What do you get for your money?
Not many bells and no whistles at all, at least on first-generation models. That gives you the excellent VFR engine, frame and most of the rear end, including single-sided swingarm and wheels, but the suspension and brakes are pretty basic, with limited adjustment and crude damping. You get ABS as standard, with semi-linked brakes (the front lever operates two of the front caliper’s three pistons, the rear pedal operates the rear caliper and one front piston), HISS immobiliser system, LED lights front and rear, and a well-featured LCD dash (borrowed from the CBR600). And that’s about it.
The later model has a more generous spec sheet, with a better dash, better quality, more adjustable suspension (with preload and rebound adjustment at both ends, including a remote preload adjuster at the rear), and a two-stage traction control system. Bigger, posher brakes (radial four-pot calipers and 310mm discs vs the original’s three-pot sliding calipers and 296mm discs) are welcome, as is the ditching of the front/rear link. You also get computercontrolled, self-cancelling indicators, which Honda are very proud of, and which most owners loathe. Oh, and a two-position adjustable seat - the lower position is 815mm tall, same as the old bike, and the upper one is 20mm taller (the old bike was a bit cramped for taller riders).
The price tag has always been an issue, and post-update it went up by a grand, so to keep stock moving, UK second-gen bikes come as standard with a Rider Pack including multi-stage heated grips, built-in Tomtom satnav, a rear rack and topbox, plus an Akrapovic silencer.