Safety Recall

this just popped up on my I.N.

Rouse

:thumbsup:

August 31, 2007

Dear Honda Motorcycle Dealer:

SAFETY RECALL NOTICE

AFFECTED UNITS: All 2002-2005 VFR800/VFR800A Motorcycles

American Honda is conducting a SAFETY RECALL on affected models per the description above. The recall will correct a defect that exists in the wiring harness of 2002-2005 model year VFR800 motorcycles. In limited circumstances, the ground wire terminals inside the connectors between the main wiring and fairing subharness can overheat, resulting in the melting of the connector and a loss of power to various circuits. As a result, a loss of critical lighting or engine power could occur without warning, which could result in a crash.

Effective immediately YOU MUST NOT SELL any affected model in either your new or used motorcycle inventory until the required repair has been completed. Please make sure ALL DEPARTMENTS in your dealership - Parts, Sales, and Service - are made aware of this action. Any sale of an affected motorcycle after receiving this notice and prior to the required repair is a violation of Federal law.

The instructions, procedures, and parts necessary to repair affected motorcycles will be made available to your dealership as soon as possible. Date-specific information as to each of these items will be sent to you the week of September 10, 2007.

American Honda will mail a notice of this Recall to owners of all affected motorcycles beginning September 10, 2007.

If you have recently sold an affected model, please submit the warranty registration information. If you have any further questions, please contact either American Honda’s Techline or your District Service Manager.

Thank you for your cooperation.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Robert E. Clever

Senior Manager – Service

Motorcycle Division

extra info:

Summary:

Make : HONDA Model : VFR800 Year : 2003

Manufacturer : HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V359000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 14, 2007

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6952

Detailed Desciption:

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:

HONDA / VFR800 2002-2005

Recall Number: 07V359000

Summary:

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FRONT FAIRING SUB-HARNESS (SECTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS) TRANSFERS THE ELECTRICAL GROUNDING LOAD OF THE HEADLIGHTS, FRONT TURN SIGNALS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND VARIOUS RELAYS TO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS VIA AN 18-PIN CONNECTOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE GROUND WIRE TERMINALS INSIDE THE CONNECTOR CAN OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN MELTING OF THE CONNECTOR AND A LOSS OF POWER TO VARIOUS CIRCUITS.

Consequence:

AS A RESULT, A LOSS OF CRITICAL LIGHTING OR ENGINE POWER COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RE-DESIGNED SUB-HARNESS. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.

Notes:

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Interesting.... :unsure:

When checking this website:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcyc...onda/index.html

that recall appears to only be for the non-abs models...is this true or just a mistake on the website????

I would be curious to know out of all the bikes that had this issue were any of them ABS?

This one as well just says VFR800:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems...ecallsearch.cfm

The NHTSA has two letters about the recall.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/home.cfm

Edit - I guess you can't do a link to a search, so hear is the start page.......

Action

Had my bike in today for an oil change and my service manager said he had some interesting news about "my bike." I replied "recall on the wiring harness?" He was amazed that I knew this already. Told him what a bid deal it was and the entire community had basically been making changes to the harnesses to keep them from shorting out. I asked him if people had made modifications to their bikes how would that be looked upon. He said as far as he was concerned this is not warranty work and it wouldn't matter what someone had done to their bike. Also, he said it would be some time before the customers would receive notification as Honda has to fill the pipeline of parts to put onto the bikes. Once a safe stock of parts is established you'll see the letters.

Now for the interesting part. I told him that was cool but it wasn't for my bike as it's an 07... right? Cause he said "something interesting about YOUR BIKE." He continued to explain that Honda did finally determine that the wire harness ALONE caused the fire on my 02. He got an additional email from our District Service Manager to him personally explaining the findings which were a major point with moving forward with the recall. One part of the letter basically expressed Honda had a MAJOR concern that what happened to my bike could/would happen again and that the next poor bastard might not be so lucky as to get out only with a hot ass. I am glad that my down time last fall ends up with a positive note.

I just hope that everyone gets their "fix" before there are any more situations like mine. If your bike is running fine one minute and then starts missing really bad... and cuts in and out really bad.... assume the worst and pull over and check everything out. Don't do like I did last fall and try to ride it out. The end result was bad for me.. could be worse for you.

Kevin

mojopoloCan anyone tell if they are upgrading just the harness or also all the other wiring too (RR, 30 Amp fuse, etc) like Tightwad's VFRness?

According to American Honda's Defect Notice letter to the NHTSA:

Program for remedying the defect:

The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their

vehicle to a Honda motorcycle dealer. A re-designed sub-harness will be installed,

and if damage is found the main wiring harness will also be replaced, free of charge.

talus

BOBINOTTAWAI wonder how many years it will take before Honda Canada helps us. You lucky bastages from the States!!

+1 Lucky litigious Yanks!!!

As far as I know Honda Canada is still denying the alternator recall issue let alone the 30 Amp fuse and blue ground connections.

I'm gonna have to disagree here. The Alternator recall was done on my bike, and here's the newest

from transport Canada: Harness Recall from Transport Canada

vfrqqqDoes anyone know how to get in touch with Honda of N.A. or know the website where they post the safety recalls? I've changed addresses since I bought my 03' and there is at least one recall that I know I never received a notice for (the rear break solenoid gasket) so I don't think they have the right address.

Thank God they finally admitted to this problem. I just suffered the results of it on Wednesday when my 30A buss fuse finally melted down. I was actually really lucky that it burned out as I was coasting into a parking spot instead of trying to maneuver on the road. I gotta get this done.

Call this number (1-866-784-1870) and have your VIN ready. They should have on file what recalls are required and which have been done.

It doesn't look like anybody has posted the details of the actual recall notice from the NHTSA so here it is for your viewing pleasure...

Summary:

Make : HONDA Model : VFR800 Year : 2003

Manufacturer : HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V359000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 14, 2007

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6952

Detailed Desciption:

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:

HONDA / VFR800 2002-2005

Recall Number: 07V359000

Summary:

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FRONT FAIRING SUB-HARNESS (SECTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS) TRANSFERS THE ELECTRICAL GROUNDING LOAD OF THE HEADLIGHTS, FRONT TURN SIGNALS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND VARIOUS RELAYS TO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS VIA AN 18-PIN CONNECTOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE GROUND WIRE TERMINALS INSIDE THE CONNECTOR CAN OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN MELTING OF THE CONNECTOR AND A LOSS OF POWER TO VARIOUS CIRCUITS.

Consequence:

AS A RESULT, A LOSS OF CRITICAL LIGHTING OR ENGINE POWER COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RE-DESIGNED SUB-HARNESS. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.

Notes:

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

PonchoI know there is one grounding point to the frame on the left side between the battery and gas tank. Is there any other grounding points on the bike, like maybe in the nose of the bike? I am about to take care of this grounding problem with the blue connector and want to know where if any other ground points are?

Thanks

See this post to answer your questions:

Blue Wire Fix

:thumbsup:

Here is what I find interesting regarding the details of this recall in the document found on the NHTSA website: http://nhthqnwws111.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms...07V359-9716.pdf

What if you own one of the following model years but your bike has a production date or VIN outside of the scope listed below? Are you then screwed or are the bikes in between these ranges miraculously OK...?

"Section 573.6©(2) Identification of potentially affected vehicles"

Make/Model Description VIN Range/Dates of Manufacture

2002 model year

JH2RC461*2M400002 - JH2RC461*2M400006

September 6, 2001

JH2RC461*2M400008 - JH2RC461*2M402149

February 6, 2002

JH2RC464*2M400002 - JH2RC464*2M400006

September 5, 2001

JH2RC464*2M400009 - JH2RC464*2M400536

November 22, 2001 - May 13, 2002

2003 model year

JH2RC461*3M500001 - JH2RC461*3M501519

July 19, 2002 - September 19, 2002

JHWRC464*3M500001 - JH2RC461*3M500496

July 9, 2002 - July 30, 2002

2004 model year

JH2RC461*4M600001 - JH2RC461*4M601209

October 15, 2003 - December 19, 2003

JH2RC464*4M600001 - JHRC464*4M600310

October 15, 2003 - October 28, 2003

2005 model year

JH2RC461*5M700001 - JH2RC461*5M700552

August 17, 2004 - December 27, 2004

JH2RC464*5M700001 - JH2RC464*5M700186

July 8, 2004 - September 9, 2004

I sweet talked the guy that set up my parts order for the recall stuff and got the 16 page bulletin. I'm going to try and attach it to this post.

Samsung_CLX_3160_Series_20071113184007.pdf

Just got my Canadian Recall notice. Here is a copy.

I'm also in the group that is waiting for someone else to have the work done first. After buying my bike (used) this summer I have probably put about 40 hours worth of work into the bike, not counting the endless hours reading this forum and the service manual. I am very happy with my current setup and, I think, understandably worried about letting the techs do the work on it.

