Overview:
This is a complete rework of the VFR, of which rumors have been flying
around for several years now. Originally anticipated to be an
850cc V-four powered bike, it turned out to be a 781cc fuel-injected
V-four instead.
Honda boasts many different technologies "never before used on a Honda
production motorcycle", such as
- Engine components:
- High-pressure-formed aluminum/ceramic/graphite composite
cylinder sleeves: lighter than steel sleeves, better wear
resistance and heat dissipation qualities
- Precision programmed eletronic fuel injection
- Electronic control unit to meter fuel delivery and
ignition control on each cylinder
- Chassis: Pro ArmTM single-sided cast aluminum swingarm is now
mounted to the engine. Honda claims it provides better rear-wheel
accessibility with more torsional rigidity.
- Other components: Instrument cluster is lighter and thinner
than what was used on older models. Tachometer and speedometer are
electronic with LCD displays for coolant temp., odometer, two
tripmeters and the clock.
Further refinements
1998 and 1999 models were nearly identical. Newer models had some
improvements:
- 2000+ models lost rubber mirror stalk boots in favor of an
all-metal painted mirror stalk design
- Fast-idle lever disappeared starting year 2000 (needed in
cooler weather on 1998/1999 models).
Color options
Although other countries (Canada at least, maybe Europe, too) were able
to get silver and yellow models, only red was available in the US for
1998 and 1999 model years. Honda changed the US color offering to
yellow for 2000, then back to red for 2001.
