chipster, why don't they push it out to 1000cc's??? do you think they will because of bikes like the Futura, ST4, & the FJR1300?

 

I don't know. I thought it was a mistake given the competition in this segment of the sportbike market. I thought the VTEC addition was just fluff to make it look like the bike was improved. Chris and I have argued this point over the years, but to me the VFR is Honda's technology flagship. The bike has always led the way, V-4, Single Arm Swingarm Combined Braking etc. etc. It seemed to me Honda has become unsure where this market sector is headed. Is it Sportbike tourer or is it Touring Sportbike? Yamaha has just about stole the show with the FJR 1300. I guess we will have to wait for this models product cycle to pass to see what Honda has up it's sleeve.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chipster
[B]Chris and I have argued this point over the years, but to me the VFR is Honda's technology flagship.

 

Chris; Here we go again! You speak of "Cutting Edge Tech." The design & casting of a single sided swingarm is no simple feat. The application of LBS, and now the availability of ABS+LBS plus a host of other smaller inovations over the years in my view make this bike the test bed for new technology applied to street bikes. No, these aren't pieces that in and of themselves make a great bike. What they do is to allow Honda to try designs out on a limited production bike to see how they work, and then how they are received by the market place. I personally am not fond of the LBS, and the swingarm is cool looking, but heavy.
It seems to me that the fact of the matter is that the VFR has been around a lot longer than the 51 and probably will be here long after the 51 is replaced by the next generation of streetable racebikes. I too am not bashing, just pointing out that so far the VFR has been around for a long time and suspect if Honda figures out where it fits in their line-up will be around many years longer (sans VTEC) and hopefully packing a full liter mill!

 

Chipster, ever hear of Harris? They and other small cottage shops make SS swingarms, so it can't be too difficult.

You're right, the VFR has been and will be around much longer than the RC. I can't wait until the RC51 is killed ('03 is expected to be the last year), b/c it will undoubtedly become a classic given its limited production and great racing success (2 WSB Championships out of 3 years, Nicky's success (not sure how many he won), + 1-2-3 podium finishes this year @ Daytona).

Regardless, the NSR750 and RC 30/45/51 have always been Honda's most exotic bikes. I agree, the VFR needs to ditch VTEC (more technology of dubious benefit), get back the gear driven cams, and bump displacement to a liter. Otherwise, nothing wrong if we have different perspectives!

 

Chris; As we have done in the past, we shall agree to disagree. As always though, it's good to talk about the nuts, bolts, and details of bikes you and I both enjoy. Did you sell your 51?

 

Here's a second vote for the YZF600R. Its just as comfy as the VFR yet sportier, lighter, better brakes and quicker.

 

Chipster,

I still have the RC51, and am not really marketing it anymore, as I know I'd miss it and regret selling it. Doesn't get much use, though, as most weekends I'm at the MX track. I don't like riding on the street much, and it's too nice to really thrash hard at the track (for fear of tossing a big investment away). I'm going to a TWS trackday Monday, and am using a friend's race-prepped F4...the RC will be a backup bike (though I'm sure I'll have to take it for at least one session).