2008 Middleweight Sport-Touring Shootout BMW F800ST vs Honda VFR800 Interceptor - Motorcycle Review

[996artichoke]

Bmw 800 should not be allowed to compare to vfr it is so ugly and inferior in nearly every aspect

[Jim21680]

Owning the F800ST has been a regret. It's a great-riding bike...it really is. The power is ample, and the handling is just plain sweet. However, everything else about the bike is just one big headache (or, a bunch of big headaches)! It's poorly built, especially for something wearing a BMW badge. Then comes rear wheel bearing issues, piston slap (yes, PISTON SLAP!), grip heater failures, dead batteries, and an idle that just never seems right no matter how much you get used to it. BMW FAIL!

[daemontrym]

I've never ridden the latest gen VFR800s but I do ride a 95 VFR750F. I love this bike and playing with the tire choices make for a great handling bike. I run a Pilot Power front with a Pilot Road rear and the bike transitions very well. I used to have an 07 R6 before I became a full time student. They are great bikes I just don't like the super man seating position. Either one is uncomfortable after 15hrs but the VFR doesn't make u sore for days.

[skakisla]

Nice review but you could have mentioned how many times did the bikes stop for fuel, or their overall fuel consumption. Please bear in mind that the VFR in order to keep up (when at high speeds) it has to operate all valves and that is a very important factor when you have to compare it with the BMW in terms of fuel consumption. Also bikes are mainly used inside the city and occasionaly for touristic reasons. I still don't understand why one needs a 4 cylinder 16 valve VTEC engine for a bike...

[Martian74]

@skakisla Why don't you just get a scooter then and stop watching comparos on sports tourers. Here in Australia we need bigger bikes as the distances are much further so a bike that can cruise along at 110km/h is necessary, that is why I went for the VFR800. The VTEC is there when I want to use it otherwise it doesn't hurt anything just having it.

[skakisla]

@Martian74 Don't be offended about your bikes engine, I was just speaking my mind. But fuel prices is a growing burden for all of us. So my comment was about the things you have to compare when bying a motorcycle (or even a car these days) and that fuel consumption should be one of them. That makes an allaround comparison. I drive in Europe I own four motorcycles and I hate scooters.

[agilestyle73]

A Rotax 2line VS an HONDA V4 VTEC? No match pals!

[Wabbit1961]

I've owned a 2006 Honda VFR INterceptor since 2008. I bought it on consignment with only 734 miles on it. No ABS. It came with hard cases and case liners. I put O2 sensor elliminators, K&N air filter, and a Givi Touring screen. This bike is fantastic. So smooth. It eggs the rider to test it and themselves everyday. I put Pirelli Angel ST tires on it and it makes a HELL of a difference in handling and front end heaviness. It's like a new, way more nimble bike! A shame they dropped it in 2010.

[dulaustefan]

I have a Vfr in 1 Year I made 25000km ,fantastic bike i never had any problem with it. I LOVE IT !

[kj7687]

The best true sport-touring bikes are made by Triumph...

[simon44]

The F800ST is agile, extremely comfortable, good fuel economy and a nice computer. However, my first impression when I got on it was PLASTIC! Its not well made at all, sounds aweful and is easily blown around in the wind. I found it hard to drive beyond 70mph/110kmph. It really was a struggle to keep it straight when the wind hits you from the side because of its light weight and sub standard aerodynamics. Really dissapointed with both bikes but if I went for any it would now be the VFR

[simon44]

Right guys. Update for ya if your deciding between these two bikes. I dont like either anymore :( You didnt see that one coming did ya? Either did I. Owned the VFR two months now and test drove the F800ST flat out for two days. The VFR is gorgeous and well built but I found it very sluggish (low torque) and not comfortable at all which surprised me.

[KutWrite]

So...

What did you decide on?

I'm having trouble liking any bike these days.

[simon44]

@KutWrite I got a Susuki V Strom DL650. Wasnt looking for one but got offered a deal I couldnt refuse. I really like I must say. Its no wonder there hard to come by.

[simon44]

I'm buying a VFR tomorrow. Really wanted a new F800ST but its too expensive and their impossible to find second hand here. The VFR will do the sport touring job fine i'm sure.

[jorgensen8]

I rode both and am much more impressed with the F800ST. The VFR felt heavy, it has a chain, no ABS, and doesn't come on unless you wind it out. Besides, how much over 140 mph do you want to go? This is personal, but I enjoy a bike that's a little different.

[Rafal264]

Hey VFR has ABS check it out :)...

[simon44]

Its an optional extra since 2003.

[aminevich]

@jorgensen8 you do know that the VFR (like mine) have ABS ? Also, consider this: repairs. I own a 3 series BMW car and can tell you that maintenance is unreal. However, Hondas just need oil changes and a larger maintenance to adjust the valves. As for power, I am surprised that you didn't get enough with the VFR. I have kept up with 750 and 1000 cc sport bikes (no chance to overtake a sport bike, but you can definitely keep up).

[jorgensen8]

@aminevich

No, I didn't know the VFR had ABS.

A lot of the power is feeling. I just felt I had to wind the VFR out, while the F800ST was raring to go with the slightest twist of the throttle. I know the Honda is a good bike, but upon visiting the dealer, it wasn't cheap to do service on the Honda either. Plus the belt is a lot cleaner, lower maintenance and quieter over a chain.

[MisterPeetBull]

@jorgensen8 I ride a VFR- and they have ABS, dummy...not that you really need it if you know how to ride. Plus my Honda is much, much prettier.

