Vinman Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 Greetings to all. I'm Vincent. I bought my first V4 about 3 years ago. It's a V65 Sabre. It was love at first ride. Last year I bought a 2000 vfr which is just an awesome bike (stock) from front to back. Last month I bought master Sargent Teri's 2010 VFR1200F. Yes, I'm a big fan of honda v4s. It's kind of all I want to ride anymore. Onto my questions about the 1200... Specs... Stock suspension. Original tires ( 5000 miles on the bike). Heli bar risers. Jardine exhaust can. Power commander V dyno'ed at Dynojet factory. (I was told this bike has the prototype unit.) Corbin two up seat. Handling is pretty heavy. Especially on initial lean in. I feel like I really have to use a lot of force on the bars to maintain a lean. The good thing about this is that the bike stands up pretty quickly coming out of a turn. But the twisties can be a lot of work. Is this normal for the seventh gen? Throttle on/off transitions are pretty jerky especially at lower speeds. Isn't power commander supposed to deal with this? The pcv has the map for the jardine exhaust. I wonder if the map for stock exhaust and intake would help. ( I'm probably going to reinstall stock-can because I'm not sure I like the jardine sound. ) The bike sat for a year so maybe some seafoam is in order? Whats the deal with my seat? When riding two up going down hill, without braking, puts me right up against the tank. Same thing every time I touch the brakes. It's not what I'd call confidence inspiring. That's about it. I remember when I first got my 2000 I was questioning my choice of bikes. There were many things I didn't like about it. I figured I was going to spend a couple grand on upgrades to find what everyone else was raving about. I'm glad I didn't because now I think it's a great bike just as it is. Thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Switchblade Posted July 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted July 9, 2015 Yep she's a big girl . Welcome and post some pic's when you can . Check here at the download section for better PC5 maps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Marsman99 Posted July 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted July 9, 2015 Ditch the stock rubber. The OEM tires steer heavy and don't wear well. Surprised there's any tread left at 5k miles actually. Any good tire such as Pilot Roads will improve the handling. Seat is slippery and uncomfortable, but even worse for a pillion. Had mine reupholstered and reshaped. World of difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer EhViffer Posted July 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted July 9, 2015 If interested see my info on both VFR 1200's below. It indicates what we did with the bikes. Still on my radar is a suspension upgrade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lshark Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 yes the heavy handling is from the worn OEM tires...even if they still have tread, the flattened center of the profile makes the bike want to stand up.....Michelin PR3 or 4 make a world of difference Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volfy Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 Those tires are 5+yrs old by now. Just about any aftermarket ST tires will be a vast improvement. Also, check the head bearing adjustment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 I have a '12 and surprised what new Michelin PR-4 s did for the ride. If your's doesn't have a center stand I'd go for the Honda OEM. I have a Twisted Throttle one that's difficult to use. Other's have commented that it does raise the rear higher in the event of a flat or just changing the tire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volfy Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 I was going to spend a couple grand on upgrades to find what everyone else was raving about. I'm glad I didn't because now I think it's a great bike just as it is. Wise choice. Just because a lot of owners upgrade this and replaced that doesn't mean you should automatically assume you'd need - or want - those same mods. Ride and evaluate. Then fix what ails you. I'm surprised you had trouble with the Corbin. I went through several different rounds of trying to fix my stock seat, and finally gave up and bought a Corbin. Have been very happy since. I ride solo so dunno how good/bad the pillion is, but from the looks the Corbin should be an improvement over the stock seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Switchblade Posted July 10, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted July 10, 2015 Sorry for the lack of feed back on your 1st and 2nd gear jerky throttle problem . I would download the PC5 software for your computer and start there. Upload your current map. Start another thread with the results and maybe we can start to help . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinman Posted July 10, 2015 Author Share Posted July 10, 2015 Thanks all for the help. Sounds like the old tires need to go. I've read a lot of good things about the pr3 and 4 so I'll order a set. I changed the tires myself on my vfr800. It was a challenge since I hadn't done it before but I think I've got it figured out. Dyna beads work great. Any thoughts on changing tires myself on the 1200? Im new to the pcv thIng . The map that's on it now is available on the dynajet website. 