Honda engineers faced a tough job when it came to develop the 2014 Honda VFR800F - how could they make one of the most acclaimed motorcycles of all time ... better?

The bike that had captured an enormous following right around the world for 12 years combined a unique 800cc V-four engine in a package that was well suited to commuting during the week, touring on the weekends and doing everything with class and ease.

What Honda did was to keep the same 90-degree V-four engine configuration, but update its design with the lessons learned by developing a host of road bikes, and World Champion Grand Prix racers like the famed RC213V.

Honda significantly revised the VTEC valve system to boost low and mid-range power for a smoother ride without compromising flexibility or fuel economy.

They added Honda's TCS (Traction Control System) to make the power easier and safer to use and fitted a sophisticated 2-channel ABS as standard.

The diamond triple-box section aluminium twin-spar frame is unchanged; however a revised die-cast aluminium subframe is 3kg lighter than the previous model. In total, kerb weight is reduced by 10kg.

Completely new are the aluminium single-sided Pro-arm swingarm and 43mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) telescopic fork which have been redesigned in two pieces to accept radial-mount four-piston brake calipers.

The result is 'Elegant Sport', a look that, at the same time, is fresh and new but still recognisable to anyone familiar with the previous model VFR.

Then, with all that state-of-the-art engineering in place, Honda still make it more User-Friendly.

The seat height is adjustable by 20mm; the new dashboard features digital readouts for speed, engine revs, gear position, ambient temperature, even fuel consumption and a clock, and the VFR800F has a redesigned wave key with internal grooving to reduce the chance of breakage.

The headlight is now an LED - which is brighter and more energy-efficient than older designs. So is the rear light - which integrates the stop light and indicators as one unit

Then there are options like a range of matching Panniers and a Top Box (each with matching inner bags), so the VFR can maintain its position as one of Australia's favourite Touring Bikes.

But even when the engineers' work was done, there was one more Magic Trick Honda wanted to perform.

From June, Honda Dealers will sell the 2014 VFR800F at an amazing Manufacturer's List Price of just $14,599\*.

That price sounds just … Legendary.

Go see your nearest Honda Dealer, ring 1 300 1 HONDA or go to www.honda.com.au for more details.

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