For those that don't work on their bikes this is an easy decision --- let the Honda guy do it.

For those that spend a bunch of time working on our bikes, I think it's only fair to feel a bit concerned about letting the kids at the shop work on them.

I would love to get the parts and do it myself. I would like it even better if there was a tech at my local dealer that I knew and trusted. AND - I would love it if the trustworthy tech let me hang out and help (ok supervise) the work.

PS - I'm riding daily and I don't plan to stop... call me crazy.

Safety Recall Honda Canada

I called my local Honda dealer on Saturday asked if they were aware of the recall on the VFRs. The guy I got was totally up to speed on the issue and assured that they had done the recall work on several other VFRs (good because I didn't want to be the practice bike). They had the replacement parts in stock and booked me an appointment for Monday morning so down the the dealer I went - in the pouring rain. I dropped off the bike at 9am and picked it up at 2pm just as they forecast.

I had a quick look at the new harness kit before it was installed... it comes in two bags. One bag had the new "Starter Battery Cable" assembly - the new red/white charge wire going into the 30 AMP fuse appears larger - a good thing - and that is all thats new with it.

Next I took a look at the "Front Sub Harness" (sorry I should have taken picture). Where the stock one only has one 6P Natural connector that plugs into the Regulator/Rectifier (RR), the new harness has two 6P connectors ("natural" is the color of the plastic BTW). If your familiar with Tightwad's excellent harness "VFRness" you will understand how this works.

BTW I don't think this obsoletes Tightwad's harness since I still feel the single factory charge wire running the long way back to the battery is insufficient AND this recall only address the 2002 VFR's onwards. However, I do think you will have issues plugging in Tighwads mod and this recall harness if only for all the other plugs now on the right hand side - it is very crowded over there.

Things I wish I did:

1. brought my tube of dielectric grease and greased all the connectors myself right there in the service department'
   
2. took a photo of the new recall harness for VFRD (if anyone gets a chance lets get a photo),
   
3. asked for my old harness back so that I could dissect it, and
   
4. stuck around a watched install and took some pictures - out of curiosity and because I have never had the front cowl off.
   

When I picked up my bike I checked that all fasteners were re-installed and that all lights operated correctly. Then I brought it home and took the right panel off to see what it looks like. Here are the before and after pictures.

NOTE: I had modified my harness this summer before bringing it into Honda... see here. The service guys left everything I did alone - none of it interfered with what they were adding anyway.

BEFORE. Note the original, single, 6P connector in the top right of the photo.

Safety Recall - AFTER.

I have left my extra wiring on the bike. I like the redundancy of the extra charge and ground wires. I have also left the RR White/Black wire running directly back to the Battery. I have not put the volt meter on the new recall harness to check the recall white/black wire but I suspect Honda has now bypassed the ignition. Correct me if I'm wrong.

For those that don't work on their bikes this is an essential recall item - although the urgency of your recall letter is probably a little overdone - we have had this problem for years HONDA!! For those that do work on their bikes the recall simply address the issues we have all been fixing ourselves.

So in summary it looks like Honda addressed three issues with this recall:

1. they upgraded the red/white charge wire at the 30 amp fuse,
   
2. they had done "something" to the blue connector to address the grounding issue (I didn't look at yet), and
   
3. they have addressed the white/black RR sensing wire issue.
   

I think Honda is reading VFRD. Now if I can only get my money back for the new RR, stator, battery, and battery harness that I replaced myself this past summer. :blink:

Took mine in last Wed. for the recall. Running just fine as usual. Picked the bike up later that afternoon......bike ran like crap.

Frustrated <_< but had to leave bike at the dealership. Two days later the service manager called and explained that they found a burned connector that's part of the main wire harness(not part of the two being replaced under the recall) and that he had contacted Honda's techline and sent pics etc. to them.

At this point, I'm told that a new main wire harness should be sent out for my bike hopefully this week.

Here's the burned connector...left side just forward of the the battery compartment

[image: gallery_326_40_103523.jpg]

Burned connector after recall

So here are some pictures my service center sent me of the wire harness.

JH2RC46143M500995_2.JPG

JH2RC46143M500995 _1.JPG

Additionally they noticed that the wires to the R/R and stator were pretty well fried as well. They looked at the stator and apparently all but one or two of the coils were charred!! :blink: Thankfully Honda picked up the cost of the stator and R/R! :unsure: I'll post pictures of the stator and R/R when I get them tomorrow.

Make sure your service shop checks these things as well. You could be eligible for some new equipment on Honda!

Das BoneTook mine in last Wed. for the recall. Running just fine as usual. Picked the bike up later that afternoon......bike ran like crap.

Frustrated <_< but had to leave bike at the dealership. Two days later the service manager called and explained that they found a burned connector that's part of the main wire harness(not part of the two being replaced under the recall) and that he had contacted Honda's techline and sent pics etc. to them.

At this point, I'm told that a new main wire harness should be sent out for my bike hopefully this week.

Here's the burned connector...left side just forward of the the battery compartment

[image: gallery_326_40_103523.jpg]

Burned connector after recall

That is one of the ground blocks. Others have had the same problem with them.

SlippinI have had the recall work done with the VFRness installed. They just left it disconnected and zip tied it together with some of the other wires. They even apologized for not being able to hook it back up saying that since it was a safety recall they weren't allowed to mess with the new harness in any way. Who knows.

Hooking the VFRness back up took a little extra time just to get everything to sit where you want it to be - things are pretty tight under there now.

I just got my bike back from the dealer. The recall work was done while I had an extra ground wire run to the Front Harness and the VFRness installed. I told the service writer about both modifications when I dropped the bike off.

The dealership didn't disconnect the VFRness from my bike. When I got it back the factory harness & the VFRness were both working and each had a 30amp fuse installed.

The new factory wiring for the 30amp fuse is nice and thick! I also noticed that my dash lights are much brighter than they used to be. Who would have thunk it? (grin)

Cool, I guess I shouldnt worry then. I got a call yesterday from the dealership and they said Honda has authorized the repairs even though I had modified the harness. I said that it was good that they did because it was their fault I modified the harness to begin with.

Got the two letters, called my local dealer and they made an appointment for today. Dropped off at 9:30, picked up same day.

The Good:

- Bike runs like a champ

- No (observed) questionable work or "service dings" added

- No problem at all with the warranty parts or service

The Better:

- My suspected faulty CCT was both observed and confirmed

- Parts for THIS issue ordered and will be repaired under extended warranty :wheel:

The Best:

- Kids Toy Run tomorrow, have my bike and will not miss it! :unsure:

was supposed to pick up mine today after 4 days in the shop... so at 5PM they call me and report that the connector at the starter solenoid is totally burned... mother honda is now replacing all my harnesses front and back AND buying me a new starter solenoid...

Bad news is newest estimate for completion puts her in the shop for over a week.

Good thing she's not my sole means of transportation... oh wait.... DAMN IT!!!!!

steidewas supposed to pick up mine today after 4 days in the shop... so at 5PM they call me and report that the connector at the starter solenoid is totally burned... mother honda is now replacing all my harnesses front and back AND buying me a new starter solenoid...

Bad news is newest estimate for completion puts her in the shop for over a week.

Good thing she's not my sole means of transportation... oh wait.... DAMN IT!!!!!

So she finally got finished tonight... picked her up, but left her in the parking lot b/c the family was going to dinner... figured we'd pick her up on the way home. Anyhow, got on, started right up, proceeded to head home. I only made it about a mile and a half. Stalled during acceleration. Restarted in neutral, but the second i put it in gear, it died again... did this process twice. While still rolling down a major road in Vegas, made sure the kickstand was up all the way and tried again. Managed to conserve enough momentum to get her off the road and onto the sidewalk. Tried to start again, but now the battery is dead. So, I send my wife (who i thoughtfully told to trail me home) back to the dealership to find everyone is closing up. 3 workers are standing around and tell my wife to call a towtruck. Seeins how i was only just over a mile away, I say f!@# you and start pushing. Eventually, one of the dudes arrives and helps me push the remaining 1/3 of a mile to the dealership.

WTF!!!

So i told the dude honda has 3 options.... 1. give me a loaner while they unfubar my bike, 2. trade me straight up for a new VFR, or 3. call my loan square and give me a HUGE discount on a new VFR...

I doubt i'll make much headway on either 3.

So now, I'm back to bipedal transportation....

DAMN YOU HONDA!!!!

Does anybody have the honda part numbers for the replacement harnesses?

vtecalDoes anybody have the honda part numbers for the replacement harnesses?

06320-MCW-305 Harness for 02-03

06320-MCW-306 Harness for 04-05

steideDAMN YOU HONDA!!!!

