Honda VFR800FE 2014 Owner's Manual

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when it is resold.
This publication includes the latest production information available before printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
The vehicle pictured in this owner’s manual may not match your actual vehicle.
© 2014 Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of a new Honda motorcycle. Your selection of a Honda makes you part of a worldwide family of satisfied customers who appreciate Honda’s reputation for building quality into every product.
To ensure your safety and riding pleasure:
Read this owner’s manual carefully.
Follow all recommendations and procedures contained in this manual.
Pay close attention to safety messages contained in this manual and on the motorcycle.
The following codes in this manual indicate each country.
The illustrations here in are based on the VFR800F II ED type.
Country Codes
Code
Country
VFR800F
II ED European direct sales
South Africa, UK, France
II U Australia, New Zealand
*The specifications may vary with each locale.

A Few Words About Safety

3
DANGER
3
WARNING
3
CAUTION
NOTICE
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. Operating this motorcycle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on safety labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You must use your own good judgement.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety labels on the motorcycle
Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
Other important information is provided under the following titles:
Information to help you avoid damage to your motorcycle, other property, or the environment.

Contents

Motorcycle Safety P. 2
Operation Guide P. 18
Maintenance P. 47
Troubleshooting P. 93
Information P. 115
Specifications P. 129
Index P. 132

Motorcycle Safety

This section contains important information for safe riding of your motorcycle. Please read this section carefully.
Safety Guidelines .........................................P. 3
Image Labels.................................................P. 6
Safety Precautions .....................................P. 11
Riding Precautions .....................................P. 12
Accessories & Modifications......................P. 16
Loading .......................................................P. 17

Safety Guidelines

Motorcycle Safety
Safety Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to enhance your safety:
Perform all routine and regular inspections specified in this manual.
Stop the engine and keep sparks and flame away before filling the fuel tank.
Do not run the engine in enclosed or partly enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide in exhaust gases is toxic and can kill you.
Always Wear a Helmet
It’s a proven fact: helmets and protective apparel significantly reduce the number and severity of head and other injuries. So always wear an approved motorcycle helmet and protective apparel.
2
P. 11
Before Riding
Make sure that you are physically fit, mentally focused and free of alcohol and drugs. Check
that you and your passenger are both wearing an approved motorcycle helmet and protective apparel. Instruct your passenger on holding onto the grab rails or your waist, leaning with you in turns, and keeping their feet on the footpegs, even when the motorcycle is stopped.
Take Time to Learn & Practice
Even if you have ridden other motorcycles, practice riding in a safe area to become familiar with how this motorcycle works and handles, and to become accustomed to the motorcycle’s size and weight.
Ride Defensively
Always pay attention to other vehicles around you, and do not assume that other drivers see you. Be prepared to stop quickly or perform an evasive maneuver.
continued
3
Safety Guidelines
Motorcycle Safety
Make Yourself Easy to See
Make yourself more visible, especially at night, by wearing bright reflective clothing, positioning yourself so other drivers can see you, signaling before turning or changing lanes, and using your horn when necessary.
Ride within Your Limits
Never ride beyond your personal abilities or faster than conditions warrant. Fatigue and inattention can impair your ability to use good judgement and ride safely.
Don’t Drink and Ride
Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one alcoholic drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. Don’t drink and ride, and don’t let your friends drink and ride either.
4
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It’s important to keep your motorcycle properly maintained and in safe riding condition. Inspect your motorcycle before every ride and perform all recommended maintenance. Never exceed load limits ( your motorcycle or install accessories that would make your motorcycle unsafe (
2
P. 17), and do not modify
2
P. 16).
If You are Involved in a Crash
Personal safety is your first priority. If you or anyone else has been injured, take time to assess the severity of the injuries and whether it is safe to continue riding. Call for emergency assistance if needed. Also follow applicable laws and regulations if another person or vehicle is involved in the crash.
If you decide to continue riding, first evaluate the condition of your motorcycle. If the engine is still running, turn it off. Inspect for fluid leaks,
Safety Guidelines
Motorcycle Safety
3
WARNING
check the tightness of critical nuts and bolts, and check the handlebar, control levers, brakes, and wheels. Ride slowly and cautiously. Your motorcycle may have suffered damage that is not immediately apparent. Have your motorcycle thoroughly checked at a qualified service facility as soon as possible.
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.
Avoid any areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colourless, odorless gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.
If you run the engine in a confined or even partly enclosed area, the air you breathe could contain a dangerous amount of carbon monoxide. Never run your motorcycle inside a garage or other enclosure.
5

