2016 HONDA VFR800F

Model updates: The legendary VFR800F was completely updated for 2014 with a sharp, contemporary looks, a brand new telescopic fork, Pro-arm swingarm, wheels and bodywork. Plus, adjustable seat height, standard-fit Traction Control System, ABS, heated grips and Honda’s unique self-cancelling indicators. It also shed 7kg compared to the previous model, with the engine re-tuned for greater low and mid-range torque. For 2017 a new silver colour is available, a DC charger socket added and the engine is EURO4 compliant. 

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Accessories

5 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

The V4 engine configuration is a special one for Honda, going back nearly 40 years. A complex, yet compact unit, it has a unique power delivery and a soul all its own. Honda’s current RC213V MotoGP machine uses a V4, as does the flagship sport-touring VFR1200F. It’s a powerplant woven tightly into Honda’s engineering DNA.

And nowhere has the V4 engine been more at home than in the legendary VFR800F series – a truly all-round motorcycle that’s always done sport as well as it tours, and all areas in between, with or without a pillion. It has inspired huge loyalty among owners over the last two decades and it’s estimated there are still 75,000 VFRs in regular use across Europe.

The legion of VFR800F fans know exactly what they like about their bike, what they’d like more – and less – of in a new model. With such an important model Honda has listened intently to customers’ views; in essence they want a high-quality motorcycle with strong low and mid-range torque, light and slim but just as capable and adaptable, with a return to the evocative look and feel of VFRs of the past.

2. Model Overview

Two factors were key drivers for Honda’s engineers in development of the new VFR800F for 2014 – firstly, to retain and expand the essential VFR qualities that inspire so many, and, secondly, to update the new model with modern features and technologies.

Starting with the 782cc V4-VTEC engine, bottom and mid-range power were boosted, to strike the ideal balance of enjoyable sports riding and easy commuting. The VTEC transition was softened resulting in a smooth, strong and linear power delivery. Honda’s TCS (Traction Control System) was also added.

Extensive work went into making the new VFR800F lighter than its predecessor, a whole 7kg lighter in fact. A single exhaust muffler replaced the dual underseat design of the previous model and a host of detail changes saved weight.

A brand new Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm, 43mm telescopic fork, radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers and redesigned wheels were hung from the quintessentially VFR twin-spar aluminium beam frame. Seat height was made adjustable by 20mm, ABS fitted as standard and – for the first time – a Honda Genuine Accessories shift assist system made available to bolt straight on.

And then there’s the styling. Considerably slimmer in the middle than the outgoing bike the 2014 VFR800F mixed a sleek silhouette with crisp, contemporary angles – and more than an echo of classic VFR design. For 2017, the VFR800F will be available in three colours:

New – Digital Silver Metallic

Darkness Black Metallic

Victory Red

3. Key Features

3.1 Engine

The VFR800F’s 782cc, liquid-cooled 16-valve DOHC 90° V4-VTEC engine has received significant development for 2014 – mainly focusing on cam timing and valve duration/overlap – to deliver the required increase in low-to midrange power and torque. Peak power of 77.9kW is delivered at 10,250rpm, with peak torque of 75.1Nm arriving at 8,500rpm.

 VTEC valve timing operates one pair of inlet/exhaust valves per cylinder at low rpm, and then switches to four as revs rise, with a seamless transition between the two. Combined with the uprated torque, the change resulted in a remarkably linear power delivery and effortless overtaking at highway speeds.

Bore and stroke is 72mm x 48mm, with compression ratio of 11.8:1. The PGM-FI fuel injection – with 36mm throttle bodies – was remapped to suit the engine’s new performance parameters, and fuel economy is 19.4km/l (WMTC).

Honda’s Traction Control System (TCS) is fitted as standard equipment. It’s operated from the left handlebar and a single mode covers a wide variety of riding conditions and situations.

For 2017, the engine is EURO4 compliant. The allowable limits for exhaust tailpipe pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hyrdrocarbons and nitrous oxide specified by EURO4 are approximately half of those for EURO3.

3.2 Chassis

The diamond triple-box section aluminium twin-spar frame was unchanged for 2017; a revised die-cast aluminium subframe saved significant weight compared to the previous model. In total, kerb weight was reduced by 7kg to 242kg. Rake is set at 25°30’ with trail of 95mm and 1,460mm wheelbase.

Completely new for the 2014 upgrade were the aluminium single-sided Pro-arm swingarm and 43mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) telescopic fork. They feature stepless spring preload adjustment and 108mm wheel travel; the HMAS gas-charged rear shock operates through a Pro-Link suspension linkage with remote spring preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment.

The fork lowers were redesigned in two pieces to accept radial-mount four-piston brake calipers. New Fine Die-Cast (FDC) hollow aluminium wheels employed dual 310mm floating discs up front and a 256mm disc at the rear. The front rim is a 17M/C x MT3.50, the rear a 17M/C x MT5.50 with 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) and 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W) tyres. 2-channel ABS provides consistent and safe all-weather stopping control.

‘Elegant Sport’ is the essence of the VFR800F and its stunning bodywork not only provides a contemporary outline, with a mixture of sharp angles and soft curves, it pays respect to design elements from the VFR’s history – details like the small air intake duct on the fairing’s flank.

The VFR-signature ‘X’ headlight shape was updated for 2014 to feature LED lights – a first for Honda. Positional lights were integrated with the wing mirrors, just like the VFR1200F. At the rear, the wide, angular tailpiece offers plenty of room for a pillion and features an LED rear light unit with combined indicators for a clean look. With fuel economy of 19.4km/l (WMTC), the 21.5-litre fuel tank offers a 350km plus cruising range.

At 500mm the width around the middle cowl was reduced by 40mm giving the VFR800F a slim and compact feel. The seat is height adjustable (789mm or 809mm) using the tool provided and a handlebar height spacer, adding 15mm is available as a Honda Genuine Accessory.

3.3 Equipment 

Unique to Honda is the VFR800F’s self-cancelling indicator system. Rather than using a simple timer it compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the riding situation.

The dashboard houses a digital speedometer/tachometer plus gear position indicator, ambient temperature gauge, fuel consumption information and clock. There’s also an indicator for the 5-stage heated grips, which are fitted as standard. A compact automotive-style ‘wave’ design key – with internal grooving – reduces the chance of breakage. For 2017, a new DC charging socket adds another element to the premium specifications.

4. Accessories

Honda Genuine Accessories include a shift assist system. Designed to bolt on and plug straight in it provides race-style split-second upshifts with no need to use the clutch.

A rear hugger protects the shock and Pro-Link suspension from water and the colour-matched 45L top box and panniers accept the wave ignition key. Other Honda Genuine Accessories for the VFR800F include:

Rear carrier

Colour-matched top boxes

Pannier and top box inner bags

Averto security kit

U-lock

5. Technical Specifications 

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.