The VFR800 inherited its position as class leader in the sports-touring sector from its 750cc predecessor. Although its roots go back to the first VF750 of 1982, the latest VFR800 is one of the most accomplished and advanced motorcycles produced.

The V-4 engine at the heart of the VFR uses a VTEC variable valve system which alters the valve opening behaviour to give different power characteristics depending on engine speed. Below 7000rpm, only two of the four valves in each cylinder are opened by the camshafts. This two-valve layout gives superior torque and power production at low revs, where intake gas velocity is more important than large valve time-area values. But at higher revs (above 7000rpm) a computer-controlled valve pushes locking pins into place. These pins engage the remaining two valves in each cylinder, and the engine takes on the characteristics of a four-valve design. The extra valve time-area is perfectly suited to high-speed power production.

The VFR also features Honda's PGM-FI fuel-injection system, which boosts power, economy and clean-running, as well as a catalyzing element in the exhaust system to further reduce pollution.

The chassis combines sporting ability with touring practicality. A 'sport' version of the CBS linked brakes gives a more suitable blend of stopping power front and rear, while an optional ABS braking system provides extra security on unpredictable

road surfaces. Adjustable 43mm (1.7in) front forks and the single-sided monoshock rear suspension give superbly damped handling, and while the VFR is heavier than many sportsbikes, it disguises the extra mass well once on the move.

The broad dual seat is comfortable for many miles, even with a pillion, and the angular bodywork keeps the worst of the weather off. A generous 22-litre (4.8 gal) fuel tank, together with the efficient VTEC engine allows an impressive 322km (200 mile) range between refills. Optional accessories like hard luggage, heated grips and taller screens further enhance the VFR's touring ability.

Could this be the most advanced motorcycle on the planet? VTEC variable valve timing broadens the VFR800's power band, the high-tech PGM-FI electronic fuel injection ensures crisp throttle response while the catalytic convertor reduces emissions. The all-new 2002 VFR800 may be a sport tourer but it features technology that the competitors' superbikes will envy. And the 2002 model is the first VFR800 to offer available anti-lock brakes (VFR800FA).
 

Exclusive VFR800A
· Optional anti-lock brakes allow surer, safer stopping under various road and riding conditions.
· VFR800A also incorporates a convenient remote preload adjustment knob for the rear shock.
 

New for 2002
· Revolutionary VTEC(tm) combines the power characteristics of both two- and four-valve cylinder head designs. The engine runs on two valves per cylinder below 7000 rpm for significantly stronger low-end and mid-range torque and then switches to four valves per cylinder to maintain the VFR's impressive high-rpm power delivery.
· The 2002 VFR800 meets the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2008 emissions standards.
· New silent-type cam-chain drive eliminates mechanical gear noise and reduces engine weight by 3 kg. The system features a set of dual tensioners that maintain optimal pressure and lubrication for the camshaft chains, ensuring quiet operation and even longer life than the previous gear-drive design.
· Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) uses four laser-drilled 12-hole injectors, replacing the previous one-hole injector design, for much finer fuel atomization that improves combustion efficiency, reduces emissions and increases power.
· Iridium-tip spark plugs are ignited by new, compact high-energy coil-on-plug spark plug caps that produce a strong, high-voltage spark.
· Redesigned oil cooler provides 33 percent more cooling capacity.
· Redesigned twin side-mounted radiators have 7 percent more capacity for increased cooling efficiency.
· Unique NR(tm)-style center-up exhaust system incorporates two stainless steel mufflers tucked snugly under the VFR's tail section.
· Clutch features an offset outside friction plate for quieter operation when starting from a stop.
· Transmission has closer ratios between first and third gears combined with a one-tooth-smaller drive sprocket for stronger low-end and mid-range acceleration.
· New three-phase coil-spring damper in the transmission smoothes upshifts.
· New Pro Arm(r) single-side cast aluminum swingarm design is 19mm longer than the previous design, contributing to even better handling feel and comfort.
· Honda's proven Linked Braking System(tm) (LBS(tm)) is revised for even better braking power in a wide range of operating conditions.
· Large-diameter, 43mm Honda Multi-Action System(tm) (HMAS(tm)) cartridge front fork provides enhanced handling under all riding conditions.
· Four brilliant multi-reflector headlights employ two centrally positioned H4 low/high beams positioned under two widely spaced H7 high beams for brilliant nighttime illumination.
· Fuel capacity is increased to 22 litres.
· Stunning all-new bodywork features an aggressive headlight display, an aerodynamic upper fairing, sleek rear body panels and faired turn signals that accentuate the center-up dual exhaust.
 