That's your Dealer, Not Honda. :beer:

The other side of this Recall work is that I would NOT drop my bike off at the Dealer if they did not also have a Main Harness in stock otherwise if they find a problem like with this one they need to order a main harness now and you'll have to wait days longer w/o your bike. sad.gif

Sorry your having problems!

I took my 05 in last Saturday, and I was surprised when the service advisor told me that the bike had to be inspected per the recall instructions. When it was finished I was told they didn't find any wiring problems at all...I had already done the "blue connector/green wire mod", plus the "monitor wire re-route to + battery terminal" and "30-amp fuse fix"...and in that instance the recall instructions said to only replace the front cowl sub harness. Has anyone else run into the dealer inspecting and then only replacing the front headlight harness? I was really hoping I would get the revised 30-amp fuse harness, but I supposed I can buy my own if my repair job fails (doubt it...).

NVR2L8I took my 05 in last Saturday, and I was surprised when the service advisor told me that the bike had to be inspected per the recall instructions. When it was finished I was told they didn't find any wiring problems at all...I had already done the "blue connector/green wire mod", plus the "monitor wire re-route to + battery terminal" and "30-amp fuse fix"...and in that instance the recall instructions said to only replace the front cowl sub harness. Has anyone else run into the dealer inspecting and then only replacing the front headlight harness? I was really hoping I would get the revised 30-amp fuse harness, but I supposed I can buy my own if my repair job fails (doubt it...).

I was under the impression that both the front and rear sub harness's were to be replaced under the Recall and that the main harness would also be replaced if any damage was found. :beer:

Well, maybe I am confused then. I called the dealer and spoke to another service advisor who claimed he was very familiar with the recall. He said that at a minimum the front and rear sub harnesses are replaced under the recall. Only the left main harness (and any other affected parts) are replaced if additional damage is found. So, once mine is done I will check the battery harness to see if it was replaced.

NVR2L8Well, maybe I am confused then. I called the dealer and spoke to another service advisor who claimed he was very familiar with the recall. He said that at a minimum the front and rear sub harnesses are replaced under the recall. Only the left main harness (and any other affected parts) are replaced if additional damage is found. So, once mine is done I will check the battery harness to see if it was replaced.

Yes, both harness' are part of the recall so should both be replaced.

Mine's been there over two weeks now and has had the main harness replaced as well due to the burned connector (Jeremy said it's a ground block)I posted a pic of back a bit. So, yeah.......if anyone uses their bike as a daily commuter, you may want to make sure the dealer has or atleast can get the main harness very quickly in case a problem arises as it did with mine.

In my case, interesting that all was good with my VFR up til I took it in for the recall.........coincidence or ? :beer: <_<

Mine went in on Wed morning and was done Wed afternoon, as predicted. The 05' uses a different harness than the earlier Vtec's so I had to wait until my type came in.

I left detailed notes taped to the tank regarding my three after market electrical accessories and the tech appreciated that and all went back together well.

A reassuring note; All American Honda of Santa Cruz put one one of their top techs on it, not a n00b. :thumbsup:

I rode it home; nothing different, just like normal

Apologize if this was already answered, I read the whole thread but didn't see an answer.

Are ABS models also covered under the recall?

well, let me just add in my story:

bought the bike used right about the time that Honda was sending out the letters letting people know the new harnesses were finally ready. according to the paperwork i got from the guy i bought the bike from, he had already had this issue 'fixed' to the tune of $300 at another dealership last year. not sure what they did, though. probably just gave him another harness and called it a day.

so i call my local dealership (Alba Action in Poway, CA) and they tell me the bike has to go in for inspection first. i doubted this as the letter i had seen made it sound as though the harness replacement was automatic; no inspection involved. they then said they would have to order the harness in on a case-by-case basis since Honda wasn't just automatically shipping everyone some harnesses. i asked them to order it in prior to my bike being inspected, but didn't get the warm fuzzies they were actually doing something about it.

i called the next dealership down the street (FBC in Kearny Mesa, CA). they said the harness replacement was automatic and that they had one in stock. so i rush them down the bike only to have it wait over a week before anyone touched it. they get the plastics off the bike and call me to tell me they need to order the harness. WTF???? i asked for clarification, and this is what i was told:

READ HERE!!!!

apparently, there are two harness we're talking about on this recall. the first harness is the front sub-harness, which runs your gauges, headlights, etc. the replacement of THAT harness is automatic, no questions asked. BUT, if the connection where this harness meets the main harness is fried, you need a new main harness, too. THAT'S where the inspection comes into play. apparently, mine WAS melted, which meant BOTH harnesses needed replaced.

now, as pissed as i was, this at least made sense with what Alba had tried to tell me all along. FBC told me that they wouldn't even be able to contact Honda to ORDER the harness until a week later (this was over the holiday shutdown), so i took the bike back from them since it's now my commuter (another long story).

two days after i pick up the bike from FBC, Alba calls me back and says they have the harness i asked for. i was completely dumbfounded that they had actually done what i had asked, so i had to triple-check with them that they indeed had BOTH harnesses for me. yep, they did. dropped the bike off on a Thursday night and picked it up one week later. but when i went to pick it up, one of the headlights was out. they told me the bulb was burnt out when they got it, which of course was BS. still, it was late and dark and i just wanted the bike back, so i took it home. once i got it under the light, though, i realized what they had done. they had removed the RH (from the rider's perspective) bulb and NOT even put it back in!!! i called them up, and of course they were 5 minutes from closing and wanted nothing to do with me. so i called them back the next day and told them they were full of shit for trying to pin the headlight thing on me since i knew for damn sure the bulb was at least there when i dropped it off. it took a lot of back and forth, but we eventually realized that what had happened.

when i brought the bike in, apparently the harness had fused itself to the headlight bulb. i don't know if corrosion had rusted the leads or if the plastic had melted and fused to the harness, but they basically had to cut it out of the bike. either the tech forgot or the service rep never informed me (little of both, i guess), and the ended up just giving it back as is. in the end, i just picked up a new 9003 from Wally World and slapped it in myself. other than that fiasco, the bike seems to be just fine. in fact, everything on the gauge cluster seems a little brighter, so i guess it helped in the long run.

so, there's my long story. hope it helps someone.

Mike

Here is the Service Bulletin for the harness recall, in PDF format. This also includes the upgraded wiring diagram. The front harness pays only 1.3 hours of labor... even worse is the entire harness only pays 2.4 hours labor. This hardly makes it worth doing, as your going to loose money on the deal as a tech. I suggest investigating the blue coupler yourself before you bring your bike in. this way you have some ammunition to get the whole thing replaced if it is truly needed.

Service Bulletin

This is how I ended up routing my wires and connectors. I was totally unhappy about the fit from honda so, I had to come up with something that didnt push on the fairing.

I pulled the 10mm bolt for the right side radiator. Removing the one bolt allowed me to slide the two main groups of wires from the ignition switch and right switch gear. I pulled the radiator out and slid the wires behind the mount.

[image: wiringrecall002Small.jpg]

[image: wiringrecall001Small.jpg]

[image: wiringrecall004Small.jpg]

Routing the wires this way cleared up a bunch of room. I routed the rest of the wires they way they would normally go. I played around with it a while and this was the best I could come up with. I used extra tape and plenty of zip ties. The wires no longer touch the fairing.

[image: wiringrecall005Small.jpg]

[image: wiringrecall006Small.jpg]

OH YEAH, MAKE SURE THERE IS ENOUGH SLACK IN THE WIRES. They go around the forks and need enough slack to be able to turn the bars lock to lock.

cpkelly

soichiroThis is how I ended up routing my wires and connectors. I was totally unhappy about the fit from honda so, I had to come up with something that didnt push on the fairing.

I pulled the 10mm bolt for the right side radiator. Removing the one bolt allowed me to slide the two main groups of wires from the ignition switch and right switch gear. I pulled the radiator out and slid the wires behind the mount.

Routing the wires this way cleared up a bunch of room. I routed the rest of the wires they way they would normally go. I played around with it a while and this was the best I could come up with. I used extra tape and plenty of zip ties. The wires no longer touch the fairing.

[image: wiringrecall006Small.jpg]

OH YEAH, MAKE SURE THERE IS ENOUGH SLACK IN THE WIRES. They go around the forks and need enough slack to be able to turn the bars lock to lock.

Any worries about engine heat affecting the electronics since you have the wires stuffed down over the engine??

No, not at all. They are not close to the engine at all. It wouldnt hurt them anyway unless they were on the exhaust. They are actually a little more in the air flow now. They may get damp in a monsoon but thats what dilectric grease is for. The routing works well.

It's hard to get a good pic. with the bike together.

It is the shiny plastic between the two hoses on the left.

