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...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.16 points
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Hello again fellow Vifferini! Some of you may have read my long winded story here of getting back on a VFR after a 15 year absence from riding. I then posted the clean up thread here about that bike. Since purchase I have put about 10,000 miles on it having an absolute blast riding around the fine state of Utah, USA. The warm weather season is short but we do have a handful of excellent roads with endless scenery. The bike is set up just like my first VFR and it runs perfect. I couldn't be happier with it. Well, the plot thickens...which is to say I tracked down and bought back my original VFR. The one that I bought new in Northern California back in 2001. Yes, my actual exact bike, VIN #00089. Turns out the internet can be an interesting and effective tool. I actually got in touch with the owner a couple years ago but he wasn't ready to sell at that time. Finally, in recent weeks he let me know that he had upgraded and would sell it back to me, and at a very reasonable price. I was more than pleased, and my teenage son and I made plans to pick it up two states away in California. Not wanting to drag my small open trailer 1800 miles there and back, I wondered if a motorcycle would fit inside the wife's minivan. The Google machine quickly confirmed that I was not the first to consider this, as I found multiple pictures of various bikes shoehorned into spaces more commonly filled with soccer moms and soccer kids. That said, we had to test before the drive just to be sure. After some general measuring I figured that if we removed the windscreen and mirrors from my current VFR, we might be able to load it through the side door, which is exactly what we did. "Easy does it. Left a bit! Watch the ramp!" Success! Even got the doors to close with room to spare. Took it right back out and put it in the garage, neighbors shaking their heads, unsurprised at my usual shenanigans. So with that confirmed we made our way out to CA to pick up the original machine. Let me say this, one-on-one time with your kids is absolute gold. While going to get my old bike was cool, 20 plus hours in the car with my son was the real highlight of the trip. He's a fantastic kid and we had great time making new memories doing something that wouldn't make sense to most people. We arrived just after dark at the seller's home after a full day's drive. It was great to meet the gentleman and trade a few stories. I pointed out the small scratches on the clutch cover. "Yeah, that was me, trying to put it up on the center stand one day wearing flip flops and it slowly went over on it's side on the driveway. Not my first bonehead move." It was so cool to see that it still had every mod that I had installed more than 20 years prior, save the Sargent seat, but I'll just use the one from my other bike now. Looking over the bike further I noticed that he had the db killer installed on the Staintune, something I never used in my ownership. "Have you heard it without the db killer?" I asked, reaching for my set of Allen keys. "I didn't know you could remove it." he said. A few seconds later I had it out and fired up the bike inside his carport. Let it warm up for a bit and then gave it a few mild revs. "Whoa you can't have it now!!" he said jokingly, "I should have removed that a long time ago!" We both got a laugh. Every VFR guy has their favorite pipe, an uncorked Staintune is mine, though a period Micron is a close second. The Staintune look and sound just can't be matched. I removed the windscreen and mirrors, having done this exercise once before, and we loaded up the bike in the minivan. I strapped it down securely using the factory seat anchors and several ratchet straps. It was almost as if the van was made for this type of thing. We journeyed back home and put the bike in the garage, with some new memories and a new chapter to start. Seeing double, this looks familiar. The more recent left, modded to resemble the original, right. It even has my original plate on the back as plates stay with the vehicle in California. So what now? Get organized, make the punch list. Gotta go over everything to see that it is clean and up to spec. Fluids, charging system, brakes, etc, a nice winter project. The seller provided me with some receipts of maintenance he'd had done recently at a shop near his home. New plugs, valves checked (all in spec), new coolant and brake fluids. Mentioned an issue of stumbling in lower revs that the shop couldn't rectify. Also mentioned a slight coolant leak on the left side and a dent in the left radiator. Interesting but no worries, I have time to look over