Honda 5th Generation VFR800 vs 6th Gen VFR 800

In this Video we compare the 5th Generation Honda VFR 800 to the 6th Generation VFR800 to see which Honda VFR is the better to own.

Looking for Parts for your 5th or 6th Gen VFR?

More Tips on buying a used motorcycle

Part 1 in this series...

Facebook & Instagram

#rodrideswrenches #hondavfr800 #hondavfr #motorcycle

[isidorvu]

Thanks for video! I am looking to by a 6th generation should I just look for a model with ABS? Isidor Austria

[paulwright]

1999 5th Gen is the one to get. Gear driven cams, more power, no cat, no hot wax idle to go wrong, cheaper servicing and longevity is better due to having no cam chain and tensioners. I think the styling is nicer too.

[markboucher]

I currently own a 2008 and have owned a 98 and 99. I prefer the undertail exhaust look. Other than that, I think the 5th gen is a nicer looking bike.

[RoeyHaviv]

I’m sitting on the porch, reading the comments while adoring my 7th gen.
They’re all great, between these two I slightly prefer the 5th for nostalgia and the gear cam noise but really these are good bikes and I won’t question anyone for getting either.

[chubbs]

I like the 5th gen looks because it’s subtle, soft, rounded yet still aggressive enough. It matches the VFR’s goal- to be fast and sporty yet smooth and comfortable for long rides.

6th gens hard lines and edges remind me of the current Honda civic type R. Over styled and overly aggressive for the machine it covers.

[VFRZen]

Great vid! I’ve owned the 3rd gen, 4th gen, 5th gen, and 6th gen and loved them all but power and acceleration-wise the 5th gen was the king. The shorter wheelbase on the 5th gen also helped it through the tighter twisties. The 6th gen was the better tourer though and my 2007 anniversary model looked phenomenal. Still, the 5th gen will always be my fave for day rides.

[Johnvfr]

Having owned a 6th Gen before my '99 5th Gen, after some 70, 000 miles riding the 5th Gen mainly for fun, find it still feels like new and easily my preference of the two.

[bullit]

Owned a 4th gen and currently own a 5th gen. Really appreciate the thorough technical breakdown and review. Since I have no garage to do most repairs the reliability factor was huge and I'm happy with my decision. The parts angle is very true. And forget about getting OEM fairings at this point!

[brucerossonthetube]

The whine of the gear driven cams with the music of the engine is what makes a beautiful VFR. The gear driven cams were a response to previous cam chain reliability issues prior to 1986, and its absurd that they went back to chains in 2022 only to have issues once again. Both nice bikes, but I would prefer a 5th gen in great shape.

[SuperKotaa]

Much prefer the look of the 5th gen front end looks like it belongs on a scooter. I call it the pcx vfr. Plus you cant beat gear driven cams.

[mattlewis]

I've owned a total of 8 Honda V4s over the years, including four 5th gen bikes - one 98 and three 2000 models. I had first chance at the first 2002 6th gen that came to my local dealership - rode it and absolutely hated VTECH. That particular bike also did not match the fit and finish of the 5th gens, to my eye. I prefer the styling of the 5th, but that is subjective, of course. As far as a difference in performance, even if there IS one, who cares? Not me. The 5th gen ticks all the boxes for me.

[johnfelton]

I still love the last 750 VFR, red black and gorgeous 😊

[stephenscharf]

I had the cartridge forks’ sag fine-tuned for my weight and revalved on my 5th Gen ‘99 by a racing suspension professional and...put an adjustable Ohlins shock on the rear, and now it handles *like a dream*. I"ve owned a Honda CB-1, CBR600 1st Gen, '94 F2, an F4i, and a 600RR, and while they were all excellent motorcycles, the 5th gen VFR is the BEST bike I’ve ever owned.

[gregmcclure]

I was involved in a road test in 2002 Cycle Canada magazine. They used my 2001 VFR to test against the 2002. I found the 2002 was a great bike but not enough to make me trade up. Also, our dyno testing showed the V-Tec didn't make a big increase in power. It just felt like it did. I now own a second 2001 VFR. I was riding with 2 Pro level racers during the test. Neither ran away from the other regardless of what VFR they were riding,

[sknorth]

Thanks for the video! I bought a 1999 model in yellow this past spring. I loved the colour and the gear driven cam sound. After replacing the voltage r/r, testing the stator output and adding CNC bar risers, I was good to go. Put a couple thousand miles on over the summer. Thrilled with the quickness and smooth acceleration of the bike. The temperature readings during summer city riding concerned me having come from the motocross where you don't slow down. Wired in a manual switch to turn on the fan when I enter a city bought me some piece of mind (and slightly lower temps). Guess I will get used to it. Overall, glad I bought the 5th generation.

[tommywilliams]

After 40 years riding I wanted a sporty ride that would not kill my back. After 20 bikes in my past (cbr, busas, ) I no longer needed to be on a hyper bike but cruisers are not my thing. This breaks down to a personal liking. I bought a 2005 6th Gen with 17, 000 miles for 5k about 6 years ago. I still just stop and stare at it after a ride admiring the lines, swingarm, under the seat pipes. I think it has aged really well. I never got into the looks of the 5th but if I found one for a good price I still might consider it. My favorite interceptor of all time was the 86 1000rr red white blue scheme. That full bodywork was stunning!

[zerostrike]

I’ll take the gear driven engine over any cam chained Honda any day .. 1 less critical thing to worry about going boom ! 😎

[haganengr]

So disagree with the overall conclusion. I'm not gonna own a bike that has a notorious problem with cam chain tensioners. This is just a deal-breaker and game over. I absolutely love my '99 with tasteful mods.

[danhollatz]

5th generation anyday! LOVE the sound of the gear driven cams!

[diyeveryday]

Thanks for the great VFR videos. Returning rider after 20+ years and am looking at 6th gen VFR’s as they have the “look back” requirement for me.