Kalikiano

I recently followed this thread with considerable interest, since I have a newly acquired 6th-gen (2002) RC46 VFR with what seems to be an identical issue! I'll be running the bike in 3rd or 4th gear (I'm a very 'born to be mild' rider) with the tach indicating between 5K and 5.5 or so, and maintaining a steady throttle position, when the power starts to fall off somewhat. To correct that, I have usually applied just a SLIGHT bit of throttle, at which point the bike surges annoyingly. I like to ride at a steady rate and 5K, so having this 'drop-off and surge' thing is a rather big frustration! I have no real indication as to when the bike had its last 'serious' service', but with 32,687 miles on the clock, it's probably time to take her in and have her get the recommended work done for 32K. HOWEVER, meanwhile this problem is really causing me a load of annoyance. I noted the suggestions about possible fuel issue, as well as the caveat about checking/replacing the fuel filter and making sure the fuel pump is operating properly, so I'll definitely mention those suggested 'remedies' to my mechanic, but if that doesn't resolve things chop-chop, it's back to square one again! The bike has NO Power Commander, BTW and also has a stock exhaust system and fuel system. Since LAZYEYE's bike is 8th-gen (2014), it's interesting that BOTH my 6th-gen and his 8th-gen seem to have an idedntical affliction. All of this simply makes me wish sincerely that I hadn't so rashly sold my 2000 5th-gen Viffer, which was a beautiful machine, stable throughout the power band in terms of providing smooth response, and never gave me a single issue. Amusingly, I'm sure a 'mild rider' that I haven't even encountered the EVIL VTEC spirit, yet...unless this issue is somehow connected to the extra complications of that system. [My machine is a California model (it even came with a small 'Saint AOC be our Protector!' medallion...yeah, li'dat!)] 😝

Thanks. I'll do that and get back w/the results. Cheers, K2

Hi Kalikiano, Thank you for your donation of 100.00 USD. We look forward to improving the forums with your donation. Thanks VFRDiscussion

G'day, gentlemen. I have a recently acquired 2002 '6th-gen', California model VFR that I am just getting used to. Previously had a yellow '5th-gen' 2000 Viffer that I loved (but stupidly sold!). The new 2002 Viffer has the controversial VTEC system, of course, which I embrace rather reluctantly...but went ahead with the 2002 purchase anyway, hoping for the best. The bike has 32687 miles on the clock and was previously used for highway commutes by its prior owner (so the story goes). At any rate, I find that at an RPM of about 5500 (more or less) and in 3rd/4th gear, the throttle is a bit difficult to keep steady; this is somewhat annoying to me. It tends to want to slack off by itself, so when I apply just the slightest bit of throttle, I consequently notice a bit of a perplexing surge in the bike's response. Whether this is VTEC related or not (or fuel mixture related), I have no best guess to offer. As far as I am are also, the exhaust system is stock 2002 California VFR spec (not a custom exhaust, with its 'leaner running' tendencies). My understanding of the 'stock' OEM specs for the 2002 Viffer is that VTEC is supposed to cut in at about 7000 RPM, not 5500, hence my uncertainty as to what's causing this minor glitch in the power curve. My 2000 Viffer only had 8000 miles on it (yeah, as I said: STUPID-STUPID-STUPID!) and its throttle was rock-solid, smooth as silk and absolutely non-problematic! Now, 32XXX miles on a Viffer is nothing to write home about, but I can't help but wonder if the VTEC issue is raising its (arguably) ugly head here, or whether I might have another element causing this throttle instability. Any ideas or opinions would be welcome. Thanks.

Thanks, Dutchy. I checked that originally and found nothing that I associated with a Honda key code, unfortunately, unless a teeny, tiny 'HA1' is in fact that code (this that appears very faintly on the bottom of the tank's filler lid, but is so hard to see it could be overlooked...which is in fact what I did!). Does 'HA1' seem to you to be a Honda key code? Thanks. Cheers, K2

OK. took my original down to a local locksmith shop after the blanks arrived and they were able to make two perfect copies of my ignition switch key for me, using the correct 2002 Honda MC (OEM) blanks I provided. I still don't have the ignition key code, but as long as a locksmith can make duplicates for me, it's inconsequential. The blanks I ordered were available on eBay and cost about US$30 for two. FYI: Since there are apparently two or more different blanks available for Honda motorcycles of this year (2002), it is important to be sure the blanks you are purchasing are the correct ones (in this case for a 2002 VFR800A-2 Interceptor (US version). The blanks were bought from seller 'partzillamarketplace' on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-35121-MAS-G01-KEY-BLANK/283456295186) . Try them; you'll be pleased with the results.

I have an original 2002 (North American) VFR800A2 ignition switch key for my bike (it's located in Sacramento, CA USA). There is no key code engraved upon it. I recently received 4 correct key blanks for this year/model and now I have to have them cut. Checking online I have run across all sorts of information on where to look on my bike for the correct Honda key code, including the seat-lock switch, under the gas cap, on the plastic bottom end cap on the ignition switch cylinder, etc., etc., but cannot find anything resembling the correct Honda key code for my bike. I'm thinking of having a locksmith manually cut the keys for me, using the original, but I'd welcome any information from members of the forum about what other possibilities may exist for ferreting out that bloody code! Any insights to share on this subject? Thanks. In its fervor to make bikes 'theftproof' (or more so, which is of course oxymoronic in nature, given the skill of thieves these days), Honda seems to have merely created a colossal frustration for legitimate owners who simply need to have extra keys made for their machine by playing coy with this key business. PS: The local Honda dealer is hopeless (they specialise in selling new bikes...good luck trying to get them to help you with something like this!). HELP!