[image: wiringrecall007Small.jpg]

[image: wiringrecall008Small.jpg]

[image: wiringrecall010Small.jpg]

[image: wiringrecall015Small.jpg]

[image: wiringrecall012Small.jpg]

Hope this helps. Notice the factory harness sits on the valve covers, for the coils. No worries, from heat. It worked great for me and my fairing fits properly now with now binding or pushing.

klrtovfrThey did only replace the front harness and left the fix on the rear harness that I did to the ground on the blue connector(spliced another ground to the screw on the frame nearby).

This has me confused. Isn't the blue connector bypass on the front harness?

Well, thanks to VFRD I just found out about this recall. I bought my 2003 VFR800 brand new in 2005. Guess what?.. No recall notice was ever sent to me! Now, with 487 miles on my bike I inspected my harness, and the connectors look a lot like the pics shown here! I don't have a local Honda dealer. I am located in Lake Havasu City, AZ and I believe that the closest dealer is in Las Vegas, NV. Is there a number to call for Honda service that I can find out what to do about getting this thing fixed before it kills me or someone else?

It's nice to have these forums for sharing knowledge. I would have never known about this recall without these forums! A few years ago (before the great forum crash), I did a step-by-step install for the carbon fiber Remus exhaust. I think I still have that data if someone is still interested.

AZVifferI bought my 2003 VFR800 brand new in 2005. Guess what?.. No recall notice was ever sent to me! Now, with 487 miles on my bike I inspected my harness, and the connectors look a lot like the pics shown here!

??? is that suppose to be 47k ??? I'm assuming it has to be 47,000 because it takes years for an issue to show usually.

You should find American Honda's number within this (huge0 thread. :rolleyes:

No, I really mean 487 miles. I already went through one fuel pump and 2 batteries from just sitting. I do have the high intensity bulbs in my high beams, which appears to be one of the reasons for the ground issue.

To all:

It seems as though after reading this thread and others on this topic, that having this recall done is a bit of a nightmare from a service perspective; and with that I'm wondering it's even worth it. I know that this can be a serious issue [hence the recall], but if the dealership damages my VFR or pisses up the work, then what better off am I...?

I only have 6K on my '05 VFRa and I've never experienced any issues in regards to this recall, or have noticed any electrical torching of the harnesses. I am, like others here are very-very sensitive to any damage to my VFR, as my VFR looks like it left the showroom yesterday. So it would be extremely disappointing to get one issue fixed, but then have another issue because of damage or improper servicing.

So, do the benefits out way the risk here? Thoughts...?

RLampkeTo all:

It seems as though after reading this thread and others on this topic, that having this recall done is a bit of a nightmare from a service perspective; and with that I'm wondering it's even worth it. I know that this can be a serious issue [hence the recall], but if the dealership damages my VFR or pisses up the work, then what better off am I...?

I only have 6K on my '05 VFRa and I've never experienced any issues in regards to this recall, or have noticed any electrical torching of the harnesses. I am, like others here are very-very sensitive to any damage to my VFR, as my VFR looks like it left the showroom yesterday. So it would be extremely disappointing to get one issue fixed, but then have another issue because of damage or improper servicing.

So, do the benefits out way the risk here? Thoughts...?

I would be in no hurry to get it done, but would take the time to investigate Honda Dealers in your area and choose the best regarded one and have the work done sometime this year or next winter. I would Not use a Dealer that tells you the bike has to be in their hands before they order the parts, find one that will order them with just your Vin# and call you when they arrive to schedule a time for you to bring the bike in.

The experience is Totally based on the Dealer, good or bad so look around! :thumbsup:

Several members here in Nashville have had great service at Cool Springs Honda getting this done, they ordered the part and called each member back when it came in to schedule the work. TN VFR Girl just had her's done there Sat., she road there Sat. morning and rode out after lunch! :thumbsup:

I will most likely let them do my bike too, maybe even check the valves! :warranty: :pissed:

I'll be stripping my plastics and trucking the bike down to the dealer in the next few weeks for this. They called me last Nov. to confirm that they would order the harness upon confirmation of an appoinment time.

I wonder a couple of things:

1/ If they are doing the harness, that it may be good time to update my '04 to clear lenses front and back?

2/ With the discussion of thermostat issues of late, would this be a good time to have them replace it, even though I've had no problems?

3/ How insulted would you be, if I came to your shop with 1 & 2, but said I already have the parts (purchased during winter)?

diditI'll be stripping my plastics and trucking the bike down to the dealer in the next few weeks for this. They called me last Nov. to confirm that they would order the harness upon confirmation of an appoinment time.

I wonder a couple of things:

1/ If they are doing the harness, that it may be good time to update my '04 to clear lenses front and back?

This would require the Dealer to install 06-up f&r harnesses in order for the correct bulb sockets/plugs to work and No way you will get them to oder 06 harnesses for your 04 under the Recall IMO.

2/ With the discussion of thermostat issues of late, would this be a good time to have them replace it, even though I've had no problems?

I would Not have it replaced if you don't have any issue, the new one could go bad sooner then your current one so I wouldn't suggest it at all!

3/ How insulted would you be, if I came to your shop with 1 & 2, but said I already have the parts (purchased during winter)?

Thank you. Ah, to pick greater minds than mine.

didit2/ With the discussion of thermostat issues of late, would this be a good time to have them replace it, even though I've had no problems?

3/ How insulted would you be, if I came to your shop with 1 & 2, but said I already have the parts (purchased during winter)?

I think number 2 is another example of internet hysteria. A failed thermostat will not hurt your bike or strand you. If it ever fails, replace it then; just like about every other part on a VFR.

Number 3, most factory dealers make more money on parts than labor. If it is an independent shop, it will be less of a problem.

Im not sure why you wouldnt want to have it done. I wouldnt be scared off by some of the horror threads on the internet; most of the people who've had no issues with their experience (which is the majority) arent gonna post anything in the first place. I think it'd be wiser to get the update done just for peace of mind's sake. I had no idea I had an issue until I lost my lights in the middle of nowhere one night, out of state, and luckily my buddy lived within riding distance away. Then the next day, the bike died out after hitting a bump in Mt St Helens park....again with no one around. Again, i was lucky to have it start again and get me back to portland.

They're offering a fix for a problem that could leave you stranded that looks to be reliable, and free of charge. I understand your concerns with having someone else tinkering with your bike, believe me. If it makes you feel better, do what I did and take the bodywork off yourself so at least theres no chance of there being any cosmetic-related screw ups on their part. besides that, the wiring install itself if pretty straight forward, and with the bodywork off, you'll be able to inspect their installation job as you see fit.

And as for the bringing in your own parts thing, they probably wont have an issue with it especially if they're Honda parts. But, they reserve the right to not install parts supplied by you. I get the same thing here once and awhile in the automotive business here. Many people deliberately buy the parts at a discount parts place, and ask us to install them, because them buying the parts elsewhere is much less expensive. I can understand their logic, but then I also ask them if they bring their own steaks to the restaurant and ask them to cook them for them.

Yeah, our local steak house won't let us do that. smile.gif

Does anyone have any recommendations for a Honda service center in the Las Vegas, NV or Phoenix, AZ area that you have personally used? The somewhat local (60 miles away) dealer didn't know what a VFR was! :idea3:

AZVifferYeah, our local steak house won't let us do that. smile.gif

Does anyone have any recommendations for a Honda service center in the Las Vegas, NV or Phoenix, AZ area that you have personally used? The somewhat local (60 miles away) dealer didn't know what a VFR was! :beer:

I had my work performed at Canyon Honda, Scottsdale AZ work was performed quick and the actually had the wiring harness in stock. When I called (Two Seperate Times) I was told they would have to order it, but I went in two seperate weekends and they had the parts when I was in person. So one afternoon I stopped by asked if the parts were in stock ,"Yep" went home got my bike and took it in. Two days later it was done. A word of caution though, they replaces the harness and the red 30amp fuse line but did not rout it correctly. so when I got it home I spent a hour routing my cables the way they should go. The dealer had routed them over the battery and under the strap, not along the bottom of the battery box.

I used them because they are less than two miles from my house and I could walk home after dropping off, and they had the parts in stock.

That is my Story, take it for what it is worth.

Jay

Look thru this Post there is a member Daniel Paul that is in Prescott it sounds like he works at a dealer that has done a couple of the Harnesses.

well 2 weeks now and still no wire hareness called the dealler again yesterday and when the service manager called me back i was told that he called honda and the hareness has been shipped but theve not recieved it yet :wacko:

Thanks for the info, Jay!

Just got back from my local dealer today after waiting 2 weeks for the parts. They told me that all the parts are on backorder and not to expect them until May. Luckily they're not holding my bike for colateral so I'm still riding.

Although I must say, while waiting a 2008 Triumph Sprint ST was trying to tempt me...

Well, I made my appointment today. The dealer said it should take about a week for the harness to come in. Here's to hoping it's not on backorder from Honda Canada.

Question for anyone who has done the RR monitor wire fix and has the front harness replaced under the recall----Someone may have already answered this already, but will the the "monitor wire fix" still work after the recall wire harness is installed?

