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I am selling my 86 VFR. I have had this bike since 1987 when I put it together from the factory crate. It had 0.5 miles on it. It now has about 19k miles. It is completely stock except for a K&N air filter and a jet kit. It all works. It has a bit of a flat spot in the middle of the range that can be traced to just not being ridden enough and the carbs gunk up. Otherwise everything works fine. Good tires, brakes...you get the idea. I put off selling my baby until I found this site. I figured someone here would take care of it and make it perfect again. I can't, just have too much else going on. I am restoring a 66 Jaguar XKE and it takes all my space, money and time. I want this bike to live forever and it won't if I don't ride it. There you have it. I will provide whatever additional information I can. Let me know if you are interested. You would have to arrange transportation.

Also, not really helpful for some of us. Getting a check for replacement value would not do anything for all the time and effort I've put into all the little things I've done. I don't want a replacement, I want to keep MY bike!

You are a braver rider than me, too much white stuff on the road I would need both hands to 🙏

Oh boy! I'm done with this shite... 3 day ride and wow, what a difference. I shortened my screen another inch or so before I left. Didn't change the spoiler. Didn't run with the edging on the fairing. At one point, in calm (ambient?) winds I was doing about 75 MPH (GPS) and all I heard was such a quiet, amazing, soul enriching whoosh from my Shoei GT-Air. Veefour's cruise control was awesome and the VFR grew on me. I just might keep this bad boy. I hope this thread ends up helping someone! One last set of pics with the R&G parts on it after polishing and waxing it.

It's been ages since I posted here (yet I lurk from time to time), and I haven't owned a VFR is almost 10 years (though I've owned 3 of them), but saw this post and decided to chime in. I was super hyped when the VFR1200 was rumored to come, then supremely disappointed when it did...so much so that I never bought one. Instead I moved to a Ducati Multistrada 1200S, which I found to be an infuriating bike to own. When it worked, it was a great bike. WHEN it worked. I had nothing but problems with it. Then news of the Kawasaki H2SX began to leak. Besides not having a V4 the bike appeared to be a spiritual successor to the VFR made by a company that throws conservative out the window. I've had mine for a year now and love the hell out of it. Yes, it's a pricey bike, but it's literally everything the VFR1200 should and could have been (again, except for a V4). The only thing I wish it has was a little less weight (the supercharger and frame add extra weight), but I have no plans to track this thing so it's not much of a concern. What you get is impressive: Single sided swingarm Analog tach/TFT info display Cornering ABS Traction/wheelie control Cruise control Power modes (3 levels) Heated grips (3 levels) 12v socket in dash A 5.5 gallon tank (it will get low 40 mpg if ridden normally) Angle activated cornering lights Launch control Quick shifter Engine braking control Assist and slipper clutch LED lights all around Integrated factory bags, without fugly brackets hanging off it And all the power you would want access to (yet it's perfectly docile if ridden normally). With a reflash, slipon, and filter the 998cc is putting down 218 rwhp, and can get ~40 mpg riding sanely. Anyway, I wish Honda was less conservative and put out a larger displacement V4 with proper firing order, excellent power/tap on tap if desired, and slathered with tech. But they haven't...and I don't think they ever will. So yes, I view the H2SX as the successor to the VFR when it comes to high performance sport-touring. I got tired of waiting for Honda...

I took this a few minutes before I got hit by a thunderstorm. Got soaked, but I got some riding in and that's what matters.

I'm going to school for mechanical drafting. One of my classes this spring was an intro to CNC. This was my final project. Let me know what you think! I really like the design of the 3rd gen VFR logo so I went with that one, though I run a 6th gen. WIP IMAGES: Video showing the backplot https://i.imgur.com/OcCbLUR.mp4 If you CNC and would like to make these I think I can upload the mastercam file. You would need to redo feeds & speeds for your own machine. You also would not be allowed to sell these due to the school license that I used to create the file.

