Since every moment pics of my bike appear, every single time a thread gets hijack; I decided to (shamlessly) start one thread devoted to my 1996 4th gen VFR.
First, history:
I went to MSF course in the middle of July 2004. I never before sat on the bike or rode it. After 3 days course, I got my licence and 4 days later, I got my first bike (off Ebay) Honda Hawk GT. I was hooked...
Year later (June 2005), a so-called 'friend' owed me money (tons of money) which he did not want to pay back nor was willing to sign a paper about how much he owes me. So, we made a plan, that instead of money, he will buy my future VFR off ebay and will hold her for me (he was a motorcycle avid as me) till Spring 2006 (till I can handle bigger bike, I thought). However, not even month later, the money issue became so painful (never ever lend money without proper paperwork) that my only option was to take the bike immediately and forfeit the rest of the debt...
So, in July 2005, the most beautiful VFR I ever saw became mine. I rode it 600miles home and loved it:
(the first two pics are from that particular first ride, the last is from SuperFLAF ride this weekend)...
[image: IPB Image]
[image: IPB Image]
[image: IPB Image]
So, why do I love my VFR so much? Very unique custom body work, amazing custom exhaust, great handling:
1) Great looking headlights !!!
Even though, this is 4th generation VFR, a 5th generation headlights were fit into the front fairing. And the fit is just amazing... I never really liked the 4th gen headlights, but that is just my personal preference ..
2) Great looking tail fairing !!!
The blinkers were shaved from the tail section so it looks more narrow and sleek. The lights were incorporated with rear lights. All custom body work was done by Tom at Bodacious Cycle Paint Works. (www.mphcomputrack.com)
3) Amazing looking and GRRROWLING exhaust !!!
The proto type underseat exhaust was done by Hans at HMF Engineering. He said he would never do it again because it was so hard but it came out great and sounds even better. The bike was dynoed and jetted to fit the eshaust.
4) Chrome wheels
Not so crazy about them (NYC is really dirty city) but they do look good (IceT who is living in same building as me would definitely approve of my 'bling-bling' feature) ...
But any relationship is love and hate thing...
So, because of the exhaust, the rear suspension is quite high up - yet still sometimes on the bumps, the tires are touching the cans (that would not bother me a lot). There is no way I can have a passanger (that does not bother me at all) but I have to tiptoe her ... With my 5'9" + shoe heal, I can flat foot any VFR besides mine...
However, the higher geometry makes the bike just eager to lean in to curves - great thing !!!
The previous owner (not counting my 'friend' in between) was the first owner and retired meticulous engineer. However, one Christmas his wife bought him a Harley, so he sold the VFR to make the payments... I think, his passion was to improve the VFR design rather than handling, since nothing was done to the bike to improve the riding (no upgraded suspensioin etc) and the bike was also not ridden much (got it with 8000 miles on it)...
Thus, when I experienced my first tank slapper (due to bottomed up forks) riding down from App Gap at WDGAH, I did not even know how close to crash I was.
I complained to my mechanic, but he said that that was normal and he did not even bother to ride the bike hard to test her. I was too inexperienced to know better and to argue harder ...
When in the September 2005, 3 deer jumped in front of me on the highway while I was going about 85mph, I still had time to break. However, my fork compressed all the way, and I had a second chance to experience tank slapper. Did not recover this time. I slid 350 yards on the pavement, the bike did 400. Luckily, in that speed, it was rather flying than touching the road...
It happened about 300 miles (I80, Dubois, PA) from home but I rode it back, and over winter had my mechanic glue the broken pieces together and also had upgraded the front suspension. How ridiculous I felt, when one day he calls me and tells me how could I ride the bike with almost no fork fluid !!! I complained the whole summer about mushy front but hey, who would believe to a girl... Needless to say, I am looking for someone else to take care of my bikes now.
So, my future plans: to perfectly repair and smooth out the plastic over winter. Custom plastic looks great, but also is hard to replace. Once everything is looking good, I will repaint the bike dark blue with silver metal flakes (so the wheel match) and also keep the inserts on the side fairing black (flat black possibly) ... Also, I would like to get new R/R, valve check (do you know anyone around NYC? ), heated grips, and some power outlet for some gizmos, and most importantly upgrade both suspensions...
