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Spring of 1993 and I'd only had my '91 VFR for a couple months when I snapped this photo by Salish Bear totem atop Malahat Drive. Compared to many of the mountain passes I've crossed by VFR this is one of the lowest, but it is close by and offers a good view of Finlayson Arm - and, on a much clearer day, even the Olympic Range in Washington state to the south. Eagle-eyed viewers will notice the Bubba Shobert-replica Bell helmet. It looked cool, but my next helmet, a Shoei X7, was a huge improvement.

Long term Honda lover! Had a 30 new in 89 and forever regretted selling it! Managed to pick another up just before covid struck and have finally got her on the road (with two disks) 👍 1988 14,000 miles and had its first MOT last week (Ornament before). Great to be back on one, although at 61 don't think I'll be doing what I did on the first one, Northampton to Bol d'Or in a day. 968 miles and it nearly killed me 😜 Andy M

Well thanks everyone who kicked in these last two days I was able to renew the software license that expired and thus upgrade to the latest security update. Thanks

Ok Lorne, you got me sucked into this topic. May 2006, my riding buddy Markus chatting it up as usual with another two-wheel enthusiast at about 4000 ft near Asheville on the BRP. 6th gens, my red and his silver. I've always really liked this photo.

Beautiful memories. There's something about how bikes can link us back to memories of places we've been and trips taken. Ten years ago I was stranded on the dock at Cherbourg, France, because the ferry I was catching home to Ireland (an 18 hour overnighter) had a radar problem. Eventually we were allowed to board but I had to leave my VFR quayside. They were basically only allowing us on to give us all a place to sleep for the night. They attempted to empty us out the following morning with promises of other ferries but a few of us hung on and explained that we were entitled to do so under EU law. There was no guarantee that an "alternative sailing" would actually take us and once you've left the boat you're on your own. Eventually made friends with many of the staff, got a tour of the ship, saw the bridge, got the VFR onboard and got home a day late. The poor French lad I'd helped out through this, on a nice Kawasaki ER6, had a day robbed from his tour of Ireland because of it but I managed to get him a cabin so he was comfy (until he got to Ireland where it pissed rain..poor guy). Photo below of the VFR fully-loaded dockside. The two Beemer guys disappeared the morning the ferry was emptied, think they chanced the "alternative sailings" thing. Actually the Larry David lookalike there was riding a Honda Silverwing maxiscoot! One more edit - I'm sitting here now with my baby daughter asleep in my arms and am married to the woman who I was traveling back and forth to France for. We've our own little home, a lovely little dog, and a shed where I can work on/admire my two VFRs. If you'd told me that was gonna happen 10 years ago when that picture was taken I'd have been astounded. Life moves fast.

Looks like the wheel is not damaged & only has cosmetic outer lacquer damage. Waiting on a verdict from BST, but should be restorable to as new look 👍😁 Phew

One last thing. I met Freddie Spencer in person at a motorcycle show before Covid. We had a great convo and he luved the fact i was riding a RWB VFR 800 25th. I told him I always pretended I was him when I attack the corners. We had a great laugh. When asked what do you ride on the street back home? He replied with a grin and a smile: RWB 25th like you. and thats how he signed his book (Freddie Spencer: FEEL) for me; Hey John, keep enjoying your VFR I have one too. Freddie Spencer. F'N Priceless.

As a 19 year old in 1992 I fell in love with a new VFR in the dealership showroom. The dream was to buy one and ride across Canada. Not a care in the world! (No money either so it didn’t happen) 30 years later I finally bought my VFR. Super low kilometer 2006. 100% stock. It’s going to stay that way with the exception of a tidy tail. I’ll be looking for a set of pannier mounts as well. C’mon spring!!!