Image Labels

Motorcycle Safety
Image Labels
The following pages describe the label meanings. Some labels warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury. Others provide important safety information. Read this information carefully and don’t remove the labels.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your dealer for a replacement.
There is a specific symbol on each label. The meanings of each symbol and label are as follows.
6
Read instructions contained in Owner’s Manual carefully.
Read instructions contained in Shop Manual carefully. In the interest of safety, take the motorcycle to be serviced only by your dealer.
DANGER (with RED background)
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
WARNING (with ORANGE background)
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
CAUTION (with YELLOW background)
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
BATTERY LABEL DANGER
• Keep flame and spark away from the battery. Battery produce explosive gas that can cause explosion.
• Wear the eye protection and rubber gloves when handling the battery, or you can get burned or lose your eyesight by the battery electrolyte.
• Do not allow children and other people to touch a battery unless they understand proper handling and hazards of the battery very well.
• Handle the battery electrolyte with extreme care as it contains dilute sulfuric acid. Contact with your skin or eyes can burn you or cause loss of your eyesight.
• Read this manual carefully and understand it before handling the battery. Neglect of the instructions can cause personal injury and damage to the motorcycle.
• Do not use a battery with the electrolyte at or below the lower level mark. It can explode causing serious injury.
continued
7
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
RADIATOR CAP LABEL DANGER
NEVER OPEN WHEN HOT. Hot coolant will scald you. Relief pressure valve begins to open at 108 kPa.
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING WARNING LABEL WARNING
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING
• The safety stability and handling of this motorcycle may be affected by the addition of accessories and luggage.
• Read carefully the instructions contained in user’s manual and installation guide before installing any accessory.
• The total weight of accessories and luggage added to rider’s and passenger’s weight should not exceed 190 kg (419 lb), which is the maximum weight capacity.
• The luggage weight must not exceed 18 kg (40 lb) under any circumstances.
• The fitting of large fork-mounted or large handlebar mounted fairing is not recommended.
8
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
REAR CUSHION LABEL
GAS FILLED Do not open. Do not heat.
TYRE INFORMATION LABEL
Cold tyre pressure: [Driver only]
Front 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi) Rear 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm2, 42 psi)
[Driver and passenger]
Front 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi) Rear 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm2, 42 psi)
Tyre size:
250
250 290
290
120/70ZR17M/C(58W)
180/55ZR17M/C(73W)
DUNLOP D222F K BRIDGESTONE T30F G
DUNLOP D222 K BRIDGESTONE T30R G
Front 120/70ZR17M/C(58W) Rear 180/55ZR17M/C(73W)
Tyre brand: DUNLOP BRIDGESTONE
Front D222F K T30F G Rear D222 K T30R G
continued
9
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
10
SAFETY REMINDER LABEL
For your protection, always wear helmet, protective apparel.
FUEL LABEL
Unleaded petrol only
DRIVE CHAIN LABEL
Keep chain adjusted and lubricated.
25 to 35 mm (1.0 to 1.4 in) Freeplay

Safety Precautions

Motorcycle Safety
3
WARNING
Safety Precautions
Ride cautiously and keep your hands on the handlebars and feet on the footpegs.
Keep passenger’s hands onto the grab rails or your waist, passenger’s feet on the footpegs while riding.
Always consider the safety of your passenger, as well as other drivers and riders.
Face shield with unobstructed field of vision or other approved eye protection.
Not wearing a helmet increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash.
Make sure that you and any passenger always wear an approved helmet and
Protective Apparel
Make sure that you and any passenger are wearing an approved motorcycle helmet, eye protection, and high-visibility protective clothing. Ride defensively in response to weather and road conditions.
Helmet
Safety-standard certified, high-visibility, correct size for your head.
Must fit comfortably but securely, with the chin strap fastened.
protective apparel.
Gloves
Full-finger leather gloves with high abrasion resistance
Boots or Riding Shoes
Sturdy boots with non-slip soles and ankle protection
Jacket and Trousers
Protective, highly visible, long-sleeved jacket and durable trousers for riding (or a protective suit).
11

