JZH

I don't know if the panniers are interchangeable with GiVi ones, but I would expect not. The panniers on my ST1300 were also made by GiVi, and no attempt whatsoever was made to make them compatible with GiVi's existing aftermarket luggage systems--probably by design! If you're keen to track down the brackets, I'm not entirely sure what an A5 VFR is, but if the parts are Honda, there will be part numbers for it. Parts for accessories are a little tricky to find, but someone who is knowledgeable and has access to the Honda parts network will be able to find them. My best guess is that your part numbers are here: https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-vfr800a-2005-5-englandabs_model5732/partslist/08L5206.html Finding the parts in stock somewhere is another problem, but starting with the part numbers may help. Good luck. Ciao, JZH

Sorry, $65 for some wire and connectors? I must be missing something... Ciao, JZH

The easiest thing to check for compatibility is the "PCN" portion of the part number. The PCN represents the first model Honda used the part on, and if the same part is subsequently used on another model (er, without any significant changes...) the same PCN will appear in the part number for the later model. In this case, "MGE" is the PCN for the 2010 VFR1200, so if there are any parts from that model on the later model, they will/might also have MGE in the part number. However, as I mentioned above, if Honda does make changes to the part when it is used on the later model, the PCN might instead be updated to that of the newer model--even if it would still physically fit on both. I should probably also mention that Honda "accessories" often reflect a different PCN to begin with, so might not have a model-related PCN in the middle. It seems to depend on how generic the accessory is. (I miss Honda's part numbering system--with my JDM Hiace/LS430 V8 swap I've been totally immersed in Toyota/Lexis-related technical information for the last several years. Remind me to never take on an another immense new project which crowds out all of my other unfinished projects...) Ciao, JZH

And where do you pack the cinder blocks? Ciao, JZH

I've never used them, but Deutsch connectors certainly have a good reputation. The main issue for me would be that they require special crimping tools (and the fact that I've already got loads of the Delphi stuff on hand). Some good info on using those connectors here: https://www.rbracing-rsr.com/wiring_ecu.html Ciao, JZH

I didn't know GreyBike ever made it over to the 'States, but I used to have a complete collection. No idea what happened to it since. (Wife...) Anyway, GreyBike is partially why I have so many 400cc grey imports in my "stable". My first was a '92 VFR400RN, aka NC30, which was also the first bike I purchased after moving to the UK in the late 1990s. Back to the topic, from what I've seen, during the 1990s Canada usually got the models and colours available in the "ROW", rather than what was available in the US market. Ciao, JZH

Yes, it's to clear the higher handlebars. Ciao, JZH

I have a UK-spec '01 and IIRC the VFR graphic went from front-rear fade in '00 to solid in '01; I preferred the fade, so I bought a set of "fade" decals for my '01. US-spec decals don't say "PGM-FI & dual CBS"; I think they say "Interceptor"? Ciao, JZH

In that case, I stand corrected! Maybe I should have said that 4th gen systems will fit on 3rd gen bikes? Having to lose the center stand permanently would be a fairly drastic modification... Ciao, JZH

That's also the way I would interpret the panel markings. After all, why would a panel supposedly installed on the production line in Hamamatsu in 1998-9 have punch marks corresponding to November 2000? Ciao, JZH

Yes, the block and heads are the same, so the exhausts do interchange, but you need to fit all the bits together--mix 'n match doesn't work. I actually have a TBR 4th gen header on my 3rd gen VFR. It fits fine, but I had to space the center stand bracket down 30mm or so to clear the main pipe. (Which wasn't a problem, because I also flipped the eccentric and raised the rear ride height a similar amount...) Ciao, JZH

Sorry, I don't recall the details anymore, but it was discussed quite a bit on the HondaVFRClub forum at the time. Maybe I got it back-asswards? Ciao, JZH

This doesn't answer the "reasonable price" question, but FYI, the OEM 5th-gen screen used in Europe (and possibly other markets) is tinted (unlike in the USA, where it is clear). It looks nice and, well, very OEM! Ciao, JZH

1. US Honda models use a starter switch which momentarily breaks the headlight circuit when the starter button is pushed, thus allowing the battery's power to go exclusively to the starter circuit. ROW starter switches are just simple 2-pole switches, so something more fancy would need to be added to accomplish the same thing. Me, I'd see about finding a US-market switchpod for the bike and go from there (additional wiring and connectors with more pins would be required to duplicate the US-spec circuit.) 2. European Hondas switched over to always-on headlights around 2003, IIRC. However, unlike in the USA, it wasn't a regulation, it was a manufacturing harmonisation decision. Ciao, JZH