Extreme Justice

Extreme JusticeI called up the dealer here in St Albert (Canada) and was told the same thing. They have to look/examine the bike before they can order the wiring harness. So I brought it in Feb 28th. Hopefully won't take long to get back. good thing is that there's still snow/dirt on road. Only thing that has me a little worried is that my bike will be the guinnie pig.

Well my dealer called me on Friday(March 21) to say my bike was ready after having BOTH Harnesses replaced. I picked it up on Saturday (March 22), took off from the dealership and noticed that my ABS Light was staying on. So turned around and headed back to the Dealership. Now my bike sits in the shop until Tuesday untill they open again (easter Holidays) before it can get diagnosed as to what's wrong. Just glad it's still kinda winter here.

Picked up the bike today and everything is good. Problem was the ABS connection. Apparently didn't push in the connector far enough to make contact (So I'm told). All in All happy with my dealer and time frame.

P.S. Honda Canada is going to reimburse me the $450.00 it cost me last year to fix the Burn't/Melted 30 Amp wire fix I had the dealer do before the recall was issued.

vtecalQuestion for anyone who has done the RR monitor wire fix and has the front harness replaced under the recall----Someone may have already answered this already, but will the the "monitor wire fix" still work after the recall wire harness is installed?

My monitor wire is still in place since the harness was replaced, the dealer had disconnected it from the battery but when I got home I reconnected everything and it works great. As posted above I went thru all the wiring post dealer to clean it up and run things right.

Jay

THANKS!!

Well, I'm late to the game. I'm presently overseas, so I don't know if I got any recall notice from Honda or not. Guess I'll find out when I get home in a month.

I have had problems with that ground wire in the main connector on the left front. I've jumped around it and haven't had problems since, but I'll get it swapped if they offer.

I trust my dealer and they know I"ll be back to complain if it ain't right!

A data point

I recently moved and live 6 miles from "Willow motorsports" in Cheshire Ct. The guys there are very nice, so far. Last week I got some new Stradas mounted up and asked about the recall. His first response was "Bring the bike in and I'll take a look to see if you need the recall" I showed him my reg. with the VIN # and told him I definately was eligible. The book confirmed this and he said "I can get the parts in 6 days, so bring your bike in on the 31st" I worked hard to get my newly gutted pipe and regearing done over the weekend, arranged a ride and dropped the bike off.

Today the dealer calls and says the parts are backordered and I am #77 on the list. Supposedly there are several hundred backordered, and his estimate is April 22nd to get parts. Now this isn't a huge deal for me, but I specifically asked him to make sure he would get the parts before I brought my bike in. (as usual the VFRD folks are more knowledgeable than the dealers).

So it appears the parts are held up nationwide but should be coming in the next few weeks.

So I am going to pick up my bike and ride it until it is convenient to drop it off and then go through the drop off pick up routine again.

If it weren't for the resale value thing, I would just jump out the blue connector and buy the Radio shack 30 am fuse holder like I did on my '02!!!

I'm surprised by the number of "back order" comments. I stopped by the local Honda shop last week to discuss the recall. After the initial attitude I got when they discovered that I didn't buy the bike from them, they said they would order the harness. Got a call yesterday saying it had arrived and I have an appointment next week to get the work done.

I finally got around to contacting my local dealer (Fun Bike Center, San Diego) and after they took my information down on Friday, they finally heard back from Honda today that the parts are back ordered until April 25 or so. Good news is, they don't have possession of my VFR while waiting for the parts. They did tell me that once they have the parts, it will only be a day or two until it's completed. Looks like I get to rude until the end of the month!

VFRnGTP

magicmanWell, I made my appointment today. The dealer said it should take about a week for the harness to come in. Here's to hoping it's not on backorder from Honda Canada.

It shouldn't be...I took mine to Pro Cycle in Dartmouth on the 16th of March, and got it back on the 31st (last Monday). She's all ready to go...in fact I rode for about an hour today...and yes, it was cold.

A new twist to this!

33 days and too many phone calls later... :fing02:

new wiring harness ,front and main

new reg/rec

new stator

new 30 amp fuse harness

all compliments of mr.honda and the recall

03' vfr way out of warranty :rolleyes:

I also forgot to mention that before the wiring harness was replace, my bike voltage was at 15.3 Volts while riding! Now it sits at 14.0 Volts.

Mine had the recall work done this past week. The dealer had the bike for three days and everything seems to be working well since the work was done. They also reconnected my Hot Grips, and my Jastek (both were dealer installed anyway). They also did the brake recall while they had it.

Sigh, I am in the 'back order' group. My comment is more about how people just do not have the ability to listen to others. I told the service manager at Motorsports International (which appears to be more of a Suzook shop than Honda) that the wire harness for this recall is coming up back-ordered around the country, further it make take as many as 3 weeks to come in. "blah-blah-blah," I hear, "we probably have the part in stock." "Okay," I say, then wanting to add, "Yours would be the only shop in the country that does." A week later, the service manager tells me, "yup, don't have the part in stock, we ordered it, but its back-ordered." This is one of those moments where I want to scream, "What the Put-Favorite-F-Word-Here did I tell you a week ago!?" Meanwhile, I needed new tires, eek, mine were bald-bald-bald, so I had this shop put them on the bike. Well, there's $500 worth of tires on the bike, not paid for, so I'm hoping this will motivate these guys to finish the recall, but who knows.

I just got a call this afternoon. Bike is ready to pick up.

Front sub harness replaced, fresh oil/filter, air filter, and they installed my Scorpio Alarm while they were in there.

And the kicker is that my hardbags just arrived from the UK this morning, so all in all, it's been a pretty good day.

Ready to rock.

Only made the call last friday, and dropped it off on last wednesday. Quick.

I guess all you back-order guys have to take a trip up north. :cool:

Well, it was too good to be true! Went to drop off my bike for the recall work today. Asked the service manager to double check the part. He came back with a harness, but I don't know what it was for! He disappears in to the parts department and comes back shaking his head, back ordered until May. :angry: Not sure what he ordered two weeks ago. What is it with these dealers? :blink:

ConedodgerI'm surprised by the number of "back order" comments. I stopped by the local Honda shop last week to discuss the recall. After the initial attitude I got when they discovered that I didn't buy the bike from them, they said they would order the harness. Got a call yesterday saying it had arrived and I have an appointment next week to get the work done.

well my bike has been in the shop a month as of today,i got fed up and called honda corp the # is on the recall letter.the rep told me the parts are indeed on back order but 400 units will be in sometime next week. so i suggest anyone who is in the fence about getting this done better call there dealer early next week to get the parts ordered before they run out again

So, I've been trying to get help from the Honda dealership in my home town but they keep telling me "we've had one on order for over 2 months". So I call the dealership in the city where I work and the lady tells me she'll need to read the bulletin, call Honda to check on parts, etc. I can understand all this and she's asking for my phone number to call me back, so everything is at least looking positive...then she says, "that's a 2003 Interceptor, what's the model number for that?". So, I tell her VFR800 and she replies, "Great! That will really speed things up!"

Do I want a Honda service center that doesn't know what an Interceptor is working on my bike? I'm thinking seriously about skipping the recall and just ordering a VFRness.

zx5goSo, I've been trying to get help from the Honda dealership in my home town but they keep telling me "we've had one on order for over 2 months". So I call the dealership in the city where I work and the lady tells me she'll need to read the bulletin, call Honda to check on parts, etc. I can understand all this and she's asking for my phone number to call me back, so everything is at least looking positive...then she says, "that's a 2003 Interceptor, what's the model number for that?". So, I tell her VFR800 and she replies, "Great! That will really speed things up!"

Do I want a Honda service center that doesn't know what an Interceptor is working on my bike? I'm thinking seriously about skipping the recall and just ordering a VFRness.

Just because the receptionist doesn't know what it is doesn't mean the techs don't know what they are doing.

Hello, i'am a newbe on this site. I have read this topic because i have all of this problems on my bike. It's a 2002 no abs break. The recall of the alternator, cbs break was do but this recall will be in the nearest futur. In the last 2 years i put over 3500 can $ on this bike in repair of electrical problems. The pcm was changed, firering cylinder problem, and now the buzzing dash with not runnig engine. My question is : do this bike will be safety if this recall is do and the wiring changed ? Because all wirering probably had overheating Does it repair is the key of safety ride ? The bike have only 30 000 km (20 000 miles) I think that the quality of honda product, is defect in the VFR case.

I hope that you understand my english. :fing02:

Just got a call from my dealer that my parts were in. I'm now scheduled for May 1st to have the work done. Hopefully it doesn't take them more than a couple of days to get the job done.

I just got my bike back from the 30 day hell it took to get the recall and thermostate done.

Datapoint:

Recall parts ordered April 1st. They are in now. I dropped the bike off yesterday and I should get it back tomorrow.