I thought my experience in obtaining OEM hard luggage might be informative/useful for others, because things have apparently changed over the years since the bags were in production. When I bought my '07 Anniversary Interceptor a little over a month ago, I knew I wanted hard bags. I was unsuccessful in locating an Anniversary RWB bike with OEM Honda bags, so once I got it home, I started researching. I pretty quickly decided that I wanted the OEM Honda bags... even though they are basically Givi bags, the mounting brackets tuck them in better, and shape integrates better with the bike. Option #1 was to look for used bags (eBay, etc), but I couldn't find anything, so I started researching part numbers. I was able to find the part numbers for the brackets and bags pretty easily, and discovered that there were originally two separate part numbers for the brackets (side mounts and center brace) and additional part numbers for the bags. I was able to track down the center brace on eBay, and found what I believe to be the last set of side brackets in the US at a dealership in Ohio. I was also able to order the bags new from Honda, and was told at the time I got one of seven sets of blue bags left in the US. Side brackets: 08L41-MCW-1000W Center brace: 08L41-MCW-800B (number no longer in Honda's system) Blue bags: 08L41-MCW-1E0 To my great surprise, the bags purchased under the part number above included all the mounting brackets! None of my research had indicated that would be the case, but then again, almost all the threads I found on the subject were at least 10 years old... All in, it's not a bad deal, and only about $200 more than buying the current production bags and brackets from GIVI (not including my extra brackets... LOL). TLDR: there are still some OEM bags out there, and the blue ones, at least, come with the mounting brackets. On to the rest of the story... When I started installing the mounting brackets it was immediately apparent that they were not going to fit with my Delkevic exhaust. The mounting arm that bolts to the center bracket behind the license plate is angled to match the triangular OEM muffler and wouldn't clear the oval aftermarket muffler. I am fortunate enough to have the ability and tools to do some fabrication, so I cut off the offending mounting arm, and modified the center brace so the stay would be horizontal instead of angled, and thus clear the muffler. Then I welded everything back together. The rest of the mounting procedure was easy bolt-up, per the instructions.

May '93: Cherry blossoms at Beacon Hill park made a good backdrop for this shot of the new-to me '91 VFR750.

Two days after buying the VFR I got caught out by loose sand on a highway exit and down I went. Skinned knee and separated A-C joint (collarbone) for me and some plastic damage to the VFR. Three weeks later we were both back on the road, definitely nervously on that first ride. A couple months later I took a longish day trip: ferry to the mainland, Hwy 1 to Hope, north on Hwy 5 over the Coquihalla to Merritt, Hwy 8 to Spences Bridge, then back on Hwy 1 to the ferry terminal at Tsawwassen, and back home. About 750 km/450 miles and 2 90-minute ferry rides. This photo is on the Coquihalla with Yak Peak in the background. Despite appearances, I am not praying but it's clear why I never had an acting career.

Arguably one of the best motorcycles ever made. I never thought an 11.3 sec quarter mile time was slow or 0-100 mph in 7.5 sec. (Cycle World Test) The engine is so refined and the quality of assembly is so above most bikes. Just riding it slow makes me Grin. Engine noise and smoothness and qaulity of controls and paint. Its not the lightest bike but I ride with Ducati V4s and V2 and Aprilia Tuonos and my buddies bikes are always having problems or waiting for parts. In the twisties on the street I'm there with them and if they want to lose me they are going to crash. LOL Its so stable at 140 mph. VTEC noise transition. Good luck, my VFR is my sportbike that I can ride for 4 hrs. And the looks , nuf said.

...I bought this lightly used 2 year old VFR750, and haven't been without a Honda since then; several VFRs and a handful of VTR1000F. I'd bought the bike late that afternoon, and being early March it was a dark, damp first ride to visit my folks. I'd love to have it back, and in that condition.

Oh darn 😉 Love the photo, really does look like the top o'the world. And going back another 20 years - long before Soichiro Honda dreamed of his first VFR - here I am with my '72 BSA Rocket Three.

FFS.... @skuuter 😉

Gonzaga, near Reggio Emilia. VID-20240406-WA0049.mp4

This is nearly 41 years ago...before the invention of colour! Not sure why I'm looking so stern...my girlfriend took the photo. It is easy to see why I never made it into the movies too. This was the bike that I borrowed for a test-ride from the dealership I worked part-time at, and dropped at over 100mph discovering just how powerful those front brakes were in a pre-ABS world...this is the "after" photo, after I purchased and repaired the thing. Maybe I was thinking about how stupid I was (and to be fair, still am).