Update for you. So going around the block to get next door, turned out to be the SMC after all. However, the two rear pistons after being replaced (as well as the center one) started working like they were supposed to. What we didn't seem to notice the last time is that, although the SMC was activating the center piston like it was supposed to, it did it from a relative piston position. To clarify that last statement, if the center piston was all the way in the caliper, the SMC would pop it out its typical length but would release. If the piston was partially out, it would again pop out its typical length and return back in. However, if the piston was out far enough to press the pads to the rotor, the center piston would not release. So in a sense, the SMC was working like it was supposed to when activated but not in a standing position. This is something we over looked when we had the two outer pistons give us fits. At first I thought I could get away with tearing the SMC apart completely and resolve whatever was causing the issue with a thorough cleaning. Alas, that was not the case. As luck would have it though, SFDownhill had an SMC laying around from his 5 gen brake De-link, so I was able to grab the one he had and installed it this morning with the assistance and moral support of fellow member HammerDrill. I pulled the old one off and put the used one on and bled the system (it goes real fast with speed bleeders BTW) so within a manner of a few minutes i was able to test the system and viola! it worked. All I can say is that if there was anything plugging up the SMC, I couldn't see it. All I can think of is that there's a little check valve inside the SMC where the main and return holes are and it was a bit worse for the wear cleanliness wise, but I did pull it apart and give it a good cleaning. SMC with check valve in place. Check valve removed and both holes clean and unobstructed. The light you see is from my flashlight I placed at the mouth of the piston hole. The check valve as viewed from the top. The underside of the check valve. If you open this little goodie up, you'll find a ball bearing held in place with a spring that is on the under side of this cap. Not sure if this goodie is beyond its service life or maybe I really didn't clean it well enough. I will say there was a "light" mud substance in the SMC and the owner of the bike said he had some of the same substance in the caliper, so who knows.

Quickly, go out and buy a lottery ticket! Thank goodness you are ok.

Today I ended my Incredible 17 year ownership of my 2002 Honda VFR800 which brought to this forum as a member. I sold her to a good friend who will definitely give the bike a good home. I put over 123,628 miles on it doing my own maintenance thanks to the How to guides posted on this site. I purchased a 2012 VFR1200 in 2015 and LOVE it!! It will be around for years to come. A good friend who sold his 2001 VFR800 back in 2011 was itching to get a new VFR800. Upon seeing that Honda May no longer import them he decided to pull the trigger and purchase a 2014 VFR800 for $6,000 out the door. With my VFR1200 about paid off I wanted a newer model and pulled the trigger and got a 2015 VFR800 Deluxe out the door for $7,800. I made a trip this weekend to Dallas Texas, rented a U-Haul 5’ X 9’ trailer picked up our new VFR800’s and made the drive back last night. That trip was an adventure in itself for telling another day. Prior to releasing the bike I did a Headlight restoration using the Meguiars Heavy Duty kit. The results were amazing. I will post the pictures of that process. I will also post pictures of the bike sold with the final mileage put on it by me. That I got so many miles out that VFR800 is a testament to Honda’s Engineering, Precision and Excellence to detail. That I never had a valve clearance check done is another point of high quality. I will post in the 8th Generation VFR Forum pictures of the new bike. It is an Honor to be part of this Great group of owners and riders.

Well I'm surprised at that, considering the number of bikes with wave keys and the HISS system that some dealerships didn't know they could supply a key!!!! Glad it's all sorted Skids. Cheers.

Damn that sucks. I don't know if you remember but I live in Maine as well. Depending on when you get home we will be in the state at the same time. I will have to decide which I want but I have both a left and right side exit TBR setup, right exit is on the bike right now but I'm decent at swapping them. Send me a message if you are interested.

Been riding VFR's and put a LOT of HARD miles on them since 2005, never done a valve check and they run fine without them. Also, since 2005, I've never heard of anyone "pulling a head to replace a valve and valve seat". Doing that, worst case, isn't a hard job either. But, it's OK to do what makes one comfortable. It's all good. I'll just ride mine into the ground which from experience is hard to do. Putting money into a bike that isn't worth much is bad math to me but the only money I have is my money.

Hmmmm interesting point. My own 8gen has now done just over 65,000k's and haven't had a valve check! My previous 6gen had 94,000kms on the clock and that also had not had a valve check. I have spoken to a local Honda mechanic, a maintenance supervisor and well respected. I asked him how many VFR's he's done valve checks on that needed adjustment? His answer " Very very few". He believed the bike should at least be checked once in its life and generally more frequently if you use it as a track bike. I have no doubt that there is a certain amount of Honda simply covering themselves by stating valve checks are required every 24,000k's. YMMV. Cheers.

On the other hand....both of my previous 800s (98 & 07) required shim changes, the 98 was close to the minimum shim available before she passed. I think the situation has gotten better with the newer engines, but until you check, you don't know. Is it worth risking the engine? Unless you are prepared to replace it.