everything and make it right. When I sold the bike in 2006 it had 26,000 miles on it. Now it shows just 39,000 miles. I can live with that. In general it looks to be in decent shape still, just needing to be gone through a bit. I first removed the side fairings to have a look at things underneath. Hmmm...of the 18 or so fasteners I removed, only 3 were correct and all were finger tight or less. Luckily you can still order the correct ones from Honda. It's clearly been down on the left side at some point. The coolant leak is from an epoxy repair attempt at the bottom of the reservoir. Actually glad to see it's not from the engine casing as the reservoir is easy to replace. Odd repair though. The left rad is indeed dented on the bottom and the bracket bent slightly, though it is not leaking. It will work until I can get another one. When I removed the tail fairing some of the tool kit fell out of the left side, clanging onto the garage floor, and there is a small crack on the left of the tail fairing at the franken bolt insert. Yeah, it's definitely been down. But....(and it's a big but), whomever dropped it did put on an OEM side fairing so that's a win, and everything else I can deal with quite easily. I also took a chance to check voltage and saw 13.70ish at idle and a solid 14.44v at 4,000 rpm, right where it should be as far as I understand. I'll keep an eye on things once I start riding it later. I made a list and ordered a bunch of fasteners and a new coolant reservoir, OEM oil filters and fluids. Just going to take my time and enjoy it. More to come. Cheers, Justin15 points
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I created a PDF of the microfiche for the 1999 model for my own reference. Thought others might find it useful. 1999 VFR800 - Microfiche.pdf13 points
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13 points
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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.13 points
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While looking through my old pics - not for anything VFR related, I came across this shot from late-2019. Probably washed it in preparation for a long winter's nap and decided to record the moment. I think the 6th gen looks pretty good from this angle.12 points
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Been a few years of trouble free goodness. The bike continues to be very capable and fun. The need for new tires inspired me to put together a "RC26-II" Upgrade Kit. Restored F3 forks with RT Springs. F3 front wheel. Brand new front Nissin calipers and pads. F3 5.0" rear wheel with a matching rear caliper. New rear brake arm solution. Real clean and simple.12 points
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12 points
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12 points
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I have been a confirmed fifth gen owner for many years, but recently a 2009 which had sat on the local auction site reached my "buy now" level. The bike has 85000km, and the PO had parked it in 2022 after an inspection failure due to thin front discs. I just so happen to have a complete set of near-new lovely gold wheels with discs that I bought speculatively 5 years ago. The bike also has the dreaded cam chain rattle at low revs, a cracked windscreen, leaking fork seals and very minor stationery drop damage, but the seller put zero effort into resolving any of those or even cleaning the bike for photos (or possibly at all, during his ownership...). His loss, my gain! I collected the bike last night and survived a chilly ride home which did not reveal any unexpected faults aside from weird handling due to low tyre pressures. I'm looking forward to peeling off the covers and giving this dirty bike a good scrubbing, and then setting to rectifying the faults. I am planning on trying the "two turns of extra spring preload" fix for the CCT but replacements don't look too expensive. I will also check out the valve clearances; as I don't want to buy the small dowels to lock the VTEC valves, can someone tell me what diameter rod I need to get to make my own? And no new post is complete without a photo...12 points
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12 points
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12 points
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@LukeV4 Not going to lie, meeting you and your dad was the most excited Iāve been in a long time. Your VFRās blew me away!!! Few pics of your bikes showing your craftsmanship and good taste. This oneās wearing a Tyga fairing for an NC30. Love the asymmetrical twin exhausts! And 954 swingarm welded to a 5th gen swIngramā¦seriously!!! Custom rearset adapters and engine covers welded flat for better ground clearance. Second bike wearing SP1 bodywork, Fireblade seat and S1000 subframe (modified). And a beautiful pair of exhausts in Ducati style! Rearsets from Harris and GSXR front end. If ever there was a pair of race-ready 5th gens, this is it! Meeting you guys was a real highlight. Thanks for coming and thanks for joining the forum!11 points
