16 replies to this topic

[dnye]

Hello, just picked up a new to me 2003 Honda VFR800 and want to make a few chenges. I'm new to the street, but have been riding dirt for years so I have experience...just not much on the pavement.

I'm 6' 2" and feel like I want to lower my pegs, raise my bars and find a better seat and that is probably all I will do for now. So iI thought I would give a shout out to the community and see if anyone has already done these mods...and can I set on your bike? I have been looking at Heli Bars, Convertibars and Spiegler, anyone have any experience with these?

For peg lowering I have been looking at Peg Blocks here. Peg Lowering Blocks - Bargain Finder - VFR Discussion

The Sargent seat looks like the best option but like to set on one and I'm open to options as well.

Question, what happens a 7,000 rpm that makes this bike really move? At lows rpms it is fairly docile but when it hits 7k, wow!

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dan

[kaldek]

Question, what happens a 7,000 rpm that makes this bike really move? At lows rpms it is fairly docile but when it hits 7k, wow!

The engine switches to VTEC mode. Basically under 7,000 rpm it's only using two valves per cylinder (1 intake, 1 exhaust) and above that it opens up all four.

[Bad Boy]

Heli bars seem to be a common option. A few have lowered the pegs. Another option would be to raise the seat height with a custom seat or seat pad like Air Hawk. Any of these will work.

A common problem for those not used to this style of bike is to support your upper body with your arms locked at the elbows. Arms should be relaxed, bent at elbows. If hands go numb or soar wrists or shoulders it could be your riding position needs to be changed rather than the bike.
Yeah VTEC baby

[kebrider]

I will trade you my peg lowering blocks for the Blackbird in the picture (because I know where to get new ones). :)

I go on record as the single best mod I ever did to my VFR is installing Busy Little Shop's peg lowering blocks. Makes the VFR all day comfy with my hateful knees. I compensated for the lost ground clearance by raising the rear and installing allen head bolts in place of the feelers.

I had a 97 BB with a full erion kit. Most impressive motorcycle I have ever owned. I could touch a peg at 170 with zero drama. The bike defines high speed stability and it truly warps your sense of fast.

KEB

[DaveM]

I'm 6' 1" with a really long inseam, and find the fit nearly perfect. I'll concede on the replacement seat, but I think I'd also give it a thousand miles before I started changing the egos. As Bad Boy said, you may just need some time to adjust to a more sporting position.

[Africord]

It is amazing what a few small tweaks mean in the context improving ergos. I have the GenMar risers, Buell Ulysses pegs, and a Rick Mayer seat. My endurance went from about 300 miles in a day to 500 miles. As always, YMMV.

[dnye]

Thanks everyone for the responses! I have about 200 miles on the bike and probably should give it a few more to perfect my riding technique.

Bad Boy, I don't really remember how I was sitting the bike but I will give your suggestion a try, thanks.

Dan

[MisterBill]

+ 1 on footpeg lowering blocks from Busy Little Shop, He is a VFRD member. Best mod I ever made. I am 6'4". Why didn't I do this earlier? I left the bars alone - they seem fine to me. Seat is OEM. Try some, whatever you like, your choice.

[MisterBill]

Also, get the mirror extenders from Larry the Lobster (I believe), another VFRD member. These will reduce the amount of 'elbow' you look at in the mirrors. Excellent craftmanship and they work beautifully.

[turtlecreek]

6'2" here with silver 2003. have BLS blocks, heli bars and sargent seat. ALL are excellent choices and make the bike very comfortable for me. a smaller individual got on and said "wow...sort of like a couch" :)