The wait is over – the new VFR800F is here

Starting with the 782cc V4-VTEC engine, bottom and mid-range power have been boosted, striking the ideal balance of enjoyable sports riding and easy commuting. The VTEC transition has been softened and the resulting power delivery is smooth. Honda’s TCS (traction control system) has also been added.

Extensive work has gone into making the new VFR800F lighter than its predecessor – 7kg lighter in fact. A single exhaust muffler has replaced the dual underseat design of the previous model, further improvements were realised through a host of changes engineered to contribute to weight reduction.

A newly designed Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm, 43mm telescopic fork, radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers and redesigned wheels hang from the quintessentially VFR twin-spar aluminium beam frame. Seat height is adjustable by 20mm, ABS is fitted as standard and – for the first time – a shift assist system is available as bolt on Honda Genuine Accessory.

Then there is the styling. Considerably slimmer in the middle than the previous model, the 2014 VFR800F mixes a sleek silhouette with crisp, contemporary angles and more than an echo of classic VFR design.

The VFR-signature “X” headlight shape is updated and now features LED lights – a first for Honda. Positional lights are integrated into the wing mirrors.

At the rear, the wide, angular

tailpiece offers plenty of room

for a pillion and features an LED rear light unit with combined

indicators.

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.

A new 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 five-stage heated grips, which are fitted as standard. A compact “wave” design key, with internal grooving, reduces the chance of breakage.