superfunkomatic

That's a terrific bike. Another great V4! Perfect bike for touring and ripping through the Kootenays.

Not sure I agree that it's a sad state. They're making different bikes than the VFR but still make great bikes. I haven't missed my VFR at all since getting the Africa Twin. I can do touring on it, ride legally (or illegally) as fast as I deem safe, and go off the beaten path. If I was looking for a new bike I'd be tempted by the Trans Alp - looks like it'll be a good all-rounder, decent power (similar to a VFR), and relatively capable as an adventurer tourer. The tech, power, and overall build quality of the new bikes is exceptional. There just doesn't seem to be a market for sport tourers as much as the heydays of the past.

2016 CRF 250L - great fun, reliable, cheap to run and insure, and will go anywhere a sane person would want to ride (for the most part 😜)

With it tied down on four points like the picture you should be just fine. I rented a motorcycle trailer from Uhaul here in Calgary - $40 for the day. It had a wheel chock built on to the trailer but it really wasn't necessary with the tie down straps.

That's a great ride. The Rowena Curves and the ice cream along the way have kept me coming back a few times.

What about the Klim Hardanger? It's similar to the Roadcrafter in design. I have Klim adventure gear and it is really good. Is it worth the money? Well, yes, if you're going to actually use it for a long period of time, I'd consider it worth it. Mine has been completely waterproof and lasted 50,000 kilometres so far without an issue.

I've also used RAM mounts (U-bolt base) from the gas tank bolts and put a ball just in front of the tank with a 6" extension. https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-231ZU (you just need some longer tank bolts - longer metric ones) or On my current adventure bikes I've gone with the X Mount system and it works surprisingly well. You can also mount it on the front brake reservoir bolts.

Hi superfunkomatic, Thank you for your donation of 25.00 USD. We look forward to improving the forums with your donation. Thanks VFRDiscussion

I have a LS2 dual sport helmet (MX436) and it is a really good bang for the buck purchase. Comfy, good features, and really quite cheap compared to others on the market. It's not anywhere near the fit and finish of Shoei but it's a good value.

Really cool to watch how this is unfolding.

I'd go with 3M Scotchguard or XPEL film to cover the lenses. The XPEL is easier to apply and tends to yellow less. It does a remarkable job of protection as well. Unless you're constantly on gravel roads with your VFR it's unlikely you'll ever break the polycarbonate lenses on the bike. We have lots of spring gravel left over from the winter and I can't think of anyone I know that has had a broken lens. You could film over the whole bike (I've done that on my Africa Twin). https://thetankslapper.biz/film/ https://thetankslapper.biz/vfr800f-total-protection-kit/

Give the chain a thorough clean - it's really rusty and dirty looking. See if it turns better and rolls evenly through the sprockets. Could just be gunk and crap stuck in the links. My guess is that chain (and sprocket set) is done - it sounds like you have links that are not flexing and rolling as the chain rotates around the sprocket. I doubt it would be brakes or bearings - those really last a long time but maybe pull out the rear pads and have a look. If the previous owner let the chain get to that state you may have some maintenance to do on the bike.

Check out Admore Lighting. I had one on my 2005 VFR OEM top case. Made a big difference for visibility. Excellent company to deal with and good quality lights. https://admorelighting.com/product/honda-45l-top-case-led-kit-ts-ry/