Riding Precautions

Motorcycle Safety
Riding Precautions
Running-in Period
During the first 500 km (300 miles) of running, follow these guidelines to ensure your motorcycle’s future reliability and performance.
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.
Avoid hard braking and rapid down-shifts.
Ride conservatively.
12
Brakes
Observe the following guidelines:
Avoid excessively hard braking and down­shifts.
u Sudden braking can reduce the
motorcycle’s stability.
u Where possible, reduce speed before
turning; otherwise you risk sliding out.
Exercise caution on low traction surfaces.
u The tyres slip more easily on such surfaces
and braking distances are longer.
Avoid continuous braking.
u Repeated braking, such as when
descending long, steep slopes can seriously overheat the brakes, reducing their effectiveness. Use engine braking with intermittent use of the brakes to reduce speed.
For full braking effectiveness, operate both the front and rear brakes together.
Riding Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This model is equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) designed to help prevent the brakes from locking up during hard braking.
ABS does not reduce braking distance. In certain circumstances, ABS may result in a longer stopping distance.
ABS does not function at speeds below 10 km/h (6 mph).
The brake lever and pedal may recoil slightly when applying the brakes. This is normal.
Always use the recommended tyres to ensure correct ABS operation.
Engine Braking
Engine braking helps slow your motorcycle down when you release the throttle. For further slowing action, downshift to a lower gear. Use engine braking with intermittent use of the brakes to reduce speed when descending long, steep slopes.
Wet or Rainy Conditions
Road surfaces are slippery when wet, and wet brakes further reduce braking efficiency. Exercise extra caution when braking in wet conditions. If the brakes get wet, apply the brakes while riding at low speed to help them dry.
continued
13
Riding Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
Parking
Park on a firm, level paved surface.
If you must park on a slight incline or loose surface, park so that the motorcycle cannot move or fall over.
Make sure that high-temperature parts cannot come into contact with flammable materials.
Do not touch the engine, muffler, brakes and other high-temperature parts until they cool down.
To reduce the likelihood of theft, always lock the handlebars and remove the key when leaving the motorcycle unattended. Use of an anti-theft device is also recommended.
Parking with the Side Stand or Centre Stand
1.
Stop the engine.
2.
Using the side stand
Push the side stand down.
14
Slowly lean the motorcycle to the left until its weight rests on the side stand.
Using the centre stand
Let down the centre stand, stand on the left side of the motorcycle. Hold the left handle grip and the left grab rail. Press down on the tip of the stand with your right foot and, simultaneously, pull up and back.
3.
Turn the handlebars fully to the left.
u Turning the handlebars to the right
reduces stability and may cause the motorcycle to fall.
4.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key.
2
P. 38
Riding Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
Refuelling and Fuel Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to protect the engine and catalytic converter:
Use only unleaded petrol.
Use recommended octane number. Using lower octane petrol will result in decreased engine performance.
Do not use fuels containing a high concentration of alcohol.
Do not use stale or contaminated petrol or an
2
P. 120
oil/petrol mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
TCS does not work in case of rear wheel lock caused by a sudden closing of the throttle. Do not close the throttle suddenly especially on the slippery road surface.
TCS may not compensate rough condition of roads or rapid and improper throttle operations. Always ride with a sufficient caution to the road and weather conditions. In certain unusual conditions when your motorcycle gets stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier to free it with the TCS temporarily switched off. It may also help to make it easier to maintain
TCS (Traction Control System)
TCS (Traction Control System) assists you in maintaining traction while accelerating on slippery surfaces by regulating the engine’s power output when it senses the rear wheel
the balance and control in such condition as riding in an off-road terrain.
Always use the recommended tyres and sprockets to ensure correct TCS operation.
starting to lose traction.
15

