The CB1100 Community Forum

Bike is sold, i missed the boat on this one

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a 2004 VFR800, Adult 1 owner bike mint with 4300 MI I know TINK and MG own these bikes ( or anyone else with knowledge of this bike) and I'm looking for some input. The post below is in the VFR Forum::


"I'm ready to pull the trigger on a 2004 VFR800, doing some footwork I would apprecite some comments on the chain drive cams and VTEC valve actuation.

VTEC valve actuation

The VFR800 was the first non-JDM motorcycle to use VTEC valve-gear. Honda used VTEC to meet tightening noise and emissions standards and to increase the peak engine horsepower. Based on the VTEC-E system, the simplified motorcycle version of VTEC employs only two of the four valves per cylinder when operating at lower engine speeds. All four valves per cylinder are engaged above approximately 6,800 rpm. This is initiated by an electronically actuated oil spool valve, which send oil pressure to the lifter actuators, which then move the engagement pins into place above the valve stem, allowing the remaining two valves to open. This design allows for variable valve timing as well, since the cam lobe profiles can be made different. After much criticism of the abruptness of power transition, Honda lowered the VTEC activation rpm threshold to 6,400 rpm in 2006. The VTEC disengages two cylinder valves when the engine speed drops again below 6,100 rpm.

Just easier to paste and copy. Is there abrupt power transition on the 2004 model year?? Sorry for putting my first post here but have a very short time frame for purchase, once I own it I will post a proper intro with pic's."

Thanks, Steve

[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/VFR_zpsljecxf53.jpg.html]

I hope someone here has actual experience with a pre-2006, 6th generation, VFR800 and can give you what would likely be more accurate advice/opinions on the VTEC activation. As you may know, mine is a 2007 that post-dates the adjustment made by Honda and TINK's is a 5th generation that doesn't have VTEC at all.

I think your best bet is to continue reading on the VFR forums: http://vfrworld.com/forums/forumdisplay....-2002-2013 and search for "VTEC." I'm sure you'll find quite a few posts discussing the issue and many who have asked the same question you are asking.

I'll say this about post-2006 VTEC > I've never had a problem with it and have found complaints regarding activation to be overstated. Of course, mine is a 2007 but as you'll see, there are still many who curse VTEC altogether, no matter what model year. Personally, I love it when it kicks in. The feel and the sound is fantastic. And it has never disrupted my lines or otherwise caused problems. Good luck!

I don't know about motorcycles, but I have a Honda 150 outboard with VTEC. When it kicks in its like you pushed the WOW button. Big grin ensues. Fuel consumption goes way high though.

(04-24-2015, 06:17 AM)metallyguitarded_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I hope someone here has actual experience with a pre-2006, 6th generation, VFR800 and can give you what would likely be more accurate advice/opinions on the VTEC activation. As you may know, mine is a 2007 that post-dates the adjustment made by Honda and TINK's is a 5th generation that doesn't have VTEC at all.

I think your best bet is to continue reading on the VFR forums: http://vfrworld.com/forums/forumdisplay....-2002-2013 and search for "VTEC." I'm sure you'll find quite a few posts discussing the issue and many who have asked the same question you are asking.

I'll say this about post-2006 VTEC > I've never had a problem with it and have found complaints regarding activation to be overstated. Of course, mine is a 2007 but as you'll see, there are still many who curse VTEC altogether, no matter what model year. Personally, I love it when it kicks in. The feel and the sound is fantastic. And it has never disrupted my lines or otherwise caused problems. Good luck!

Thanks MG, I have opened an account over there and will take some time to go threw some threads. I have already receive several solid responses in the few hours i posted.

For me the best VFRs were the pre-VTEC 800. When they introduced the VTEC they also dropped the gear driven cams which were the real genious bit with them. I had a '99 VFR800 back in the day, and it was one of the best bikes I ever had. Never really cared for the VTEC ones and thought Honda lost their way with the VFR when they brought those out. If I was to buy another VFR it would certainly be one of those again, and I believe that is also what TINK rides.

I had a 2003 VFR and I also think the engagement issue is overstated. It was definitely noticeable, but not a problem. If you're mid-corner, it might be a little disconcerting, but I rode one for five years with no real problems.

Rode a few hundred km yesterday in 1) thick fog 2) glorious sunshine and then 3) pouring rain - what a day?

One of my associates was riding a special edition Gen 5 VFR800. The first to go fuel injected but still gear driven and no VTEC or CAT. The new 800 was a homologated version of the race spec RC45, not just a bored out VFR750. What a bike, the 78 year old rider lavishing praise on its still superb handling.

I did a little research into VTEC and did you know Honda had an early iteration as far back as 1983 with the Honda CBR400 (NC17)?

"These CBR400 motorcycles were powered by a 399 cc 16-valve air-cooled DOHC engine with a rotational speed valve stop mechanism called REV that changed the valves that opened from two to four at 8500 rpm — an early version of VTEC."