Since I also have an Interceptor with GIVI bags in the garage at the moment*, here's a comparison back to back.... The Honda bags are about 6" narrower overall. OEM Honda: GIVI: * My BIL was shopping VFRs at the same time I was, and after a couple deals fell through, I put him onto a bike here in AZ that was my back-up plan if the deal on the one I bought fell through. He ended up making the deal, so I picked up the bike for him and am storing it until he can do a fly-ride or have it transported back to WI. So for now, I have double parked VFRs in the shop...

Well as you dream something uninspected happen. Found this mint tail section for reasonable money! So orginal tail will stay 😁

Thanks Mike you beat me to it... its true that no one looses money investing in Mr. Honda's exotic race bred V4s... Blessed by HRC in the name of the Father... ($15,000) in the name of the Son... ($27,500) and the Holy Smokes... ($184,000)

Beartooth Pass in Wyoming is better known, but nearby Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is no slouch. Definitely scenic, but also terrific fun on motorcycle, with smooth pavement and open sweepers. But if you are in the neighbourhood, along with Yellowstone National Park and Beartooth Pass, CJSB is worth a visit. Btw, this pic is from the homeward leg of my June 2015 Colorado trip.

It's been very unexpected, the outpouring of support. I missjudged it.

Miguel... I will do whatever I can to help keep this place going.... Please ask away for ANY help! I am sure others feel the same way.

If the wax unit is not receiving coolant then it will keep the starter valves open more than you want when the rest of the engine is hot and give the excessive idle. Either an air lock or possibly the "cleaning" process has moved some crud in the small water hose and caused a blockage. My view is that a blockage is the most likely cause of a "wax unit failure" rather than any mechanical fault with the unit itself.

Assuming you had No fast idle issue Prior to your coolant flush, then it sounds to me like an air lock situation, adding to poor coolant circulation to the wax unit. Running the bike to high temps without the radiatior cap on will cause the volcanic eruption you had and especially if there is air trapped. Did you follow the fill and burping process in the Service Manual?

This was the "what have I done" moment, after the VTEC was lowered from the frame with the 8,000 mile 5th gen motor waiting on the pallet. The cam cover is removed b/c I had already been in there adjusting the VTEC valves and it also gave me the extra clearance needed to clear the frame once lowered on the jack. Once it was back together and running, going for its first short ride around the block left me barely believing it was actually working. I read where others that have done this sit the engine down on block(s) and then lift the frame off and roll it away like a wheel barrow, leaving the engine behind. On top of the 2 step ladders is a thick wooden beam and ratchet straps. Either way works, this is just mine. Clearly this is quite invasive surgery, but very doable for any determined DIYer. Like any project, bag & tag fasteners, label, stay organized and torque to spec and you'll be good.

Hi All. Just wondering if any of our American friends have heard from or know if Danno is ok. He's been an active member and a helpful clever guy, he had a strong passion for VFRD. Since May 2023 there's been nothing! Total silence, bit out of character for Danno. Lives in Mesa AZ. His last post was..... "Would be shame to have site go away. I've PMed Miguel and volunteered to keep this site going. Would need some training and help to get up to speed."

Hi Mello. Thanks for the info. Saw his name on the member list. I don't want to join the ST-owners forum, but if you're on it? Can you send him a PM, tell him to get back to the real forum! VFRD misses him. Cheers

If there is decent airflow through the radiator then the bike should sit at/near the thermostat opening point of 78-80C or 176F irrespective of the ambient temperature. When you get stuck in traffic (no air passing through the radiator) the temperature will rise to around 100 (212) and should cycle up/down as the fans switch on off. To get higher than that would suggest maybe the fans don't work or the thermostat is stuck. Let's assume the cooling system is full and the reservoir has a decent volume as well (you checked that, right?). If the radiator stays cold when the engine starts and then suddenly gets too hot to touch around 176, the thermostat probably works. If the radiator gently warms up as soon as the engine starts, the thermostat is probably jammed half-open. If the radiator never gets hot, the thermostat is probably jammed shut. Check the fan switches itself on around 212F and off a few degrees below that. Some have altered the fan wiring to put a manual bypass switch in place, so if you are going to get mired in traffic you can start the fan earlier.