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It's been 4 years since the 5th gen took me on a tour. 2 years on a Tracer GT, and 2 years on the Multistrada. Loaned the Multi to a friend who flew in from Oklahoma, so it was 5th gen time again. We bonded immediately, but I missed having cruise control. 600 miles in and the battery was shot, but not the R/R or stator. And it was awesome to hit the thousand of curves on the old girl. Still love this bike.11 points
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I've been spending the winter scanning some of my old slides & negatives and this week I came across these two photos. First pic shows my 2nd VFR800 barely an hour after taking delivery back in Feb. 1999. It replaced my stolen red '98 and this time I opted for superfast yellow instead of yet another red bike. I'd had it fitted with a 3rd gen 8-spoke and both wheels painted a glossy pearl white. Beacon Hill park, in Victoria, is my goto spot for new bike pics. The 2nd pic shows my '91 VFR750 on it's final long ride, near Courthouse Towers in Arches NP, Utah.11 points
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11 points
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Last Saturday I had the pleasure to drive to Jerez de la Frontera circuit (Spain) from my home Sintra (Portugal). A beautiful ride with a mix of highway and interior twisties roads. Highway until Beja exit on A2, than interior roads going from Beja through Rosal de la Frontera until Sevilla, can't miss it, it's nearly just keeping following straight. Just a bit before reaching Sevilla, a bit of highway and a Stop for a long waited dinner, I do recommend Mesones del Serranito, for bocadillo (swandich) and huevos rotos (eggs). After another bit of highway until reaching the Circuit. This time I just went to see my friend on a track day with his S1000RR tranning for Portuguese S1000 RR cup. One day I will ride there with our wonderfull VFR Happy Monday š10 points
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10 points
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It was a mad rush to get the bike ready for the Donington Park track day with Mohawk but we got there in the end!!! Didn't have time to fit side fairings or centre stand but did get the quickshifter installed. I was lucky enough to get to see Mohawkās famous blue 5th gen in all its glory from every angleā¦especially the rear as he blew past me twice on track!!! We shared a garage on the pits. And found the VFR can lean and burn. Check how tortured Mohawkās tear looks! Mine looking respectable. Not bad for touring rubber! Mohawk has a gadget that replays his fastest speed on the clocksā¦that in MPH. Followed, of course, by some heavy braking before that tricky double-apex right hander after the home straight. It was a noisy track day at Donington, which tends to bring out all the likely lads and MotoGP hopefuls. There were a lot of exotica and prototype bikes there. Thousands of Ā£ās worth of the latest tackle. So we were surprised (and VERY excited to see these familiar looking things. Can you make them out? Not going to lie, I was giddy as a school girl when I met these guys. The level of engineering and all the little modifications required blew my mind!!! They were very interested in some of Mohawkās mods, like stick coils, single nut rear wheel and ram air, among other things. Hoping they join the forum.10 points
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Lorne, this is your faultā¦ I convinced my spouse to move to Princeton NJ area for my job. Had a new kid. Took on debilitating adjustable mortgage. Saw that gp was coming to U.S. for the first time in forever at Laguna Seca. āOh, most important woman in my life,ā I said, ādoesnāt your sister live in Marin?ā (aka bay area) Yes, she said (knowing full well where this was going), "you know my sister and hub live thereā¦" So we flew across the country. I found the cheapest rental car in the world, and drove the econobox south through SF, and arrived on a Saturday in April with another 100,000 fans who all just heard that we would hit 100F that weekend. Yeah, I was with my tribe! Never been to Laguna Seca before. End up in an endless car snake going over the bridge above T5-ish. Coming from the east coast I was blown away at how friendly the CA crowd was. Everyone was waving! The Mercedes ahead of me was crawling too, but the crowds were just so positive, waving and yelling. Finally the Mercedes driver pulled off to the VIP parking, and as he turned I saw through the driverās side window I was behind Eddie Lawson! So yeah, I can always say I was on Lawsonās tail at Laguna Seca.10 points
