carlgustav

True. Made a run from Joplin, MO to Colorado Springs in June 2016 on US route 400. Constant left lean into a hot wind that never seemed to let up. Came back on I-70 a week later, not much better, now leaning right all the way. But my tires were properly inflated ... ACE

I was one of those who put in some $ for the 'RVFR' header build way back when. I've also been keeping an eye on the various VFR header build discussions, just hoping for something reasonable. I think it's been fairly well established that even moderate HP gains for a 5th/6th gen VFR for moderate $ (subjective, I realize) just isn't happening (browse various projects on the site). The 'tipping point' of $1000, as pointed out by RVFR, is where I drew the line. A full system for up to $1000 for the VFR was reasonable to me, considering that just a decent 'can' costs from $300 up. I was also an early adopter of the Rapidbike offering (very happy with it still), which was costly then and doesn't really make economic sense for VFR owners, just my opinion. My intent at the time was to be able to add Nitrous (and wanted timing adjustments) for use as a 'passing gear', so occasional HP gain was the goal then. I dropped that idea long ago. Considering that my VFR is now worth maybe $4K, depending on source used to estimate, spending 25% of that on a header system is not easy to justify. The VFR is still a very competent all-rounder as she sits. All that being said, I will continue to follow the saga and see where things end up. Who knows, I may still be riding when something actually materializes. @Auspanglish - "get together in a cave and groove with a pict all at once" ... Pink Floyd reference? 😁. ACE

Q4s 👍. However, I am not a fan of the Q4s in the wet, but I'm not a fan of riding in the wet so ... @Jim V, I've run Q3+s but have not seen the discoloration (pattern you refer to?) in your photo. ACE

You have a lithium-iron phosphate battery, LiFePO4 (or LFX). Much more stable than earlier/other versions of lithium batteries. I have the same in my VFR, since 8/2013, no problems. I have LiFePO4 batts in my Aprilia and R6 as well, again, no problems. ACE

Ouch. Low speed running thru my neighborhood commuting, I often see 210, but never up to 225, and it's hot out down here as well. I assume you've posted asking where to look for a solution? I wish I had one to offer ... ACE

+1 I ride mine on long trips, short trips, and anytime I want to get on the one bike I have that 'fits like a glove'. ACE

Holy mother of ... Damn. 👍. I love those old P-51s, love the Corsairs too. Watched Bob Hoover take off from our ramp at St. Louis International decades ago, canary yellow P-51, canary yellow flight suit. He was a character. He followed a pair of F-15s that had just launched straight up off the runway, he went as straight up as he could before rolling out 😁. @Dutchy, guys location looks like the mountains of NY, he has no riding season to speak of, so lots of time to use skills. Notice the tires are rains, he's already set up for crappy weather . Of course, I jest ... great work. ACE

Not too many deer in that area, I hope ... ACE

Ah, the Space/Rocket Center, you passed right thru my little town . I've thought about such a trip as I have family out there, 1/2 way twixt LA and Bakersfield. ACE

I actually see that some US bank savings rates are as low as 0.01% ... so, even ?better? . Another plus for me, although I'm still working, I've also started collecting a monthly pension payment from a former employer. It's not much, but it's more than the bike cost ... ACE

I recently picked up what I thought was a 1984 VF750F with less than 2K miles (claimed) on her, turns out to be an '83. I have an '84 VF700F that I bought new in '85, rode her until 2008 when she quit running, and she's been 'put up' ever since. I have always wanted the 750 sister, and I allowed that long time desire to cloud my judgement. The 'clouds' were so thick that I overlooked numerous red flags and still made the purchase, probably for double what the bike is worth. Some red flags I ignored: - was told she had run 'recently', but we couldn't get her to start - throttle action sticky as h*ll, could hardly get the butterflies moving, choke no better - nasty smelling gas in float bowls - clutch not operable - front brakes barely there, rear brake not working - right side fork cap missing - much dust/crap found under seat and in the tail section area - lower fairing melted on left side - model/VIN sticker normally attached to the frame on right side, missing PO revealed that the bike had been down. Not so much a red flag, but I should have taken a much closer look after learning this. Should have paid more attention to the title/VIN as well. Instead, I took her home. I ran a VIN check on the actual number, and the report shows 1 accident, no salvage, no theft, and multiple registrations. With every re-registration, the odometer reading is claimed accurate, a claim that isn't worth all that much I'm afraid. At home, I had a closer look: - VIN on frame does not match that on title, 2 characters incorrect - front right caliper attached with mis-matched bolts - right side engine mounting bolt incorrect - right side muffler exhibits minor scrapes - mirrors are not original - battery strap bolt not original - right side sidecover lower mount tab broken - spark plugs not stock So enough of the woe, there may be some hope. On the plus side: - externally the tank is in good shape, PO sealed the inside but may have sealed the fuel feed as well, so this is a minus and a plus - the upper fairing, side panels, and tail piece still look good, just minor scuffs you'd get with a 'barn find' - seat cover original and in good shape (no tears) - all the electrics (headlight, turn signals, etc) work - the engine cranks and spins freely - there is spark - the radiator looks fresh inside as far as I can see in there, copper look is good - forks are in good shape, almost like new - inside of valve covers very clean, cam/valve area very clean, cam lobes appear to have almost no wear. They are 90% grey still, little to no polish, and no pitting - transmission shifts up/down thru gears by hand at least So, overall, I'm disappointed, but it's my fault. Now my plan is to clean the carbs and see if she'll run. If she does, I'll warm her just enough to drain the oil, then have a look inside the crankcase covers. If these areas appear as fresh as the cam area, I'll try to make her street worthy again. I'm not sure what I gain by writing this, but I feel better having done so. And should I go ahead with this project, I will be using all the knowledge about 1st gens that this forum (and the 'other one') has, which is considerable . ACE

Have used Michelins in the past, decent tires. Switched to Dunlops (have used D211, GPAs, Q3s) and am now using Q3+s. These are good tires at a good price (especially during rebate offers). I don't think you can go wrong with Q3+s, warm up time is good as they are street sport tires. Have not tried the track oriented Q4s, but plan to. I'm probably in the minority, suggesting Dunlop . ACE I stand corrected, saw kirtovfr reply after posting .

And once you're doing a good number of track weekends per season, and have made it solidly into your 60's, you'll start paying that over $50 again ... just sayin ... ACE

So what is really being lost here, your passion for your bike, or your passion for riding? I ask b/c you seem to be venting in both areas. Owning/riding any bike, classic or not, involves time, money, effort (unless you're Jay Leno, then it's just money), and risk. Only you can figure out if your passion is strong enough to keep it all up. I could be more sympathetic to your venting about sore shoulders, but honestly, from the pix I'm pretty sure I'm a good bit older than you, so just stretch more and grab the Aleve 😀. I've ridden track with guys who are close to 70. Just rode the track this past weekend, sore as hell now. We're all getting older, we have no choice in the matter. If your passion is gone, then so be it. Otherwise, suck it up buttercup, fix that very nice bike (it's your dream machine, remember), and keep on truckin ... 👍. ACE

Well, sure is nice to know that a business rated top notch 11 yrs ago ... is still top notch . Don't see that too often. ACE