EICMA – The legendary Honda VFR800F returns

Completely updated, both aesthetically and technically, the legendary VFR800F returns to excite fans of the sport-touring segment.

There were two key factors that inspired Honda engineers in the development of the new 800 VFR2014F: maintaining and improving the essential qualities that have made the VFR famous, allowing it to achieve enormous success and, secondly, updating the new model with features and latest generation technologies.

Starting from the 4 cc V782 engine with Vtec distribution, the engineers intervened with a series of updates aimed at strengthening the delivery of power and torque at low and medium speeds, to obtain the ideal balance between the most fun sporty driving and the Soft delivery suitable for daily routes.

The characteristic change in character of the transition from 2 to 4 valves per cylinder of the Vtec system has been softened to offer a consistently strong but linear delivery. Finally, with the aim of maximizing active safety, Honda's TCS traction control (Traction Control System) is now present, which can be deactivated via a practical control on the left half-handlebar.

Among the objectives of the new 2014 project there was also an overall lightening of the VFR800F, to centralize the masses and lower the center of gravity. Result achieved, with a reduction of 10 kg compared to the previous model in the ABS version.

Among the innovations implemented for this purpose, the single silencer on the right side, a new seat support frame in die-cast aluminum, plus a series of detail refinements.

The complete renewal of the project involved the entire chassis: the new Honda Pro-Arm single-sided swing arm is powerful and sculptural, the suspensions with HMAS technology have been renewed and have an updated setup, and the braking system with 2-channel ABS as standard features 4-piston radial front calipers with 310 mm floating discs. To allow each rider to find the riding position best suited to their height, the saddle is height adjustable within a range of 20 mm (789-809 mm) and, for the first time in the range of original Honda accessories, is available the Shift Assist System device for searing acceleration at wide open throttle without using the clutch lever.

And finally the style. Tapered, slender, sporty, slim in the central part and elegant in the colours, finished in every detail, the new VFR800F 2014 summarizes and sums up all the themes that made the previous models loved, renewing them with decisive and tapered lines.

Motor
The 4cc V782 engine with 16-valve Vtec distribution of the new 800 VFR2014F has been significantly developed, focusing above all on distribution timing (in terms of lift, duration and crossing of the intake and exhaust valve opening) to deliver consistent values ​​of torque and power at low and medium speeds. The peak power is 77,9 kW (106 HP) delivered at 10.250 rpm while the maximum torque reaches the remarkable value of 75,1 Nm at 8.500 rpm.

The variable timing system of the Vtec distribution exploits the well-known differentiated actuation of the valves depending on the rpm. At low and medium speeds only 2 intake valves and 2 exhaust valves are operated, but when the engine revs up the system also activates the remaining valves, resulting in a change of character that generates an exciting intake and exhaust hiss and an adrenaline rush until the limiter intervenes at over 12.000 rpm.

The moment of transition from 2 to 4 valves per cylinder is now even smoother, generating a delivery that is always full and spirited but very linear, for a smooth and effective ride both on winding routes and on the fastest motorways.

The characteristic measurements of the engine are 72 x 48mm for bore and stroke, with a compression ratio that rises to 11,8:1. The Honda PGM-FI electronic injection system, equipped with 36 mm throttle bodies, has been remapped to satisfy the renewed engine delivery characteristics, also bringing a benefit in terms of consumption, now 17,8 km/l in the cycle medium WMTC and which thanks to the 21,5 liter tank offers a range well in excess of 350 km.

A significant overall weight saving has been achieved by redesigning the exhaust system (-7kg), now with a single silencer on the right side. The cooling radiator is also new, no longer split on two sides but single and placed in front of the engine. Among the innovations relating to the on-board electronics, the standard presence of the Honda TCS (Traction Control System) should be noted, which can be deactivated with the practical switch above the left handlebar and guarantees superior active driving safety.

