Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 22, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2022 Hello All, Figured I would make a new topic easier to chase down for anyone looking for any specific information on VFR1200F major service. A little background on the bike - It's a 2010 I bought new. I sold it in 2018, and bought again this week in Feb '22. The intervening 4 years involved a lot of garage crud and neglect. When I owned it previously, I kept it mechanically sorted, but was never the guy to spend 10 hours on a Saturday doing detail work. I buy bikes to ride them. So, it's overdue for a serious clean, serious inspection, and some serious maintenance. Today, I did about 50% of the deconstruction in anticipation of doing a valve check/adjustment. I'll try my best to log things. At this point, I've removed all the lower front cowls, lower engine guards, main side panels, pillion plastics, exhaust, rear tire, fuel tank, and air cleaner cover. Owners should be familiar with these processes. I kind of assumed there would be a mouse nest as the bike has sat for a few years. Unfortunately, I was right. Luckily, I think the damage is extremely minimal as I haven't seen any evidence of the critters getting under the air filter or into the wiring. Today, I managed to refresh the rear differential fluid, and took some time to make sure it's well cleaned. Took a peek in the rear end as well and everything looks great! Intakes look decent, but will give them a good scrubbing when I take all that off to get to the valves. I also tried to get a decent photo of the ring gear... focus seemed to be a bit of an issue. The rear suspension will be coming out. I may wind up removing the rear shaft/swingarm to lube some splines. From here on, I'll try to get a lot more photos to try and help anyone else looking to do the same type of work. Stay tuned! Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Viffy Posted February 22, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2022 Great write up so far Yokel, keep it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 25, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 25, 2022 Just an update on a Friday as I've been traveling this week for work. Originally, the plan was to do a valve check. That has now been postponed. I was perusing through my recently arrived service manual, and there's a fair few parts I will need on-hand prior to doing that by the look of things, and with parts shortages how they are now, I want to order ahead so it's not several weeks before I can button it up. Not that big of a deal, but still needs to be done this year. The engine presents no evidence of anything being poorly adjusted, so I think I'm safe pushing it a few weeks or until the end of the season (which is about to start). So, looks like it will be a simpler service than initially planned for the time being. While I was out of town, I've had a fair number of parts/lubricants delivered to the house. I do love when Santa comes early. 😀 More to come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 26, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 26, 2022 Hey guys and gals, Quick question... this look familiar to any of you 7th gen guys that have done coolant? Seems I have glitter! Stopleak never used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer raYzerman Posted February 27, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 Was perhaps a coolant used that had silicates in it? Is it a bit gritty? I don't think there's a need to panic, I'd just put a non-silicate coolant in and perhaps drain a sample next year...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer bmart Posted February 27, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 If it dries, it can leave a residue like that. If it got back into the fluid, it might remain like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 27, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 Thank you both for your thoughts on this, and the mention of silicates. That's probably what it is... just had me going WTF for a minute! I think it's primarily due to non-use, and dried/crustified over time. I loaded in Engine Ice and will change it over again after 1,000 miles. Not that big of a deal to do and inspect for any other little floaty bits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 27, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 Well, today was fun... Got a fair bit accomplished. To start was to get the rest of the "easy" fairings off, including the grungy one at the driveshaft. There's a bit of weeping between the swingarm and gear assembly. So, got that cleaned up. I needed to bleed and flush all the brakes and the clutch system. However, I do that mostly solo, so I decided to give this little doodad from Motion Pro a go. It sorta worked, but I wound up going back to my MityVac. I left the levels in the handlebar reservoirs a bit low, as I'm not sure about changing pads as yet. Will need to remember to fill them up. I think with some more flexible tubing, this MotionPro thing will be great! The vinyl it came with is really too stiff, so it kept wanting to fly all over the place when I turned the bleeder. I also changed the engine oil and filter, but that's boring so I didn't do photos. The oil really stank, so I'll probably change