VFRDiscussion ARCHIVE / READ-ONLYREAD-ONLY

Returning VFR owner

9 posts Started 30 Apr 2025 Last recovered post 1 May 2025 Wayback Machine snapshot 1 May 2025

#1

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to my first return post (https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index.php?/forums/topic/114018-what-to-look-for-before-purchase-2007-rwb-model/).

I was a former owner of a 2007 VFR800 RWB back in 2010, however I ended up selling the bike due to lack of time and lack of use. I always regretted selling this bike. Fast forward 10 years, I started looking to get back into motorcycling and had my eyes set on a 2012 VFR1200F, however the week I was supposed to go out and get it, the seller (after telling me that he'll hold the bike) sold it to someone else, so that fell through unfortunately. I did end up scoring a 2013 FJR1300A in 2021 which has been an amazing bike so far. I also ended up getting a really good deal on a 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sports back in 2023 which I have also enjoyed riding.

Fast forward... still really missed the VFR and found one about 4 hours away. Went and looked at it and decided to pull the trigger. The bike has some cosmetic defects but mechanically, at least the little bit of riding I did, the bike seems really sound. Thanks for people on this forum, I was able to score an upper cowl to replace the one that has the most blemishes. The bike came with hard cases and one also has a scratch on it but I think I can handle that myself so I might try that.

As far what came with the bike, the previous owner installed a Leo Vince exhaust, Power Commander V and dyno tuned it, along with LED headlights and turn signals, Sargent seat, shorty levers, bar risers. I'm not a fan of the LED turn signals as they are causing them to flash faster but it's ok for now. He also added yellow LED high beam lights which I think looks good.

The PO also did replace the main fuse holder as the previous one was starting to get hot and melt (pictures below). 

[image: IMG_7541.thumb.JPEG.64a150d437cd340b5878428e94609be1.JPEG][image: IMG_7542.thumb.JPEG.c4f1e389ff00e5f82b12d3ad39b34e6a.JPEG][image: IMG_7543.thumb.JPEG.e266383c3beadf53cd8e7ba46f24573b.JPEG]

As I am getting ready to go over this bike and make sure it's reliable and based on all the electrical gremlins that I've read about (thin wires/etc), what are some things I should check or do to make sure I don't burn up the electrical system as I am 8 hours away from home?

There is also another item that was included in the parts bin but I have no idea what it is or if it's even from this bike. I've included pictures of that as well.

UPDATE: Not a VFR part

[image: image.thumb.jpeg.552947c7a7be9282fd464a001b104034.jpeg][image: image.thumb.jpeg.18c95d2c9a123b21fa1ff65236d4e5fd.jpeg]

#2

got me stumped on that extra bit. Surely someone else knows what that's for...

#3

Looks like a mechanical speedo drive? For some other bike.

#4
15 minutes ago, vfrcapn

Looks like a mechanical speedo drive? For some other bike.

That's what I figured as well as I didn't see a resemblance to anything on the VFR.

#5

The spare bit is definitely a mechanical speedo drive off some other (older) bike. The rubber strap looks like a battery retaining strap also off some other bike. 

For the LED flashing rate, buy a cheap LED flasher unit and replace the existing relay. I know the OEM flasher has three wires but any two-wire flasher will do; just look for one that has a compatible plug configuration. 

#6

Rubber strap is from 6th Gen. Battery holder thingie like on photo. [image: P1150225-3043188447.thumb.jpg.031c3f419871e63870eab8493d337357.jpg]

#7

I remember the rubber strap holding the battery, however the battery in this bike is not OEM and is either shorter or I am missing a spacer that goes below the battery. There is not enough tension between on the rotating bracket to hold the rubber strap in place. I’ll have to lift the battery up and out to investigate.

does anyone see anything of concern with the electrical wiring from the pictures I posted? I did finally go for a short 45 min ride today and when I got back I took the seat off and noticed that there was a lot of heat in that area. I assume that’s normal as I remember that from the previous bike.

#8

Yeah, I see the word "Lithium" on one of your previous photos so the battery is not stock. Nothing wrong with packing something under the battery to lift it and create some more tension on the battery strap. 

The rest of the wiring looks a lot like my 09 including the main fuse holder. 

#9

Thanks @Terry. I appreciate the insights.

End of thread · 9 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 1 May 2025