More pics of my VFR are in my album...
I hope I answered most of your questions posted in various forums (so many off-list signs) and if not, do not hesitate to ask me... or comment on my past or future actions...
Very nice Martina, I like it! It's always good to be different! If you like the woods, maybe you can come up for a ride in my area of the Catskills, I am planning a fall foliage run... beer.gif
SEBSPEED, Aug 22 2006, 06:36 PM Very nice Martina, I like it! It's always good to be different! If you like the woods, maybe you can come up for a ride in my area of the Catskills, I am planning a fall foliage run... beer.gif
Great - Catskills are very nice - we often ride there on Sundays ... Lately, the deer are becoming more and more annoying feature though ... I will love to com - keep me posted !
Looking at all the group rides, there are too many RED VFRs. Blue is of course a great choice. Anything but the status quo (red). Don't skimp on the quality of paint job, paint brand, and preparation of the pieces, i have seen cheap paint jobs, and they will chip just by looking at it. My bike was painted before i bought it, i have dropped wrenches on the tank, no problem.
Rivcyko, Aug 22 2006, 06:43 PM offtopic.gif LOL, Can I borrow $20.00? LOL.
As a hard core BUCKEYE fan, I cannot lend money to Michigan people ... I hope you understand goofy.gif
M.
khyron, Aug 22 2006, 06:47 PM Looking at all the group rides, there are too many RED VFRs. Blue is of course a great choice. Anything but the status quo (red). Don't skimp on the quality of paint job, paint brand, and preparation of the pieces, i have seen cheap paint jobs, and they will chip just by looking at it. My bike was painted before i bought it, i have dropped wrenches on the tank, no problem.
Thanks for the warning - money and quality of the paint job are always issues... I am still sort of undecided about the color - red is great but it also screams for police... Dark blue with silver shine to it, chrome wheels and flat black touch ups seems to be timid enough for police yet, very interesting on the bike ... (that is my last opinion, but I am not sticking to it much ;-) )
I would lose the passenger pegs if you are never going to have passengers. Regarding maintaining your ride, are you adverse to doing it yourself? You can get a service manual for free downloaded from this site, and members here have done just about anything you can imagine to a bike so you have a wealth of knowledge to draw from. This way you know it is done right, or wrong as the case may be, but at least you know.
jeremy556, Aug 22 2006, 07:19 PM I would lose the passenger pegs if you are never going to have passengers. Regarding maintaining your ride, are you adverse to doing it yourself? You can get a service manual for free downloaded from this site, and members here have done just about anything you can imagine to a bike so you have a wealth of knowledge to draw from. This way you know it is done right, or wrong as the case may be, but at least you know.
I agree - the passanger footpegs are distracting from the look - but at that lowside they proved as crash bar and protected the whole rear side from being hurt - so unless I mount some rear crash bars on her, I will keep the pasanger footpegs. The passanger handlebars though should be off...
Maintaining - I would love to do it myself - but till 4 month ago I parked in public NYC garage where is strictly forbidden to do any mech work. Now, I rent half of a private garage in NJ, but have no tools (besides what came with a bike) - so it is a slow battle uphill to do everything by myself... Well, anyone in NYC wants to teach me, I am up for it ? smile.gif
Tramp4life, Aug 22 2006, 07:28 PM Yep, great headlights!
And, Ice T lives in your building?!? musik20.gif Tell 'im TFL says 'sup!
Thanks guys !
And I'll let Ice T know (if his busty blond wife lets me tongue.gif ) ...
That's a beautiful bike, but as it's set up, it's too dangerous for street riding. If you don't change the geometry (raise the bike on the forks and/or lower the rear), you should consider fitting a steering damper to prevent (most) tank slappers. If they make one that fits, Scotts makes a very nice one that sits on top of the steering stem. And it's "bling," not "blink", at least according to Ice Cube Tre', who lives in MY building.
