover.
Very nice! Put a pipe on it and you will never look back. The stock pipe will sound like a sewing machine comparatively. Staintune all the way if you can find one. Cheers from the USA. 👍👍👍
Great bikes 👌 I have one. I recommend a good can, bar risers superb bike enjoy.
Great review and I could listen to that terrific Irish accent all day long!! 😂
I picked up a 99, yellow, 5th gen about 4/5 months ago too - strange! Good work doing a review. You MUST get a non-stock exhaust ASAP though.
Staintune is what's on my Yellow 2000, and it sounds better than any other I've ever heard.....
Nah. Put an Ohlins shock on it, instead. It will make much more of an improvement that a pipe. ;-)
huge storage with racks top side etc great bike love me y2k tahitian blue :-)
Great bike.
ive got a bog standard 2001 model - Blue. Just ticked over 40K kms. Ive been its only owner. I love it but if someone else wants to own it and love it too...money talks! Make me a decent offer. Crap offers will have me delete the email in laughter. Pick up only and NO joyrides.. She runs perfect with recent full fluids flush to freshen everything up! Im in Vic, Australia. I love my VFR, but I now want to move to a 1250 Beemer. I may end up doing a trade if they'll take it if no-one buys it first!.... cheers peoples..
Any luck Kent? Which 1250 BMW you going for, is it the GS?
@@FalertTheDim nah..no takers. But yep, its the GS I'd love to upgrade to. No rush though...if it happens soon, great, otherwise I can wait!...
Amazing bikes like a well aged wine and in Japan yellow. Subd
Sounds good, I like the yellow, mine is silver
so unique
I have the ‘99 in yellow with matching yellow rear cowl. More than fast enough for me, fantastic sound through a delivic (?)exhaust. I really like the braking system you can really push it and it slows you down with no dramatics. I did a track day and hammered the brakes, always felt sure. I think Honda knew what they were doing but not every rider likes the feel.
I want one exactly like it
Nice
Congrats on your beautiful bike! A Staintune can will let you hear that beautiful V4 engine note! I'm looking for a VFR now, selling a VTX 1300 cruiser. Question is: 20 or 21 year old Gen 5 with that delicious gear driven cams sound... or a much newer bike with hopefully less issues, the 8th Gen 2014 or 2015 with ABS and traction control??? Whichever bike I buy it's getting an aftermarket can with baffles removed!!
Haha well it is clear you know what you want; a bike that sounds amazing! The gen 5 VFRs don't have too many issues, that is why you see so many of them around, and so few of their rivals, such as Aprilia and Triumphs of the same era. If it is a clean bike with a good service history, you shouldn't expect too many issues. I have two older Hondas now, an 07 NT-700v and the 99 VFR800fi, neither have given any trouble at all.
Modern bikes may not give any problems right away, but they are more complex, as the manufacturers are forced to comply with emissions regulations while also trying to improve performance and power. It puts them under more strain, not to mention, the depreciation on a new bike is massive, while a decent condition 99 VFR for €2000 can't really fall much further.
The VTX is a beautiful machine. I hope you enjoyed your time with it!
@@FalertTheDim thanks mate for your reply and insights! I bought '05 VTX for commuting about 18 months ago (with baffles removed!) and put 14,000 k's on it in that time, all without any issues whatsoever, just as you'd expect from a Honda.
I now want a quicker more agile bike, and have always had a thing for the VFR's and that glorious engine note! Your point on depreciation is a good one. Many people say the 5th Gen is the one to get, so who knows, maybe the 5th Gen will start to climb in value at some point?
Great bike. The only part of the looks i never liked on these was th indicators / and the one piece rear light and indicators. Id have to tint the orange out. Other than that I really fance one
the sound kinda reminds me of the supercharger belt whine from the first mad max movie
I love this bike, got mine with 52k miles in 2017 to 2020 with 72k miles. I'm out here in cali so we can ride often and haven't had anything major (knock on wood) go wrong. The only thing I'd say I hated the most so much was the stock exhaust (that f!cker will burn your @ss and it already will run hot in stop in go so put a "carbon fiber" stock looking delkelvic one and can put my hands on it without getting burned to sh!t. )
Still good aftermarket support and god dam, I bought it for $1900. Not a bad step up after my 2012cbr250r I must say. I still desire something lighter like a 600cc (mainly for the mpgs) but now that I've had it for a while the bastard won't die haha. Mind you I don't redline it or track it of course, mostly cruising speeds for me.
