VFR4Lee

Clearly beauty is more than skin deep.

I was thinking crusty looking.

Congrats. Hope the mods to the bike are temporary.

And you live happily ever after, as they say sometimes happens.

By the way, for those having trouble removing the bulb (I was starting to worry I would actually break the glass by pulling too hard), a quick squirt of contact cleaner will help loosen it up and pull it out easily.

That's a good thought.

Reminds me I need to replace the spare I like to keep in the tail section.

It would seem at least one was imported before.

the IDLE ended up at 2000, which explained why I had almost ZERO engine braking.

That'll do it.

Had an issue with the throttle linkage on my other bike. First it just seemed extra peppy that day.

Then in the slower twisty bits, I realized it wasn't going down to idle speed when I let off the throttle.

Not so good.

Givi Monorack for 98 - 01 VFR about $155, and JC Whitney large top case at about $45 fits it perfectly.

My solution since Kens 5th gen rack is sold out, and unlikely to be made again, and I am very happy with it.

Postscript.

Took a ride yesterday of 472 miles over about 8 1/2 hours.

Some freeway but lots of 2 lane like 33 north out of Ojai, 166 west, and 58 east out of Paso Robles.

At the end I was a little tired and sore, but not bad. Actually felt pretty darn good.

Contrast that with previous rides with the stock setup and clip ons raised to fork tube tops.

Rides of 6 or 7 hours with a longer break for lunch and more like 330 or 340 miles (Laguna Seca) left me worn out and sore.

So, a huge difference in comfort and well worth it imho.

Road trip!

The LSL kit fits with no change of lines or cables needed. They just have to be rerouted a bit.

It has the handlebar and 2 pairs of clamps, some associated bolts and that's it.

Supply grips and bar ends of your choice, and install.

It's pricier than rolling your own at about $300, but a nice solution, looks and works good.

Much more comfortable. I'm happy with mine.

It does look nicer (I dig that triple tree) but I'm not really convinced that it's worth the $300, so I am still going for the cheaper alternative.

I have another question for those who've done what the OP did; can I use the OEM bar ends?

I saw it as one of those do you have more money or more time deals.

Maybe I should have found more time. The final tab including install by shop was about $500.

But, what's done is done. No going back. Good thing I like the result.

The LSL kit fits with no change of lines or cables needed. They just have to be rerouted a bit.

It has the handlebar and 2 pairs of clamps, some associated bolts and that's it.

Supply grips and bar ends of your choice, and install.

It's pricier than rolling your own at about $300, but a nice solution, looks and works good.

Much more comfortable. I'm happy with mine.

I guess I hadn't thought of that.

But, I can't remember it ever giving me any headshake or anything to say steering damper.

Other bikes have provided that excitement.

Kevin, your setup most likely cost less money, but more time.

I was looking for it, but can't find right now.

I'm sure it has a better diy how to than my "take it to the shop".

I'd love to do TMac, but that's quite a bit farther. Not likely.

AR calls because I have 3 young grandsons there, and their parents of course.

Thanks, Mello Dude, I try to take care of my stuff. Love this bike. You can see it has some miles.

70,000+ of them by me.

capn, You can see the switch clusters come darn close to the tank.

The closest point of the switch cluster gets about 1/4" from the tank.

Those pics are full lock. There is room for your hands, no sweat.

Don't forget the shim on the left.

I notice sitting on it just now, the more upright seating position also lets me get my feet down a little better. Almost flat on the floor.

Less contact between boys and tank too. What a difference grips a couple inches or so higher, and also wider makes. Sweet.

I need someone with a bike with a stock handlebar setup for comparison pics.

I finally went and got the kit for my '98 VFR.

This one, but bought from Bombaymotorsports locally.

http://spieglerusa.com/handlebar-conversion-kit-4271.htm

Also bought grips and bar ends as they are the only thing not included.

It looks good, nicely made aluminum pieces. The kit consisted of the handlebar, 2 round clamps for the fork legs, and 2 other smaller clamps that bolt to those and hold the bars, and the bolts for those pieces.

The instructions say no replacement of lines is needed, they tell you to remove the front fairing (which requires removing the sides and center lower piece too), so you can slightly reroute the brake lines, cables, and stuff.

Looked pretty straightforward, but because of lack of time, and not wanting to unleash a barrage of garage words, I decided to have the shop do it along with the other service it was due for anyway. After getting into it, they told me it looked like the brake line and throttle cable were not going to be long enough. The next day, they said they figured it out, and it was fine. Finally got it back today. They did have to put a small wheel weight on the frame on the left side, reducing the steering lock a little bit, to keep the bar from hitting the tank. No dremeling the faring required.

Test ride today, and it's really nice. Much better than stock, and much better than with just the Gen Mar risers I had before. Instead of leaning forward, weight on wrists, I can sit up and beg. Comfy. This would have made a great factory option.

As you can see, I also added a Givi rack, and JC Whitney Chinese knock off top case. Also quite nice, and handy.

Still debating with myself that cross country trip to Arkansas, that includes a lot of droning. But, this bike is better than ever, imho.

A new engine and tech support repairing the bike.

That would be an honorable thing to do.

fotodadi, on 12 Mar 2013 - 07:35, said:

Thanks so much for all your help, suggestions and advice.

I have just gotten the final email from Honda UK and I am tired and will not pursue it any further.

Honda, UK, have told me that it is out of warranty and thats that.

Have just completed ordering all the parts I will need to rebuild....I have decided to go with a new crank...and will keep you all updated.

But, I can understand your wanting to quit chasing after them, just move on, and rebuild.

Best of luck with it. Sounds like you have the know how and tools.

And you know, we do like a good build thread around here. With pictures.

Edit to add...

V4Rosso, that is hilarious. LMAO.

Customer Service survey, I choose C.

Ah, the infamous Nigerian blown engine scam.

Would be good publicity for Honda, and relatively cheap as those things go.

A few $$ grand? Verify it's legit, and give the guy the benefit of the doubt first so you can check.

Or, they can let you guys stink up the joint. Good plan.

The pic with the busted bearing in hand says it all.

The video is the one two punch to the gut.

I would hope Honda stands by their stuff in this case.

Regardless of if it's officially under warranty or not.

What a bummer.

Patience? Yeah yeah, how long will that take?

We are all waiting for the fat lady singing the blues on this one.....

Nah. Something more upbeat.

How about When the Saints go Marching in?

Grazi. I guess it should be obvious that we don't need no stinking screws for electronics these days.

At least not the cases. Glue is the word.

And the purpose of baking your parts is?

Does it release some adhesive or something?

Obviously I have not read the instructions.

Interesting lathe Seb. I see you have met Necessities Mother of Invention.

I thought this kit looked pretty good for $300. http://spieglerusa.com/handlebar-conversion-kit-4271.htm

I've thought about it, haven't done it. Too busy modding the house.

Looked like a cool project bike. Too bad I only saw it now.

"I hate those meses to pieces" --------- bet not many remember that one.

I remember the line, can't remember which character. I'm thinking one of Bugs friends, but maybe it was a Hanna Barbera cartoon.

So after a fun filled last semester of college I have a running bike that is almost where I want it to be.

Looks a bit naked to me, but if it does what you want, nothing else matters.

Should we be congratulating you on graduating? Good luck finding a job.