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  2. Skids
    What Mohawk said. I had my old 98 on track days giving GSXR 750s a run for their money (they must have had muppet riders) without a single cause for concern from the front end. Plenty of good advice in this thread and you can always invest in upgraded suspension more suited to your style of riding and the roads you ride on. OEM suspension, as with most other things on bikes, is a compromise.
  3. mello dude
    I am very reluctant to recommend any alternative to a Shendengen R/R. As demontrated by a lot of years hanging out on this forum, most alternatives die an early death. Maybe the best alternative is an OEM CBR500 you could get a Canadian dealer or a used on on Ebay Get a FH020AA or some newer Yamahas have that too, I think a Yam FJR1300 is using that one too. Or, got a buddy in Buffalo? Best wishes
  4. Mohawk
    The usual means is to put a tally mark on the affected part, such as a punch mark on the swingarm etc. I'm sure a 1200 owner will be along shortly.
  5. Mohawk
    Ha ha, that's a priceless quote from a fool 😂 Whilst mine has aftermarket cartridges it uses stock stanchions & VTR1000 sliders, which are basically the same as VFR ones apart from brake mounts. As Stray said after our dry trackday at Donington last year, I'd used up my chicken strips, turkey strip & beef strips on my tyres. At no point regardless of corner speed or braking did the front forks twitch, twist or misbehave in any way. Don't worry about them.
  6. VFRscrub
    I'm planning on buying this one and getting some marine wire like you mentioned. I live in Canada and the USD conversion rate and shipping costs would be pretty high from roadstercycle. Do you think this one is good enough compared to the shindengen? Seems like a decent clone to me Kimpex HD Mosfet Voltage Regulator Rectifier - 225843
  7. Today
  8. undrilled
    undrilled joined the community
  9. mello dude
    Not true.... .... Dot 5 is the silicone base and the one to be avoided except for racing... Motul Brake Fluid DOT 5.1 For use in DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake systems. Non-silicone based, long life and 100% synthetic, DOT 5.1 BRAKE FLUID conforms to the highest standards in brake fluid performance. DOT 5.1 is specially designed for Anti-Locking Brake Systems (ABS). With a high dry boiling point of 270°C (522°F) and a high wet boiling point of 185°C (365°F), DOT 5.1 delivers the best brake performance and mixes with DOT 3 and DOT 4. SAE/DOT standard: FMVSS116, DOT 3, DOT 4, SAE J1703 http://www.motul.com.au/product_line_up/fork_brake_others/images/space.gif
  10. Presson
    I wouldn't worry about the quote you copied. People write all sorts of stuff without really tracing a problem back to sorting stuff like all the very sensible suggestions that Gaz66 made. I suppose it's possible that if the triple clamps weren't correctly clamped to the specified torque, the procedure to settle the forks and axle hadn't been followed, and the tyres were squaring off, if then one was to ride at Ulster GP speeds violently opposite steering to change trajectory, one might expect to have some buttock clenching moments and possibly a brush with the hedge or a stone wall. Would that indicate a problem with the bike or the rider? The VFR is known for pretty neutral handling and the stock suspenders aren't to bad provided you're not extremely dense. Setting up your sag properly will help and getting the rebound dialled to where it's a comfortable balance between not too bouncy and not to stiff. I believe the original forks on the 5 gen were non adjustable, so getting them right might be a question of fork oil selection. Personally I'd suggest something around 22 cST @ 40°C such as Motul 10w as a good start point (watch out for silkolene fork oil as their products are much more viscous at the same weight as other makes). But definitely do all the checks that Gaz suggests firsts. After that I'd concentrate on getting your technique perfected. Later, you might choose to play around with raising the forks in the clamps to speed up the steering slightly. And possibly raising the rear end to bring a little mass forward to help load the front tyre on corner entry; but this is all icing on the cake stuff for road riding.
  11. ChrisophViffer
    Yes that sounds like the best way to approach learning what setup is best for myself. Thanks for the replies. I'm considering my post, and how I said that the 5th Gen feels like a bus... what I meant by that, is that it feels incredibly confidence inspiring. I love how the bike feels against the road going into corners. I mean, it's a fantastically reasuring feeling when riding... What I was getting at was, that there was another post on here where someone mentions that there was some issue (that few experience) relating to the front forks. This is what I am wanting to learn more about. I have not experienced any bad handling myself as such. Just wanting to know more about any potential gremlins around 5th Gen stock front forks. I linked to the thread and have quoted the post. Thanks again.
  12. VFRscrub
    Thanks, yeah the previous owner relocated it behind the rear master cylinder
  13. RobbyD
    RobbyD joined the community
  14. Gaz66
  15. Gaz66
    Hi Chris. 5th Gens ride really well for a mass produced bike. If you have no confidence in cornering, I suggest you do some much needed basic checks. All info & torque specs are listed in workshop manual, free to download on this site. Basics: Tyres/size/condition/pressure/age/rotation/ evenly fitted. Zero all suspension settings as a base & start again as per manual. Reset front wheel install procedure, may have tension is fork legs? Reset fork preload & fork position/fork height in top yoke. Check steering bearing feel for notchy/tight spots/ excess play/ torque centre yoke nut (loosen both top fork pinch bolts first) Then go ride it, on same route as before, compare how she rides. You gorra start somewhere, this is where to start, before assuming anything drastic is wrong, which there may well be?. Rgds Gaz
  16. DavidS
    I’ve just got back from a 80 mile ride in the Peak District (England) with a few spirited blasts and I’m amazed how much fun this bike is considering its weight. It loved being thrown around and changes direction amazingly quickly. Very confidence inspiring and I’ve got no issues pushing it.
  17. daphne315
    daphne315 joined the community
  18. ChrisophViffer
