Hello all

[Simmso]

Hi everyone, 

 

I just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I've recently purchased a 2014 VFR800f and found some useful info on here. 

 

I'm based in Thurrock, near London, UK. I haven't even ridden the bike yet as my insurance is changing over in just over a week.

 

I'm coming from a CBR250R (single cylinder). I really enjoy riding the cbr especially for it's filtering and fuel economy but I wanted something a bit more stable for the motorway roads. Just a little worried about the weight of this VFR but I'm sure I'll get used to it after a while. I've changed the mirrors (aftermarket Kawasaki Ninja) and soon to be adding a R&G cover for the clutch housing to hide the scratches from a previous owner.

 

Previous bikes in order are:

NSR125rr, CB600f hornet, TL1000r, GSX-600r SRAD, CBR250r

[JZH]

Welcome!  You may be coming from a wee 250, but anyone who's wrestled with a TL1000R will have no problems whatsoever with a VFR!

 

Ciao,

 

JZH

[Thumbs]

Welcome, black, the fastest colour, nice

[Presson]

Welcome to the VFRD team Simmso from Herts. You'll find everything you could ever need here; service books in the downloads section, lots of useful info on the forums and great advice from a hugely experienced and capable group of VFR enthusiasts. What you won't get here is bullshit or trolling so ask away if you have any questions. 

[VifferJ]

Congrats & welcome!

[bmart]

Welcome!

[Dutchy]

Welcome to VFRD from the other side of the North Sea.

 

Prior to buying my VFR in 1997 I did a long testride on a TL1000S. I realised that:

My gf would not enjoy riding pillion

I'd get a licence ban soon... 'king hooligan bike...

 

[vfrcapn]

Welcome to VFRD! 

[Simmso]

Thanks everyone. I took the VFR for a spin. A nice ride but some things need sorting. I need to service the rear brakes as they aren't very effective. Also those ninja mirrors need some modding as they point to me rather than traffic. It's also evident that the front cam chain tensioner needs changing. 

 

The TL1000r was definitely harder work but it's been a while since riding anything as heavy. The centre of gravity on the VFR is low so it doesn't feel so bad.

[Thumbs]

If you've got the OEM mirrors I'd put them back on

 

Have you changed the oil/filter and put synthetic oil in yet?

 

Your CCT might quieten down, what's your mileage?

[Simmso]

 

On 2/5/2026 at 4:12 PM, Thumbs said:

If you've got the OEM mirrors I'd put them back on

 

Have you changed the oil/filter and put synthetic oil in yet?

 

Your CCT might quieten down, what's your mileage?

The mirrors that came with the bike were aftermarket and the folding mechanism seized. They broke when attempting to unseize them. 

 

The bike is on 25k miles. I'm yet to do an oil change. I'll try that. All the oil options for this bike on wemoto seem to be 10w40 semi - synthetic. Is that the recommended oil?

[Thumbs]

Castrol 10/40 fully synthetic is what I use

 

The OEM mirrors on this bike work really well and also produce a good 3 point light 

[Presson]

10/40 semi or full synthetic motorcycle grade oil will be fine. I've used 10/40 and 10/30 semi and fully synthetic; only a very slight increase in mpg with the 10/30. I wouldn't get hung up about it or we'll be guilty of starting an oil thread....

 

As thumbs says, the OEM mirrors are very good.

[MBrane]

Any oil is better than no oil.

[Terry]

10 hours ago, Presson said:

10/40 semi or full synthetic motorcycle grade oil will be fine. I've used 10/40 and 10/30 semi and fully synthetic; only a very slight increase in mpg with the 10/30. I wouldn't get hung up about it or we'll be guilty of starting an oil thread....

 

That is an interesting comment Presson. My newly acquired VFR1200F is the only bike I have come across that specifies 10W-30; my others (MT-10, 2 x VFR800s, ST1100 and ST1300) all specified 10W-40. Getting synthetic 10W-40 is very easy (I use Penrite Vantage, cheap, especially when on sale) but 10W-30 synthetic has so far eluded me in NZ so I have been contemplating switching the 1200 onto 10W-40. I am a bit hung up on fuel consumption, and I have derailed this into an oil thread. Sorry everyone!