Not sure if this has been posted on VFRD but long time VFR specialty product company Tyga Performance is now selling full RC30 conversion kits to suit 4th Gen VFR750. All bodywork, subframes, infill panels, exhaust system... the works. Even a replacement fuel tank. They look incredible and are literally plug and play. Bodywork Set 1, GRP, Painted RC30, RC36-2 RC30 Style, Street | TYGA-Performance The interest in this kit on the Facebook "RC/RVF Replica Group" is immense and a lot of bikes are going to be converted, so now's the time to grab a 4th Gen. Especially a cosmetically challenged one.

I wish the video had a skinny guy try to use it...

No shop anywhere near me would mount tires not bought from them, so they turned customers into DIY's. About 18 years ago I bought a Black Widow paddock tire changer and a HF balancer. The convenience factor became apparent immediately. I averaged 4-6 tires a year for myself and 6-12 for guys in the same position as me. I don't charge for it as motorcycles are my hobby, not a business. Also, it turned our to be a good way to meet the few sport/sport touring guys here in Mid Coast Maine.

Plenti Benelli 🙂

I will stay in my lane and comment on what I know about, and leave the electrickery to Grum. The oily stuff in the airbox is normal, just a bit of oil mist blown from all the wrhirling bits in the crankcase up through the breather hose to the airbox. The white stuff will be some condensation that has made it to the airbox. If the bike hasn't been run for a while this might be expected. If the bike has been running regularly then this would be unusual. The odd man out starter valve is the non-adjustable reference valve. The other three get adjusted to match this one. The SV's control the flow of air into the motor at idle; more air = faster idle. The SVs are moved by the wax unit when the engine is cold to give a faster idle when first started. The SV positions are also controlled by the idle adjuster screw when the engine is hot.

This is my conversion of the PC3 map before it was possible to adjust more than negative 10 / positive 30. Looks like shit because it is. This is with the ability to adjust negative 100/positive 150. A lot less shit... RB mytuningbike have the ability to adjust +-15 in all cells based on my target afr. It will be very exciting to see what has happened to this map after my first test on a road with no snow! Also there is this 🤏 dont worry, it's just a photo 🙃

I'm sure he'd be up for an all expenses paid trip to the US with his multimeter.

Hi All Sharing 1 Lap on below video, as last Saturday I had a G R E A T time with our beloved VFR at AIA Portimão Circuit in Portugal 😈 aka The Roller Coaster 😈 This is why I love so much my VFR, I can through 3 Givi cases and enjoy the road with my wife at snail pace, or I can remove everything and enjoy the track 😍

I tried using them to order the OEM 2000-2001 mirrors (88120-MBG-D01 & 88110-MBG-D01) from IMPEX, and they didn't state they were out of production and impossible to order until the next day after I'd already placed the order and paid. They immediately offered a cancellation & refund on the whole order, though, so they made it right. I just think their website/inventory system is a little antiquated.

I don't post that often these days. Life & stuff other than my 2 now officially vintage 5th gens which I love dearly, and will never part with. Best bikes Honda ever made IMHO, and this place is an invaluable resource for people like me who drank the V4 cool aid. It would be a shame if it were to disappear. Happy to kick in some cash to keep the lights on.

Hi Kinda of an idea.... Break the budget into quarters... say this 1st quarter is $500..that would seen to be a more attainable number over the annual number. Then once a quarter.. .send out a call out thread to fill up the budget for the quarter. I would be happy to kick in quarterly to get to fill out the budget for that quarter. Another idea, youll probably barf on this one, knowing your history, but add a sponsor tab, where you sell squares to paid sponsors. We would access only by clicking the tab. Its definately more work, but you could get some bucks out of it, and we would get discounts from the sponsors. Of course there is always the possiblity of a legal entanglement, with a sponsor not delivering as they should...... just brainstorming... Lastly if you decide to chuck it, as with last time, a group of us are fine to take it on if want to pass the torch. Very best wishes

Miguel, we all have our own, often busy lives to lead. Dropping some $ into VFRD every year is not necessarily at the front of our minds when we look in (daily for some of us) and it takes something to make us remember/realise that lots goes on behind the scenes and this place does not run itself for free so PLEASE, do not feel bad about reminding us all that you need a small contribution from each of us. The wealth of knowledge on here is immense, the greatest repository of knowledge on the Honda VFR in the world so we should all be happy to contribute voluntarily. Thanks for all you do to keep this place running. So many of us owe you a beer or 2 on top of our small contributions! Cheers.

