Honda VTR-F Owner Review
Introducing a passionate story of "Tamarin-r" who ride VTR-F, from Webike Community's "My Beloved Moto" campaign.
He shared his review of the VTR-F, including the advantage and the disadvantage, which he understands well because he is the owner.
Brief self-introduction
I am an elderly man who discovered the fun of motorcycles during the motorcycle boom in the late 80s. I've been off the road for about 20 years since I entered the Heisei era, but I've returned. I like touring down the road, and if I do nothing, I can ride all day long.
Since I like touring, I looked for a used VTR250F when I bought the NINJA250SL, but the price was not right and I gave it up. Since I am not physically big, I like small motorcycles, and I was attracted to the slim body of the NINJA250SL, which is as light as a 125cc, and the reasonable price for its age, so I gave up on the VTR250F.
The NINJA250SL was a fun motorcycle for mountain passes, but it was a little bit tough for touring. When I was tired of PCX150, I found a cheap VTR250F and after thinking about it for a month, I bought it. I had converted my carbureted motorcycle to a half cowl for touring, but this time I went for the manufacturer's OEM one. After all, the design is very comfortable.
However, if you look closely, you can see that the headlight is an adaption of the CBR250R, probably due to cost reduction, and the screen is also a bit low.
Satisfaction
Speaking of the VTR, the truss frame is beautiful, if I may say so. The early VTR250F had a conspicuous red frame (reminiscent of the VT250F), but after the MC, it was silver, oddly enough the same as the carbureted version that I used to ride. In my opinion, I like the casual color. There is a view that it does not stand out.
I changed the front sprocket from the STD 14 to 15 because I didn't want to have to rev too high due to the smaller diameter rear tire on the MC and the lower gearing. Using 5th gear on an uphill slope is now a little bit difficult, but it's a low-speed torque type engine so it's not particularly difficult to ride. On the contrary, the fuel efficiency has increased by 10% and I am smiling about this point. Handling is as easy as ever. The weight of the half cowl is not felt especially.
It's a historic engine, and I don't like the sound of it, just like a carbureted engine, but it's quiet, so that's good. No matter what I do, I can't hope to get the throbbing sound of a four-engine motorcycle. I haven't driven it for a long distance because of the Corona, but I can drive it at 100km/h plus on a freeway, so for practical use, there is no problem. However, the height of the screen is low and the wind hits my body quite hard.
The part of the frame where my knee hits the frame when knee-gripping, which was a concern with the carbureted motorcycle, is now covered with plastic (the silver part) and doesn't feel uncomfortable.
Also, the "0" storage space, which was the biggest drawback of the carburetor model, has been moved from under the seat to make room for the battery. This is the best place to put a thin raincoat so you can go out and hang out. I often go out with a small seat bag attached, though, as shown in the picture.
Dissatisfaction
I can't see well for the rearview mirror being spread out to the side. I replaced it with a handlebar (I used it in GROM) and installed a drive recorder in the place where I removed it. I made an eye patch on the other side.
The other two disadvantages of the V-type engine are that it is slim horizontally so it is easy to lay down, but on the other hand, the handlebar feels far away because it is long.
It's hot because the engine head is also in the rear. I'm worried about the summer season. I'm not sure I'd like to change the plugs or remove the tank on the backside. I know you may like the suspension to be too soft on the MC, but I'm not. I think the ride is good, however, my butt gets sore easily (although not as extreme as the GROM). The windscreen is an after-market extension. I took it off once and I could clearly see the effect.
Also, as a tourer, it doesn't have a fuel gauge. Also, the tank capacity is 12 liters, so the fuel efficiency is good, but I am not satisfied. It's one of the few shortcomings.
Summary
Same as the carburetor motorcycle but I would recommend it to the returning rider first. It is safe to ride.
I would recommend this motorcycle to women because it is light and easy to handle. (If you are far away from the handlebar, change the handlebar). The 5th gear is also an advantage because you can drive sluggishly. (Let's change the handlebars because the 5th gear is far away.)
It felt boring 7 years ago when I was riding a caburetor, but as I've gotten older (maybe because I rode a NINJA250SL) I like the feeling (easy. The motorcycle doesn't rush me. Also, the fact that it's used more for Gymkhana without a cowl says a lot about its prime quality.
But what I still want to say is "Made in Japan". In the past, this was the normal during the motorcycle boom, but nowadays, it's all made in Japan. It's not that overseas production is bad. It is relatively expensive for 250cc and the used market is also expensive in its own way, but I think it is worth it.
After all, the "excellence" is quite appropriate for VTR-F.
Thank you, Tamarin-r, for a narrative that conveys so much VTR-F love!
