Honda VFR800

Honda's VFR series has, at various times over its long career, set the benchmark for versatile road bikes - something that will comfortably turn its wheel to commuting, touring and the occasional play-race in the hills.

When first launched in Oz in 1988, the VFR750 really did set some new benchmarks as a very quick bike that was ridiculously easy to ride and civilised in its overall demeanour.

Ten years later we scored the 800 version, which was at leats a few models down the development road, and boasted the VFR's first use of linked brakes. For some it was a step backwards from the 750.

Move up to 2006 and we're getting around on what is a third or fourth generation 800, now with the factory's V-TEC variable valve system in its second state of tune. A simplified version of what happens is you get a two-valve per cylinder in the lower and midranges, then all four valves come in at 6600rpm (lower in the rev range than previously). The idea is you get the advantages of both configurations - or a more flexible powerplant.

Powerplay
The Viffer is flexible, but you could argue that so too would be a conventional four-valver. In any case, there's a hackle-raising howl as the engine switches modes, which sounds great.

 Honda has fiddled with the tuning on this engine because some owners were unhappy with the power step that came with the change of modes. I rode the first VTEC and must confess to being mystified about the complaints.

Yes, there was a power step (there still is), which was no problem to cope with and, if anything, added some character to the machine.

Tightening emission regs mean the engine has lost a couple of horses, but there's still plenty on tap. It gets away from the lights smartly and you need never go past the 6600rpm mark around town unless you feel like a bit of fun.

On the highway, the power spread works well, while a quick downshift or two will have you into the serious urge for overtaking.

I quite enjoyed playing with the engine on a sports road - it's very predictable and there's certainly enough ponies on board to make life interesting.

Generally, I was scoring around 16km/lt which suggests a touring range over 300km.

In the saddle
This is a sweet-steering bike and always has been. Its turn-in would qualify as medium -- conservative for a sport bike but about right for a sports-tourer. Suspension at both ends is well co-ordinated, offering a ride that was plush for a sports bike but firm for a tourer, with good control over the bumps. You might want to beef up the rear spring a little if you carried a pillion and luggage all the time, but a 'normal' mix of use saw it performing well.

 The brakes are powerful and have plenty of feel. They're running the third-gen DCBS linked system, which is relatively inconspicuous. The only time I treat it with caution is steep downhill corner entries, because the amount of rear from the front lever may not always be ideal. Otherwise you can ride the machine like any other - it does deliver very stable braking in an emergency on level ground.

Instrumentation is comprehensive with all sorts of read-outs available from the digital clock set that surrounds an analogue tacho. It includes ambient temp, fuel consumption and so-on.

Seating is adequate, with good-sized pillion handles, while the standard off finish is high.

Overall this is a very capable and flexible package - one of those rare bikes that adds up to being more than the sum of its parts. It's priced at $17,490 (plus ORC), which may seem hefty for an 800 but reasonable when you consider what it can do.

Specifications
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC 90º V-4
Bore x Stroke: 72 x 48mm
Displacement: 781.7cm3
Compression Ratio: 11.6 : 1
Carburettor(s): PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Maximum Power: 80kW/10,500rpm
Maximum Torque: 80Nm/8,750rpm
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: 'O'-ring sealed chain
Dimensions (mm): 2,120 x 735 x 1,195mm
Wheel Base (mm): 1,460mm
Seat Height (mm): 805mm
Ground Clearance (mm): 130mm
Fuel Capacity (litres): 22 litres
Front Wheel: 17M/C x MT3.50 'U'-section 6-spoke cast aluminium
Rear Wheel: 17M/C x MT5.50 'U'-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Front Tyre: 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear Tyre: 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Front Suspension: 43mm H.M.A.S. cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless preload adjustment, 109mm axle travel

Rear Suspension: Pro-Link with gas-charged H.M.A.S. damper, 7-step preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment, 120mm axle travel

Front Brakes: 296 ´ 4.5mm dual floating hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston callipers and sintered metal pads

Rear Brakes: 256 x 6mm hydraulic disc with combined 3-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
Dry Weight (kg): 213