Chassis
The pivot-less diamond-shaped aluminum double-spar frame has not been modified. The die-cast aluminum seat support frame is completely new, 3 kg lighter than the previous model. Thanks to this new component, the renewed exhaust system with single silencer, the new single-sided swingarm, the front radiator and a series of other refinements involving the entire bike, the new VFR800F 2014 weighs 10 kg less than the previous model, tipping the balance at 239 kg with a full tank of petrol. The geometric measurements of the chassis confirm the phenomenal balance that has always characterized all VFRs. The inclination of the steering head is equal to 25°30′; the trail is 95 mm and the wheelbase measures 1.460 mm, creating an ideal balance between handling and stability.

The suspension department has received extensive upgrades. The aluminum single-sided arm now features a powerful reinforcing truss that stiffens it both transversely and longitudinally. The fork is still a telescopic cartridge unit with HMAS (Honda Multi-Action System) technology and 43 mm stanchions but it has been redesigned and is adjustable in spring preload and ten rebound positions. The monoshock works by interposing progressive linkages according to the Pro-Link scheme and is adjustable in spring preload (via the knob located behind the
left passenger footrest) and in the hydraulic brake in extension.

The braking system with standard two-channel ABS is completely new and decidedly sporty. The front brake calipers are of the radial-mount, 4-piston type, and bite large 310mm floating discs. The rear disc is 256 mm with 2-piston caliper. The new 10-spoke wheel rims are made with the fine die-casting process, which allows for the creation of lighter elements with elaborate shapes. The front is a 17M/C x MT 3,50 with 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) tire, the rear is a 17M/C x MT 5,50 with 180/55 ZR17M/C tire
(73W).

Style and equipment
Fundamental in defining the design of the new VFR800F was the reference to the stylistic history of the VFR. The tight fairings with vents for hot air, the aerodynamic fairing, the slender tail, the single exhaust and the ten-spoke wheels express momentum and dynamism, elegance and sportiness, in a fascinating mix of taut and soft lines at the same time . The aerodynamics are also extraordinary, taking advantage of the central mounting of a single cooling radiator to reduce the width of the fairing by 40 mm without losing projectivity.

With a clear reference to the latest generation look expressed by the VFR1200F, a front light unit with the characteristic "X" shape and position lights on the rear-view mirrors also debut on the new VFR800F. The big news - an absolute first for a large-production Honda motorcycle - is the adoption of a front light unit with LED lighting. Same technology adopted for the rear light cluster, placed at the end of the slender tail and characterized by the integration of the direction indicators and attachments for the side cases.

The passenger seat is large and comfortable, flanked by large handles. The rider's seat is also standard, adjustable in height to two positions (789 / 809 mm) using the special tool supplied. Among the official accessories there is also a set of spacers to raise the half-handlebars by 15 mm.

Among the new features of the standard equipment, Honda introduces automatically deactivating direction indicators. Instead of using a simple timer, the shutdown impulse is sent by the control unit based on the driving situations. Below a certain speed calculating when the turn is finished based on the difference
of wheel speed, in the case of overtaking or driving onto straight roads after an appropriate period of time also based on the distance travelled.

The dashboard is also all new. Maintaining the layout with central analogue tachometer and double digital display, the instrumentation is now decidedly cutting-edge. It features digital displays for numeric speedometer, fuel level, gear engaged, outside temperature and clock. Among the new standard equipment we find the trip computer, which provides information on consumption (instantaneous, average and residual autonomy) and the heated grips on 5 levels with indication of the set level.

The central stand is standard and the ignition key is completely new, now with a wavy automotive-style profile and equipped as always with an anti-theft system with HISS anti-start.

Accessories
To enrich the equipment of the new VFR800F 2014, a rich range of original Honda accessories has been developed, among which, for the first time ever, appears the Shift Assist System, an electronic device that allows lightning-fast acceleration thanks to the insertion gears without having to operate the clutch lever.

In addition, the range of Honda Genuine Accessories for the 800 VFR2014F includes:

• Rear mudguard flush with the wheel
• Rear luggage rack
• Color matched 45 liter top box
• Matching side cases
• Averto anti-theft kit
• Inner bags for top box and side cases
• U-shaped mechanical anti-theft device