Kbear

There's a lesson to be learned here. The Aftermarket doesn't have all the answers no matter how much you wish it did.

5 hours ago, Skids said:

Have you considered Skidmarx?

 

I've not checked lead times but they look like they carry the attachments for the brake lines.

Yes, I did consider Skidmarx. However, it's also coming from the UK to the US so I figured shipping would be terrible so I pretty much passed it by.

On 4/10/2022 at 6:21 AM, Skids said:

Kbear, as you peaked my interest for my 5th Gen, I have emailed Harris to find out the delivery time to me. It will be interesting to see if they quote a shorter timescale.

Sure, Skids. It would be interesting to hear what they have to say. There is a difference here. The one I was looking for is for a 6th Gen. and you are asking them about a 5th Gen. so there could be a difference???? Let us know what they say. Harris Performance must be stupid busy to not want to make a sale? I'm not sure I quite get it yet.

1 hour ago, Thumbs said:

So this is the one that you want?

Yes, it looks to be the one I was wanting. I don't see the title of it, but it sure looks like it.

9 hours ago, Skids said:

Bloody Nora! That is ridiculous for something that is not heavy.

 

Hadn't realised that they are just down the road from me, I might pop over sometime and see which postal service they use....buy me some shares in that fella!  

8 hours ago, Thumbs said:

I shipped some compound bows and associated archery kit to a charity in Sacramento recently and it was less than $100 US, so I put some approximate dimensions in UPS (700x150x450mm x 5kg) and the most expensive is £77.62 or $100, the cheapest is £45

 

There’s no import duty to the US

Well, you can both see what Harris Performance wants for shipping their hugger to me. Clearly, they don't want the hassle of shiping that hugger to me in the US. It's a real shame that that's the way they want to deal with the issue. Don't see that there's a lot I can do about it really.

Just got the email from Harris Performance this morning. Looks like it's gone down in price a bit. Now it's $305.70 USD at the time of this posting. It's still 3-4 months lead time. Like I said I guess I won't be getting a Harris hugger.

Just now, Skids said:

 

Bugger.

 

On the upside, I think I may get one of those for my 2001 project.

Lucky you for being able to obtain one since you live in the UK. Knock yourself out.

Hey Skids just wanted to point out a few things in your signature area. Are you familiar with the term "Link rot"? I tried several links in your signature area of your post and there are a fair amount of them that no longer work. Just thought you "may" want to know? You also make reference (and links) to the "Powerbronze" huggers. I read on this forum (on posts made some years ago now) to steer clear of those. The statement was made that they're cheap and want to fall apart. The fitment was pretty poor as well. I did look at those and I wasn't that impressed with the look. So, I don't blame you for switching to a Harris Performance hugger. Sounds as though the Harris is a far better product.

6 hours ago, Skids said:

$308? It costs £85 without UK purchase tax (VAT) so roughly $112. So the rest, $196, is postage? 

 

Have I missed something?

 

Even if you went for the CF, that still leaves $144 postage.

 

 

I knew I should have saved the return email that Harris Performance sent me, but I didn't. Yep, it worked out to $307.65 USD. There's a war going on, the price of fuel has effected everyone in all industries and maybe Harris didn't want the hassle of boxing up that hugger and making sure it made it safe to the US. There can be a number of reasons why the cost is so high, but regardless that was the price they quoted. I should ask them to refigure that and I can show you. If I lived in England I would have one by now. 

Plus, it's £125 (excludes the VAT) = $163.37 for a Carbon Fibre hugger. That's the one I was going to purchase. It's £85 for an ABS hugger. Okay, I just placed another order with Harris Performance for the Carbon Fiber hugger for "VFR800 FI 02-15 (ABS & Non-ABS) Rear hugger with built-in chain guard - Carbon Fibre × 1" to find out what the shipping and total cost would be. You don't need to pay up front. They send you an email with the total cost to the US and you have the right to accept or decline it.

I looked into this as well. But, of course, it's in the UK and we all know how that turned out.

1 hour ago, Cogswell said:

 

FWW, the last time I brought some M/C parts in to the US from the UK, there was no duty assessed.  Some internet searching will turn up the treaty that sets those and you can go find the chapter and verse and see what it says now - it may have changed.   The exchange rate and shipping though can be harsh. 

I've already discussed this subject with Harris Performance directly. The cost would be roughly $308 for that exact hugger shipped to my address in the US.

2 hours ago, adkfinn said:

I have a Harris, ordered pre-Vid - it wasn't the cheapest dalliance, esp with shipping to the US, but I'd do it again. It is such a nice piece, great craftsmanship and excellent fit. I am in the northeastern US, and while I don't ride in the winter, the roads are filthy. I decided to get a hugger to protect my DMr shock, because the factory one was manked.... so much cold-patch.