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We have all wondered how a vfr engine with forced induction takes this abuse right? Well at least I have! So to all those who have told me over the years that this is not going to last, the vfr can not handle this - you are wrong! No measurements have been done, I have just glanced over everything - season has started. This engine will be shelved waiting parts and getting ready for the next stage. A 17000km engine will be put in it's place. I don't have more time this week to tell the story but it will come š Have a good one guys - ride hard but mind your 3rd gear š10 points
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Count me among those . . . swapped mine during the Covid lockdown in '20, was great to have something to do whilst stuck at home. Main things I can think of * 5th gen engine bolts right in to the 5th gen frame - no mods needed. * The "cushion" (Honda's term - I would call it "swing arm mount") that connects the swingarm to the engine is different - requires a 6th gen version to mount to the engine * Yes, the swingarms are slightly different * 5th gen uses remote coils with HT leads, 6 gen is 3 wire COP setup. This is the BIG thing to contend with in doing a swap. I retained COPs. Alternative is to source 5th gen harness and ECU and swap all that over. * 6th gen rads are larger, IIRC 2 additional rows * 5th gen cylinder heads are about 1 1/2" shorter - creates no issues * Shorter heads mean that the cam timing marks no longer appear through the inspection hole in the 6th gen frame (most people don't know why that hole is there). Makes valve adjustments more difficult. Suggest checking valves prior to doing swap * Despite cylinder head differences, throttle bodies are a direct swap * Hoses, thermostat, everything cooling system is interchangeable * If keeping 6th gen electronics, you WILL need a VTEC solenoid connected to the harness or you will get a no-start * 5th gen has a smaller alternator than 03 and up 6th gens. Currently swapping a 6th gen alternator over. * Despite all the similarities in the engine block, water pump, etc, 5 & 6 G alternator covers are different and do not interchange. * As mentioned above 4th through 6th gen gear ratios are different. The 5th gen is under-driven by 1 additional tooth, makes for about 200 rpm or so increase at 70 mph cruise. Barely noticeable. * Power output is indistinguishable. Honda did not add VTEC for power, torque or any other discernable butt-dyno reason. Maybe emissions, marketing, or who knows why. I don't miss it, and I do NOT miss the insanely difficult valve adjustments on the VTEC - the main reason I swapped it out. * Despite keeping 6th gen electronics, there is no VTEC "hit or kick" . There is a subtle change going through 6,800, but if no one knew about it, they would have no idea - nothing like it is stock. * Wheels and front rotors are interchangeable. * 6th gen brake system has 2 proportioning control valves vs 5th gen 1 - bleeding procedure is similar, but different. The linked brakes are plumbed differently between the 2. * 6th gen has available factory luggage * I have seen 6th gen tanks swapped to a 5th gen - doable but requires trimming the 5th gen bodywork in the front where it curves around the tank * 6th gen has available ABS. I've read that about 10% came with ABS, but I know of no documentation of that. On 1 occasion I was glad to have ABS, for me a good addition. * 5th gen has more room under the seat. That's probably more than anyone wants to hear. Owning both, I don't note much difference between them. And now, having one swapped, there's even less. If it weren't for ABS and the factory luggage for long-haul riding, I would probably stick with the 5th gen. However parts are getting harder to find for them, so I don't know how much longer they will be practical for daily or long trip riding. There are still times when I start the 6th gen that I just look at it and still can't get used to hearing that whine from the cams. For my $, that was the best engine Honda ever did or will make. I'm super happy with it.10 points
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9 points
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And I FINALLY found a Side Stand Cowl. Even had both mounts intact. Couple small cracks, that did not go all the way thru, repaired (v-grooved, epoxy filled, re-enforced on the back, ABS body filler, sanded). Couple coats of primer, sanded, couple coats satin black (which is what the whole lower third of the bike is). Gonna be good for 10 mph on top and 10 extra mpg. Because science.9 points