Also you forgot to mention the pgm-fi luxury that made this bike ahead of the game.
Yeah that fuel gauge is very accurate.
If you are looking for a sporty bigger engine bike with good MPG vs the VFR 800 and CBR 250R, consider the SV650S or an NC 700X. According to fuelly, 600s get about the same fuel economy compared to the VFR 800. SV650's are in the 50's, compared to about 40 on the 800, and the NC700X gets around 65 MPG.
You should do moto vlogs that would be very interesting to see.
Гуд💪👍
The linked brakes work great.... no reason to disable the feature
I love how if you have the auto sub titles on the first time you rev it it says ( music ) 😂
Certainty is lol! Love my gen 5
Can confirm. lol Even youtube love the sound of the VFR.
Do you still have her? fantastic bikes, think of adding a Mivv exhaust to mine, not sure though, stock is nice too, more refined and doesn't egg you on as much!!
I still have her, stock exhaust, still madly in love.
First time i heared "VFR" and "lightweight" in the same sentence without the word "not" in it haha.
However, i love my '01 vfr. Its tremendous.
Ha well for me, coming from a Deauville, it feels as light and as fast as a MotoGP bike.
Lovely machine bud, she looks mint...well wear! It's gas coz I have a Deauville myself and am also at the moment looking for a VFR as my second ride.
Ha wow. You and I have a lot in common then. I will be honest, since getting the VFR, the Deauville has lost its lustre. I will probably sell her, much to my immense surprise. I never thought I would see myself saying it, but it cannot compete with the VFR. Bikes are for fun, and I have a car for practicality. Much as I love the Deauville, and it is a fun bike, it cannot compete with the VFR.
@@FalertTheDim collected my silver VFR('O0) on Saturday, absolutely loving it 😃
@@jackmurray430 Major congrats Jack - delighted to hear it. May she give you many years of joy!
@@FalertTheDim
Are these bikes common in the UK and Ireland? They seem more expensive in Australia 🇦🇺 😞
@@fredorico41 Fredo EVERYTHING is more expensive in Australia! That is the price you pay for beautiful weather, beautiful people and a good job market. Beyond that though, in wet Ireland, I would not say that they are common, but they are attainable. This one, with 38,000 miles, cost the equivalent of 3,100 AUD.
Hi Aaron , That's a really good honest review for people
Like me who don't have 10k to spend on what will in my case
Be a Sunday bit if fun ..
Question for you.. I'm 56 and passed my test 2001,
Had bikes for work as a teenager , so really 10 years
On bikes in total ,,, would you say it was a forgiving
And Confidence inspiring bike? , I want something
That is easy to ride and I can keep for many years ...
Your advice would be very welcome ,
Cheers Buddy
Lee .
Hi Lee, great stuff! So for me (not a track day star) it is a very fast bike, but it can be ridden at slower speeds, very comfortably. Shift up earlier and you will have very smooth throttle response.
Bear in mind, that while the combined braking system is a good safety feature - there is no ABS or traction control. That is something that is always on my mind, and it compels me to stay a bit slower than I would do otherwise (which is good in my opinion).
It is a steady bike. It is heavy enough to feel planted in the wind or on the motorway. It is well built and reliable on all accounts with a few regular, identifiable issues.
The key thing regarding forgiving and confidence inspiring is how you ride it. I would never recommend it to a beginner, (too heavy and too much beauty to see scarred if dropped) but you are not a beginner but what sounds like someone returning to riding.
For me, I love it as it is an all rounder. My brother has an S100rr and that is not easy to ride, though it too can be ridden slowly. The ergonomics of the VFR are far more comfortable, but it still retains every bit of performance a Sunday rider would need.
Finally I will say, the missus loves the look of the VFR. What else would a man need?
Thanks for posting. I’ve got the same bike; colour, model, year. Can’t bring myself to sell her so one of my older classics is going to have to go. Yep, great bike.
Ha you are a man of great taste and style, of that there is no doubt. Happy riding Nigel!!
Class bike! Do you still have it or did you sell it?
Still have it. Going strong. Every time I walk into the garage and look at it, I think to myself how very lucky I am. A piece of art! Riding it never gets old.