    I have been randomly browsing posts on the forum, and found the following: "I did not like the downright dangerous front stock suspension of the 5th gen. Few people ever experienced what it is capable of doing to you but let it suffice there is a very good reason the sixth gen. has one millimeter larger diameter front forks. They can save your life. I had a likely near death experience with my fifth gen. when I put it in a "just right" cornering position that twisted the front forks on dry pavement. It's a complicated phenomena that gets a bit hairy to say the least but I never trusted the bike again after that. Too complicated to go into here." Basically, I live in an area with lots of "twisties" as you guys call them in the States. I actually live on the old Ulster Grand Prix track (think Joey Dunlop, and similar to the IoM TTs), and this is probably my most regular stomping ground. I love riding my 5th Gen around these roads and since I've only owned the bike around two months now, and been riding it on the road less than a month, I'm kinda a new rider. I've been riding motorcycles since last March (March 2025, so 5 months as of writing), and my experience thus far is based on a Honda CB125F... That being said, I grew up riding, having a small Batbaby as a toddler, later a Honda 50cc and then having spent extensive hours on a Yamaha YZ80 throughout my early teens. I guess my point is that having ridden around these same roads on the Yamaha scrambler I enjoy the feel of testing and pushing myself while riding. The quote above caught my attention, as thus far I felt that riding the 5th Gen is like as stable as a bus. It feels like the bike is virtually impossible to slide or tip or anything of the like, I know that probably sounds (is) naive... but what do you guys think about pushing the 5th Gen in "twisties", especially about the opinion on dangerous front forks from the evidently experienced posters from a few years back. Are there upgrades or mods that I should consider if I want to riding quick? Thanks
  19. skant153
    I bought a VFR1200X a couple years ago and it has these wire connectors dangling behind the front cowling. I've been trying to search for this style connector and I've come up empty. I think it's for some sort of GPS setup. Not sure why there would be 2 of them. If anyone has any knowledge, please let me know.
  20. Jakub
    Jakub joined the community
  21. Jakub
    Hey guys, Do you have any idea where can i check if mine shaft was replaced? I just bought a 2012 1200x and the shaft seems very clunky. I live in Poland and my vfr was brought from France. I called one dealer in PL but they do not have access to the data older than 2023. JAKUB
  22. V4 Rosso
    Whatever you do, also consider relocating the RR to a cooler spot. I did some measurements and the frame by itself, where the RR is mounted, gets very hot because of the headers being very nearby. I' ve seen subframe temperatures well over 70C/160F which makes it very hard for the RR to dissipate heat.
  23. Lion
    I'd say I've had somewhere in the region of 35 bikes over the past 35-years. Notable good ones, Yamaha Thundercat, Kawasaki Ninja and Versys 1000 and the Triumph Explorer 1200 I have had for a couple of years. The one I don't miss is the Suzuki GS500. Awful bike in every way.
  24. Lion
    That is a really good result! Impressed. Do you also neutralize it with something after, before filling with fuel?
  25. Lion
    Nice looking bike that, seems to have been well taken care of. What a shame the previous owner didn't get it out and enjoy it more. Mine has just over 30k miles on it and I've had it since new. I've never had the valve clearances done and don't notice any issues with it after 26-years. Apart from mostly yearly oil filter changes, about 5-yearly air filter change, brake & clutch fluid changes and one spark plug change, the only "issues" I've ever had were with the clutch and the rectifier. After it left me stranded a couple of times, I bought an upgraded unit from the US (Ricks' VFRness iirc) and had no trouble since. The clutch has been more of a problem. I fitted new friction plates 6-years ago and then after winter hibernation the following year, the lever was locked solid. I ended up replacing the slave cylinder piston, new seals etc and then a few months later, did a master cylinder service. Earlier this year after winter sleep, I had no pressure in the clutch lever at all. I only got around to bleeding it last night and have come to work on it today for the first time this year! I suspect that the DOT5.1 fluid may be the cause so I'll go back to DOT4 next time. It's an absolutely incredible bike that I will never sell, not least because it lost virtually all its monetary value 15-years ago. I've had dozens of bikes come and go in between but the VFR is "the one".
  26. Skids
    Yes, Mello Dude on here makes them.
  27. Skids
    That is a fair point, my bad.
  28. St. Stephen
    OK, kinda off topic, but...even if you're familiar with terms like PABATCO or Super Rat you might not recognize the bike below. Believe it or not I raced it as a 12-year-old on Friday nights at a 1/4 mile short track in Alstead NH.
  29. vfrcapn
    Just picked this up a couple weeks ago and still in the brake-in period. '24 Multistrada V4S, 1158cc, 170hp, 91 lb-ft, counter-rotating crank, claimed wet weight without fuel 509 lb, so about 550 lb fully fueled. Front and rear radar, adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning, all can be turned off. 4 riding modes, same as the '15 and up, electronic suspension. It just feels more refined than the '20 1260 twin I had before, less raw and feels lighter. And unlike the last one doesn't randomly stall out when you pull in the clutch.
  30. VFRscrub
    Thank you! I’ll follow that as close as I can. Just went through the whole fault tree that terry posted. I’ve already completed all those tests, except for testing the RR diodes while hot. Only tested them cold. As of now the entire assembly is based on wedge connectors, which could also expand when hot. So I’ll replace them and go down a gauge on the stator wires to be safe. I’ll let you know what happens
  31. mello dude
    The goto for new R/Rs www.roadstercycle.com Also if your short on cash a CBR500 uses a Fh020aa if you can find a low mile used one. The current art on wiring R/Rs If you do any of your own build a harness work.... marine quality wire, avoid the usuall auto parts stuff.. https://www.delcity.net/store/wire-cable/ancor-marine-grade-tinned-primary-wire/ Recommended fuse holders.. https://www.delcity.net/store/fuses-fuse-accessories/holders-circuit-taps/atc-ato-blade/inline-water-tight-black-with-red-leads/78308/ https://www.cycleterminal.com/fuse-boxes.html MetriPack 630, 40amp Furakawa connectors https://www.cycleterminal.com/furukawa-qlw-250.html Good luck
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    1. HispanicSlammer