it again in 1000 miles as a poor-man's flush. I'm sure there's some crap on the clutch that will be pulled loose. When it comes to cleaning under the body work, I'm trying something a little new... using Armor All TIRE FOAM. Works a treat! Really breaks up grit and grime with a little bit of a scrub and it wipes off well. Seems to condition rubber nicely, and provide a little shine to some plastics. This is what it looked like under the plastic after a pass. Towards the front of the bike (left) I hadn't gone after it as much. Nice change, even if nobody sees it. Next on the list was a new set of tires. The Bridgestone T32's on the bike were installed by me in '17. Off they go. I picked up some Continental Conti-Attacks on sale from RockyMountainATV for $200 for the set. Guess we'll see how they do! It was a cool day here, so I wound up putting the tires under my coat on a radiator to warm them up... That was a big help with a dollop of lube on the No-Mar to get the beads on the rim. I had nearly forgotten how big a 190 rear is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 27, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 So, after the tires went on, fresh grease on front axle, and copper anti-seize all around front and rear. However, with the bike on a lift and in a bit of a state, I didn't have the ability to seat the front as I normally would. I want to make sure not to forget, so left myself a note. The previous owner put a battery in. It was low of CCA in my opinion, especially with a motor this big. I left first thing this morning to get a new Yuasa, and man, those come dear. I would have ordered on Amazon or something, but I read that there is a bit of an issue with fraudulent cells coming in from China, so I paid a premium to get the real deal. Love their batteries, and the last one went 8 seasons. Next was engine coolant. I had some glitter (see above) which caused a little heartburn for a while, but I think it's all good. Will see in a few weeks when I flush it back out. I decided to go with Engine Ice as I'm told it actually brings operating temp down a touch. (I'm sure this has to do with thinner fluid and the thermostat). After that, I placed the "Farkle of the Year". I found these online, and how cool is this?!! It's a combination USB Charger and voltmeter, and the whole thing is weatherproof! The voltmeter is on a switch. Next up was to get the "difficult" plastics off. I wanted to get the windscreen out, and do a little cleaning behind the cluster. This set of plastics is a pain in the butt, and I didn't take many photos as I was busy cursing and trying to not break anything. Glad I did, it was pretty grungy under there. Presto! That's enough for the day. Back at it tomorrow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 27, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 Slowly improving! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Terry Posted February 27, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 Thanks for the Tyre Foam suggestion; seems like it works nicely. I usually give all the under-fairing areas a dose of CRC Silicone 808 spray after cleaning, which keeps all the wiring and hoses pliable and fresh-looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 27, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 5 minutes ago, Terry said: Thanks for the Tyre Foam suggestion; seems like it works nicely. I usually give all the under-fairing areas a dose of CRC Silicone 808 spray after cleaning, which keeps all the wiring and hoses pliable and fresh-looking. Came across it on youtube and a fellow used it for an under-hood detail. Sprayed EVERYTHING. He did a follow up later, and seemed like it might work here. I'll have more photos coming, but it's legitimately the easiest time I've had for cleaning. Did all the insides of my fairings today, and I'll be damned the grit just FELL OUT. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer bmart Posted February 27, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 27, 2022 Looks great! Two notes about the voltmeter. Many of them have an on/off switch, but they don't really turn them completely off. I'd monitor that. I put mine on a connector and just disconnect when I'm done riding. Secondly, they're mostly waterproof, and obviously only with the rubber cap on and aimed a way water won't be forces in when riding, washing, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 28, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 28, 2022 Sunday 27th update: Today was cool and rainy, and the other bikes that have been tossed out in the cold were looking at me like puppies left outdoors. This is how the VFR looked when I started up this morning. Today was bodywork day. I picked up a polishing wheel and some compound today, and received my delivery of Novus plastic polish. I think the Novus stuff has some good potential, probably just needs more elbow grease than I was willing to throw down. Here's a before on the headlamp cover. And after: Did a decent job on the fine stuff, but this was using compound 2 and 1, not 3. In hindsight, should have gone heavy on this and the windscreen both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 28, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 28, 2022 The paint on the 1200s is pretty soft, so I also got a clay-bar