HiDesertMLB

I haven't been on VFRD in many months, nor riding that much for that matter, but I am both surprised and curious that this hasn't been talked about more in the VFR community. At a present look at powersports.honda.com (US), VFR is listed only up to 2015 models; UK site shows 2017 model (specifications). Is the VFR dead in terms of production and model offering as we know it? Going to the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach last month, stopped by the American Honda Powersports exhibit. I didn't really get a chance to get the ear of a Honda rep that was really knowledgeable of street models, but nonetheless, I found an available rep, and he did share some information (he represented accessories for powersports line). When I didn't see a VFR in their presentation lineup, he said that they weren't producing any for 2018 and what remains in inventory would be the last. He did indicate that there could be something on the way, but didn't have any further knowledge. Vague, I know...as it's still hearsay as far as I see it. But to the VFR community: has the VFR, after almost a 30-year run, hit the end of an era? Has this been discussed on any other threads here? I'll keep searching.

Owned a VTR 250 for a short time in the mid-90's. I was a lot skinnier and lighter back then; the VTR was a fun bike. After a 10+ year hiatus from riding, bought my first VFR in 2007 and it has been like a comfortable set of shoes. Haven't looked back. The VFR is good therapy for my 40-something life.

I know about MBD! Nice acquisitions, Dutchy. Late to see this thread, but looks like you have rescued some nice VFRs. Jealous of the fish & chips lunch, too.

The Shinko Raven 009 definitely deserves a mention for the 4th gen. It's a decent tire. I've had Bridgestone BT-021s (old tire - I know), Michelin PR, Conti Road Attacks, and finally bit the bullet by putting on Shinkos which I was very skeptical of. I have about 800 miles on the Raven 009s, and I really like them for all-around riding. Yes, they are of an older tire technology, but the profile of the tire is very predictable. I have been impressed so far. Looks like the set will hold up well, and the feedback is not too shabby. The only downside, at least to me, of the Shinko Raven 009: I do not like the front tread design- the center groove. Put there to displace water I'm sure, it just seems to me that it's odd and it looks funky. I did not have good experience w/ the Bridgestone I recall. Lasted about 4k miles, and not because of the tire wear, but the front tire did some sort of cord separation, and I replaced the set.

What a awesome streetfighter. Attention to detail, and it shows, Seb. Nice!

Replaced both middle fairings on my '96 in 2011 because the DZUZ clip holders cracked away. The ABS plastic can be hit/miss in its longevity I guess, and I just didn't want to repair the crumbly ABS. Having had great service from David Silver Spares UK in the past, they were able to locate, albeit the European version. I ordered part #'s 64430-MZ7-000ZA ®, 64470-MZ7-670ZD (L), Euro equivalents are in the R158P color, The only difference is the VFR decal being the Euro version. It was complete & identical to the U.S. version otherwise. All I had to do was add the grill inset and NACA backing, and it was good to go. Looking at the Euro fiche you provided, not sure what the breakout in parts are, especially #8 (extra pieces of insulation?) and 9, but seems like #13 is the middle fairing, and since part #'s change, will probably be what you're after. DSS (UK) 4th gen Euro middle fairing, right: https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/VFR750FT-1996/part_81991/ Might be worthwhile to send a parts inquiry to see if they can locate. HTH-

Nice looking VFR 1200. The mods are definitely top-shelf. I really like the cat delete; precision welding!

Can't offer up much advice, Dutchy, as I haven't had a clutch cover off a VFR for any type of service. Seeing your 4th gen and those grooves in one of the clutch center stanchions is kind of a "oh damn" moment, but not all is lost. I have heard that the "special", thinner friction place goes in first (all the way to the back), but that's the only thing I can think of right now. There's no side-to-side play in the clutch center, I take it. Lifter rod straight? Hope all goes well. I'll be following this thread.

