Vibrations in bikes, specifically VFR

I test rode a VFR800 (2000 model) the other day and was considering getting it.

Problem is, I remember there was quite a lot of vibration coming from the pegs and handlebars. Definitely a lot when I pressed my heel against the peg shields. This was like a 30 minute ride and I noticed this!
I also just came back from Scotland where I rode 5-6 hours a day on my CBR and while there were some vibrations, they were nowhere near as bad.
I had the same issues with my fazer (08) where my throttle hand would go numb after a couple of hours of motorway riding.

My question is, is this a VFR800 Fi thing? Am I being over-sensitive and should just suck it up? I read the V4 engine is quite buzzy and some rev ranges are worse.
I keep reading that the VFR is near flawless but this bugs me. Same with the fazer, supposedly really great bike but I guess I got one that was weird.

If you own a VFR or have any opinion, let me know :slight_smile:

Nobody who has ever owned a VFR reckons they’re anything but flawless. V4s are less smooth than IL4s so it might be that, but it might also be that the rubbers on the footpeg mountings have gone hard or been mis-fitted. I’d try to find another to have a go on to check whether this was something unique to that bike.

Did it have non OEM bar end weights fitted? The OEM bar end weights are designed to damp out Vibrations. Did it need a service either? My old CB500 was pretty vibey when I bought it but OEM bar end weights and a service addressed most of the issues.

My vfr800 fi vibrates through the left peg more than the right and gets worse as the chain and sprockets wear. I have aftermarket bar end weights and because they are lighter than oem it does feel a bit more vibey, either I’ve got used to it or its not as bad. Your welcome to have a go on it.

My vfr800 fi vibrates through the left peg more than the right and gets worse as the chain and sprockets wear. I have aftermarket bar end weights and because they are lighter than oem it does feel a bit more vibey, either I've got used to it or its not as bad. Your welcome to have a go on it. ChrisB
you may or may not have forgot to mention your bikes mileage lol

It’s barely run in apparently :grin:

my bike is catching up I recon by next summer they will be twinned in mileage

It will if I stop my present commute

See by google if they have a balancer shaft that requires adjustment

Vibrations through the foot pegs - check the drive chain for a seized links.

my 750 was fine for vibrations even after 40000km. You’ve a cam chain not gears though, consider that might need adjustment

I was told mine had gear driven cams, as it’s the last model before the v-tec, is that wrong? how do I check?

ah you lucky blighter to have one of them! yeah they’re gears

Just had to check my Haynes manual and yes I have gear cams, and going by the pictures I’m never going near them with a spanner :grin:

Yes mine vibrates too more through the grips than the pegs and it worried me aswell.

My honda service centre told it’s because it’s a V4?

I’ve never had the pleasure of riding any other to compare it to do have just gotten use to it and 5000 miles later it’s passed it mot again

Thanks for all the replies! The bike has 30k miles so is due a big service in a few months (no recent history). Here are some pics: http://www.motorcyclesdirect.co.uk/used-bikes/bike/2000-honda-vfr-800-x-reg/U9v146lZ
The dealership are putting a new chain/sprockets and set of tyres before the sale which should help.
The grips are oxford heated but not sure about bar ends, think they are stock.

Does sound like the V4 is much buzzier than the I4 but can’t be unbearable if people love it!
New rubber peg mounts is a goo idea! I just can’t tell how much all these might help but I guess there’s nothing that can’t be fixed?

Might go see Chris’s VFR and see how different it is.
Joby: do you know what work was done on that service?

I don’t understand why you don’t walk away. There must be plenty of vibration free models up for sale

Mostly because there aren’t many blue pre vtec ones near London. But you’re probably right in this one :slight_smile:

Service I had was an interim service with chain and sprockets too. Really reduced the vibrations.

yeah finding the pre vtec is pretty rare these days. 

I agree with NT in principle though, you should go and test ride any other VFR at another dealership and see if you get the same problem.