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9 points
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9 points
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Bought this at the end of July. I knew it had issues as it sat for 13 years. Rusted tank 19 year old tires Original R/R Etc But it only had 11.5K on the clock So I spent a month cleaning the tank repeatedly, then treating it with Phosphoric Acid 3 times. This took awhile so in addition I built sliders/tip over protectors, went completely through the brakes, swapped my 8 spoke on to the rear and a new set of T32's, bobbins on the front axle just because I had them lying around, riding lights up front for Moose spotting, built some saddle bag frames and installed some longer heavier bar ends. Its odd but the bar ends on the VFR are exactly the same as on my VF1000R's After a couple of tests rides I took it on a 2800 trip down to VA,WV,PA upstate NY, VT NH then back to Maine I did encounter some engine surging about 1200 miles into the trip, but I made it back north so I'll address that in a separate post. Love the bike, a bit less sporty than my 3rd or 4th, but I bought it for touring, as my 4th has 114K and is showing it. My only complaint, and its not really a complaint is the braking system looks like it was designed by a bunch of French plumbers on their croissant break. First pic is off the trailer Next, the tank. Midway through the process. Tank clean My 3 red VFR's just because. Slider/tip over protectors Moose lights. Bobbins. Midway through building saddlebag frames. Bike at the top of rt 250 near the VA/WV line.9 points
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Hi everybody I'd like to say hello to this group: I just came back in the saddle of a VFR after having ridden a 95 model a quarter of century ago. I've been riding since late 80's, and I spent approx. 25 years running (or trying to, that's more corrrect š) in racetrack: I'm lucky enough to live 30km far from Mugello circuit. As written above, I've been riding a '95 carb VFR many years ago (DELICIOUS bike), but after this experience I've been bewitched for many years by the brutal force of the CBR1100 XX. I owned two of them, the first of which I've been tuned it a lot, transforming it into a sporty bike to have fun with in circuit: Now, after having passed 50's, I decided to embrace the old gear-driven cam V4 again. I found a '98 (Gen5) in good aesthetic conditions but needing a mechanical restoration. I paid it a few, spent some days in my workshop to restore it and now it's on the road again Engine and gearshaft are excellent, now, as well as (crossing fingers) the recharge system. Suspensions and brakes are awful. Just risen the tail by shimming the shock connection bracket, and lowered the front by shifting up the forks by 5mm. It's not enough, so something more drastic will come up this winter; I'll keep you updated Bye! Dr. Ergal9 points
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Hey there everyone, just wanted to pop in and say hi. Just picked up a 98 VFR that looks to be in amazing shape! I stepped away from riding for the last 6-7 years and recently started getting the itch again. Out of all of my previous bikes my favorite was my old VFR so I was pretty set on getting another one. I took my time and almost pulled the trigger on a 2007 with about 45k miles. But then I found this 98 VFR with only 16k miles. The previous owner was a 74 yr old gentleman that purchased it new and kept in a climate controlled garage its entire life. It is pretty much bone stock except the two brothers exhaust. Drove it to work for the first time today over the mountain full of twisites and it rode like a champ!9 points
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Hello from Northern Ireland! š I'm back to riding after a number of years away (15+). Decided to cautiously dip my toe in the water about 6 months ago and bought a brand new Yamaha NMax 125 scooter. Well, put it like this, within 1 mile I knew I wasn't going to enjoy the slush box belt twist and go experience. I needed back on a geared bike! Before I'd stopped riding, I'd worked up from a CB250 superdream, through to a 600 Hornet and 929RR Fireblade. I finished up with a Z750 and 700 Ducati Monster before hanging up my gloves,. so I really don't know what I was thinking buying the scooter! I guess it was just nerves about finding my skills again safely, now that I'm a bit older and wiser. One of the best test rides I'd had years ago was on a 6th gen VFR800 VTEC. I owned the 929RR at the time and couldn't believe just how fun the 800 was. That engine note.... and the snap on/off VTEC was hilarious. So, my focus was on getting a clean VFR 6th gen. 3 failed attempts to buy later - 2 from a local dealer who promised to call me as soon as he had one coming in (but didn't) and a private seller of a 12k mile VTEC which I offered the asking price on. The problem though, I'm in Ireland and he was in England. Despite offering to send over proof of ID and a bank transfer deposit, he sold it out from under me. It was then that I spotted a lovely 5th gen 50th anniversary for sale locally and to my surprise... I knew the owner! I've known him back 20 years and he was ALWAYS a fussy owner. 