Everyone knows the electrical gremlin plagued 6th Gens are the best! No seriously good luck whatever you choose but get a 6th Gen.

I wouldn't trade in a well running and fully functional bike just to avoid a maintenance cost ! It's not a BMW ! It's a Honda ! Made to last. Reliable. I would have the Service Manual, buy myself the needed equipment (if not already available), the spare parts (there are sites selling the original spare parts online), and try to do the valve adjustment myself. Consider this : if you break something, then who is paying for it ? Afraid to break something ? Well, that broken fairing, YOU payed for it. Just checked the valves on my other bike (a Suzuki) the other day, after 24000 km : all within spec, so no adjustment needed. Why then would I expect worse from a Honda ? It may be sufficient doing the check, not having to adjust any valve, ... and have peace of mind for another 24000 km...

If you like, I can ask around here in NL for a 2nd hand collector if your stateside search doesnot come up Trumps

Holy xxxx! You are one lucky and unlucky dude! 😱

Zoinks!@! Whatever you hit had some serious mass to make a hole like that. Better that it hit the bike and not you. Consider that your lucky day. Buy a lottery ticket. 😉

Wow man - glad it didn’t hit you! Can you cut out the damaged part and get a patch welded onto your collector? Might save you some money.

Went to pick up a few shirts in town, the long way round Stopped at a market for some fresh rolls and slices of fenugreek cheese

My favorite CornerCarver line is something like: If I got shot with a .22, and I found out about it...

Here you go .,I put new taper bearings in when I got the bike ,it had been off the road for about 8 years.but will check them just in case ,in the process of replating all the bolts and brackets this year (hate rusty steel). re

A shakedown spin was needed All's well again 😄

Based on a little Googling, the 6th is 12.7mm (1/2"). The 6th gen is definitely a bit unsubtle, which is why the idea of swapping to a 5th gen slave sounded good to me. And a thank you to Buzzner for proving the concept... Stray, are you saying your 5th is too soft? Because going to the Oberon (or other 38mm) slave is going to be softer, as would going to a 6th gen master with your stock slave... Assuming we have correct numbers, quickest to softest would be... Stock 5th gen 35.6mm:14mm 2.54 ratio Stock 6th gen 33.5mm:12.7mm 2.64 ratio Oberon slave for 5th master 38mm:14mm 2.71 ratio 5th slave/ 6th Master 35.6mm:12.7mm 2.80 ratio Oberon slave for 6th master 36mm:12.7mm 2.83 ratio Based on that, I have to assume that if the 5th is known for being soft, there has to have been changes to the clutch itself on the 6th gen because the 5th should be the least soft! Maybe they went to a much stiffer spring?

That's really good news Marooncobra! Thank you for investigating that on your end. I got a quote from a local supplier to have these manufactured - It's the same cost for them to produce 1 bracket, as it is to make 10 (which includes a fairly hefty set up cost). To avoid the setup charge I would need to order about 550 brackets, which might be a pipe dream. If I can get 10 people interested in buying one I will certainly go ahead and invest in the manufacturing. To recoup the manufacturing costs I would have to sell the brackets at $19.50 CAD each plus shipping. Let me know your thoughts. Anyone else interested in a bracket??? Cheers,

$32.00 on amazon

Have you got the right bearings? When I replaced mine on my 6th gen you had to drive the bearings in until they bottomed out. Even when bottomed out there was still movement on the spacer.

Spring is in the air

I just bought a pair of Pirelli Angel GTs front and rear for $208 total...I put them on the rims myself...Mid 2018 production date-so they are fairly new. Matt

Farkas makes the highlights!

