VFRMike

From Bringatrailer.com...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-honda-vf500f/

6 hours ago, raYzerman said:

I've had various key sticking issues on bikes.  First thing you need is a good flush to get any built-up dirt/crud/graphite out of the tumblers, use WD40 if you like.  Then I'd use a light lube such as lock de-icer that may have some oil in it.  I wouldn't put graphite in that's usually more trouble down the road.

 

A worn key (or tumbler) will cause the tumbler not to be flush with the housing, thus it can't turn.  If that's an issue, sometimes you can remove the tumbler barrel, insert the key, and file the tumblers flush.

Hello raYzerman.  To be honest, I am consistently reading and being told (by my dealer) NOT to use WD40 as this will cause additional problems later on down the road.  All the "experts" are saying to use graphite liquid.

12 hours ago, V4 Rosso said:

It is not the key that is worn a bit? Have you tried the spare key?

 

I have tried the spare key that is unused and came with the bike.  Same result.

I am hoping someone can assist with finding an ignition switch for my 2002 VFR.  Bike has been flawless for the 91K miles I've owned it but the ignition switch is not functioning.  When I try to turn the key to turn the bike on the key will not physically turn to the ON position, without trying for a couple of minutes.  I've put graphite in the switch and that made it feel like new except that it won't turn without many attempts.  I've tried eBay and have not found on OEM switch.  I located one (not OEM) from eBay that was supposed to fit but it was not correct.  If anyone has a lead on an ignition switch for my 2002 VFR, please let me know.

Thanks!

54 years old.  Second VFR.  First was totaled with lots (I don't remember how many) of miles and the second, a 2002 VFR, with just over 90k miles.  These things just keep going!

First bike was 1999 VFR, then a 2001 RC51, and finally a 2002 VFR.  Each purchased new.  Totaled the 99 VFR, sold the RC51, and just broke 86k on the 2002 VFR.

VFRMike.

What a shame- WAY too young!  Sorry to hear and I wish his family the best.

Hi VFRMike,

Thank you for your donation of 10.00 USD. We look forward to improving the forums with your donation.

Thanks VFRDiscussion

So, I've got the old sport extension off and the new Touring extension on. Here are some early observations:

1. The directions from the manufacturer are TERRIBLE and the lettering has got to be the smallest I've ever seen. Other have commented on this also. However, go to YouTube and watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev_dFTOVjOM to assemble the Touring extension and watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uUGfjoyUxg to prepare your windscreen (drilling) and to attach the Touring extension to your windscreen. The videos, which are produced by TwistedThrottle, are well done and make the process very simple and straightforward.

2. The Touring windscreen, in its highest position, provides 5.75" of additional height. It's pretty easy to adjust. If you've got a throttle lock then it can be adjusted on the fly- of course I've not tested this and don't recommend it.

3. It definitely makes a difference reducing noise and buffeting. I am using Convertibars (https://convertibars.3dcartstores.com/Honda-VFR-80002-13-Bike-Specific-Kit_p_168.html) and so I sit much straighter and higher but the reduction in noise and buffeting is obvious.

4. My bike seems to be looking much more like a touring bike than a sports bike with the hard bags, GPS, Throttlemeister, Convertibars, mirror extensions, sockets for heated vest and other accessories, and now a (very) tall extension. I'm not complaining. Rather, I'm making an observation of the transformation of my bike since I purchased new in 2002. I've got over 71K on it and hope to put on another 100K.

As I put another 2K on the bike this month I'll check back in and add some further comments.

Thanks again to 007 for pointing this product out.

VFRMike.

I went ahead and ordered one and will post pictures and give a review when it's on the VFR.

Thanks for sharing. I will definitely look into this.

I am currently commuting about 2000 miles per month using my 02 VFR. Just broke 70,000 miles on the odometer last night. The combination of enjoying the riding and saving gas money is making it easy to leave my comfy truck in the garage. However, I am needing more wind protection. The Vario windscreen I am using is great but I am also using Convertibars. I am not willing to get rid of the Convertibars as they keep me virtually vertical, when I want to be. So, I need to modify my windscreen to take the wind higher, over my helmet. I am considering removing the Vario windscreen extension (the top piece that moves up and down) and fitting a taller piece in its place. Anyone done this or have any thoughts? I know it won't look as attractive but I need to get the wind over my head and I don't want to ride hunched over for 130 miles each day. I've experimented a bit by placing my hands horizontal to the top of the extension, in its tallest position, and it's much nicer and far quieter. So, 4"-6" taller than the current height would be what I am looking for. I've considered buying a used windscreen and cutting it to fit or buying a Laminar Touring Lip (modifying as needed) and seeing if it will attach. Thoughts?

That bike is looking very nice now!! Do I see you on GM-Volt.com occasionally too?

Hmmm...I was not expecting a reduction in displacement. Heck, I was wondering whether they'd continue producing the VFR as it just hasn't been selling well. Glad to see it's still alive but would have liked to see more, although it's not bad by any means. The wheels look great and I happen to like the tail section. No more split radiator. Swing arm looks fantastic and the dash is really nice. Standard ABS is also a welcome addition and stock heated grips are nice too. The stock clip-ons look really nice but I couldn't go without my Convertibars. It will be interesting to see the luggage and if there is a taller/wider windscreen (my only complaint about my current 6th gen). I was hoping for shaft drive personally as I'm just tired of chains.

VFRMike.

This happened to me just over the summer with the E21 bag. I removed the locking mechanism from the hard bag and found it much easier to pry it out with a needle. If you turn it upside down it will just fall out as you poke at it from the side.

Congratulations!!

I had a 99 VFR with the oval high mount carbon fiber from TwoBros. I felt it was not only the nicest sounding, with Micron a close second, but was also the only high mount canister that allowed for the fitment of GIVI hard bags. The carbon fiber canister never got too hot and the hard bags were never in jeopardy of being overly warm.

Congrats! Lots of great memories on that bike for sure. Although I have a 6th gen, I've always been partial to the 4th gens.

Nice write-up and thanks for sharing!

It was in red and was brand new or well taken care of.

Here in Kauai on vacation and have not really seen any "modern" sportbikes/sport-touring bikes. Most seem pretty worn and of the dual-sport type. The others are the Harleys. However, today in Kapaa, I saw a pristine 7th gen. Anyone here?

Aloha!!

Looking forward to the pics! Have a safe and exciting trip.

It came apart because I was pulling the assembly from the forks and had not disconnected one of the bolts. So when I pulled, and I pulled way too hard in retrospect, it popped apart. I shared my concern with the mechanic and he assured me that it was now fitted in correctly. I spent a while on a straight open road braking pretty hard and it does seem fine. I pulled on the boot, not enough to pull it apart again , but hard enough to confirm that it is snugly attached.

Thanks!!

Well I decided to have the local motorcycle dealership take a look at it since I didn't feel comfortable not knowing exactly what was going on- especially since it was regarding the brakes. They simply put the edge of the boot back into the groove in the secondary master cylinder and all was fine. Works just fine now...

I am simply replacing the pads (front and rear) on my 2002 VFR. Never been a problem in the past. This time however I have a problem with this piece on the top of the front left caliper. It looks like some type of plunger and keeps coming apart. I have attached a few of pics. When I press it back together it comes apart when I apply the brakes. Am I not pressing it far enough in? I should add that the new brake pads (front and back) are already in place and I was just putting things back together. Any comments are appreciated...

Thanks in advance.