24hrs later, the deal was done. Just 19k miles on it and in lovely condition. The proper 50th anniversary panels without a mark on them and the matching seat cowl I bought it on the spot! I'll freely admit.... the first run out didn't happen for a couple of weeks until the conditions were right. Bear in mind this is my 1st geared bike ride in probably 18 years! First issue was getting used to pulling the bike from the garage safely! No grab handles didn't help, but I remembered my bike lessons, leaning the bike into me a bit, one hand covering the brake just in case. Got geared up... got the bike warmed up.... then set off. Perhaps some might say I was mad after this time to go straight to an 800, but I knew full well that if I started on a smaller cc bike I'd hate it within hours. I never liked my 600 Hornet and always preferred something with more low down torque and longer gearing. I needn't have worried! I'd say it took about 10 minutes before I was right at home again! The VFR is a delight to ride and just right for where I'm at. I can short shift and just enjoy that rumble and whine of the cams... but give it the beans here and there. Just perfect! Previous owner fitted a voltmeter so I quickly realised that the charge system was NOT up to scratch! Discovered a TourMax R/R in there which seemed to be the well known weakness here. Stator tested well with zero ohms resistance on all 3 coils, so I'm currently mid way though installing a MOSFET R/R supplied by Kevs Shed which I'm sure many of you have watched on YouTube. Kev does a full R/R kit right down to the aluminium mount plate, silicone wiring loom and self resetting breaker. I've a new set of Bridgestones to go on as soon as that's done and a set of AS3 Performance stainless coolant hose clamps. I wasn't happy with how some of the mild steel fittings look under the fairings on inspection. After that, it's going to my local mechanic for a top to bottom health check. I plan to powder coat the forks and perhaps the side and centre stands. I've been ordering a lot of OE fittings to refresh anything that's either missing or showing signs of age. Whilst I aim to keep the bike close to original, those condom mirrors DID have to go! I've also talked to Scorpion exhausts and they are making up an OE look can with no branding so I can let a bit of that sweet V4 sound out without changing the look too much. As for that wee NMax, well, only 130 miles on it and I'd lose a fair chunk in depreciation to get rid so soon, so I've come to actually quite like it for what it is. Great for a quick run to the shops when the sun's out and room for a large bag of groceries under that seat! It's staying... for now. Thanks for reading the ramble... and I'll have plenty to ask over time no doubt š9 points
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I live in an apartment with a small one car garage so space to store the VFR is limited. I tried a Harbor Freight motorcycle dolly but it was too long for what I needed so I decided to make one. I started by mounting the wheel chock on the end of the 2X12. For this I just drilled thru holes and used the mounting hardware that came with the wheel chock. I put the bike in the wheel chock and measured where I wanted to cut my 2X12. I put my cut line about 2" past the end of the rear wheel. This way the ramp can rest against the wheel during storage. I cut the 2X12 and then mounted the casters to the bottom using lag bolts and washers. The casters were the most expensive part of this build, about $10 a piece. But they have ball bearings in the wheels and roll really nice. Each caster is rated for 110 lbs. so I went with 6 of them just to be safe. I used the left over piece of 2X12 for the ramp (Originally I tried to get away with a 1/2" piece of plywood for this but it cracked right when I tried to roll the bike up it). I mounted the ramp with door hinges and the hardware that came with them. Next I added the side guides using the 2X4s. I cut a 45 degree angle into the ends where the guide on the ramp meet the guides on the main platform. These guides are really helpful. I tried to put the bike on the dolly without them it was very difficult to get the bike lined up properly. Getting the bike on and off is pretty easy but takes some effort. Because the dolly is so short the rear tire is still going up the ramp at the same time as you are trying to push the front tire into the wheel chock so you need some momentum. The dolly stays in place when loading/unloading the bike with all the caster brakes on. All in the supplies were about $200. I plan to store the bike on this dolly over the winter. I'm not sure if I will cause any damage to the front tire by storing it in the wheel chock. It's no deforming the tire much it's just kind of resting in there. Thanks for reading ,let me know what you think! Supplies: Qty Description Source 1 2" X 12" - 8' Lowes 2 2" X 4" - 8' Lowes 12 2" Polyurethane Casters w/Brake Lowes 24 1/4" x 1" Lag Bolts Lowes 24 1/4" Washers Lowes 12 3" Wood Screws Lowes 2 Door Hinges Lowes 1 Motorcycle Wheel Chock Harbor Freight9 points
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9 points
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9 points
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I just said goodbye to my Ol'Heavy. It was not easy but I'm happy because the young man who took her will be good to her and will most likely be joining VFRD soon. I will be much happier seeing her ridden. Looking back for a pic, I found this one. Appropriate because it was the beginning of the end. I loaned Andy my CB500x to join us on the PreRide. I ended up riding it one day and loved it in the mountains. The next year, Covid struck and I rode it while Rob rode Ol'Heavy. I became a much better rider on a bike that was 100lbs lighter and about half the horse power. It was really hard trying to get my old body back on the VFR. The other reason that the pic is appropriate is that it reminds me of the good times and great friends that have come from VFR ownership and membership here going back to '05. I will still be here for years to come, I hope, to continue enjoying the friendships.9 points
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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) š 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 š Andy M9 points
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8 points
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So the Red bike & the Blue Bike had a race, well a track day at least. Then they met some like minded people š Fun was had by all, even the 3hr 20minute ride home was not bad. Saw a certain Leon Haslam there, was stood next to me during the briefing. I'm fat, I'm old, and this was my first track day since 2019, so a sub 2:12 lap on a 24year old road bike (time taken from only video run), was the best I could manage, baring in mind I rode to the circuit & had to ride home. Quite a few people took excursions throughout the day, including someone in the fast group that decided to leave all his oil down the bottom of Craner Curves, where you'd like to be for taking the old hair pin. Video was a bust as the camera mount broke, so is very bouncy, not in the link below. All in 400mile trip including 92miles & 16L of fuel (approx 27 Imperial MPG) around Donington Park racing circuit in middle England š https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c9BGwbb-UM-ypZI00Dol98dA8 points
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Decisions, decisions... I have been enjoying the 6th gen, but then I pulled out my 5th gen for a little run and realised a) I don't really need two 800s and b) the 5th gen is actually quite a bit better. Before all the 6th gen owners get cross at me, I should explain that my 5th gen has the same mileage and is similarly pretty condition, but has been treated to some tasty upgrades with touring bars, double bubble screen, heated grips and a Sargent seat; it also has a Nitron shock and has had a full Racetech rebuild in the forks. As a result it is a more planted ride and more comfy to boot. Back to back, the 5th feels freer revving and better in the low and especially midrange, and has none of the 6k surge and 6800 VTEC step; it also feels less top-heavy, presumably due to the lack of the high pipes. The 6th is certainly much quieter (no gear whine) and is also smoother; my 5th has a bit of seat vibes around 7000 which the 6th does not. I still really like the 6th gen styling, but I will be keeping my 5th gen and selling the 6th, which will free up funds for another project... To celebrate my decision I took a fun 320km run today on Bumblebee and he told me very clearly that we were meant to be together.8 points
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8 points