Engine/Drivetrain
· Compact, 781cc DOHC 90 degree V-4 with an oversquare bore and stroke of 72mm x 48mm.
· Combustion chambers feature an 11.6:1 compression ratio and are fed by programmed fuel injection through short, straight intake ports.
· VTEC features hydraulically actuated lifter sleeves inside the inverted buckets of the valve train's direct-actuation lifters. Below 7,000 rpm only one intake and one exhaust valve are actuated. Above 7000 rpm, an oil spool valve, actuated by an electric solenoid, sends oil pressure to the lifter actuators and positions their spring-loaded engagement pins above the valve stems to initiate actuation of the remaining two valves of each cylinder. Precise, shim-under-bucket valve actuation for the two continuously operating valves contributes to quiet low-speed engine operation and allows 25,600-km valve maintenance intervals. The diagonally opposed VTEC-actuated valves utilize shimless buckets, reducing valve train weight and service complexity.
· The VFR's engine serves as a stressed member of the pivotless frame, which features specially designed engine mounting bolts tuned to work in harmony with the damping characteristics of the frame.
· Horizontally split crankcase incorporates swingarm pivot and Pro-Link(r) bracket mounts at rear.
· Aluminum composite cylinder sleeves are high-pressure-formed from sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The composite sleeves provide better wear resistance and superior heat dissipation compared to conventional sleeves.
· Forged aluminum pistons feature LUB-Coat solid lubricant to minimize friction between piston and cylinder wall.
· PGM-FI injectors feed large, 36mm throttle-body bores for optimal performance over a wide operating range.
· The VFR's electronic control unit (ECU) combines precisely metered fuel delivery and optimal ignition control utilizing 3-D digital mapping for each cylinder.
· Air injection system and three-way exhaust catalyzer utilize an oxygen sensor and advanced digital mapping to reduce emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
· Auto-enriching system is integrated into PGM-FI module, optimizing the air/fuel mixture on cold starts and eliminating the need for a manual choke.
· Solenoid-operated dual-air-intake-duct design keeps one duct closed during low-speed operation to ensure optimal control of air intake velocity.
· Dual side-mounted radiators maximize cooling efficiency using low-air-pressure areas created by side cowls to draw cooling air through the radiators. During low-speed operation, a thermostat-controlled left-side fan pulls cooling air across the radiator into the fairing, keeping hot air away from the rider.
· Side-mounted radiators allow optimal placement of engine for low center of gravity and excellent handling precision. Cooling airflow to front and rear cylinder banks and exhaust system is enhanced and forward cylinder access is simplified for maintenance.
· Oil cooler is mounted under the steering head for maximum cooling efficiency.
· Rugged 125mm-diameter eight-plate clutch offers light weight and high load capacity.
· Exceptionally smooth-shifting six-speed transmission.
 

Chassis/Suspension
· Triple-box-section twin-spar aluminum frame features a tuned, pivotless design that isolates the engine-mounted swingarm from the frame and contributes to handling comfort.
· The frame's massive triple-box aluminum spars anchor the steering head directly to the engine and provide a solid mount for the top of the rear Pro-Link shock absorber.
· The VFR800's beautiful Pro Arm single-side cast aluminum swingarm, mounted to the engine and the pivotless frame, provides an optimal balance of rigidity and tuned flex for superb handling.
· Rigid, 43mm HMAS cartridge front fork provides precise handling and compliant damping with 109mm (4.3 in.) of travel and stepless preload adjustment.
· Pro-Link rear suspension features a 40mm gas-charged HMAS shock with 120mm (4.7 in.) of travel and adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. The Pro-Link arm is anchored directly to a cast aluminum bracket on the rear of the engine case.
· Linked Braking System (LBS) uses a second master cylinder and a proportional control valve (PCV) to couple the three-piston calipers of the dual-front and single-rear brake discs for even better braking feel, while providing the peace of mind of an LBS system. Using the front brake lever activates the outer two pistons of the left-side front caliper, all three pistons of the right-side caliper and the center piston of the rear caliper. Rear pedal engagement activates the two outer pistons of the rear caliper and the center piston in the left-front caliper.
· The VFR's 296mm floating front brake discs feature a lightweight seven-spoke inner rotor design, further reducing unsprung weight.
· Sintered metal front brake pad material provides superior braking performance.
· U-section cast aluminum wheels are light and reduce unsprung weight.
· The six-spoke, 3.5-inch-wide front wheel carries a 120/70ZR-17 radial tire. The five-spoke, 5.5-inch rear wheel sports a large, low-profile 180/55ZR-17 radial tire.