      A blog by HispanicSlammer in General

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      HispanicSlammer

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      Juniper Pass

      I took a day off from work and also from my bicycle training to take out the Veefalo one last time before the weather turns ugly, supposed to snow the rest of the week and possibly start sticking to the ground along the Colorado Front Range. I took a leisurely pace up hwy 105 toward Morrison and got reacquainted with the bike since its been over a month since I took any sort of twisties on it at all, hwy 105 is a scenic ride along the front range between Denver and Colorado Springs, its mostly easy fast sweepers and lite traffic so its a favorite road of mine when going north. Then I have to negotiate a bit of traffic near Highlands ranch and up hwy 470 into the mountains. I decided to take the Morrison Exit and try either Lookout Mountain or head up Golden Gate Canyon - this time it was Lookout Mountain, I was sort of making it up on the fly as I went along. Lookout Mountain is my old bicycling haunt from my days while I was working at Coors, its a killer ride and all uphill - I don't think I could do it today If I had to, not quite there yet! I saw a whole bunch of riders doing it though and wished I was in shape enough to be there doing it as well. 30 more lbs and I will be able to do it! On this day I would do it on the Veefalo instead.

       

       

       

       

      I took a video from the gateway to the top at the Lookout Mountain State Park, getting past riders, the guy in the green jacket actually pretty much astounded me with how far he had gotten in the short time it took me to set up my camera, some 3 miles at least and up to the gateway from the turn off at hwy 6! Amazing I thought. I took the first two turns slow then got more comfortable as I went up further, till I was doing well, I made some gearing mistakes and took the tight 15mph marked hairpins in the wrong gear so I lugged it a bit on one or two. Still enjoyed it though and then got off at the top and hiked over a rock outcropping for an overview of the road for the pictures below.