[ceranegliocchi]

Strange comparation....VFR is born 2002 BMW is more new....different filosophy and tecnique. For me, VFR is better

[mbxcc]

I have both in my garage right now - a 2008 F800ST and a 2007 anniversaryVFR800. The BMW is for sale, and the faster it leaves my garage, the better. A good bike, but clinical and boring, with a powerplant that sounds like electric hedge clippers. The VFR, in my opinion, is a more enjoyable machine, all around.

[pepedlux]

I've got the anniversary '07 VFR also, isn't that paint scheme just gorgeous?

[2001vfr800]

It really depends on your riding style/ speed preference. The VFR eggs you on. The accelleration as the RPM's come up is WAY better- and takes the weight off your wrists if fatigued. If you like to "cruise" around and just throttle out of corners near the "speed limit" the comfort of BMW may be wiser.

I prefer the VFR. if you disagree get handlebar risers!! ; ) and a throttle lock, and slightly taller shield. = GOOD TO GO!!

[bmetstud]

how would the vfr feel with me being 6 foot 5. I was looking for at the new R1's. but maybe the vfr will fit better. any thoughts, I know Im huge.

[steady2wheels]

unfortunatley your going to have to cut your legs shorter... but seriously a mate of mine is 6ft4 and he is having to seel his 07 r1 because his legs just dont fit, a zzr1400 is excellent for the larger/taller gentleman

[pepedlux]

Actually, my dad has a ZZR1400 (ZX-14). He's 6'3" and fits just fine, but I'm about an inch taller and proportioned slightly differently, and my legs are too long for the pegs on the Kawi. Definitely take a test ride on any bike if you're a taller individual, you'd be surprised what can become a major comfort issue.

[biglandfarm]

go with the bmw

[bmetstud]

cool thanks alot

[bondferret]

I am 6'3" and my interceptor is just fine.

[muddassarfarooq333]

bmw CanT CuT bikes there bikes are shit stick to Cars bmw we need imPreza bmw

[biglandfarm]

beginner? for vfr?

[biglandfarm]

no, NOT BEGINNER U NOOB

[wreckerpecker]

15,000+miles in the first six months on my VFR. Can't wait til this next season.

[PepperWhite62]

23.5 miles on my new 08. So far I have only gave her a peck on the cheek.

[Jim21680]

I own an F800ST. It's fun bike, handles well, and more power than you'll ever really need. But I would never say it offers "all day comfort"...nope - not really. On the day & weekend trips I've taken, my ass, knees, and the muscles near my shoulder blades ache like hell after just a few hours. If you want REAL all-day comfort...go with a Gold Wing, or something along those lines.

[Jim21680]

I must also comment on the F800's motor. It works...but why did BMW & Rotax build a vertical twin with both pistons having the exact same firing sequence? It's like a single, only with more moving parts and more rotating mass. Who knows...it seems Germany can really over-engineer the crap out of some things. And the thing leaks oil, at 4000 miles! I like the BMW, but I'm going back to Japanese for my next bike.

[GerwinChita]

If you mean that both pistons fire at the same time: it is not so. Both pistons go up and down at the same time, but with a four stroke, only one in two down movements is a firing stroke, the other is an inlet stroke. So when one piston is doing an inlet stroke, the other is doing a firing stroke. And vice versa ofcourse. The result is a firing stroke every revolution of the engine, instead of one every two revolutions as with a single cylinder. This makes the engine way smoother.

[GerwinChita]

This is not over engineering, this is how all straight twins work, or should work, except when marketing dictates a staggered crankshaft to make the firing sequence uneven and make it sound like a V2, as they do on some Triumphs and the Yamaha TDM.

[ShamanWS6]

I've gone 15 hours on a GSX-R 1000. Honestly, everything is uncomfortable after 15 hours.

[jet79637]

I agree, even the best car begin to wear on the rear and back after longer distances, same way with all bikes.

[ftejerinar]

Puede que sea mejor, pero la BMW gasta una media de 5,0l/100Km

[swfcpilot]

I own a VFR and have ridden the F800ST. In a nutshell, the VFR is most sport and the BMW is more tour. So if you like to carve the corners and maybe do the occasional track day, the VFR comes out on top. But, the VFR is still usable day to day as well. The BMW is easily more upright seating and a tad more comfy but harder to get down on the tank in a tuck.

[Perrickan]

I'm really interested in a VFR, but I'm skeptical about the linked brakes... It's not possible to get it with independent brakes, is it?

[sander6san]

I have seen independent companies advertise (UK) to effectively disable the combined braking system. Will probably mean you will not have ABS.

[wreckerpecker]

I wondered myself about it. I must say that I actually prefer them linked after the first year on it. I find the brakes easier to distribute the pressure evenly.

[roadwraith86]

I hade a Blackbird before with linkt brakes and it works great. The only real downside is if you comes on lose ground and brake harde on your backbrake the its a chans you lock your front tire. But you dont have to be a pro to stop your bike fast. But linked brakes is best in most senarios

[rod0325]

I bought the 2008 VFR and for touring down the interstate and pushing on the back roads, you get the best of both worlds. If you want a city bike, stick to the CBR's or R1/R6, but if you want to ride more than a couple hours, definitely go with the VFR. Trust me, your body will thank you!

[codrutoctavian]

I am really interested in buying one these two. Still not decided which. I think the VFR is better. Anyone has other oppinions?

[WRfourfiddy]

I own the VFR and I love it, so anything I say is going to be heavily biased. Having said that, the BMW has recently caught my eye too! The "which bike" debate can kick on forever with opinions from others. Only way to find out for sure is go visit your dealer and ride both. Good luck choosing, the BMW looks nice too IMO.