All Duels – Duel F800GT Vs VFR800: particular species – From theory …

Posted on by admin

Duel F800GT Vs VFR800: special species

All Duels - Duel F800GT Vs VFR800: particular species - From theory ...

In addition to a similar displacement, the BMW F800GT and the Honda VFR800 VTEC share the same program: comfortable but dynamic, these motorcycles mix genres in favor of versatility. But in the end, who are these queens of compromise for? ? Duel.

From theory…

In theory, the BMW F 800 GT and the Honda VFR 800 VTEC combine all the qualities of a so-called "light tourism" motorcycle: a "big-but-not-too-too" engine of the voluntary type (parallel twin-cylinder of 798 cc and 782 cc V-4), an efficient and comfortable chassis and an elegant fairing (read our and our).

To arrive at this sum of promising attributes, each one applies its own recipe by mixing ingredients a priori not very compatible: the basis of the German specialty thus comes from the excellent F800 R, that BMW has streamlined and "made more comfortable". More powerful than its predecessor, the sulk F800 ST (90 hp against 85), it is also more successful thanks to its increased protection and its improved driving position (saddle lowered by 20 mm, handlebars raised by the same amount, rest feet advanced and lowered by 10 mm).

Its efficient standard ABS and optional driving aids (traction control, electronically adjustable shock absorber and tire pressure indicator) also make it more sophisticated and versatile. With its practical luggage rack, its belt transmission and its bird‘s appetite (4.5l / 100 km during our), the Bavarian gives herself the means to deserve her "GT" suffix by forgetting her genes (and her genes!) of roadster.

The Japanese, for her part, hides an athlete’s heart and muscles under a cocktail dress, almost BC-BG cut. In this, the Honda is one of the last representatives of a genre fallen into disuse: the Sport-GT. Discovered in 2002, then, when its famous variable distribution underwent a softening cure, the VFR800 VTEC visually hardly suffered from its decade of sleep.

Better still: thanks to its slender lines and its engine of original and noble architecture (90 ° V4 cooled by side radiators), its power of attraction has remained very strong. A judgment confirmed by its high rating on the used motorcycle market (read our).

Perched on its standard central stand (an option at 130 euros on the BMW), the "old" Honda still turns many heads, helmeted or not! Her class even attracts more approving glances than her young German rival. From its integrated turn signals on its sharp sides to its attractive chrome mufflers, through its imposing single-sided arm, the VFR800 produces its effect, where the classic line of the BMW makes it more versatile..

The German, however, also has beautiful finery. Just like its splendid openwork single-sided arm, its Brembo 4-piston calipers, its robust aluminum frame or its pretty rims fitted with valves cleverly attached to the end of one of the ten poles. Its aviation-type fuel flap offset on its right rear side – the 15-liter tank is installed under the saddle – even gives it a touch of originality.

In addition, at first glance, the F800 GT does not betray the reputation "Deusche Qualitat" specific to the production two and four wheels BMW. Despite its status as an access motorcycle to the "GT" range of the German manufacturer, its level of finish is well made and the materials used are qualitative and assembled with care..

However, further examination uncovered a few small pits of rust on the 320mm rotors of our test model totaling just 1,400 km on the odometer. Same thing on part of the screws of the Rotax block and its exhaust manifold: not terrible for a motorcycle invoiced 10,550 € in its basic version…

Let us also admit that the blamelessness of its Japanese rival in terms of perceived quality and finish tends to make the examiner very demanding. Because to observe the VFR800 VTEC closely is to treat yourself to a pure visual delight, an ophthalmic round trip in first class !

The attention paid to the smallest manufacturing details of this motorcycle is a real plea in favor of Honda know-how: the fairings are adjusted to the millimeter, the welds are licked and the electrical network is invisible. Even the metal of the muffler guards and passenger footrests are entitled to a meticulous brushing that flatters the retina.

Of course, this "Premium" presentation has a price: 12,490 euros exactly. Although the VFR800 VTEC receives as standard the fully combined ABS (Dual C-ABS), the addition is frankly salty for a motorcycle at the end of its career. A marketing choice probably dictated by Honda’s desire to support the arrival of its replacement, the VFR1200, which starts at 13,990 euros …

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *