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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.

To our New Zealand and Aussie members. The celebration of ANZAC day is special in our hearts as we celebrate, honour, and remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we have. Lest We Forget.

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.

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.mp4

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 🙂 Have a good one guys - ride hard but mind your 3rd gear 😅

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

Very few bikes look cool without some cash and talent. More cash requires less talent while more talent requires less cash. Seb's naked bikes look like MONEY but we know how they got there.

The RC46 crank case & major assemblies are taken directly from the RC45 which in final race trim was putting out 195rwhp @ 14K/rpm. The only major parts difference was the pistons & Ti conrods & the crank+cams being timed differently. The big bang RC45 crank is timed at 0 degrees, such that it acts like a pair of V-twins joined together. And the 2mm shorter stroke allowed for the higher race RPM. That setup creates huge loads, the VFR's 180 degree crank is much kinder to the cases & bearings. Due to the total lack of RC45 crank case spares, race teams use 5th gen crank cases with the swingarm pivot ground off. They then bolt straight in to RC45 frame and all RC45 innards just drop in.

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.

Yeah eventually I am going to buy all of the plastic for mine or try to repair the ones that are still savable. I was just wondering if there are cheaper alternatives. I like the stock look but at this very moment to put it back on the road I'll probably just throw on the damaged fairings so I can ride it until I can afford to put new plastic on. My brother knows how to paint and offered to help me once I have all of the parts.. I have owned my Honda Magna for 7-8 months and really like the V4 in that bike so I went out and bought this one. It might take some time and money but I think this bike deserves a second chance. Thanks for the advice guys I appreciate it.

Great news Duc. Speedy recovery. I fully understand the frustration from post operative blues of not being able to ride for lengthy periods. Nice partnership with your mate, rider training in exchange for bike help. I find it one of the joys of motorcycling, always learning and refining technique and smoothness, whether or not I achieve my goal is debatable! Great motorcycle porn shots! Guess you'd never want a faulty "trigger finger" with a six shooter in your hand! Take care and best regards.

...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.

Never been an issue with all 4 VFR800's I've owned with after market exhausts fitted, 1200 shouldn't be any different. O2 sensors means ECU runs in closed loop, so air to fuel ratio is continuously optimized. Think you're worrying about nothing. I'd probably go back to the OEM type airfilter if it was mine! Good Luck with the bike, take it for a good test ride. Check it's maintenance history. Coolant change, brake and clutch fluid replacement - should have had a few of those! Oil and filter, etc. P.s. I'm sure there was a rear wheel drive unit issue recall for the early 1200's. Make sure this has been done.

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.

Yes. I always expect a new helmet to be tight. It will adjust to your head and cheekbones, and you will adjust to how it feels. Far better than a lid that starts too loose. In the worst case you can change pads. And...I bought an AGV K6 S last year, and posted a review here on VFRD. I'll try to find it for you but the short answer is I love it so far. Light weight, field of vision and build quality.

Judging by the phrases used in his post and the general description of the starting point, I don't think either one of those options is in the budget. You could just buy a pretty nice 94 thru 97 for less money. Naked maybe. But if you want it to not look like ass, then usually any "budget" naked build is out too (imo).

Here's a 2001 with 17k miles listed locally for $6k. It's high but the seller is probably not in a rush and can lower the price as needed. https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/75107544 I say list yours at 5-6 and see what happens. You can always lower it. That said, I offer the following for reference: I bought a 2001 in 2021 with 20k miles for $3,000. Pretty clean overall just needed some refreshing. I considered this one a pretty good deal. I bought another 2001 6 months ago with 39k miles for $2500. Not as clean, needed more refreshing. This one was more of an ok/fair deal for what it was. Last year there was a 2001 on cycletrader with only 1200 miles listed at $6500. Very sensible price given the miles. It was super clean too. It would be rare to find another one with miles that low or lower. Things that help get top dollar: -bike should be detailed, waxed and exceptionally clean. If we're claiming near showroom it should look like it. -new(er) tires, recent fluids, etc, especially brake fluid for anyone that knows the annoyance of properly bleeding linked brakes. -any and all documented service history available, receipts if you have any in a folder. Both keys if you have them. -all mods documented in the ad, stock parts included if you have them still. -should include OEM grab handles, rear upper cowl (that covers the seat), OEM windscreen, owner's manual and tool kit -any issues or defects documented/photographed. Pointing out a few small scratches is a good thing if that's literally all there is to point out. It emphasizes that the rest of the bike is in great shape and no surprises for potential buyers. -Several GOOD pictures in sunlight (It's amazing how many sellers don't take the time to clean up a vehicle or take good pics.) -a short but well written for sale ad, bullet points not paragraphs -priced reasonably given current market. These bikes live between $2k and about $6k with most falling in the $3500-$4500 range. Several factors determine what it will ultimately sell for. There's a price that will have it sold in minutes, another that will have it sold in a day, and another that will take weeks, and another where it won't sell at all. Decide what you would be happy with, add a little wiggle room and see how it goes. I have sold many vehicles to the first person who came to look at them by having them clean, sorted, well presented and fairly priced. Most of my vehicles have sold quickly. Some too quickly. Some took longer, some I had to lower the price a little more until the right buyer appeared. Just gotta get the right combination of factors to get it done. This is one that I recently spent some time refreshing and cleaning up over the winter. It's not worth $6k, but would probably sell quickly at a reasonable ask. Not for sale though. 😉 Cheers, Justin (click for better resolution)

Up for sale is my gorgeous VFR 800. I bought it late of 2020 with only 2800 miles on it. It was bone stock. Over the last few years I've made some tasteful modifications. Pazzo levers, Heli-bars, Puig screen, Two Bros. can, EBC-HH pads, Sargent seat, black and gold RK chain and sprocket. Changed out the 23 year old brake and clutch hoses for HEL lines. (Don't even ask what they cost). Had DMr re-valve and respring the rear shock for a 200 lb rider. Front forks were serviced, re-sealed and re-sprung accordingly. Replaced the fork tubes due to some minor pitting. Every fluid on the bike has been flushed at least once. Bridgestone Battleax's have plenty of life left. Replaced the plugs and air cleaner out of boredom, and the Yuasa battery is one season old. Always garaged and on a tender. All the fasteners, bolts and push pins are OEM correct and in place. I have the stock muffler, hoses, complete tool kit with spanners, both keys, rear spring, grab handles and hardware. I should have the stock clip-ons somewhere. Small rock chip on left fairing, and a couple hardly visible scratches on the lower right fairing. Asking $6000.

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