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VTR1000F front wheel (to match the rear) with EBC rotors and a fresh tire. Replaced the valve cover gaskets (they were leaking) and re-set the valve lash, most were pretty loose. Had been planning to get in there sooner after rebuilding the bike and making sure it ran good and had all the gears. Fresh coolant since I had to drop the lower rad and did an oil/filter change. New brakes, wheel and tire feel great and the engine definitely feels crisper. Oh and I removed and restored the exhaust system collector, it was the last real crusty thing on the bike.8 points
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You are making a HUGE assumption here that none of us have disco lights or fuzzy dice on our VFRs mate. What happened to inclusivity and diversity? I may need to speak to a moderator about this breach.8 points
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8 points
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8 points
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Out of Winterization, installed a battery, primed the fuel system and checked the tire pressures... and rode the 95 for it's Spring opener. Nice rip in the Snohomish Valley after work and stopped for a beverage and some sweet potato fries at one of my favorites places, Duvall Grill and Tap Room. EDIT: WRONG FORUM!!! Sorry. I'm still leaving this here.8 points
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Well, after roughly six months of being able to ride again, primarily commuting, no "real" ride yet, but hey, at least I'm able to ride...or am I? Had another little hurdle thrown at me, hand surgery. Seems my left hand suffered from "trigger finger". For the most part, my hand worked like normal except when I used it in a fist for grabbing something. Essentially, it would "lock up" on me, and it was difficult to straighten my hand back out. Ironically, riding a bike and working the clutch didn't seem to be affected by this, so that was the good part. So last Tuesday I had it operated on. Figured it wasn't going to get better on it;s own, so I went forward with the surgery. I had two options, option 1, full anesthesia, option 2, local numbing and be wide awake. Well, after my "other" operation, I felt fully comfortable being awake for this one, especially since that was an option. So that's the route I took, numb the hand, and operate away. Much like my other surgery, the afterward was uneventful and believe it or not no pain! None, not even a little ache. There is some discomfort when making a fist, which is encouraged, well, at least to move my hand like normal as much as possible. That to me was expected, as the affected area was a bit swollen and I did have a sutured wound. Although I technically still ride in this current state, I am encourage to not ride until at least 2 weeks from the surgery date, so not a 9 month wait like the last one. So with dealing with a bunch of "life" stuff and work, I at least have stuff to occupy my time, and it's already been a week, so this time things seem to be moving faster at least. On another positive note, I helped a friend of a friend acquire a 98 5 Gen for $2,900.00! It was listed and was located about 10 miles from me so I went to check it out and if he didn't want it, I was going to buy it! Well, he ended up buying it and I helped him get it freshened up, as it had been sitting for a few months. There was few little pieces that needed attention, that I was able to fix/resolve for him and while he and I were talking, he tells me that not only is he a ski and snow board instructor, he also does motorcycle training. Well, needless to say, we became fast friends! I agreed to help out on a few other things and he said he would give me some one on one rider training, so I took him up on that the Saturday before my surgery. Let's just say, although my street skills are good, I can definitely use some "training" time, I am a little bit rusty after not riding for a while. Oh yeah, prior that Saturday morning we went to the 'Cars and Coffee' at the American Honda HQ in Torrance, CA. Anyway, good to be alive folks! IMG_3358.MOV.mp48 points
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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.8 points
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7 points
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The weather in Townsville is not very good at the moment Grum, raining apparently. We are currently on another NZ holiday, canāt get enough of the place. Weather was cold and wet when we arrived but Sunday was glorious so we went for a ātrampā in the Rakaia gorge. Booked in to some hot pools today to recover. Came across this mural while in Christchurch.7 points
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7 points
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7 points