Yep, that's the Harris hugger I was looking to purchase but the post-Vid expense is a little tough to swallow. $308 with a lead time of 3-4 months? Was just texting a friend about this subject and he said "just fly to England and get it". We both had a good laugh on that one. Thanks for posting!

Well, here’s how it breaks down guys. I received an email response from Twisted Throttle telling me they will no longer carry Pyramid products – so that’s out. I received an email from Pyramid themselves letting me know that it would be too cost prohibitive to ship their hugger from England to the US but gave me the name of their US distributor MotoMachines to which I did find the hugger there. So, I dug a bit deeper and found a very cool Fiberglass hugger from Harris Performance, also in England, but I just received an email from them also letting me know that the total cost including shipping would be roughly $307.65 and it would take 3-4 months to get.

One of the reasons why I decided not to purchase the Pyramid hugger is I read here on this forum posted many years ago to stay away from plastic huggers and go with fiberglass. Thus, I guess this ends my search for a decent affordable hugger for my 2007 25^th Anniversary VFR800 Interceptor. It's too bad because I held out a fair amount of hope for the Harris Performance fiberglass hugger since it had all the ingredients I was looking for.

Thank you, guys, for the very good input here regarding my inquiry about a hugger for the VFR800.

Thanks again.

Just now, Dangeruss said:

 

Twisted Throttle started as an adventure bike gear dealer in a small village near my parents house and has grown quite a bit, I see they are now in the US. I have used them numerous times and their customer service is first rate. I needed an MRA screen for an FZ600, which they didn't catalogue, but when requested they sourced one from the manufacturer and I didn't pay shipping from Europe because it came with their inventory shipment. I had to wait a few weeks, but no big deal. I'd recommend them and suggest giving them a call.

Sounds cool. Yes, I've delt with TT before on a MRA windscreen for my Honda XL600V Transalp as a matter of fact and yes, they are a good company to work with. Okay, I'll contact them and see what they can do about a Pyramid hugger that will fit my 2007. Thank you for the input! 😎👍

On 4/3/2022 at 9:59 AM, stuartb3502 said:

Probably not much use to you since it's a UK company, but there was one of these already fitted to my bike when I bought it.  

 

https://pyramid-plastics.co.uk/products/pyramid-hugger-matte-black-honda-vfr-800-v-tec-2002-2013

 

It's actually a 6th gen hugger for some reason but fits with no issues on my 5th gen.  Unlike many, it comes with a metal bracket which attaches on top of the chain guard.  The only oddity thing I think is less than good is that it needs a long cable tie to attach it around part of the swingarm.

 

I'm pleased I have it.  I couldn't get one I was happy with on my other bike and that definitely gets dirtier as a result.  The hugger is good for protecting the shock and spring a bit in particular.  I'd say my shock looks pretty good externally for a UK bike as a result.

I just sent Pyramid an email asking the cost to ship to the USA. We'll see what they have to say. Thank you for the information. 

Just now, Thumbs said:

How about this https://superbikestore.com/honda-vfr800/honda-vfr800-vtec-02-rear-tire-hugger-powerbronze

Great. Yes, I looked at that one too. I was told, and I agree, to steer clear of a hugger that don't provide for brake lines.

8 hours ago, Thumbs said:

Pyramid Plastics are stocked in the USA here https://twistedthrottle.com/motorcycle-parts/2002-honda-vfr800-vtec-interceptor/?_sfm_sf_discontinued=0&_sfm__price=0+1000&sf_paged=2

 

I've got an Ermax hugger and chain guard on my 8th that Pyramid stock in the UK

Thank you, but the link to the page you provided is for a 2002. The only Pyramid from Twisted Throttle for a 2007 is for a fender extender. Not what I need.

Pyramid Plastics Fenda Extenda fender extender for Honda VFR800 All Models VFR800X Crossrunner '15 & CBR1000RR Fireblade '08-'16 | Matte Black

Just now, stuartb3502 said:

No expert since I didn't research and fit, but does help to stop swingarm and shock being as battered by road debris and road salt etc. I couldn't get a good hugger on the Triumph but did fit a small protector which stops the shock being sprayed at least.

Great! Someone who understands!

23 hours ago, stuartb3502 said:

Probably not much use to you since it's a UK company, but there was one of these already fitted to my bike when I bought it.  

 

https://pyramid-plastics.co.uk/products/pyramid-hugger-matte-black-honda-vfr-800-v-tec-2002-2013

 

It's actually a 6th gen hugger for some reason but fits with no issues on my 5th gen.  Unlike many, it comes with a metal bracket which attaches on top of the chain guard.  The only oddity thing I think is less than good is that it needs a long cable tie to attach it around part of the swingarm.

 

I'm pleased I have it.  I couldn't get one I was happy with on my other bike and that definitely gets dirtier as a result.  The hugger is good for protecting the shock and spring a bit in particular.  I'd say my shock looks pretty good externally for a UK bike as a result. 