Hi Miguel, when some time back you said you were thinking of jacking VFRD in we all undertook to ensure it was properly supported. I stand by that and I bet others do too. Let's see how the funding goes with the first response to your request. If it's not enough don't feel embarrassed to ask again. As many have said before, this site is just too valuable to lose. Thanks again for your fantastic effort!

I don't even have a VFR anymore, but I still visit VFRD most days, just to see what's going on. Plus it's entirely possible I'll own another VFR someday, and this forum is absolutely a treasure for everything VFR-related. Anyway, I always got far more out of this forum than I put into it, and I'm sure I am not alone, so I'm happy to help out again. Thanks for letting us know we need to pitch in again, HS. Hopefully we can fill the well again quickly! 🙂

"Dances with tires" 🙂 VID-20230515-WA0021.mp4

A bit more completed today. The Engine is now fully built and timed up. Just waiting on fitting the oil cooler to spin it over on the starter motor with no spark plugs in to check oil pressure. Rear sub frame has been loosely mounted along with the rest of the exhaust. Big shout out to Gave Silver Spares who accepted an order for the gearchange detent spring an item they did not have in stock and listed as "No Longer Available" that the sourced and got to me in two weeks for £5.00 including postage. This was a show stopper as the old spring was so week that it was failing to push the paws home and so not changing gear smoothly. A Few more pictures of progress

Hi all i am the new to me owner of a 2003 6th gen VFR800. I’ve previously owned an RC36 but now living in NZ I thought I would add the VFR to my collection to use as a commuter and sometime tourer. I brought it as a bit of a neglected machine, hadn’t been cleaned or properly looked after in years. Anyhow, 4 days of mechanical bits like CCTs, full servicing, bit of wiring and a damn good clean and polish she is on the road and riding lovely. A couple of little niggles that seem normal for this gen VFR for me to work through but what an awesome machine. It’s up there with mileage being at 163000 kms but seems sweet as a nut. Pic attached, all original panels with a few battle scars and micron end cans. Great to be in the forum and I’m sure I will be asking a few questions. cheers

Not sure that gives me a tonne of insight. Pretty sure John McGuinness could smoke me on a Grom!!!

If you're interested in how one will do on the track, have a look at this video of John McGuinness riding a 5th gen at a track day. This one has 100,000 miles and a luggage rack. Note that he's passing many sportier, more powerful (probably liter) bikes. They likely pull away from him down the straights, but in the corners he makes it all back and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMWXwsGUGM8

Lots of rain recently but a nice day today before it all returns tomorrow. Did a thorough chain cleaning, adjustment and lube Tuesday so felt like everything was ready and prepped for a 10 day trip! However, this was not a 10 day trip, just 60 miles. I may complain about the rain but spring after an El Nino winter is beautiful here. Sorry it's not a VFR, but...red...V cylinders...motorcycle Squint and you can see the Pacific ocean...

I am no expert when it comes to electrical stuff but going back to first principles and from what I understand from Grum's detailed and patient advice: 1. There is one relevant wire that goes from the ECT to the instrument panel. It's shown as G/Bu in the diagrams. But the colour may have altered with heat/age. 2. A broken circuit in this wire or a faulty relevant track in the instrument panel will show up as a permanently flashing 270 temp reading. 3. Use of a non OEM or faulty ECT sensor could also cause the permanent 270 flashing reading. Based on the understanding in 1-3 above my approach would be: 4. Confirm which wire runs from the ECT through to the instrument panel relevant pin and check continuity throughout the run including cleaning any relevant intermediate connections. If colours have faded or changed this will need patient methodical checking and I'd recommend a written note of what you find at each connection. If continuity in this wire is good the problem will either be a faulty sensor or a corroded or dirty track in the instrument panel. 5. There is a fault finding test in the manual for the ECT - run that to confirm or eliminate a problem with the sensor 6. If it's not the sensor you will need to check the tracks inside the instrument panel - there are posts on this site of how to do that I hope I've understood this right. As a disclaimer, I have no experience of a 5th Gen and I have not read the 5 Gen manual- this is taken from the advice you've been offered. Good luck.