Misspent Youth, Aug 22 2006, 09:01 PM That's a beautiful bike, but as it's set up, it's too dangerous for street riding. If you don't change the geometry (raise the bike on the forks and/or lower the rear), you should consider fitting a steering damper to prevent (most) tank slappers. If they make one that fits, Scotts makes a very nice one that sits on top of the steering stem. And it's "bling," not "blink", at least according to Ice Cube Tre', who lives in MY building.
Well, It is my understanding that the bike is about 1 to 1.5 inch higher than other VFR. But I would gladly let someone look it over if it is dangerous. Chris (thx1139) was so nice to ride her hard through twisties and liked the handling ... But I understand that changing geometry of the bike is not a recommended step...
The steering damper is a great idea - I thought the Scotts one fits only 5th gen and higher ??? Or am I mistaken ???
Is it BLING ??? Well, being a foreigner, English is always challenge for me - but I welcome the help fing02.gif
martinkap, Aug 22 2006, 09:17 PM Well, It is my understanding that the bike is about 1 to 1.5 inch higher than other VFR. But I would gladly let someone look it over if it is dangerous. Chris (thx1139) was so nice to ride her hard through twisties and liked the handling ... But I understand that changing geometry of the bike is not a recommended step...
The steering damper is a great idea - I thought the Scotts one fits only 5th gen and higher ??? Or am I mistaken ???
Is it BLING ??? Well, being a foreigner, English is always challenge for me - but I welcome the help fing02.gif
Thanks,
M.
Shimming the rear shock a few mm is a popular modification to gain quicker steering and more ground clearance, but a change that makes a 1-1.5 inch difference is probably too much. I would recommend making a post in the suspension forum asking for help for your situation. Don't worry about 'Bling' it is Ebonics, not English.
jeremy556, Aug 22 2006, 09:45 PM Shimming the rear shock a few mm is a popular modification to gain quicker steering and more ground clearance, but a change that makes a 1-1.5 inch difference is probably too much. I would recommend making a post in the suspension forum asking for help for your situation.
Hm - interesting suggestion ...
Maybe I should measure it exactly first... How do I go about it?
What I did so far was comparing a seat height with another '96 VFR (without a tape measurement - just how far it reach when I stand next to the bike)... but doesn't that height also depends on the type of tires, the much air and other things?
Nice ride Martina, but no matter what you do to your 4th gen, Please, in the name of God do not even think of removing those lovely NACA ducts. I would consider painting them red and making them blend into the fairing the only no-no you've done so far on that classic! Too bad about the clearance problems with the Wolf(?) exhaust system, but unfortunately that was a normal consequence for the 4th gen kits from them. Only solution that no one has tried, to fix the situation, might be to raise the cans a little bit more and make them exit through where the tail light is, but I doubt if there is any more room under there to do that though, and it will most likely require a custom rear subframe. Someone should really try and fabricate a full under seat exhaust can that exits through the two signal light blisters with appropriately shaped trapezoidal tips. That would even be better. Anyone up to it!? Keep us posted on any other updates on your fourth gen.
baileyrock, Aug 22 2006, 09:59 PM I second that emotion! Nice everything, looking good!
Czech Chicks rule !!!
Thanks ! Nothing can get you further than flattering ... actually idea3.gif , working on my bike can !!! tongue.gif
But hey, do not moderators suppose to keep things orderly here ?
biggrin.gif M.
ULEWZ, Aug 22 2006, 10:14 PM But the real question begs:
So tell us about the SuperFLAF ride. rolleyes.gif
LOL - got me here biggrin.gif
Beck, Aug 22 2006, 10:31 PM Nice ride Martina, but no matter what you do to your 4th gen, Please, in the name of God do not even think of removing those lovely NACA ducts. I would consider painting them red and making them blend into the fairing the only no-no you've done so far on that classic! Too bad about the clearance problems with the Wolf(?) exhaust system, but unfortunately that was a normal consequence for the 4th gen kits from them. Only solution that no one has tried, to fix the situation, might be to raise the cans a little bit more and make them exit through where the tail light is, but I doubt if there is any more room under there to do that though, and it will most likely require a custom rear subframe. Someone should really try and fabricate a full under seat exhaust can that exits through the two signal light blisters with appropriately shaped trapezoidal tips. That would even be better. Anyone up to it!? Keep us posted on any other updates on your fourth gen.
Beck 95 VFR
Thanks for the imput - I really appreciate it ...
But, I am newbie in the lingo here: WHAT IS FOR G*D SAKE A NACA DUCT? I heard that about my bike several times already today ...
Is it the '90degrees rotated V-shaped' inserts on the side of the bike? If yes, then I do hate them being painted ... I saw them once on ebay made out of carbon fiber and they were owesome... I was too slow to bid on them and now I am sorry - they were somewhere from England..
But if NACA ducts are something else, then please tell me...
Other than that confusion, your idea about the exhaust is great... Not sure, I will try it personally. The exhaust on her is not Wolf, is custom, and sounds very well, so I will not change it - rather keep standing up every time I see big bump on the road :-D
Maybe I should measure it exactly first... How do I go about it?
What I did so far was comparing a seat height with another '96 VFR (without a tape measurement - just how far it reach when I stand next to the bike)... but doesn't that height also depends on the type of tires, the much air and other things?
Thanks, M.
While on the center stand I would measure from the center of the hub to the passenger handles or some other point, and have someone with a stock setup do the same to compare.
jeremy556, Aug 22 2006, 10:50 PM While on the center stand I would measure from the center of the hub to the passenger handles or some other point, and have someone with a stock setup do the same to compare.
Will do !!! The moment I see another (stock) '96 VFR around ... which will be most likely on WDGAH ;-)
martinkap, Aug 22 2006, 10:55 PM Will do !!! The moment I see another (stock) '96 VFR around ... which will be most likely on WDGAH ;-)
Thanks again, M.
If you post about it, you will get answers and help quickly. Being a cute foreign chick with a cool bike; these leg humpers around here will be falling all over themselves to help you out. fing02.gif
[quote name='martinkap' date='Aug 22 2006, 09:42 PM' post='286567'] Thanks ! Nothing can get you further than flattering ... actually idea3.gif , working on my bike can !!! tongue.gif
But hey, do not moderators suppose to keep things orderly here ?
I do what I can! rolleyes.gif
By the way a NACA duct is scoop like design used to control air flow and has a common shape that is the tell tail sign of a 4th Gen VFR, it's the scoop thingy above the VFR on you side fairings/cowls.
jeremy556, Aug 22 2006, 10:57 PM If you post about it, you will get answers and help quickly. Being a cute foreign chick with a cool bike; these leg humpers around here will be falling all over themselves to help you out. fing02.gif
jeremy556, Aug 22 2006, 09:57 PM If you post about it, you will get answers and help quickly. Being a cute foreign chick with a cool bike; these leg humpers around here will be falling all over themselves to help you out. fing02.gif
Yes, it's those lovely openings on the side of the bike which tons of other bikers are envious of. I mean, where else would you find those things but in beautiful machines like jet aircraft and high performance road race cars. The NACA ducts was originally designed by the National Advisory Commitee for Aeronautics, a forebear of NASA. I think they were a goverment funded think tank that started in the earlier days of flying where they consolidated all research to stay ahead of the other nations in Aeronautical design and engineering. It was a part of many systems that the commitee design that included things like the most efficient airfoil shapes and engine cowling for aircraft to maximize performance. I would keep trying to snag a set of carbon ones if I were you, then they would even be twice as beautiful. So remember, if you see or hear another biker put down your ducts, it's really just "NACA envy" that they are conveying.
Beck, Aug 22 2006, 11:04 PM Yes, it's those lovely openings on the side of the bike which tons of other bikers are envious of. I mean, where else would you find those things but in beautiful machines like jet aircraft and high performance road race cars. The NACA ducts as originally designed by the National Advisory Comitte for Aeronautics, a forebear of NASA. I think they were a goverment funded think tank that started in the earlier days of flying where they consolidated all research to stay ahead of the other nations in Aeronautical design and engineering. It was a part of many systems that the commitee design that included things like the most efficient airfoil shapes and engine cowling fro aircraft to maximize performance. I would keep trying to snag a set of carbon ones if I were you, then they would even be twice as beautiful. So remember, if you see or hear another biker put down your ducts, it's really just "NACA envy" that they are conveying.