Last year when I bought my 2012, I went in thinking owning two VFRs already, it would have the same (or similar) VFR qualities. I was wrong. I'm not saying the 7th gen is a bad motorcycle- I get what Honda was trying to do. Honda has typically showcased newer technologies in the VFR sport-touring package. This time around it was a sublime, larger V4 mill, superb braking, and suspension. Yes, it is porky on the scale. I went into my purchase blindly without having test-ridden the 7th gen, purchasing solely based on prior experiences owning VFRs (and rider reviews). I bought the bike several states away (steep discount off MSRP), and when it was finally delivered and ready to take out on first ride, I wanted to check out the VFR-like qualities. Ergos were all the same, but the motor...whoa! This was the largest displacement motorcycle I've ever owned, and I am by no means an accomplished rider, but the "dial-of-smiles" twist of throttle was so exhilarating. On my first long ride (200+ mi) I was worried: it was fatiguing for my 155 lbs to manipulate a 550+ lb motorcycle over 200 miles. No, it's not terribly overbearing; it is well-balanced. On longer trips, I just found myself more worn out when compared to my 6th gen. It's been over a year with the 1200, and I have to say, for a moment of "this might be too much bike for me", wound up being that the VFR 1200 is the affordable BMW K-series that I always wanted to 'graduate' to. I've become accustomed to the extra weight, the 190 rear is way more tire width than I'll need in my turns, but with a 150+ hp motor, it is necessary to put that power to the road. I've never had an issue w/ fuel tank range/mileage. Ridden sensibly, the 2012 will get you 180+ miles to the tank. Can't say the same about the 2010 (slightly smaller tank). The biggest complaint that I have with the 7th gen is the fact they changed the placement of turn signal/horn buttons compared to models prior. So many times I have hit the horn button instead of cancelling the turn signals! Seeing the 8th gen now on the sales floor, the 7th gen must've been a curveball for the sport(sport)-touring market. I could only imagine Honda execs saying "the VFR 1200 is selling like garbage". Seeing the 8th gen come about with a step backward to the VTEC mill and back-stepping things like throttle-by-wire and linked braking makes me think that the 8th gen was a salvage campaign to resurrect sales. Not dissing the 8th gen- it's a refinement, but it just did not bring a lot of ground-breaking technology from the Honda warchest. Nonetheless, VFRs are trusty bikes, and I will say that each generation has something special to bring to the table. For me, the 1200 has a superb powertrain and brakes at the expense of weight, though well-balanced. So, what I originally thought as buyer's remorse, has turned towards a fondness to appreciate what technology/quality the VFR 1200 brings to the table. Too bad they could not keep it on the sales floor.

What a great find! You are the lucky one. Looks like many miles of smiles are in store for you with your super-clean '86. Nice!

I initially had reservations about the Shinkos. My 4th gen has had its set of Conti Road Attacks on it for four riding seasons (don't ride it much), and in the last outing, I noticed it was time for new shoes. I don't ride agressively, especially with the 4th gen, so I figured I would try out the Raven 009. The reviews I've seen on Shinko seem like they're a no-nonsense tire with good quality. I ordered a set a couple weeks ago, and will be mounting them soon. I figured if the Raven 009 is old-school Yoko technology (it does have a funky tread pattern), it would be right at home with my riding style and 18 year old VFR. Besides, the 170/60R17 rear is not a common offering for all manufacturers in their sport touring selections, yet Shinko readily offers this size. I'll post my overall impressions after getting some miles on the tires. As far as price goes, $180 for the set was an eye-opener. I'll stick with the Michelins PR3's on my 6th, 7th gens, but I am really looking forward to seeing how these Shinkos provide feedback on the road. The way I feel about it, Shinko is to motorcycle tires as what Kumho is to automotive tires. Doesn't look like a bad tire, both manufactured in S. Korea, and both are decent quality and good price.

Haven't used mine much, but with the liners, they are superb. Lots of room, you can place a helmet and shoes with no problem and still have space for clothing, etc. I'd say they're durable, but treat them with TLC if you don't want the finish to get scratched up. Haven't tested them in rain, but I think they would keep water out in light/moderate rain.

Thanks for posting this up. Lane splitting is OK so long as it's done w/ prudent judgement and caution. It's the rogue riders who are making motorists upset, and ultimately this privilege will be disallowed.

The white color option looks fantastic, especially w/ the factory luggage! Congrats on your new VFR!