Point is, wait until the service guy says he has the parts in hand before surrendering your bike!!

roadpuppDatapoint:

Recall parts ordered April 1st. They are in now. I dropped the bike off yesterday and I should get it back tomorrow.

Point is, wait until the service guy says he has the parts in hand before surrendering your bike!!

I would have but he would not order the parts without my bike being there i even tried giving him the vin # but no dice

snake

roadpuppDatapoint:

Recall parts ordered April 1st. They are in now. I dropped the bike off yesterday and I should get it back tomorrow.

Point is, wait until the service guy says he has the parts in hand before surrendering your bike!!

I would have but he would not order the parts without my bike being there i even tried giving him the vin # but no dice

Guys,

On the recall letter, there's a Honda Customer Service number.

Use it! It helped expedite my order.

It did also help that my local dealer did not want to store my bike yet was willing to order the parts with my Vin#. They are running a VFR waiting list at their shop. (Kudos to Mission Motorcycle in Daly City CA)

After 3 months of being on the waiting/backorder list I called the Cust.Service line. They were very professional, apologetic even, recorded my information assigned a case number and proceeded a parts tracking with weekly callbacks of status.

It took almost 3 weeks from that point (they said they were tracking an order from overseas, sounds believable based on the posts)

My local dealer called to set an appt. and it was done, front and batt. harness on the day I dropped it off. (About 2 weeks ago)

I was not experiencing any shorting or burnt wiring leading up to this but have gained a peace of mind knowing it is done as we roll into the heavier riding season here.

I have proceeded to install a set of heated grips using a relay running off the lic. plate light. So far so good!

Regards,

Ok, I finally convinced the local dealership to order the part without having my bike in their shop! They said they'd know within 5 days if the part was on backorder. The also told me about the PCV safety recall and said they would perform that test when they were putting on the harness. They were kind enough to inform me to be prepared because if the bike fails the PCV test they must keep the bike until it is repaired and they will have to order the part.

Pretty much took the standard 3 weeks to get it done, but mine has finally had the warranty work done. (I was in the 'back ordered' category.) It figures, I took the bike in when the roads and temperatures were barely acceptable for riding, and the very next week the warm weather arrives with a vengeance. And to give the dealership the benefit of the doubt, they were hampered by the same thing as the Red Sox (which some of us suspect also has exaggerated the truth) with many key employees out with the flu.

I had the bike's oil changed while it was there, so the comparison between before & after is not as controlled an experiment as possible, but it definitely feels like its running better when the flat spot @ 4K RPM not as flat as I remember. Low end snatchiness is also a little better, but still there as I discovered in the parking garage this morning (nothing like watching a concrete pillar suddenly dart towards you to get your attention). I really have to do something about that this year, starting with double checking the throttle cable slack.

Ok, I took my bike in and they said the harness recall work had already been completed? I purchased my VFR from the original owner and we had specific discussions about how he had NOT had the recall completed and he even provided me with the recall letter that Honda sent him. The mechanic told me that the recall harness looked different (he said different colored connectors and additional connectors?). I called Honda Customer Service and they showed that my VFR needed the recall work still. Customer Service called the dealership and when the mechanic explained what he saw Honda agreed that the work had been performed??? Can anyone tell me if the new harness does use different color connectors or how I could visually tell for myself if the work has been completed (I don't see how the original owner wouldn't have known)? The original owner says the only electrical issue ever fixed was the R/R. Did that fix change the harness at all? The mechanic was comparing the harness on my bike to one he had removed from another VFR for the recall. The way it looks/sounds, my VFR is going to end up with out the recall but with Honda thinking it was done.

Finally got my bike back after a week. According to the zero dollar amount invoice I received, this was a 1.3 hour job. Apparently I was victim to poor scheduling on their part. :blink:

Looks like I got the front harness and the main fuse wiring replaced.

A tank of gas later and I have noted that the VTEC engagement is smoother. Is that weird? Other than that, it seems to be a successful job!

Wish me luck. I drop mine off after work tomorrow.

Well, I went to Triangle Cycles in Danville, VA in February. Told them I wanted to get the recall done. The service guy looked it up and said yes we need to order the harness. I am 1.5 hours away, so he graciously said "we'll get the part and give you a call and you can ride up here , we'll put the harness on and you can go home that day to keep from driving so far twice." This would work out great. They called me 2 days later and let me know know that Honda was telling them it was backordered until May. A couple of weeks later I got a call that they had the part and would make room for me on that Friday. (80 degrees and sunny) This was mid April. My only bad experience was watching the tech take my bike apart to get to the harness. It took 3.5 hours to change and check out the other wires. I can honestly say he didn't take a break while working on it. It was pretty involved. Great ride home too. Even though this dealer is 1 hr more away than 2 other Honda dealers I will return. Great guys.

ConedodgerWish me luck. I drop mine off after work tomorrow.

They've had it a full day and haven't even started it yet. :pissed:

Keondgo<snip descr. of harness swap.> Even though this dealer is 1 hr more away than 2 other Honda dealers I will return. Great guys.

Comparing notes with other 6th Gen owners here in the People's Republic of Massachusetts, I've found that some dealers are definitely better at this recall than others. Admittedly, my bike was the first one done by the dealer nearest me, and had I known that, would have gone elsewhere, because at my age, I put a dear price on my patience. Meanwhile, my bike has run like a top since I've gotten it back, so no complaints on the quality of the work. But definitely, if you can find a dealership who's done the recall before, seriously consider that service department over those that clearly haven't done it before.

Conedodger

ConedodgerWish me luck. I drop mine off after work tomorrow.

They've had it a full day and haven't even started it yet. :fing02:

Got it back today. So far the only complaint is that they didn't reset my clock. I've only driven it 5 miles and haven't had time to look it over in detail, but everything appears to in working order.

The wire harness replacement has been completed on my '03 -- not by a dealer, but by me. Why, you may ask, would I do that?

Read on......

First, a little background. The main wire harness was replaced under warranty in June 2004, due to the usual symptoms of no headlights, relays buzzing, and engine cut-out when the turn signals were used. That is the only time my VFR has ever been back to the dealer, and, since then, I've had no electrical problems.

But, with the wire harness recall, I'm thinking that I ought to get it done, because there are changes in the front sub-harness that should improve reliability. So, I contacted the dealer where I bought the bike, and they agreed to order the harness and call me when it came in. In a few days, I called the dealer and was told that the harness was not available. Now, I knew from reading the posts on vfrd that the non-availability problem affected the 2004-2005 models, but I wasn't sure about the 2002-2003 models. So, I called the Honda Customer Service number as a double check and was told that there were several kits available for my bike.

OK, back to the dealer, and I politely told them they had been trying to order the wrong kit. One strike against them.

Since I never had the proportioning control valve (PCV) recall done, I thought this would be a good time for that, too, even though I had already accomplished the PCV inspection several times and found it to be within spec. I made this clear to the dealer, but they ordered a PCV valve before completing the inspection, which is in violation of the service bulletin.

I'm thinking that this is not a good sign, and it may be a case of the dealer wanting to get paid for 2.9 hours for the PCV inspection and replacement, rather than getting paid for 0.7 hour for the inspection only. The idea of taking my bike to the dealer for anything causes me great anxiety to begin with, much less tearing into it for unnecessary work, with all the risk of screw-up’s and damage that that entails. Strike two against the dealer.

I made it clear to the dealer that they were NOT to change the PCV valve without my specific authorization. Oh, and I didn't want any punch marks anywhere on my bike (Remember that thread?), as called for by the service bulletin procedures. Certain uncomfortable tensions were developing at this point between me and the tech who would do the work. To make a long story short, I became annoyed and concerned to the point where I canceled the appointment. Contributing to this decision were all the stories I had read here about unsatisfactory experiences with the dealers.

At this point, I said screw it and ordered the harness kit from Service Honda, part no. 06320-MCW-305. The cost was $121, plus $9.00 shipping. The harness and the battery cable have been installed by me, and I'm a happy camper. The out of pocket cost was worth it to me to avoid having to deal with the dealer and incur whatever anxiety and risk that entails. You have to understand that this dealer is very small with only one qualified tech, and when tensions developed between me and him, there was no way I felt even remotely good about taking my bike in for the recall work. I could have taken it to another dealer, but I really didn't have confidence in any of them at this point. Plus, the overriding consideration, I suppose, is that I am the paranoid type and prefer to do my own work when at all possible.

So, am I the only one here who has done the PCV and wire harness recalls themselves?

I'm glad to hear someone else did this for themselves. I've had some bad experience already concerning the harness recall (one dealer kept claiming they couldn't get the harness and the other tells me it has already been completed and of course they tell me this after they order and have the parts...it hasn't been done). I've been contemplating ordering the kit and doing it myself. So much so that I priced the kit and I have the service bulletin outlining the repair.