Beck 95 VFR - Long live the 4th gens!
Oh - now it is clear idea3.gif THANKS
I was trying to google NACA, but I could not understand the connection with Nat. Adv. Comittee for Aeronautics ... And yes, I am extremely sorry that I did not snatch the carbon ones. It was about this time last summer and I did not see them since. I searched hard on internet for similar ones, but sadly found nothing ... If my bike gets ever painted again, I think to make them flat black with a little stencil line around them ...
Dang, the females seem to get extra attention every time, for some reason. goofy.gif Watch out for that new member coming soon named "Amber". I think it's really Baileyrock. ohmy.gif
jstanwood, Aug 23 2006, 07:04 AM Your carbon fiber NACA ducts are available from Thurn in Germany: The 4th item down
They have all kinds of nice (but expensive) VFR parts. Here is their general page for the 3rd & 4th gen: RC36
WOW, you DID find them !!! I am going to Europe by the end of the September - guess what will I bring back with me!!! They do have nice other parts - but I am drained. 2 days of Keith Code and trip to Europe does that to my account...
Thanks a lot,
M.
PhatPat33, Aug 23 2006, 07:39 AM Great write up, Martina. Can't wait to see it in person.
Thanks, I am still planing on WDGAH!! Hope my work will not think otherwise !!! See you there, M.
Great bike Martina, I remember seeing it when it appeared on ebay.
You can cut away some of a bulkhead that runs across the back of the subframe below the seat latch, to give a little more clearance to raise the canisters (maybe 3/4").
Your ride height will have been altered by either shimming the rear shock (likely), altering the lower shock plates or dogbone, or flipping the eccentric.
To check if the shock has been shimmed, remove the seat and look below the rear of the tank to where you can see the top shock mount. Look for a shim between the shock and the frame - if there's no gap at all then it's not shimmed.
The lower shock mounts with two triangular plates which are not equilateral, so if you remove and refit them at a different aspect you can alter the rear geometry. Between them and the frame is the dogbone, fitting a longer or shorter one also changes the rear settings.
If the eccentric (the thing that rotates within the rear hub to adjust the chain tension) has been flipped, you'll notice that two bolts that hold the rear caliper bracket to the rear hub bracket have been countersunk, so that the rear hub bracket can drop down when the eccentric is rotated. If there's clearly a bolthead or two that will hit the swingarm when the eccentric is rotated, then it's not modded.
Hope this is clear, I can link to pics if you like. But I'm betting that you'll find one or more shims under the top shock mount.
The Phantom, Aug 23 2006, 09:43 PM Great bike Martina, I remember seeing it when it appeared on ebay.
You can cut away some of a bulkhead that runs across the back of the subframe below the seat latch, to give a little more clearance to raise the canisters (maybe 3/4").
Your ride height will have been altered by either shimming the rear shock (likely), altering the lower shock plates or dogbone, or flipping the eccentric.
To check if the shock has been shimmed, remove the seat and look below the rear of the tank to where you can see the top shock mount. Look for a shim between the shock and the frame - if there's no gap at all then it's not shimmed.
The lower shock mounts with two triangular plates which are not equilateral, so if you remove and refit them at a different aspect you can alter the rear geometry. Between them and the frame is the dogbone, fitting a longer or shorter one also changes the rear settings.
If the eccentric (the thing that rotates within the rear hub to adjust the chain tension) has been flipped, you'll notice that two bolts that hold the rear caliper bracket to the rear hub bracket have been countersunk, so that the rear hub bracket can drop down when the eccentric is rotated. If there's clearly a bolthead or two that will hit the swingarm when the eccentric is rotated, then it's not modded.
Hope this is clear, I can link to pics if you like. But I'm betting that you'll find one or more shims under the top shock mount.
