Lorne

Glad that you have the rear brake working properly. The service manual doesn't offer a lot of help in adjusting the pedal.

Your ability to maintain that fleet of motorcycles without a garage or shed leaves me only one excuse - laziness Thank goodness you have a nice glass to enjoy when the work is done.

It was paved back in 2005 when I last rode Sherman Pass, 2-lanes but no centre line and decent pavement. No idea how it's fared over the past decade+.

Your wish is my command. This map is from Streets & Trips, which offers more control over the route than Apple or Google maps. Easily seen on most California road maps, too. I should note that I haven't ridden this route since 2005. It was in great shape for a rural highway but a lot can change in 15+ years.

Kernville Inn, you say? I spent a night there back in 2004, and rode Sherman Pass over to Hwy 395. I don't imagine that it'll be on your agenda given that you are cage-bound. Kinda looks like Mars, doncha think?

You have good taste, mon ami.

I mentioned there was a video from American Honda showing how to eliminate/reduce the buzzing from some 3rd Gen fuel tanks. A baffle spot welded under the top front of the tank might be just a little too close to the tank and ~5k rpm could create a hell of a racket. This is a dupe of a dupe of an old VHS tape so the quality is terrible, but it should give you a good idea of the problem. Btw, the tool would hard to find nowadays but you can access from the bottom of the tank thru by removing the fuel level sensor. Be careful so as not to dent the tank with your efforts. VFR750 tank buzz fix

Forgot to note 2: if you want slightly higher handlebars but still want them to look factory and option is to fit a set of '98-'01 VFR800 'bars. They are about 16mm / ⅝ " taller, but require a little trimming as the locating pin is in a different location. The bars from VTec VFR800s can fit but require a 1mm shim as they use 43mm forks. Lastly, if you find that your gas tank makes a buzzing sound when the fuel level is low there is a way to fix that. There is a spot welded brace just ahead of the filler opening that can vibrate. If I find the Honda maintenance video I'll post a link.

Forgot to note that your VFR is missing the stalk-style signals. I assume the signals are now either side of the brake light, but their red lenses can be swapped for the amber ones used on 4th gen VFR750s.

Graphics without the purple, eh? There are two other graphics that Honda used on black 3rd gens that both look better than the purple set you have. I changed to this VFR graphic on mine a few years ago, and have a spare set if you decide on black. then I used some red pinstripe tape to cover the purple on the swish stripe under the seat. I also painted the wheels pearl white, and stripped the fork lowers then polished 'em by hand with emery paper/scotchbrite & Solvol Autosol. Two years and 20K km later the forks still glistened. Swapped on an old Supertrapp muffler and a set of Y2K VFFR800 mirrors, too. I should have kept this VFR - ah the impatience of youth.

Here are a couple of options for you. Cheapest is to raise your stock 'bars up the fork about ½ to ¾ inches. Be careful that the clamping bolt is not above the fire tube. If you require more then an LSL Superbike kit might suit you. Note that this kit is for the 6th Gen VTec VFR800 which uses 43 mm forks, but a shim could be fashioned out of 1 mm sheet and curved to fill the gap. A number of sites list the kit for the 5th Gen VFR800. Availability is unclear but worth a Google search to find out. This photo shows what the kit looks like on my 6th gen, and here is my write-up of the install: Yet Another Lsl Handlebar Install

Harrumph, it's about time somebody stood up for that small French upstart, Michelin 😉 Since Y2K I've gone through a number of tires but keep returning to Michelins. First pair were Pilot Sport, then Pilot Power, and most recently Pilot Roads 4 & 5. During this time I've also used Bridgestone 020, 010, and 014, as well as Dunlop D208 and D207(oe on my '09 VFR800), and one set of Pirelli Angel ST. My favourites have been the Michelins, their combination of ride, grip, and longevity suit me to a T. All of the others were adequate, but lacked something by comparison. Fwiw, only one track day and most of my mileage is on trips in the American West. Plenty of heat, grippy pavement - esp. in California, but also cold & rain. You have an abundance of choice but nowadays,all of 'em are good.