Accessories & Modifications

Motorcycle Safety
3
WARNING
Accessories & Modifications
We strongly advise that you do not add any accessories that were not specifically designed for your motorcycle by Honda or make modifications to your motorcycle from its original design. Doing so can make it unsafe. Modifying your motorcycle may also void your warranty and make your motorcycle illegal to operate on public roads and highways. Before deciding to install accessories on your motorcycle be certain the modification is safe and legal.
16
Improper accessories or modifications can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding accessories and modifications.
Do not pull a trailer with, or attach a sidecar to, your motorcycle. Your motorcycle was not designed for these attachments, and their use can seriously impair your motorcycle’s handling.

Loading

Motorcycle Safety
3
WARNING
Loading
Carrying extra weight affects your motorcycle’s handling, braking and stability. Always ride at a safe speed for the load you are carrying.
Avoid carrying an excessive load and keep within specified load limits.
2
Maximum weight capacity / Maximum
luggage weight P. 129
Tie all luggage securely, evenly balanced and close to the centre of the motorcycle.
Do not place objects near the lights or the muffler.
Overloading or improper loading can cause a crash and you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.
17

Operation Guide

Parts Location

Front brake lever
(P86)
Throttle grip
(P85)
Engine oil filter
(P74)
Engine oil fill cap
(P72)
Engine oil inspection window
(P72)
Coolant reserve tank
(P76)
Rear brake pedal
Main fuse
(P114)
Rear brake fluid reservoir
(P78)
Rear seat
(P64)
Front seat
(P65)
Centre stand
Rear turn signal cover
(P111)
Battery
(P71)
/Battery cover
(P70)
Front turn signal cover
(P109)
Rear cowl
(P111)
18
Operation Guide
Clutch lever
(P86)
Shift lever
(P42)
Side stand
(P81)
Drive chain
(P82)
Tool kit
(P45)
Front suspension spring preload/rebound damping adjuster
(P87)
Engine oil drain bolt
(P74)
Fuel fill cap
(P43)
Rear suspension spring preload adjuster knob
(P89)
Clutch fluid reservoir
(P80)
Rear suspension rebound damping adjuster
(P89)
Fuse boxes
(P113)
Front brake fluid reservoir
(P78)
Under cowl
(P68)
Grab rails
(P66)
Document bag
(P45)
19
Operation Guide