Another SpringRide has come and gone. If you missed it, you missed out. I didn't take as many pics this year but here are a few highlights. I dragged the CB500x along this year because CaptainApe( now MajorGrits) flew in from his new assignment in California. Andy decided to ride with us all week due to the rigors of flying coast to coast. There were seven of us on the PreRide this year. We met in Franklin on Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a meal at Fatz that evening. Sunday, we left for a long ride to Little Switzerland. It was a great day with no straight roads. Sunday evening, we enjoyed lies and beer by the fire pits followed by dinner with Kimball and some of his friends. Monday we started the day with The Diamondback and 80. It was in the upper forties so I put on my vest. About an hour into our ride, I noticed my phone wasn't on the holder. PANIC! After a few minutes of patting myself down, Bob said it was in my hand when I put my vest on. It was in my vest pocket. Now we had some catching up to do. After passing a couple of cars on 80, we found a really tight left hand that was preceded by a bad dip on the right shoulder. I missed the dip but had to check up hard for the turn. My next thought was how bad did I screw up Bob. I looked in the mirror to see him roll off the edge of the road and his bike launch him into the bank. It turned out that Bob had not seen the dip and it caused him to miss how tight the turn was. Only a few minor marks to the bike and Bob. I did not take a picture because I'm slipping. The sticker says "Crashing Sucks". Bob was getting a little sore from the off so I insisted that he and I head for the hotel and rest for the afternoon. The Oakpark Inn in Waynesville is a neat little place to stay. Bob was up and ready to go again after breakfast at Clydes. At our first stop of the morning, Andy and Greg decided to trade rides. It was very entertaining to watch Greg try and handle the 500 coming from his SuperSport. We road North Georgia into Helen for the night. Greg was nice enough to share his adult beverage. We road north into Tellico and then to Robbinsville for lunch at The Hub. Not sure where Andy puts all the food but I'm jealous. The CB was like a little puppy all week. It just couldn't get enough of running with the big dogs. As is tradition, we had to have a group toast on arrival back in Franklin. When everyone stopped for gas (SuperSports are thirsty) I stopped and picked up two twelve packs in my side bags. We had an awesome time thanks to Rob Power. First thing the next morning, another tradition, buying tires. We visited RideWNC and Mike put new tires on Rob and Ricks bikes. A Garmin stop on Warwoman and 28. This should have been a sign. My buddy Steve joined us on his big Versys. This is how you make a VFR look small. So the Garmin thing came up again and we found ourselves on a gravel incline of about 45 degrees. When the lead bike can no longer move forward and starts sliding back down the hill, chaos ensues. We all looked for a way to stop and help Rob pick up his bike but couldn't find a way to get off. Then I hear Steve's bike fall and see him running head first as fast as he can towards me. He wasn't having any luck with catching his head but managed to miss me and fall behind me. He was fine. This is when I pulled out my phone to take a picture. I watched as Rick leaned his beautiful Beetle Bag against the bank to go and help. Aaron road his XR to the top spraying gravel down the hill. The fun wasn't over. We got the bikes turned down the hill but then couldn't stop. Both brakes locked just resulted in the bike sliding down the hill. It was an adventure. The only damage was a few scratches to Rob's freshly painted bike. Saturday's weather was a little iffy and I was tired so I stayed at the hotel and watched it rain. Saturday night we had the usual dinner and awards. This years green jersey was awarded to Rob after a really close call on story telling. Saved someone from being the first repeat winner. I had to include this pic to show how hard Andy worked the CB. These are Shinko 705 dualsport tires. He ran the front and back to the edge and they don't even appear to have been hot. The middle scuff is from me loading on the trailer. One last pic because I'm really proud that for once I wasn't too close to the double yellow. A big thanks to Bob and Ben for continuing to put this event on. Hope to see you all there next year or maybe at the FallRide.

I started to remove the rearsets to change them out for 929 type using Sebs adapters. I end up de-linking and swapping out the brake system! The rear system presented a bigger challenge than front as I didn't want to re-use the monster caliper with 2 lines. Seems like too much compromise. With a bit of thought, I figured adapting a floating piston Brembo with simple bracket should work. I just happen to have a 3D printer and have been using Fusion360 to make other things. It's a perfect opportunity! So, I was able to design an adapter to mount a Brembo P32 caliper to the OEM (5g) hanger! I should have a part machined for testing very soon. I test fitted the caliper using 3D fdm parts. First part was a guess fit as I didn't have the caliper yet. It fit the hanger but the caliper was way too low. I did have one on my Hawk but I wasn't about to remove it while waiting for one intended for the VFR. After getting the caliper, it took me 2 prints and several changes to correctly locate the caliper. With a bit of measuring, fitting and designing, it's possible to go this route without changing the whole hanger. Plus, I don't have to disassemble the hub to change out the hanger. To me, this was the faster route to change the rear caliper using an adapter bracket and it turned out to be a fun exercise. I can't wait to get it all mounted. In the front, it is standard VTR lowers, calipers and MC. Got the 3mm spacers off McMaster Carr. The rear line has to be custom kitted. Both masters are 14mm. Stay tuned!