EICMA 2013: 2014 Honda VFR800F

Mon, 04 Nov 2013

Gracing the new 2014 VFR800F is traction control, ABS, heated grips, adjustable seat height and self-canceling blinkers. The V-Four-powered machine has been re-tuned for greater low and mid-range torque, and also receives a new telescopic fork, Pro-arm swingarm, wheels, new, slimmer bodywork and styling.

Starting with the 782cc V4-VTEC engine, Honda engineers focused mainly on cam timing and valve duration/overlap to increase low-to midrange power and torque, claiming 104.5 hp @ 10,250 rpm and 55.4 ft-lbs of torque @ 8,500 rpm. Bore and stroke is 72mm x 48mm, with compression ratio of 11.8:1. VTEC valve timing still operates one pair of inlet/exhaust valves per cylinder at low rpm, and then switches to four as revs rise. Honda’s single-mode Traction Control System (TCS) is fitted as standard equipment and is operated from the left handlebar.

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Suspending the VFR is a new aluminum single-sided Pro-arm swingarm and 43mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) telescopic fork. They feature stepless spring preload adjustment and 108mm wheel travel; the HMAS gas-charged rear shock operates through a Pro-Link suspension linkage with remote spring preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment.

Redesigned fork lowers now accept radial-mount four-piston brake calipers. New Fine Die-Cast (FDC) hollow aluminum wheels employ dual 310mm floating discs up front and a 256mm disc at the rear. Front tire size is 120/70-17 while the rear tire is and 180/55-17. Two-channel ABS is standard.

The VFR’s headlight shape is updated and now features LED lights – a first for Honda. Positional lights are integrated with the wing mirrors, just like the VFR1200F. At the rear, the wide, angular tailpiece offers plenty of room for a pillion and features an LED rear light unit with combined indicators.

The seat is height adjustable from 31.06 inches to 31.85 inches, while a handlebar height spacer, adds 15mm.

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 standard, 5-stage heated grips. There’s also a compact automotive-style ‘wave’ design key – with internal grooving .

Honda Genuine Accessories is offering a shift assist system. Designed to bolt on and plug straight in it provides race-style split-second upshifts with no need to use the clutch – a first for Honda.

Apparently, Honda has no plans to import the new VFR800F stateside.

Specifications

ENGINE Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC 90° V-4 Displacement 782cm3 Bore ´ Stroke 72mm x 48mm Compression Ratio 11.8 : 1 Max. Power Output 77.9kW @ 10,250rpm Max. Torque 75.1Nm @ 8,500rpm Oil Capacity 3.8L FUEL SYSTEM Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection Fuel Tank Capacity 21.5L Fuel Consumption 17.8km/l (WMTC mode) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Starter Electric Battery Capacity 12V/11AH ACG Output 420W DRIVETRAIN Clutch Type Wet, multiplate with coil springs Transmission Type 6-speed Final Drive O-ring sealed chain FRAME Type Diamond; triple-box-section aluminium twin-spar CHASSIS Dimensions (L´W´H) 2,134 x748 x1,203mm Wheelbase 1,460mm Caster Angle 25° 30′ Trail 95mm Seat Height 789mm / 809mm Ground Clearance 126mm Kerb Weight 239kg SUSPENSION Type Front 43mm HMAS cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless preload and ten DF adjustment, 108mm axle travel Type Rear Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper, 7-step (stepless remote-controlled hydraulic) preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment, 120mm axle travel WHEELS Type Front 10-spoke diecast aluminium Type Rear 10-spoke diecast aluminium Rim Size Front 17M/C x MT3.5 Rim Size Rear 17M/C x MT5.5 Tyres Front 120/70-ZR17M/C (58W) Tyres Rear 180/55-ZR17M/C (73W) BRAKES ABS System Type 2channel ABS Type Front 310 x 4.5mm dual floating hydraulic disc with radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads Type Rear 256 x 6mm hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS Instruments Digital speedo, analogue tachometer, fuel meter / fuel consumption / water temp. / gear-position / ambient temperature / clock Security System TBC Headlight LED (Hi-2 / Low-2), with extension Taillight LED x 9 (tail), LED x 9 (stop)

By Tom Roderick