Life with a Honda VFR800: These are my first impressions after 750 miles on the sports-tourer

I’m a month and 750 miles into 2015 Honda VFR800F ownership now, having bought a used one from Superbike Factory, so I figured it was time for some first impressions.

First off, I’m thrilled (but not entirely surprised) to report that nothing has gone wrong yet. A key part of my decision to go down the VFR route was Honda’s engineering pedigree and the subsequent excellent reliability the firm’s products often enjoy.

With fewer than 10k miles under its belt when I got it, the bike was never going to be near the end of its life, but frankly this £5k Honda feels pretty much brand new.

I say ‘pretty much’, because there are a few signs it has been used. There’s a scratch on the fairing (below) and another on the exhaust end can. But mechanically it’s in excellent fettle. So much so, that I’ve been on two longer journeys on it – one to the Cotswolds for a team away day, and the other to a client advertising meeting in Bath.

I’ve noticed the hydraulic clutch’s biting point is a touch high, which I’d like to adjust at some point. The bike also idles when cold at nearly 2000rpm and this seems like very high revs; I’m assured this is normal, but the combination of that and the clutch make pulling away in the morning a less graceful exercise than it otherwise could be. I’m sure I’ll learn to ride around it eventually.

When I think about it, we’ve experienced some pretty extreme weather over the past month, from colder single-digit mornings right through to 28-degree heat, and the VFR has shrugged it all off. I’ve been thankful for the standard-fit heated grips on a number of occasions through early mornings and cooler rides, although why it needed a ridiculously over-engineered five stages of heating is anyone’s guess…

Anyway, when Superbike Factory sent me the full set of images and spec for the bike I’d spotted on MCN Bikes for Sale, I thought it was completely standard, but alas when we arrived at their Donington Park showroom we noticed a Scottoiler was on the bike, albeit with no oil in it.

I’m intending on removing this. The reason is simple: I prefer to look after my chain myself, and I’m worried that having something purport to do it for me could encourage complacency. What if the oil ran out or a delivery line kinked, and then my chain was getting no oil at all? Plus if I’m lubing my chain myself, it’s a chance to look at the other componentry in the area and check nothing else is amiss.

I totally understand why people fit Scottoilers – it’s something that would be particularly helpful on a two-week-long European road trip, for example, eliminating a job and the need to carry an extra can, but for me, right now, I’d prefer the peace of mind of keeping an eye on it myself.

While that’s going to go, I’ve added some small modifications: a Quad Lock handlebar clamp mount and the firm’s vibration dampener (£50.98 all-in) so I can use my phone as sat nav.  

The Metzeler Roadtec 01 sports-touring tyres are something I have been pretty happy with, so far. They have decent turn-in and grip well, although are slightly lacking in feel and feedback, if I’m being uber-critical. I’ll put some more miles on them before swapping for something different to see what the effect is. If you’re a VFR800 rider I would be keen to hear your suggestions. Email me…

Otherwise, life’s good with this bike. It’s a joy to ride – I love the split-personality V4, that thrums along smoothly at low revs and thrashes like a buzzsaw when you’re on it. The weight hasn’t been an issue so far thanks to the performance on offer, but I’ve noticed the bike’s length when I’m wheeling around at home. No big deal really; just a few extra Austin Powers-style back-and-forths compared with a shorter model.

I’m absolutely loving the huge fuel tank, too. It’s a great feeling knowing you can smash out multi-hundred-mile days without refilling. I paid £30 for a tank the other day, which is spicy, but somehow easier to swallow than two £15 fill-ups with double the exposure to uninspiring petrol stations.

• Total mileage to date: 9960
• Average fuel economy: 47mpg
• Spent this update/on fuel/in total: £50.98/£132.28/£5183.26