Lorne

Thanks, Miguel, it never occurred to me that map data would be so troublesome. You work hard enough on VFRD so don't give it another thought.

I noticed that location data isn't available in a photo's EXIF info. I know that it needs to be encoded to the file before uploading, and I do so for all my images. Then when uploading there was an option to display it or not. What am I missing? signed, Blind in Toledo

Jimmy, two months on and I’ve yet to do a proper write-up of my summer trip. In the meantime how about a video of one of my favourite roads, northern California’s Monitor Pass. Monitor Pass - 2003 & 2014 comparison Monitor Pass - 2014 westside ascent I took another turn over Monitor Pass this summer. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it lies north of Yosemite NP and south of Lake Tahoe. Pine and aspen forest on the west side make way for sage and grassland on the east. The summit offers a nearly mile long straight across an old dry lake, perfect for those wishing to calibrate their speedo. Do stop at the viewpoint, a short ways down the east side, to enjoy a refreshing beverage and take in the view of Antelope Valley, Topaz lake, and the Sweetwater Mountains. Gives you time to decide to carry on or retrace your route. My preference is to ride eastbound, but that may be because it better suits my trip planning. The road itself is good fun, fairly open and with no tricky corners. In my experience it is lightly trafficked and has always been well paved. The pretty scenery encourages a slower pace with plenty of stops. One of these times I might do so. There’s plenty of choice for accommodation nearby: South Lake Tahoe & Carson City to the North, Placerville, Jackson, and Sonora to the west, and Bridgeport to the south. While you’re in the area you really ought to take in some of the other nearby passes: Carson Pass - Hwy 88, Ebbetts Pass - Hwy 4, Sonora Pass - Hwy 108 (my favourite), as well as Tioga Pass on Hwy 120 through Yosemite NP. That was a long-winded intro to the video mentioned above. A couple years ago I put together a side-by-side comparison of my 2003 (’98 VTR1000) and 2014 (’09 VFR800) crossings. I fudged the timing a wee bit to better match them, but overall my pace was very similar. And there is a ‘glitch’ in the 2014 vid where I edited a stop at the viewpoint.

There's a British firm that specialize in dent repair. Worth checking out their videos to see what a pro can do: Motorcycle Dent Removal

Afaik, there were no significant difference between 5th gen VFR800s from 1998 to 2001. Certainly none that affected handling or power. But a few changes popped up, mostly starting with the 2000 model. They include eliminating the manual cold start lever, changing to sleeker mirrors, and changing to more stylish foot pegs for the rider. Different colours were available during the run, but not every region had the same choices.

And doesn't it look fantastic! Great job on the fuel tank & bodywork, and the paint work looks perfect.

In fairness, the 6th gen Honda panniers are a *lot* narrower than a set of Givi. And not much wider than the RKA 47 litre saddlebags I used previously. I can attest that they are no wider than my handlebars and I haven't snagged a car whilst lane splitting into Santa Cruz. The bridge too far for me are tail trunks, perched on high above and behind the seat. It all depends on how much gear you need for a multi-day trip, though.

For others checking this thread, here is the on that works best for me. Simple, inexpensive, and easy to apply or release. Of course, I'd prefer a true cruise control.

Fwiw, here's how the VIN tag was positioned on my '98 VFR800 (Canadian model) when brand new. What's important is whether the frame & engine number match, and match the number on the tag.

No VIN tag, but the s/n is stamped onto the headstock and on rear of the engine just ahead of the shock. The 1998-2001 service manual shows this Page 1-3, and much more useful information as well. Peruse the Downloads section of this very forum and you will find a pdf version freely available. In the meantime:

Knobby tires and UD forks, eh? Brings to mind this creation from Brivemo Motos. Sadly, not a V4 but an impressive piece nonetheless.

I'll assume you have stock handlebars. Pages 1-25 & 1-30 in the 5th Gen service manual, in my paper copy as well as the pdf download here at VFRD, show the routing. From the twist grip they route in front of the right fork tube and the frame (as you note), then inboard of the left fork tube and between the frame and the throttle body.

Hi Laura! (don't forget your manners, lads - a friendly greeting ought to be the way you welcome a first time poster) There are a variety of foam earplugs available from a safety supply shop like Grainger Industrial or AGS Safety - both are in Phoenix. A little trimming with scissors may help to make them more comfortable. Good luck,