This is a very handy list, for the USA. Eliminating the stator connector is an easy way of reducing the number of potential points of failure in the charging circuit, but if one were so inclined one could instead replace that connector with a sealed one suitable for higher current. The fact that it is sealed should alone take care of the corrosion issue, such that using 6.3mm blade terminals (e.g., Delphi Metri-Pack 630) might end up being totally sufficient. Ciao, JZH

Distance Powersports must be a new name for someone--I've certainly never heard of it. Most US-based shops get parts like that from distributors like K&L Supply or Parts Unlimited. Honda probably uses the same manufacturers as they do... Ciao, JZH

Oh, well aftermarket headers could be any size, not always exactly what the OEM was at the time. Predator also made "OEM replacement headers" for the 5th gen. I think that's what I have on my UK-based 5th gen. Delkevic, too, IIRC. And then there was Black Widow (Sandy Bike Spares)... But if that's an actual pic, they'll be fine. Ciao, JZH

But if you're in Croatia you may be looking at German- or Swiss-market RC46s, which were sold with (optional--the "HECS3" version) catalyst exhausts in '98 and '99. Honda explained the changes made to the Y2k model in the 2000 Press Information brochure: "The pivotal key to the difference in the performance of the VFR’s ‘standard’ and HECS3 configurations could be found in the design of the exhaust system, particularly in the vicinity of the catalysers themselves. To work at optimal efficiency, the catalysers must reach a certain temperature threshold that permits their catalytic elements to function properly. This is especially important at start-ups, and can be a problem in very cold weather conditions, since the catalysers are positioned relatively far away from the engine and therefore take longer to reach their optimal operating temperature. The exhaust system for the current HECS3 system overcomes this problem by using narrower tubing to help accelerate this pre-heating process. This may be a competent fix, but the smaller tubing has the additional effect of restricting maximum power output somewhat, so the HECS3 version of the VFR ended up being approximately 8PS down in maximum power compared to the standard version. While not a major drop in power, and certainly better than any catalyser system developed until now, this was not what the VFR’s design team was hoping to achieve. The solution to this problem came in the form of a new development made for the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird’s fuel injection system." (That new development was the "new automatic bypass starter" system.) So you can find OEM early RC46 exhausts with CATs and O2 bungs--if you're looking at one of those early "low-emissions" models. Ciao, JZH Honda VFR800FiY Press Information.pdf

EICMA 2022 is still going on--are you there now? It would be interesting to compare the current show with my experience there, [checks notes] 19 years ago... 😲 I would have guessed that electric-motor bikes would be the big thing at EICMA? Ciao, JZH

You can rest the bike on the downpipes without damaging them. With the bike on the center stand, I mean. You can certainly achieve a very good balance with a manual stand of some kind--there is no benefit to spin balancers apart from speed. That said, usually only the front wheel is very sensitive to balance. I've run the rear without weights at all, back when I didn't have an adapter. (You can make a simple adapter using shcedule 40 PVC pipe fittings.) Ciao, JZH

It's the later model, with the yellow RVF graphics. Just like mine! Looks completely unmolested, apart from the end can. Good find. Ciao, JZH

Good research! I shall keep that in mind should either of my RC46 cooling fans bite the dust. (Also good to know the overheating was not a supercharger-related problem!) Both types of connectors are available from places like Eastern Beaver and CycleTerminal, FYI. Ciao, JZH

The same reason many people buy standard parts (like bearings, which Honda doesn't manufacture) from Honda. However, there isn't the same concern over quality... Ciao, JZH

The problem with AllBalls is that they don't make bearings. All they do is buy bearings from the "most economical" source and package them for retail. You could do the same thing, pay less and get higher quality bearings. Your choice... Ciao, JZH

HISS was not used in the North American markets, but it was used in Australia and Europe. Unfortunately I have not really looked at my UK bike's HISS system, so I cannot speak with any knowledge about it, but one question springs to mind, which is: was the replacement digital display module the same part number as the OEM one? I had thought the HISS system was only tied to the PGM-FI (ECU), rather than to the digital display, but the HISS receiver ring connects somewhere, and it may somehow connect via the digital display. Also, I believe the odometer reading is controlled by a chip in the digital display, rather than the ECU, so it wouldn't entirely surprise me if it had some relevance to the HISS system as well. Assuming you've still got it, it may be worth temporarily swapping in the old digital display, just to rule that out as the issue. Ciao, JZH