The VFR's transmission has also received detailed modifications in the quest for optimal two-up sports touring performance. Closer ratios between gears 1 through 3 combine with a 1-tooth smaller drive sprocket and the engine's stronger low-to-midrange power output to deliver sharper acceleration.

To reduce the shocks of upshifts to the drive train and, by extension, to rider comfort, the clutch's 2-step coil spring damper was replaced with a new 3-step damper that ensures smoother, more comfortable operation in virtually all traffic and riding conditions.

Based on the same high-performance aluminium twin-spar frame that currently resides at the heart of the VFR, the new frame designed for the 2002 VFR provides the perfect complement to its exciting new engine and stunning bodywork.  Featuring a 'Pivotless' design that isolates the steering head from the swingarm's torsional stresses, this frame was refined to deliver the ultimate balance of agility and long-distance touring performance, providing both nimble handling and smooth high-speed cruising stability.

The frame's massive cast aluminium steering head was reinforced with the addition of a new cast-in vertical plate positioned behind the steering pivot. This plate provides greater torsional rigidity in the steering head's vertical plane for firmer, more responsive control while minimizing the effects of heavier loads on handling. Reaching back from the steering head, the massive triple-box-section twin spars have had their extrusion thicknesses revised for an enhanced balance of rigidity, resulting in more sporty and responsive handling that becomes especially noticeable when fully loaded for two-up touring.

In complement to the frame's newly revised steering head, the VFR's responsive cartridge-type front fork now features larger, new 43mm stanchion tubes in place of the earlier model's 41mm tubes for enhanced rigidity and more confidently assured control when traveling under the potentially heavy loads of two-up touring.

Another new addition to the VFR's frame is an underside frame bracket like that was first seen on the CBR900RR Fireblade, which now surrounds the engine's cast-in swingarm pivot and firmly grips its ends to increase pivot area strength and torsional rigidity. The rear damper's base bracket was also modified for greater strength and rigidity, and enhanced control.

Although the VFR has always been highly regarded for its accommodating pillion passenger comfort, extensive changes to its tail section now offer even greater long-term comfort that extends to long hours of cross-country touring. The VFR's seat and tail section now ride on an innovative, new seat rail designed around a single, large, high-rigidity rectangular-section steel tube designed to provide extra carrying capacity while making ample room for the VFR's new 'Centre-Up' exhaust system.

With the new twin exhausts now repositioned under the seat, room has been freed-up to lower the pillion pegs 10mm to a more comfortable position for a wider range of riders. The pillion section of the seat itself was also improved with 15mm-thicker padding material providing a more plush ride for longer-lasting comfort, while the VFR's detachable rear grips were reshaped and extended outward an extra 10mm for an easier hand hold. As always, the grips feature dual-injection resin construction for all-weather comfort.

Equipped with one of the most advanced and compact versions of Honda's brake control-assisting Dual Combined Brake Systems, the VFR delivers a confidence-inspiring balance of brake operation that brings it to a quick and sure stop with an optimal balance of front and rear braking forces, whether the rider uses both the hand and foot brake levers or only one of the two.

Since giving the VFR a more sporty balance of performance was one of the foremost goals of its total redesign, attention was also paid to giving its advanced brake system a more sporty and aggressive package of braking characteristics. This was achieved, through careful evaluation, by re-routing the lines controlling its caliper piston actions.
Where nearly all Dual Combined Brake Systems till now have the hand brake lever controlling the two outer pistons of both front 3-piston calipers, the new VFR's front brake lever operates the two outer pistons of the left-side front caliper and all three pistons of the right-side caliper, as well as the centre piston of the rear brake caliper (by way of the secondary master cylinder), resulting in a more front-oriented braking response.

The foot brake pedal that previously actuated the two outer pistons of the rear brake caliper and both centre pistons of the front calipers now actuates the same two rear brake caliper pistons, but only the one centre piston of the left front caliper. This revised balance of braking force is administered through a direct-side proportional control valve (PCV) mounted inline between the foot brake master cylinder and the rear caliper.

During light applications of the foot brake, most of the actual braking force is applied at the rear wheel, with only the slightest amount of front brake input at the one left-side caliper providing a steadying influence on the balance of front and rear brake control without causing unsettling shifts of weight and its related front-end dive.

However, this balance of operation changes in response to strong pedal operation, in which case the system adjusts for an optimal balance of front and rear braking forces.

As in other Dual Combined Brake Systems, the compact secondary master cylinder integrated into the left-side caliper's pivoting mount increases rear caliper brake pressure through a servo-side PCV as its own braking forces increase in response to front brake lever actuation. This results in a smoothly progressive application of combined braking forces that starts with greater emphasis on the front brakes and gradually but firmly applies a balancing amount of rear braking force whenever the situation calls for it.

Taken together, these two brake operation scenarios provide a more aggressive distribution of braking forces that both enhances braking confidence for a wider range of riders and skill levels, and provides a more familiar combination of braking characteristics for hard-core riders who insist that their own braking skills are second to none.