Honda VFR800 vtec vs ST4S?? - Ducati.ms

mw0dbb · Oct 20th, 2011, 10:42 am

I think im in need of a change, How does the VFR compare to the ST4S??

I have heard the suspension on the VFR is abit crap? I love riding the ST4S, but it is really pushing me to my limit with it!! I am looking for an alternative.

John

Puffin64 · Oct 20th, 2011, 10:58 am

Perhaps your suspension needs re-building/setting up or you need a better choice of tyre? worth considering before chopping and going to the other side!

mw0dbb · Oct 20th, 2011, 11:09 am

Oh there is nothing wrong with the bikes handling, I just want a bike that is more reliable. I will have to sort the ST4S before I get rid of it anyway, but I am thinking about something to replace it.

John

Puffin64 · Oct 20th, 2011, 11:22 am

What reliability issues have you been having, and can't they be sorted out?

mw0dbb · Oct 20th, 2011, 11:27 am

Just look at my post for main bearings!!

John

stryder · Oct 20th, 2011, 11:28 am

The VFR 800 is well supported on the internet. I am sure you will get a good amount of information on a VFR specific site. I believe there are a number of current and former VFR owners here who could also provide some good feedback. They are very well liked bike world wide with a "cult" like following. The v-four sounds sweet too. I don't think the v-tec was all that well liked though. It would be a good alternative to the ST model line, if you don't mind the Star Trek movie prop looks.

Not without their own issues like frying regulator recifiers, and difficult to access shims, ie iirc, the engine has to be lowered/rotated to access front cylinder heads. But, they are still Hondas, and for me, I know I would be left feeling "flat" after a year's ownership period, and then I'd be back, looking for "more." YMMV.

Re your reliability issues: I know that my view point is not appreciated by many, but based on what little I know, I believe there was a "run" of bad engines, ie faulty parts or assembly, during a certain production time, and unfortunately, you seemed to have one of them, if that indeed is the case. I can't fault you for being totally pissed-off. I would be too. But, the vast majority of ST's are fairly reliable bikes, believe it or not.

erikrichard · Oct 20th, 2011, 11:31 am

I owned 2000 VFR for a couple years, which is pretty much the same in power minus the vtec. At anything under 6k rpm the bike has very little thrust, kind of like a 600 sportbike. That's why I ended up selling it, while the ST2 is 20 peak hp less I consider it's 944 engine much stronger overall. I'd look at a Sprint as an alternative.

jssport · Oct 20th, 2011, 11:34 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by mw0dbb

I love riding the ST4S, but it is really pushing me to my limit with it!! I am looking for an alternative.
John

John, VFR's are great bikes no doubt. The VFR owners I know look upon my ST4s with envy. Most ask if I want to trade rides for the next pass through the mtns. I generally refuse this saying "I can't afford top fix your bike if I wreck it, and I'm not sure if you could afford to fix mine." One guy I swap with on a regular basis though, bikes that is.

They're great bikes with sewing machine smoothness, good brakes and suspension, great handling. They have a wider powerband (ie less shifting) and pretty much do it all from track days to cross-country tours, like the ST4s.

However, the only advantage of a VFR over a ST4s I see is lower maintenance cost. It's pretty much add gas and change oil type of bike.

Both bikes require some ergonmic setup to fit the rider, both have a few owner quirks.

I'm not sure what you mean by "it is really pushing me to my limit with it".

If your riding skills exceed the ST4s, they'll exceed the VFR.

They are so much alike (imnsho) I don't think there is anything to gain by switching except the maintenance schedule

Puffin64 · Oct 20th, 2011, 11:34 am

If you're used to Ducati servicing costs to adjust shims etc then the later VTEC costs won't be a shock to you.
Have you thought about Triumph 800 /XC just been admiring them at a garage in Edinburgh, tidy looking machine.

mw0dbb · Oct 20th, 2011, 11:46 am

Don't get me wrong I love riding the 4S, I also have an ST2 which has been a fantastic bike and I have now passed it on to the girlfriend. I just have to say enough is enough, I cant keep throwing money at this bike!! If I can get it sorted out which I am trying to do then I may just change my mind. I think this bike has some real character and really puts a smile on my face, but it also makes me want to kick it around the garage!!

John