Skids

PAIR system needs to be removed.

I've always struggled to get the right vacuum levels and idle revs to be correct. Just get them as close as you can.

@Bren - sorry it took so long, starting on winter service next week. Here's a wip, not doing 18 month replacements (air filter) and right now I'm thinking air filter every 2 years. Also still tempted to take a look at the valve shims. I know it's only 9000 miles but it's also 22 years. Dunno. Fi Long Term Servicing Plan.docx

Who are you replying to? Are you a troll, or a spambot or just a bored kid? Or are you a genuine biker?

Each to their own i love my Helibars on my 1200. They're not perfect but better than oem for me. We are all different sizes and shapes so what suits one won't necessity suit another. Good luck with your search.

Sounds like the early VTEC (6 Gen) models were not much better than the older Fi (5 Gen) models. Glad you got it sorted.

It's sooooo difficult to know which helmet manufacturer to trust with your head. We all "know" that Arai, Shoei and a few others are exemplars, but that is just an opinion, not necessarily based upon actual fact. Yes, there are reviews, but do we really trust them to be totally impartial? Yes, we all know someone who crashed with a "XXXX" helmet on and it saved his life, but does that mean it's one of the best and will save you in your crash? AGV, HJC and many others sponsor Moto GP, WSBK and other riders so you'd imagine that their helmets would be superb but the racing helmets provided to the elite classes are definitely not the same helmets we can buy on the high street, at least not at prices we can afford so how do we choose?

I've ridden over 300000 miles on various VFRs, completed my own valve shim checks on my early 98 model VFR which did 130000 miles so I have a lot of history of valve shim services. With the VTEC engine, I decided to get my engine serviced by Honda and it has been very noticeable that over the years and with new models (98 > 2008 > 2015 >2018) the valve shims needed changing less often so I decided that unless my current 2018 model showed any signs of engine issues, I would not do the valve shim service (add to that Honda moved the check from 16k miles to 24k miles with the 17/18 model). However, I confess I gave in and just had the first shim check completed by my local Honda main dealer and to my surprise (not), there were no shim changes required, all within spec. The bike has done 35,981 miles from new. Now I'm not suggesting anyone else does this, you get your services done when you believe they need doing, but for me that's an interesting, if expensive way of proving what I thought.

Yes, figured it was something like that but wanted to check.

Could you post a picture of what you are trying to cover please? I've never heard of a harness or rear cargo box for the 1200.

What service history do you have? Valve services every 16k miles? As TimC says, bearings? Any consumables depending on when it was last serviced.

Nice one, but if you want to make a serious improvement to braking on the 5th Gen then I highly recommend fitting a set of braided brake hoses. My 01 is significantly better than before.

Hi Andy, welcome. Looks like we're neighbours

Looking forward to the end result, wish I had a fraction of your skills.

Hey Jim, welcome.

Does your model have a PAIR system fitted? If so, I'd suggest removing it.

It is quite a heavy bike, heavier than your previous bikes so well worth the test ride I'm sure you will try to take.

A point of order: the Dual Clutch Technology (DCT) is not an 'auto' gearbox. The gearbox is a manual gearbox, it just has 2 clutches which make for seamless gear changes, whether you let the bike make the changes or you change yourself with the handlebar controls or there is an optional, traditional style foot change available and you can flick between both methods any time. Just sayin'

Don't listen to them! I returned a few weeks ago from 2800 miles across France and into Northern Spain on my 1200. Flawless (except when I lost the rear brake on a very long downhill twisty section). 100mph = 50mpg (UK gallons). Honest! Budget on upgrading suspension and comfort seat. Panniers are not very big. Brakes are awesome. Ensure shaft recall has been completed - punch mark above frame number. Lose the standard, heavy end can and find a smaller, louder one of your choice. ECU can be tuned remotely to remove 1st/2nd & 6th gear limitations and smooth out low rpms. Beware front brake disc warping. Can't think of anything else right now. Please let us know how you get on.

Very sad news. Thoughts go to his family, colleagues and friends.

That's bollox, I use mine all the time through the worst English winter weather. Mind you, on the X, it's on a more vertical face than the F.

The 2018+ X definitely has a power supply on the top of the lhs fairing. It's a cigarette lighter socket, not a usb. No idea about the f-model.

Then I highly recommend GPR. beautiful sound, excellent quality and looks really good.

GPR Germany site for the VFR800. Contact them for link pipe purchase.

What he said. My FiL recently 'beat' cancer, it is doable and all our best wishes are with you m8. I have benefitted from your wise counsel on numerous occasions so I wish I could pop a cork with you and raise a glass. Maybe one day. So good to see you out on the bike again.