Yeah, I saw the Pyramid huggers and yes they're in the UK making shipping a deal breaker. Thank you for responding. At least this gives me more ideas.

23 hours ago, Sweeper said:

I hope that's a generic pic or I'd steer clear. It looks too short for VFR and no provision for the brake lines. I have a Harris CF hugger on my 07 and it has held up really well. It came with one of my bikes so I have no idea if you can even buy one any longer. You might ask Seb if he'd make two. I know he has been working on one for his sixth gen in the last couple of weeks.

Yes, that is a generic image. I haven't purchased one yet. I'm trying to find one that's why I'm asking. Thank you for your response too.

19 hours ago, Cogswell said:

I've never been a fan of the over the chain guard versions.  I might he more inclined if they covered the entire OEM guard, but the half length ones don't do it for me.   .  Accessories for these bikes are getting fewer and further between.  If Harris no longer makes them,  you may be out of luck.  

You know, I'm not an over the chain guard version either. Doesn't seem as there are any "just" the fender version though. Isn't too bad there isn't someone out there that makes a good version of a hugger for the VFR? I don't need a fiberglass version just a solid ABS version. Thank you for your response too.

1 hour ago, bmart said:

What does this solve? (I'm curious!)

Are you sure you don't know? In an effort to keep road debris off the underside of the subframe. That small debris rubber mud flap that's there is okay but just not that robust. I would like to have a nice-looking hugger on MY VFR. In addition, I think they look pretty cool. It's a detail one doesn't often see but it makes an impression on me. Shows me that someone cares for their machine. Cares enough to take the time to mount a fender to keep junk from messing up their bike. One who thinks enough about their motorcycle to take the initiative to mount one is okay in my book. Thank you for your response too.

No one has ever purchased and mounted a hugger for their VFR800?

I want to add a hugger to my 2007 VFR800. If you ask me the carbon fibre huggers are just too expensive. I did find one from a company called NiceCycle. Has anyone purchased a hugger or any body panels from this company? If so, what is the quality like? Or do you have any recommendations for an alternative company that produces huggers? I'm never sure of the quality of items listed on eBay so I sorta steer clear of eBay. Thanks for any help you able to provide.

This is just an FYI from Owner's Manuals for vacuum and gravity fed carbureted motorcycles I own regarding long term storage and carburetors - Winter Storage. You can take it for what it's worth or you can tear down your carbs after a winter storage. If I'm not gonna ride my bikes for several weeks I drain the carb bowls.

2015 Kawasaki KLR650

1989 Honda XL600V TRANSALP

1983 Yamaha XV920 Virago

2 minutes ago, slowbird said:

I was able to find the driver and I convinced him to report his side of the accident report, however Toronto Police refused to press any charges and didn't even care to see the video. They were less than helpful.  😥

Wow, is all I can say. To let someone go that was actually caught on video in a "Hit and Run" is pretty sorry. What if someone were on the bike? Would it matter then I wonder? It's a good thing you weren't on the bike!

On 8/12/2021 at 5:48 AM, slowbird said:

I had side hard bags on my bike when it got hit and knocked over in my parking lot. Thankfully the Givi hard bags took the brunt of the damage.

 I'd say the only downside was that it puts most of the weight on the front signal area. 

I almost started to cry when I watched that video. Surely the work was paid for by insurance to fix your bike? And was that person in the truck even confronted regarding a hit and run? 

6 hours ago, Philois1984 said:

I also have these sliders fitted to my 8th gen, the fact that I didn’t have to cut the fairing was the main attraction (and if I’m honest the VFR logo looks pretty good, although I believe they are no longer available with the logo) I have heard reports of them bending in accidents, however all sliders are only intended for low speed crashes or dropping while stationary. I dropped my VFR in a servo and unfortunately the tank hit one fuel bowser and the headlight the other, there was a raised area of concrete that the bowsers were fixed to so the sliders barely touched the ground so it wasn’t really a good test. I also have a GoPro mount affixed to the top of the right hand side slider, gives a great angle in videos. They do make access to one of the plastic Honda fixing pins on the lower fairing panel a bit difficult. I generally remove the upper mounting bolt, loosen the lower one and rotate it out of the way. I also have the rear and front axle nut protectors fitted. Overall I am very happy with them.

Nice! I didn't know T-Rex made the rear hub protector. I'm not sure they would make it for a Gen. 6. I'll look into that.

Thank you FireStorm9. I was just thinking of starting a thread on these T-Rex frame sliders. Is anyone else using these T-Rex sliders and have any input???

Did do some work on a couple helmets with the Plexus. Works really great. Took the VFR for a night ride last night, as well, and had to clean a bunch of bug carcasses off the frontend of the bike this morning. Thought since I was at it I would do a once over on the TRANSALP. You can't see from the cell phone images just how good it worked but trust me it's awesome. There's a place on the right side of the gas tank where your knee would be placed that I could never seem to buff out the dull area on the decals, but Plexus did it today.