Bumblebee from Croatia :)

[Slowrider46]

Hello dear bikers, VFR enthusiasts and all who feel similar 🙂

 

I registered a long time ago, but I never actually introduce myself, so better ever then never.

 

I'm Denis and I'm from Croatia, 38y/o, and driving two-wheelers from very distant youth. There were small 50cc manuals, tuned 50cc 2T scooters, 125 2T sport bikes (Cagiva Mito inclusively), FZ6, Z750, racing 180 2t scooters and etc... I fell in love in one RC36 also when I was a kid, but at that time I didn't even know which brand it was and why it has so beautiful sound. Actually I thought it was V2 but high revving model (apparently I didn't know much about mechanics and engines back in the day) 🤣

After I tried friend's 1998 RC46 for the first time in 2021 (he actually stole my idea after selling his SV1000), I said that's it, and same year I bought my first VFR, silver RC46 from 2001. She was 20 years old, but she didn't give any sign of fatigue. 106 HP, slightly schratched in the front, previously repainted, but mechanically perfect. 258km/h top speed, niiiiice 😙

 

 

But I don't like silver. 😴 For me it's the color of the primer, ready to put some COLOR, red, blue, yellow, orange, even black!!!

So I did what had to be done.

 

 

 

 

Perfect! I dreamed about red one. Putted iridium spark plugs, new oil, new tires, new filters... (one rectifier later, of course) and that's it.

 

 

 

And it was nice one and a half year, one of the best tours in my life, a lot of commuting, freerides, turned 26 thousand kilometers in total. And then my other friend happened.. asked me for a spin, and unfortunatelly the bike was almost totalled, he was luckily OK, only scratches, bruises, but broken pride. 😢

 

 

 

 

 

Season skipped unintentionally.

 

 

And then "banana" came (as my friend calling her) 😆

 

 

1999, imported from Germany, well preserved, also mechanically very good, 114 thousand kilometers, yeees manual choke, not that nice gauge background as facelift version, not that nice mirrors... but BOS high-mount exhaust, sport air filter and remapped ECU. A lot of original accessories (Honda tools, passenger grips and original passenger seat cover)... and 270 km/h 😎🫢🤪😮 Plus stronger pull from lower rpms. Everything you need from a bike. And after one year and 8 months, she's still here, but 30 thousand kilometers older (plus one battery which died). Uh, what a bike. She still puts a smile on my face. And almost 150 tkm... Well done Honda 😉

 

 

 

[Terry]

Welcome Denis!

That looks sort of familiar; I also have a 99 in yellow, not my first colour choice but it was the best VFR around at the time and it has grown on me. AFAIK, the 98/99 have larger diameter headers than the 00/02 that you had previously, which had smaller stainless headers and a cat, so that maybe the low end difference that you feel. My 99 is certainly not lacking in urge compared to my 800 VTEC.

 

I have never explored the higher speed capabilities of mine as we have no autobahns handy but 270 sounds mighty impressive.

[FromMaine]

Very nice introduction, it is apparent you are a VFR enthusiast to say the least.

 

Obviously you also have some painting skills, that 2001 looks like it just came out of the factory in Hamamatsu Japan!

 

Shame it got wadded up, but good your buddy only had wounded pride to show.

 

If you are not aware, the same mirrors on your 2001 will directly fit on your 1999, in fact have them on my 1997 4th Gen. Emgo makes replacements that are exact copies, or possibly the same as Honda uses at less than half the cost. Left part number 20-37342, Right part number 20-37341.

 

I spent 4 Seasons on a ship based out of Rijeka about 10 years ago, really liked it there. After I retired I brought my wife to Croatia for 3 weeks in 2023, and again in 2024. You live in a very nice country, I really enjoy the culture and pride of your countrymen.

 

Glad to have you, lots of good technical advice and helpful people here, so join in!

 

 

[DrErgal]

Welcome Denis!
We're nearly neighbor: I live in Trento, and Croatia is pretty close
In fact, the first race of my life was in Rijeka, a quarter of century ago (what a memory ❤️)

 

Further to your misadventure with the bike, well... every cloud has a silver lining: as you can see, yellow is the fastest color 😎 😁every cloud has a silver lining

[TimC]

Welcome from Ohio, USA!  Thanks for posting that great introduction!  👍

 

I keep thinking someday I'll buy a 5th generation VFR, even if it's something that needs some work.  It wouldn't be my only motorcycle, so I could afford to take my time with it.  While I loved my 6th gen, I'd only need the VFR for fun days and not trips and tours, so it could stay mostly unmodified.  Maybe.  😉

[YoshiHNS]

Hi and welcome. Where in Croatia are you? I have family near Rijeka, but from Bukovica.