16-020-003 is the number. http://www.powercommander.com/powercommander/powercommander_maps_installs_product_buy_options.aspx?mdlyrid=16-020&make=19&model=218&make-n=Honda&model-n=VFR1200&year=2010&mk=19&mdl=218&yr=2010 Switchblade, am I correct in thinking that you can look at the specs of a map and suggest specific changes? Or did I misread your suggestion? I checked the download section here but no alternate maps available for the 1200. Thanks again for all the feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianF Posted July 10, 2015 Share Posted July 10, 2015 I had the same problem with the stock seat -- especially when wearing textile gear. I had Sargent do a custom recover using the stock pan, and had them make the seat completely flat. No issues. +1 on PR4s, and possibly consider the re-flash. Lastly, check the West section and come ride with the NorCal crew. You'll be the fourth 7th Gen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lshark Posted July 15, 2015 Share Posted July 15, 2015 i take my wheels off and bring the new tires to a local independent shop .....mount and balance for $40 while i wait Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Rider14 Posted July 15, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted July 15, 2015 I bought my 2010 in November, and it had stock tires (only 2165 miles on them). Huge improvement when replaced with the PR4's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nitenurse Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 Handling is pretty heavy. Especially on initial lean in. I feel like I really have to use a lot of force on the bars to maintain a lean. The good thing about this is that the bike stands up pretty quickly coming out of a turn. But the twisties can be a lot of work. Is this normal for the seventh gen? Exactly what I found with my 2010 bike. The main reason for this according to MCT suspension specialists, is the too soft front forks. I have PR4's fitted to my bike and have just had the forks 'upgraded' by MCT. The difference was noticeable almost immediately, the bike felt as if a load of its weight had been shed and it was so easy to get it to turn compared to standard. I would recommend getting the front sorted first as the standard rear shock is not all that bad (except for the seizing pre-load adjuster). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volfy Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 FWIW, Bridgestone is running yet another rebate on their sport and ST tires. This time, $50 Visa gift card: http://www.cyclegear.com/medias/sys_master/Rebate%20Forms/8826184106014.pdf I am running T30 on mine right now and really like them. Arguably the best bang for the buck, even without the rebate. I'm gonna try the new T30 EVO this time, but only the front, as they do not have the EVO in 190/55. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Rider14 Posted July 22, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted July 22, 2015 Handling is pretty heavy. Especially on initial lean in. I feel like I really have to use a lot of force on the bars to maintain a lean. The good thing about this is that the bike stands up pretty quickly coming out of a turn. But the twisties can be a lot of work. Is this normal for the seventh gen? Exactly what I found with my 2010 bike. The main reason for this according to MCT suspension specialists, is the too soft front forks. I have PR4's fitted to my bike and have just had the forks 'upgraded' by MCT. The difference was noticeable almost immediately, the bike felt as if a load of its weight had been shed and it was so easy to get it to turn compared to standard. I would recommend getting the front sorted first as the standard rear shock is not all that bad (except for the seizing pre-load adjuster). I weigh about 170lbs, haven't noticed any issue with turn in - while not as quick to drop into a turn as my Gen1 Tuono, there doesn't seem to be anything sluggish about my 1200F with the PR4's... Maybe my weight isn't enough to get the slow turn in from undersprung front? -Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VICARA Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 The front settings on mine are still the factory, I complain about how heavy it was until I replaced the tires, what a difference!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Switchblade Posted August 1, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted August 1, 2015 Thanks all for the help. Sounds like the old tires need to go. I've read a lot of good things about the pr3 and 4 so I'll order a set. I changed the tires myself on my vfr800. It was a challenge since I hadn't done it before but I think I've got it figured out. Dyna beads work great. Any thoughts on changing tires myself on the 1200? Im new to the pcv thIng . The map that's on it now is available on the dynajet website. 16-020-003 is the number. http://www.powercommander.com/powercommander/powercommander_maps_installs_product_buy_options.aspx?mdlyrid=16-020&make=19&model=218&make-n=Honda&model-n=VFR1200&year=2010&mk=19&mdl=218&yr=2010 Switchblade, am I correct in thinking that you can look at the specs of a map and suggest specific changes? Or did I misread your suggestion? I checked the download section here but no alternate maps available for the 1200. Thanks again for all the feedback. Sorry thought these guys had downloaded maps for the for the big girl and no I have not alter a map yet buts its not hard , Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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