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Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 09 Mar 2019, 10:59
by Cav
Good choice !!

I had a courtesy Honda for a while (think it was a CB600F), the bike was bland, boring and slow but the easiest bloody bike I've ever ridden - like you say, never tired and super comfortable.

IMO you can't afford to come off more than you can't afford some new tyres. If you have the funds available on the credit card then do it - I'd hate to regret something I could've avoided.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 09 Mar 2019, 11:02
by Kwacky
Blade is right, it's not worth it.

I find commuting wakes me up in the morning so I'm not sluggish when I get in the office. I'm not a morning person so it's the only way to get me started before 11

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 09 Mar 2019, 11:06
by duke63
A crash of any kind will cost more than the £200 for the new tyres.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 09 Mar 2019, 11:08
by D6Nutz
Cav wrote:Good choice !!

I had a courtesy Honda for a while (think it was a CB600F), the bike was bland, boring and slow but the easiest bloody bike I've ever ridden - like you say, never tired and super comfortable.

IMO you can't afford to come off more than you can't afford some new tyres. If you have the funds available on the credit card then do it - I'd hate to regret something I could've avoided.
The f doesn't have to be bland and boring... Meet the track banana, I forget the number of big bikes this went round the outside of at Mallory..
IMG_20170129_150315.jpeg
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Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 09 Mar 2019, 11:13
by Cav
Those are decent bikes.. I got the name wrong - it was this thing:

Image

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 15 Mar 2019, 17:49
by D6Nutz
New boots today. After Frankie's blinding review I've put a pair of the Avon's on. The tyre guy wasn't surprised the bike wasn't handling properly, apparently tyres made in 2011 that are as square as a brick aren't really up to the job.

Current mileage: 50800, let's see how they last.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 17 Mar 2019, 21:29
by Stonesie
I was thinking about your 50K mile VFR and checking prices on eBay, and found one with 120,000 miles... Yours is barely run-in.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-VFR-80 ... SwSB1ch6k8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If things work out then I too will need a commuter bike for a 60 mile a day round trip.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 24 Mar 2019, 18:29
by D6Nutz
First time out with the bike for play time. Wasn't really sure how well a 17 year old bike would fair amoungst the modern monsters.

But I shouldn't have worried, it kept its head held high and hustled along with the rest of them. You can feel the weight of the bike and the softer suspension though when you really give it some abuse in the corners.

The avons are excellent on the fast bumpy roads of the Cotswolds, great feedback and grip. I'm very happy with them as a choice.

Back to the commute tomorrow, but the weather's looking good for next week so may explore some more interesting routes home.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 24 Mar 2019, 18:31
by Kwacky
You've landed on your feet with that bike.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 24 Mar 2019, 18:35
by D6Nutz
Looks like the tyres are getting scrubbed in properly too..Image

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 25 Mar 2019, 08:25
by Rossgo
Glad you are enjoyong if Nutz. Great to see you've managed to buy a bike that keeps you happy on the commute home and on the ride outs too

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Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 29 Mar 2019, 19:56
by D6Nutz
D6Nutz wrote:Current mileage: 50800, let's see how they last.

Humm, so a quick tyre update. 2 weeks and 1100 miles later, and despite the upright commuting and a fairly decent rideout the tyres look like they've just gone round the block. Somebody also needs to tell a lot of the other tyre companies that they are taking the piss with their prices. The Avon's so not ride like a budget tyre at all, I'm as confident as I am with the m7's and they're half the price.

The bike itself feels like it's waking up from a long sleep. The engine is getting smoother and more responsive with every mile.

I also had my first thing break this week. A rusted exhaust clamp gave up, replacement going on this weekend.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 29 Mar 2019, 20:16
by Kwacky
Good news on the tyres. Keep us posted about them

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 29 Mar 2019, 22:14
by duke63
Does it feel like a Sportsbike, Jon or more sports tourer? It's a bike I have never ridden.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 30 Mar 2019, 09:06
by D6Nutz
duke63 wrote:Does it feel like a Sportsbike, Jon or more sports tourer? It's a bike I have never ridden.
It's the first sports tourer I've ridden so nothing to compare it to apart from sports bikes. But that said, it feels very much like a sports bike especially with the vtec "powerband". It's surprisingly agile for a large lump and it turns very quickly and easily. All traits you'd associate with a sports bike. But then it has bar risers so your sat that but more upright, and it's a lot more comfortable plus the suspension is more setup to soak up the bumps.

Your more than welcome to take it for a spin the next time we meet up.

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 17 Apr 2019, 19:38
by D6Nutz
So now I'm starting to realise why Honda's and particularly VFR's get a rep for being a bit boring.

Bearing in mind the bike is 17 years old when I say this..

The fuelling is smooth and progressive with no real surprises. The suspension, though soft set, is very responsive and predictable. The brakes again aren't the best, but they do the job well.

Most of all though, it just works. Day in, day out, it just works...


I'd be lying if I said part of me wasn't tempted to chop in both bikes for a newer sports tourer.

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Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 17 Apr 2019, 20:01
by Kwacky
Honda do an excellent of job of making you feel at home on a bike

Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 18 Apr 2019, 06:50
by Rossgo
Interesting update there Nutz. It is very reliable for your commute though

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Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 24 Apr 2019, 21:50
by D6Nutz
D6Nutz wrote: Current mileage: 50800, let's see how they last.
Now at 53,200. The rear has lost its sharp 55 profile look, but doesn't feel like it's squaring off at all. Impressed.


On the flip side that's getting on for 5k since I bought it so time to think about an oil and filter change I reckon.

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Re: Nutz's VFR 800

Posted: 25 Apr 2019, 06:35
by Rossgo
5k miles already it's doing well! Will you do the oil change yourself or get a garage to ?

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