Phantom,
thank you so much for you advice. I will check everything over the weekend and also measure the height. I think I can find everything you talked about and I will try to take pictures... I will report what I find - I cannot wait - it is like little mistery story smile.gif
This Polish Prince thinks Czech Chix rule too! Oh and the bike is awesome too goofy.gif I never knew there were so many body parts available for VFRs. Thanx Europe beer.gif fing02.gif
Trace, Aug 23 2006, 10:27 PM I don't get it. I just don't get it......
Translation: "This Polish Prince thinks Czech Chix rule too! " = compliment from Polish person to Czech one... Btw Veefer Madness, my hometown is near Cieszyn - so I do speak polish ;-)
"Oh and the bike is awesome too "= compliment to my bike - Btw, Thank you!!!
goofy.gif = goofy smile
"I never knew there were so many body parts available for VFRs." = comment about previously suggested website for carbonfiber NACA ducts which carry many unseen in USA parts for VFRs
"Thanx Europe" = the mentioned website is German, and since in Europe we all are mutts due to wars, Veefer Madness rather thanks the whole Europe
Yes to all that and even though we won the war once, all the eurokidz buy lots of VFRZ and so a lot of cool stuff is available through the New World Order... INTERNET!!!!!!!!!!! biggrin.gif Let's get ready to SPEND!!!!!!!! WEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wheel.gif wheel.gif Oh, and there could be some hidden meanings in the message too... try playing it backwards or phone Paul McCartney.
Veefer Madness, Aug 25 2006, 04:28 AMOh, and there could be some hidden meanings in the message too... try playing it backwards or phone Paul McCartney.
Oh I just can't resist this now... I have to share a Paul McCartney joke.
Following the recent well-publicised failure of his marriage, Paul McCartney was asked whether he would ever go down on one knee again.
He replied, "I'd prefer it if you called her Heather".
The Phantom, Aug 24 2006, 10:49 PM Oh I just can't resist this now... I have to share a Paul McCartney joke. Following the recent well-publicised failure of his marriage, Paul McCartney was asked whether he would ever go down on one knee again.
He replied, "I'd prefer it if you called her Heather".
WOW, now that's somethin to think about. goofy.gif
The Phantom, Aug 24 2006, 08:49 PM Oh I just can't resist this now... I have to share a Paul McCartney joke. Following the recent well-publicised failure of his marriage, Paul McCartney was asked whether he would ever go down on one knee again.
He replied, "I'd prefer it if you called her Heather".
Well I had read that when news of their impending divorce was first leaked to the tabloids, Sir Paul's barrister was asked if Mrs. Mills-McCartney actually had legal justification for a divorce.
His reply: "I'm afraid she hasn't got a leg to stand on."
martinkap, Aug 26 2006, 12:57 AM Thank you... how ever I am not sure if one can fit a 5 gen screen into 4th fairing.... only the lights were fit in - the rest of the front fairing is 4th generation (notice the curves around the mirror)
The thing I don't like about the 4th Gen upper cowl is where the very back of the cowl dips down at the back of the windscreen instead of tapering up nicely. This limits your handlebar choices and causes you to have clearance problems when using Helibars....made my headlight switch go to high beams whenever I turned right full lock and when turning full left, shut the engine off. I was hoping that Airtech bodywork would eliminate that but they kept the same dip-down design. sad.gif
Hobie1dog, Aug 27 2006, 09:49 PM The thing I don't like about the 4th Gen upper cowl is where the very back of the cowl dips down at the back of the windscreen instead of tapering up nicely. This limits your handlebar choices and causes you to have clearance problems when using Helibars....made my headlight switch go to high beams whenever I turned right full lock and when turning full left, shut the engine off. I was hoping that Airtech bodywork would eliminate that but they kept the same dip-down design. sad.gif
I have helibars and had the same problem. Every time I was turning left, I hit the kill switch. But there is a way to turn the handlebars a little bit more in. I found that there is one perfect angle in which, the handlebars are enough in, so they not touch the front cowl, but not too much in so they would hit the tank...