Instruments

Display Check
When the ignition switch is turned on, all the mode and digital segments will show. If any part of these displays does not come on when it should, have your dealer check for problems.
Tachometer red zone
(excessive engine rpm range)
Tachometer
NOTICE
Do not operate the engine in the tachometer red zone. Excessive engine speed can adversely affect engine life.
button
A
button
B
20
Operation Guide
Fuel gauge
Remaining fuel when only 1st (E) segment starts flashing: approximately 3.8 litres (1.00 US gal, 0.84 Imp gal)
Fuel mileage meter/Average speed/Coolant temperature gauge/Air temperature gauge
(P24)
Speedometer
Clock (12-hour display)/Trip time/ Handle grip heater level
(P28)
If the fuel gauge indicators repeat flashing or turned off:
(P99)
Gear position indicator
(P23)
Handle grip heater status icon
The handle grip heater status icon will appear while the handle grip heater is on.
Odometer [TOTAL] & Tripmeter [TRIP A/B] & Mileage countdown
(P22)
21
Instruments
Operation Guide
Odometer [TOTAL] & Tripmeter [TRIP A/B] & Mileage countdown
A
Odometer
Tripmeter A
Tripmeter B
Mileage countdown
Odometer [TOTAL] & Tripmeter [TRIP A/ B] & Mileage countdown
(Continued)
Odometer
Total distance ridden. When “------” is displayed, go to your dealer for service.
Tripmeter
Distance ridden since tripmeter was reset. When “----.-” is displayed, go to your dealer for service.
To reset the tripmeter:
(P27)
button switches between the odometer, the tripmeter A, the tripmeter B and the mileage countdown.
22
Mileage countdown
Distance travelled is subtracted from a preset figure. Display range: 999.9 to 0.0 km or mph When the countdown value reaches “0.0” km or mile while riding, the number will flash. If an indication other than the mileage countdown is displayed, the indication automatically switches to the mileage countdown and flashes “0.0” km or mile.
Operation Guide
u To reset the mileage countdown distance,
A
press and hold button when mileage countdown is displayed.
u When changing the unit to “km” after
setting the trip distance to “625 mile” or more with the unit set to “mile” unit, the thousands place digit is not displayed because the distance exceeds the maximum display range.
To set the mileage countdown:
(P33)
Gear position indicator
Shows 1st to 6th gear position. When the ignition switch is turned on with the transmission in 3rd gear or higher, the gear position indicator will be displayed as shown in the illustration.
After the transmission is shifted to 2nd gear, the gear position indication will display the correct gear position.
Always use the recommended tyres and sprockets to ensure correct gear position indication.
23
Instruments
Operation Guide
Fuel mileage meter & Average speed & Coolant temperature gauge & Air temperature gauge
B
Current fuel mileage
Average fuel mileage
Average speed
Coolant temperature gauge Air temperature gauge
(Continued)
Fuel mileage meter & Average speed & Coolant temperature gauge & Air temperature gauge
24
button switches between the current fuel mileage, the average fuel mileage, the average speed, the coolant temperature gauge and the air temperature gauge.
Operation Guide
Current fuel mileage
Displays the current or instant fuel mileage. Display range: 0.1 to 99.9 km/L (L/100km, mile/L or mile/gal)
• When your speed is less than 7 km/h (5 mph): “--.-” is displayed
• Less than 0.1 km/L (L/100km, mile/L or mile/gal) or 99.9 km/L (L/100km, mile/L or mile/gal) or more : “--.-” is displayed
When “--.-” is displayed except for the above-mentioned case, go to your dealer for service.
Average fuel mileage
Displays the average fuel mileage since the selected tripmeter was reset. The average fuel mileage will be calculated
based on value displayed on the tripmeter (A or B) selected. Also, the average fuel mileage for tripmeter A will be displayed when the odometer or the mileage countdown is selected.
Display range: 0.1 to 99.9 km/L (L/100km, mile/L or mile/gal)
• Initial display: “--.-” is displayed
• Less than 0.1 km/L (L/100km, mile/L or mile/gal) or 99.9 km/L (L/100km, mile/L or mile/gal) or more : “--.-” is displayed
• When the tripmeter A or B is reset: “--.-” is displayed
When “--.-” is displayed except for the above-mentioned case, go to your dealer for service.
To reset the average fuel mileage:
(P27)
25
Instruments
Operation Guide
Average speed
Displays the average speed since the selected tripmeter was reset. The average speed will be calculated based on value displayed on the tripmeter (A or B) selected. Also, the average speed for tripmeter A will be displayed when the odometer or the mileage countdown is selected.
• Initial display: “---” is displayed When “---” is displayed while riding, go to your dealer for service.
To reset the average speed:
Coolant temperature gauge ( )
Display range: 35 to 132 ºC
• Below 34 ºC: “--” displays
• Between 122 and 131 ºC:
- High coolant temperature indicator lights
26
(Continued)
(P27)
- Coolant temperature gauge (flashing digits)
• Above 132 ºC:
- High coolant temperature indicator lights
- “132” ( ºC) flashes
u Even if the engine coolant temperature is
low, the cooling fan may start running when you rev up the engine. This is normal.
Air temperature gauge ( )
Display range: -10 to 50 ºC
• Below -11 ºC: “--” displays
• Above 50 ºC:
- “50” ( ºC) flashes
u The temperature readout may be
incorrect at low speeds due to reflected heat.
Operation Guide
A
Tripmeter A
Average fuel mileage
Average speed
or
A
Tripmeter B
Average fuel mileage
Average speed
or
To reset the tripmeter, average fuel
mileage and average speed
To reset tripmeter A, average fuel mileage and average speed (these are based on tripmeter A) together, press and hold button while tripmeter A is displayed.
To reset tripmeter B, average fuel mileage and average speed (these are based on tripmeter B) together, press and hold button while tripmeter B is displayed.
27
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