@@FalertTheDim good to hear!
Hi Aaron. I see you have an Irish reg. I'm looking at purchasing a vfr. I'm wondering roughly your insurance is on the bike and a bit of background. E.g full license or learner years of experience and so
Hi Kilian,
Sure thing. Insurance is a racket on motorbikes. Consider that fully comprehensive insurance won't cover your injuries in the event of a crash, unlike car insurance. I am paying 600/year for 2 bikes - the Deauville and VFR. I have the Full A license, held for 2 years, no points, no claims. They initially quoted me 1000 per year and I told them to remove the Deauville and put me on 3rd party only.
They then backed down. Overall - play hard ball with them if you can. You need to negotiate and let them think you will go to another provider.
I am with Carole Nash and they have me insured through FBD.
i have a blue one , the only problem I ever had was the rectifier.
You and every other 5th Gen owner Stephen.........
🥰👍
Mine has some overheating issues, but l saw it's pretty common problem. I have to fix it, or ride it like an assassin
Ha man I would definitely recommend you fix it. These bikes are for covering pretty large distances in style, comfort and at speed. The last thing you want to be worrying about is your gorgeous bike leaving you stranded.
Hi Aaron, is this the bike for sale on done deal? Thanks
Hey, this bike is proudly in my garage. Was riding it yesterday. Definitely not for sale. But I just took a look on Donedeal, there are a few available, though none stand out to me currently.
@@FalertTheDim did you see the one using this video as a link?
@@g-sailing4427 Just saw it there. I have messaged the seller. Completely understand how people could think the bike for sale is mine, but no. I don't ever plan on selling my bike.
I can see why lovely bike.. yeah I was a bit confused with the same screen and tank gripper!
Picking up mine next week. £1795
I had a test ride on one recently.. couldn't enjoy the the bike..clutch was insane heavey..is this common on vfr's..??
Not on mine. Not on my mate Joe's. I have never noticed a "heavy clutch". I reckon there could be something up with the one you tested. The clutch on mine is slightly sharper than on my newer 2007 Deauville, and not unlike my bro's S1000rr (minus the slipper). It is a normal clutch.
@@FalertTheDim thanks..thats helpful..l am going to look at another one so will be able to compare with the last one...many thanks again.....Ricky
how much top speed on the moto you did before?
The bike is well capable of 150mph (240kph) but I would not know anything about that....
I want one so bad but so irrational to buy now. I only see one on sale. I do not think I can get parts I want or will be really hard and costly. I would really want one but will wait until honda come up with a bike that is sporty v4 with gears. probably I will be really sad for the rest of my life making this decision.
I feel you. But know that you can get parts. Honda sold a lot of these bikes. There are specialists who sell specific parts (expensive but high quality) and there are breakers yards (less expensive and unknown quality). The key thing is to buy a clean one that has been well kept. Service it regularly. Mine has not given any trouble and is a major source of joy in my life.
If you keep it for a time invest in after market rear shock with a reservoir, re spring the forks to your weight and add a fruity end can.
In my case my Gen 5 '99s rear shock is an Ohlins, the end can is a Carbon ARROW. After owning mine for 15 years and only used for fun 110,000kms, it still runs like new and have yet to desire anything else.
Put the 2000 mirrors on it.
My mate had them on his, they look good, sure, but were not very steady at high speeds.
Not a normal bike sound. Not by a long shot. (I’ve got a 2000)
I had a 99 VFR also, great bike and I put 70,000 miles on it almost all for sport and sport touring. Rarely used for commuting. I'm in the US and in 1999 the only color was red. I think in 2001 it was yellow.
It doesn't have gear gear driven cams, it has sprocket and chain like most. I think the '92 or '93 had gear driven cams.
VFR's had gear driven cams for the first five generations that ran from 1986 - 2001 inclusive. The first VFR with chain driven cams was the 6th gen which also had VTEC and was introduced in 2002.
@@edxr250r You are correct Edward, my mistake. Thanks for pointing that out. I even checked the valves myself (no adjustment necessary so no cam removal) and I forgot it was gear driven. I had a 1979 Ducati with bevel gear drive for the cams and that was my confusion. I think the VFR had helical gears.
@@surferdude642 Hope you kept the bevel drive Ducati, it will be worth a small fortune now👍👍