kit and got after the bodywork today. Each fairing piece was disassembled, cleaned, clay barred, polished, and waxed. The tank specifically was in poor kit on the finish. I pulled all the stickers I'd put on over the years to be able to prep the tank for a shine. A bit of goo-gone and a heat gun helped a LOT. I masked off the rubber bits and the fuel filler cap, and got after it. A few minutes later I was rewarded with about 95% of the scratches OUT. Wow! What a change. I followed up with all the fairing plastics. I still need to polish the front fender... but it looks better than new after the effort. Well worth it! Next is detailing the instrument cluster, setting the front axle, topping up clutch/brake fluid, re-check tire pressure, and fix the fuel filler cap that I pulled the Givi lock-ring off of. Also on the list is the deconstruction of the hand controls... I fixed the intermittent brake light fault, but the signal switch is stiiiiiiff. Contact cleaner seems to have helped, but it obviously needs some dielectric/lubricant. Cheers! Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer RC1237V Posted February 28, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 28, 2022 Nice work! I have to do my valve service before summer, I hope it's just the exhausts again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer boOZZIE Posted February 28, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 28, 2022 2 hours ago, RC1237V said: Nice work! I have to do my valve service before summer, I hope it's just the exhausts again... For those who say not to bother about checking valve clearances, what can happen if you have 0 clearance on all exhaust valves and don't check & fix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted February 28, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 28, 2022 5 hours ago, boOZZIE said: For those who say not to bother about checking valve clearances, what can happen if you have 0 clearance on all exhaust valves and don't check & fix At best, the bike runs poorly. At worst, you can cause premature wear / chipping on engine parts that then can work their way into a cylinder. Then they get smashed and an engine rebuild is the fix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer bmart Posted February 28, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted February 28, 2022 That Novus stuff for so long! I have a bottle of blue in my garage from my dad...or his dad, to probably the 60s or 70s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted March 1, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted March 1, 2022 35 mile shakedown ride. I had forgotten just how damn good these 1200 bikes are. I am over the moon to have it back. Looks proper in the sun as well. Few things to do yet, but it runs strong, the DAM pipe sounds the business, and the suspension upgrades I did in 2016 are still tight and perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer St. Stephen Posted March 2, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted March 2, 2022 Geez Yokel can you just please stop? I mean, stop! Every time another post pops up I miss my 7th gen even more! Every pic is MY former red bike in my head. Going crazy and it's all your fault. 😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted March 2, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted March 2, 2022 Today's update... did some blitzing around to blow out the cobwebs, and noticed the front end has a bit of a shimmy. It gets more pronounced at speed. So, apart comes the front end again. The wheel runs true and free, there isn't any bearing noise. Forks feel good, minimal stiction and free action. No visible damage. Head bearings feel fine. Figured I'd clean, clay, polish, and wax the front fender as well since I was in there. Shined up pretty well! I'm going to bolt everything back up again after detailing the calipers and wheel, probably tomorrow evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted March 2, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted March 2, 2022 1 hour ago, St. Stephen said: Geez Yokel can you just please stop? I mean, stop! Every time another post pops up I miss my 7th gen even more! Every pic is MY former red bike in my head. Going crazy and it's all your fault. 😎 Is it evident I'm excited to have mine back? You should get another one.... 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer bmart Posted March 2, 2022 Member Contributer Share Posted March 2, 2022 Loosen all fork bolts, install wheel and tighten to spec. Tighten pinch bolts to spec. I'm not sure if front and rear can get out of alignment on your model, but it is worth a look. Ensure brake pads aren't rubbing on wheel when lever is released. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Yokel Posted March 2, 2022 Author Member Contributer Share Posted March 2, 2022 1 hour ago, bmart said: Loosen all fork bolts, install wheel and tighten to spec. Tighten pinch bolts to spec. I'm not sure if front and rear can get out of alignment on your model, but it is worth a look. Ensure brake pads aren't rubbing on wheel when lever is released. Bmart, You mean the ones up top as well at the triple or just at the wheel? Thanks for input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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