       

       

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      Lookout Mountain - Golden Colorado

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      Zoomed in

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      Lookout Mountain Park top of the mountain

      From there I headed up interstate 70 to Idaho Springs for a beer at the Tommy-knockers brewery, I was the only customer in the joint - slow day for them so they treated me like a king! I got a nice tour of the place sort of impromptu, they made me a nice Pastrami sandwich on rye and with the brown ale it was fantastic. I must say the beer is much better there than in the bottles - its always good at the brewery. I am glad I stopped

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      Tommy-knockers Brewpub Idaho Springs

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      Idaho Springs Colorado

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      Mashtuns and fermenters

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      Rows of fermenters

      I finished my lunch and since the road to Mount Evans is right there I headed up Squaw pass hoping to get in some nice pictures I wasn't expecting what I found, ICE IN ALL THE SHADY PARTS

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      Icy patches on Squaw Pass definitely taking it easy on that road

      There were some section where the ice covered the whole road for 300 yards or so I had to roll through it with my legs out to help keep the bike from sliding and falling over, I took it real slow. A Ford pickup was right behind me so I pulled over to let him pass but the guy was going slower then even I was so I pressed on - in places where I could see I just cut over to the oncoming lane and out of the ice where the sun was shining on the road more, but some places there was not alternative so I just had to go slow, good thing it wasn't slick but rather they tossed some gravel over the worst parts so I had some traction!

      I did stop for pictures in all the best spots

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      Echo Lake at Mount Evans showing off my new plate

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      Elephant Butte Park and Denver

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      Close up

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      Veefalo on Squaw Pass

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      Juniper Pass

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      Juniper Pass

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      Mount Evans

      My route A is home B is Tommy-knockers

       

    2. MartinkaP's Blog

      A blog by martinkap in General

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      martinkap
      Latest Entry

      I Am Back !

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      Not that it matters and not that I expect anyone had noticed, but to those who sent me "where are you?" I would like to say I am back. Not only that I am officially returning to VFRD after nearly 2 months break but I have also ridden my Hawk last weekend and had FUN! Let me restate that; I had major fun riding! Something I have almost given up on.

      Most of you have been riding your whole adult lives and riding is not only a hobby to you, it is part of you. But I started riding three years ago and even though I have encounter some setbacks, till this spring I loved riding with whole my heart. However, I have always considered riding as my hobby. As a hobby which suppose to make my life better, more fun and more rich. Life is too short to do something which we don't fully love.

      My love of riding received a first major scar this spring: I lost a friend on the racetrack. He was a total stranger who offered me his help after I lowsided at CMP track last year. I still remember hearing his "Hi, my name is Todd, do you need help?" while I was duct-taping my roadrash from ripped jacket. He helped me straighten up the shifter and we kept in touch. The next time we saw each other was the day he died.

      With 9 months delay, I can say that Todd's death shook me more than I have realized. It rooted fear in me which was fueled by seeing and hearing about others getting hurt over and over again. If I was to summarize this year - it would be one big accident report. I became sensitive to every broken bone, every roadrash, every lowside. And even though I did 10 track days this year, I became slower and slower and slower. Suddenly, I have acquired this 'grandma' riding style on the road, frozen with fear that behind every corner there is car standing in my lane, or major sand trap or deer staring at me ... I was crippled with fear not only for me about also for my fellow rider.

      So, at the end of this year, I rode more and more by myself. I could not bear the feelings of responsibility for others on the road and my lines were crippled by my own fears. It all culminated this fall at WDGAH. In a freaky accident Love2rideh82crash was taken down by a truck crossing into our lane. I was done. I finished the weekend, locked the VFR into a garage and took a break.

      Until the last weekend, I pretended that motorcycles do not exists. As a last instance after 2 months break from riding, I decided to go to CMP track to see if I can still have fun. I also felt like I should go for the memory of Todd. I went and I had fun! I had much more fun than I expected and the most fun on track I can remember. Suddenly the whole track connected into an uninterupted line of turns and I felt one with the bike riding around! I was giggling like a little girl in my helmet and keep on giggling ever since smile.gif

      Granted I was not the fastest one and through out the weekend, I have never exceeded about 60% of my riding abilities, but I had no "oh-shit" nor 'blond' moments. I could have maybe go faster, I could have brake later for the turns and I could have lean further, but I am no Rossi nor Stoner. I decided to ride for fun and I had amazing blast riding well within my comfort zone.

      I was proud of myself when, after bandaging Ricks arm, I was able to distance myself and go back to riding without the year-long fear. I did feel bad for him but the feelings were not crippling my lines nor my mind. And when a total stranger came to me and said "Hi, my name is Todd", my heart stopped for a minute though but I suddenly knew that my life went a full circle. I probably will never win MotoGP :idea3: , but I am back! :wheel:

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