Philois1984

Hi Daro it appears you are very knowledgeable and resourceful yourself, but are you aware of the site V4 Dreams? If not it is an invaluable site for anyone working on VFR’s especially the earlier models. It is provided by a guy named Joe Nelson, the site is his retirement project and is well worth checking out. And Crusty may find it helpful in rebuilding his carbs. Here is the link. https://v4dreams.com/index.html

The weather in Townsville is not very good at the moment Grum, raining apparently. We are currently on another NZ holiday, can’t get enough of the place. Weather was cold and wet when we arrived but Sunday was glorious so we went for a “tramp” in the Rakaia gorge. Booked in to some hot pools today to recover. Came across this mural while in Christchurch.

Can’t quite match Grums 52 years ago but here I am in 1979 with my first ever motorbike, photo was taken shortly after picking the bike up. I have seen one a couple of times recently while driving, I’m hoping I spot him while out riding, if I can flag him down I ask to get a photo like the one attached only 45 years later. And apologies as I have posted this photo previously elsewhere on this forum.

Hi Grum, weren’t those 1970’s helmets just oh so cool 😂 Great photo quality for 1972 by the way. I might also add that unsurprisingly your dirt bike looks immaculate!!

I think the gold and black chain would really suit the white 8th gen. I have a DID gold chain but don’t really have a preference between RK and DID chains.

Thanks for all the input guy’s. I will let you know how things go and if the Honda dealer finds anything. I am planning on another ride this weekend and am hoping there is further improvement. At 65 years old I’m afraid that I’m a bit set in my ways as far as using the clutch goes. That said the use of the clutch is really just a slight pressure not all the way to the bar. The gear box has always been smooth with this method. I don’t recall Honda ever recommending not to use the clutch? I am aware some riders don’t though. I think if I decided I didn’t want to use the clutch then a quick shifter would be a better way to go in my opinion.

Thanks Presson , I have a habit of moving my foot back so only my toes are on the footrest between gear changes, I don’t believe I leave pressure on the gear lever at any time. I did have an excellent independent mechanic nearby but unfortunately due to his health he has retired. I still can’t fathom how a Honda dealer can refuse to service or repair a 2014 or earlier motorcycle . It seems the best approach is first in best dressed, maybe they need to hire one or two more mechanics.

It was buzzing around again a couple of hours ago while I was hanging some washing out (did a load of used microfibre cloths) I am actually all for it, too many stolen and trashed cars. I just wish the courts wouldn’t let them off with a slap on the wrist and free to do it all again the following weekend. And Grum I purchased my bike from those dodgy buggers at Team Moto Springwood, hope it wasn’t stolen 😳

So!, I have changed the clutch fluid ( old fluid looked perfectly fine though, no gunk on the bottom of the reservoir) I changed the oil and filter , went back to 10W-40 and back to Motul. Went for a 40 km ride, there was definitely some improvement but still not as I know it should be. Had one occasion when it didn’t want to change up from second to third, only did this once but I had to pull over and start from first, after which it was fine changing up. The gears just feel sloppy, going from 1st to neutral there is absolutely NO resistance, the slightest touch and it’s in neutral (and I do mean slightest) I went and spoke with the workshop manager at the Honda dealer again, he previously took it for test ride and said he couldn’t feel anything wrong with it, however I know I am not imagining this. His advice was as there was some improvement after the oil and filter change to keep riding it and give it more time to see if it improves further. The kicker is I decided to book it in for further inspection anyway as I know they can be busy, figuring I can always cancel if it returns to normal (I personally don’t think this will be the case) The lady on the service desk asked me what year the bike was, I replied 2015, just made it she said, what do you mean I asked, we are not accepting bikes built before 2015 as we are too busy!!!! Am I just getting old or is this complete bullshit. There would have been some angry words if I had replied 2014 and they had refused to look at it, they are the only Honda dealer in Townsville, while I did not purchase my bike from them, if I had and they had refused to look at it I would be up shits creek. Not sure what Honda Australia would make of this? private business so not much they could do I guess. Has anyone else ever come across this? Anyway it is booked in for late August ( earliest space they had) so I will see what happens. Luckily I have two other bikes and I am going away for three weeks so it won’t be too much of an inconvenience.

The list of things to watch out for while riding here in Townsville just grew. The local police have a new toy and they have been trying it out all most continuously day and night (seems like it anyway) for the last couple of months. Haven’t heard of anyone being given a ticket as a result of there observations but I’m sure it is happening.

It’s in the mail?

What a great idea Grum😂

No chain tension is fine.