Do you have the service bulletin for the PCV work? Could you send me a copy? The second dealer did perform the check but I'd prefer to see it pass for myself.

zx5goI'm glad to hear someone else did this for themselves. I've had some bad experience already concerning the harness recall (one dealer kept claiming they couldn't get the harness and the other tells me it has already been completed and of course they tell me this after they order and have the parts...it hasn't been done). I've been contemplating ordering the kit and doing it myself. So much so that I priced the kit and I have the service bulletin outlining the repair.

Do you have the service bulletin for the PCV work? Could you send me a copy? The second dealer did perform the check but I'd prefer to see it pass for myself.

zx5go,

I've sent you a PM.

Okay, Here's my own story....

Didn't know about the recall even with frequent visits in this site (slaps forehead) anyway, it was revealed to me when I was getting a new key (lost one of the originals). They checked it all as required, and the bike only needed the front harness done. I checked it out myself and agreed that there wasn't any sign of scortching in the plug. This was about March. They had no trouble getting the parts and the recall was done about a week later.

Fast Forward to this afternoon. The bike is in for a 72K km service. Only comment.. Now the rest of the harness is trashed. The bike is fine at the moment while they await parts, but basically they are up for the recall again. They are going to redo the work they did last time, and replace the rest of the harness, and a new stator. My comment... "Well hope you enjoy it!" I can only assume that there was damage earlier on that was not evident from a visual check of the plug (where the main joins the front)

Not sure if there's a lesson there, but its something to keep an eye on.

I took my bike in last Wednesday(5/21/08) and had a bit of a snafu. The parts guy asked me the year of the bike, got a harness in, took two weeks. Bike got there, wrong harness for mine. Called Honda, harness was shipped overnight and arrived the next morning. They get everything out of the box, and Honda didn't send the harness for the front section. Actually asked the dealership to take pictures because of the severely melted plug on the main harness. Overnighted the parts to repair everything, got her this morning, and now she is done. As a matter of fact, the dealership double checked for any other recall issues and found another one that I wasn't even aware of for an LBS issue.

All in all, they have been great. According to the tech that is doing the work, this is the 6th VFR they have had in for the recall. Said he has it down to a science, and they have had zero complaints. They are even working around my crazy work schedule to help me pick her up tomorrow morning. According to the tech, EVERYTHING has been replaced. Brand new harness all around, new main fuse section. They even saw that I had my o2 sensors unplugged and asked me if that was ok, or they wanted them to put them back together. He said they started her, and checked everything for me, and that she sounds awesome in the shop. Seems they like those Laser pipes, lol.

All in all, kudos to Action Honda in Hudson Florida. John in the shop over there has been great and more than willing to help out and make sure to get back to me any time I call there.

Later,

Jeff

curtThe wire harness replacement has been completed on my '03 -- not by a dealer, but by me. Why, you may ask, would I do that?

snip ....

So, am I the only one here who has done the PCV and wire harness recalls themselves?

I also did the wiring harness recall myself .. tho in my case I didn't have to pay for it. Found an obliging dealer that got the harnesses in & mailed them to me. :laugh:

Curt ... Could you also please send me the tech note on the PCV recall check? I would appreciate checking that myself also.

TIA

Dave

oz-e

curtThe wire harness replacement has been completed on my '03 -- not by a dealer, but by me. Why, you may ask, would I do that?

snip ....

So, am I the only one here who has done the PCV and wire harness recalls themselves?

I also did the wiring harness recall myself .. tho in my case I didn't have to pay for it. Found an obliging dealer that got the harnesses in & mailed them to me. :laugh:

Curt ... Could you also please send me the tech note on the PCV recall check? I would appreciate checking that myself also.

TIA

Dave

Dave,

Lucky you! But I don't understand how the dealer could pull that off, unless they made a warranty claim with Honda for warranty work on your VFR that they didn't accomplish. I think Honda would frown on that, to put it mildly.

Sent you a PM regarding the PCV recall service bulletin.

My saga continues. Curt helped me BIG TIME by walking me through some of the differences between the pre and post recall harness and even sent some pictures. With his assistance I have determined that the dealership I took my bike to for the recall was completely wrong is saying my bike had already had the recall performed. It's not worth arguing with them since I have zero confidence in them and wouldn't want them touching my bike anyway. I called Action Honda in Bentonville, Arkansas and explained the situation to them, including the fact that my VIN was marked. They looked my VIN up on Honda's site and it showed that my bike required the recall, to which he said, "that's all that matters to us". He even said the PCV recall still showed open for my bike even though the other dealership claimed they performed that work while it was there.

Action Honda is going to call when the parts are in and I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thought that I would let everyone know, I got mine back this morning. Rode her home from the dealership with no body work on (and my girlfriend behind me in her Sheriff's car, smile.gif )

Not only did it get fixed, and all the wiring being completely brand new, they also saw that I had a bad headlight, and replaced it free of charge, along with noticing that I was missing a bolt, and replacing that too!

On top of it, they met me at the dealership an hour earlier than they open and had her ready to go right out the door.

They let me know to call them should I notice anything wrong at all.

So, I guess I can be one of the ones that says he has absolutely no complaints.

YAY ME! :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :ph34r: :fing02: :fing02: :laugh: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Oh oh... After waiting 4 months for the wiring harness, it finally arrived at local Honda dealer this week. Maybe too late... I've noticed my VFR turning over slower in last couple of weeks. This morning, it wouldn't start - battery was dead. Will look things over tonight when I get home from work, but I'm worried there is electrical damage to the charging system. Maybe I'll be lucky and it will only be the battery, but based on VFRD Forum, I'm skeptical...

2003_VTEC_RiderThought that I would let everyone know, I got mine back this morning. Rode her home from the dealership with no body work on (and my girlfriend behind me in her Sheriff's car, smile.gif )

Not only did it get fixed, and all the wiring being completely brand new, they also saw that I had a bad headlight, and replaced it free of charge, along with noticing that I was missing a bolt, and replacing that too!

On top of it, they met me at the dealership an hour earlier than they open and had her ready to go right out the door.

They let me know to call them should I notice anything wrong at all.

So, I guess I can be one of the ones that says he has absolutely no complaints.

YAY ME! :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :3: :ph34r: :fing02: :fing02: :laugh: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Again with a burned out headlight.....

Hi, I ride an '04 VFR ABS with almost 9K miles on it. Bought new, no mods, and no complaints. Went down to the shop to ask about the recall today. The guy said that they've done a couple and were waiting on parts for a couple more. So, I'm looking at about 2 weeks to get it done (due to their service backlog), assuming they can get a kit in for me before then. Now is riding time, and I'd much prefer to do that if everything looks like it will be OK. I've gotten the idea that this a progressive problem, and that I should be able to tell what kind of shape I'm in by checking for evidence of trouble. I pulled the covers off and looked at the white 3-pin connector on the right side, the big blue connector on the left, and the 30-Amp fuse block by the battery. The first two were fine, and the fuse still looks alright even though it's seems to be getting a little warm. Is there anything else I should check? Also, while I was looking at it, I found a plug (black with green/brown wires) just hanging out in the breeze under there. If anyone knows what that's for, can you let me know? Thanks!

[image: vfr2.jpg]

[image: vfr3.jpg]

Add me to the list of back orders. I bought my 04' VFR last July and never called Honda to get my address on file. I missed the recall letter and found out about it when it was too late. I was 250kms away from home when my bike just died. All the wiring is fried and my battery is completely dead. It was an expensive tow ride home. The bike is now at a Honda Dealership waiting for that new wiring harness. I called Honda Canada to ask about a new battery and received quite a rude response! I finally asked to speak to someone else and he just put me on hold to talk to someone. Once he came back on the phone he was much nicer about it and the battery might be covered. I am worried about my stator and my RR as well.

Sounds like everyone else managed to get the recall completed before they ran into any problems.

I am hoping to get my bike back soon as I am taking a race course with it. If I am miss this course I am going to have to wait until NEXT YEAR to take it. That would be really frustrating. :laugh: I have yet to start my 2008 riding season! grrrrrrrrr

pserveHi, I ride an '04 VFR ABS with almost 9K miles on it. Bought new, no mods, and no complaints. Went down to the shop to ask about the recall today. The guy said that they've done a couple and were waiting on parts for a couple more. So, I'm looking at about 2 weeks to get it done (due to their service backlog), assuming they can get a kit in for me before then. Now is riding time, and I'd much prefer to do that if everything looks like it will be OK.

Hi and welcome to VFRD! :laugh:

I didn't see where you lived, but I would ride it all season and have it fixed over the winter instead of loosing the best riding weather.

Your 30 amp fuse looks great, did you pull the blue connector apart? It doesn't usually show a problem until it fails. :laugh:

Worse case I would just do the ground wire fix and keep riding until winter if your worried at all, otherwise just ride it until winter. :goofy:

Baileyrock

pserveHi, I ride an '04 VFR ABS with almost 9K miles on it. Bought new, no mods, and no complaints. Went down to the shop to ask about the recall today. The guy said that they've done a couple and were waiting on parts for a couple more. So, I'm looking at about 2 weeks to get it done (due to their service backlog), assuming they can get a kit in for me before then. Now is riding time, and I'd much prefer to do that if everything looks like it will be OK.

Hi and welcome to VFRD! :goofy:

I didn't see where you lived, but I would ride it all season and have it fixed over the winter instead of loosing the best riding weather.

Your 30 amp fuse looks great, did you pull the blue connector apart? It doesn't usually show a problem until it fails. :warranty:

Worse case I would just do the ground wire fix and keep riding until winter if your worried at all, otherwise just ride it until winter. :fing02:

Thanks Bailey, but I'm grounded until this is fixed. I was going to do the R/R test today (charging V @ 5500 w/ lights), so the bike was running when I noticed some vapors near the fuse block. It was getting hot enough to burn the insulation right there in front of me. Apparently the failure is not progressive, all it needs to do is get too hot once, and failure will follow shortly. I did pull the blue connector apart, and the inside was still fine. However, I had 15.3V from the R/R to the battery just at idle, so that's bad too. sad.gif

Update - I waited 4 mo to get harness (no rush here in MI, the snow just melted last week)... Took VFR in last Friday, thought I could pick it up Saturday, but dealer called and said part was damaged. They rush ordered another harness, received it on Monday, and completed the work on Tuesday. How can they get a part in 2 days when had to wait 4 mo for the first one? They did a PCV check as well, apparently there was a tech note on that. Service manager said the right low beam bulb burned out when they tested the job. But I see on the receipt they replaced both low beam bulbs. So I have the bike back and all is well. Service manager had 3 more VFR's to do after mine, said he'll leave my number and VFRD link for them.

Scot

'04 VFR800

:fing02:

Has anyone in Houston dealt with any of the local dealerships for this recall?

My bike cut out on me while coming out of a turn yesterday for no apparent reason (only second time I can recall this ever happening), so I decided maybe I should go ahead and have this fix done just in case it was the cause.

My two nearby dealers are Galveston Honda and Pasadena Honda.

Earlier this year I spoke with the service department at Galveston Honda about the recall. They knew about it and had done at least one job, but they said they were severely backed up on all their jobs and wouldn't be able to get mine done for some time (months!!). They also lead me to believe that it was a very difficult procedure that could require tearing the whole bike apart (if the main harness needed replacing)... hmm...

I just spoke with Pasadena Honda. The service guy told me that they've done one of these jobs. He also told me that I would have to drop off my bike, then it would be 4 to 5 days for them to inspect and order the necessary parts (would not order parts without first inspecting the bike). I'd rather deal with them because they have a pretty large service department and can probably turn it around quickly, but I don't want to take it there then end up waiting indefinitely for backordered parts. How can I tactfully request that they determine the availability status of ALL potential replacement parts before bringing in the bike?

angstHas anyone in Houston dealt with any of the local dealerships for this recall?

My bike cut out on me while coming out of a turn yesterday for no apparent reason (only second time I can recall this ever happening), so I decided maybe I should go ahead and have this fix done just in case it was the cause.

My two nearby dealers are Galveston Honda and Pasadena Honda.

Earlier this year I spoke with the service department at Galveston Honda about the recall. They knew about it and had done at least one job, but they said they were severely backed up on all their jobs and wouldn't be able to get mine done for some time (months!!). They also lead me to believe that it was a very difficult procedure that could require tearing the whole bike apart (if the main harness needed replacing)... hmm...

I just spoke with Pasadena Honda. The service guy told me that they've done one of these jobs. He also told me that I would have to drop off my bike, then it would be 4 to 5 days for them to inspect and order the necessary parts (would not order parts without first inspecting the bike). I'd rather deal with them because they have a pretty large service department and can probably turn it around quickly, but I don't want to take it there then end up waiting indefinitely for backordered parts. How can I tactfully request that they determine the availability status of ALL potential replacement parts before bringing in the bike?

Just give them your VIN.# and ask them to Order the required Recall parts which is the front and rear sub harnesses, the only other item they would have to order is the Main herness if they did find damage to it when installing the other Recall parts.

Tell them most good Dealers around the country are doing it this way so that the owner doesn't have to loose his bike while parts are on order. :rolleyes:

I tried to call the Honda Customer Support line to get a straight answer: either "yes, your dealer can order the parts for you ahead of time" or "no, the dealer requires a thorough inspection, etc, etc," but I got a recording that said they were closed for a meeting :huh:

So anyway, I called Pasadena Honda again and started to tell the service guy to order the necessary parts before I bring the bike in and he interrupted me saying "Honda won't let us do that. We're required to do an inspection of the bike before we order the parts."

I asked him if he could at least check on the availability of the front wiring harness to give me a head start, explaining that other VFR owners had run into the backorder problem. He did check and said he had two wire harnesses in stock, but could not verify which one I needed, presumably until he could perform the inspection of my bike.

sheesh... well, whatever. it's almost too hot to ride now anyway so I might as well take her in to get this over with...

angsthe interrupted me saying "Honda won't let us do that. We're required to do an inspection of the bike before we order the parts."

My dealer had no problem ordering the parts without my bike. It did sit in the shop for a day before they touched it though. Got it back on day 2.

Conedodger

angsthe interrupted me saying "Honda won't let us do that. We're required to do an inspection of the bike before we order the parts."

My dealer had no problem ordering the parts without my bike. It did sit in the shop for a day before they touched it though. Got it back on day 2.

%201.gif

Most Dealers in the Country have no problem ordering the parts, why would it be a problem for these clowns? Tell them that, just because they are inept why should you suffer?

The mandatory parts for the recall are the front and rear harnesses which should be replaced on every bike no matter what and it is when they are replacing those two harnesses that they inspect for Main harness damage. if they find Main harness damage then they order one and you do have to wait for that to come in which should take no longer than 3 days unless back ordered! :huh:

I would not put it past some of the Dealers to Not be installing the rear harness and sticking it on their parts shelve to sell to someone else. :fing02:

BaileyrockMost Dealers in the Country have no problem ordering the parts, why would it be a problem for these clowns? Tell them that, just because they are inept why should you suffer?

The mandatory parts for the recall are the front and rear harnesses which should be replaced on every bike no matter what and it is when they are replacing those two harnesses that they inspect for Main harness damage. if they find Main harness damage then they order one and you do have to wait for that to come in which should take no longer than 3 days unless back ordered! :huh:

I would not put it past some of the Dealers to Not be installing the rear harness and sticking it on their parts shelve to sell to someone else. :fing02:

The recall notice I got says "The dealer will install a newly designed front fairing wiring sub-harness free of charge." Nothing about the rear harness.

But I agree that they should order it ahead of time without question.

Called Action Honda today and they said the part was in and he was preparing to call me before I called him (sure). Scheduled to take my VFR in on Saturday, June 21st for the repair. I told him up front that he was over an hour ride away and that I'd be waiting there for them to finish.

Sitting in Action Honda while they work on my bike so I thought I do a little surfing. Wife was following me down as we have a Honda mower with a safety recall also...side note, she's about 45 minutes behind me because she had to wait for the post office to open so she could pick up my BMW Venting Machime pants!

Anyway, I wasn't having any harness related issues that I know of and I didn't have any visible signs of wire/connectors overheating so my biggest hope is that they don't cause any problems while they do the work. Sweet 25th anniversary and an '07 red sitting on the showroom floor.

Just got my bike back from the Honda Dealer! It runs GREAT! The lights are brighter, it starts up faster, and is more responsive. I gave it a good rip up a big hill and it seems like it is giving me 110%. On Monday I will be spending some track time with it, I am sure I will be satisfied. I love my VFR again.

I do have to mention that the wait time I had was unacceptable. The dealer I had to deal with was just as bad. For that reason I will never buy a Honda again. It's BMW K1200S or bust!

I hope other people have had (and will) better experiences with this process than I did. California here I come!

Done, finally. No issues and all my headlights still work.

Just dropped off mine yesterday. They said it would take at most a week before they could get to it, then the wait for parts if necessary =P

FrogfootOkay, Here's my own story....

Didn't know about the recall even with frequent visits in this site (slaps forehead) anyway, it was revealed to me when I was getting a new key (lost one of the originals). They checked it all as required, and the bike only needed the front harness done. I checked it out myself and agreed that there wasn't any sign of scortching in the plug. This was about March. They had no trouble getting the parts and the recall was done about a week later.

Fast Forward to this afternoon. The bike is in for a 72K km service. Only comment.. Now the rest of the harness is trashed. The bike is fine at the moment while they await parts, but basically they are up for the recall again. They are going to redo the work they did last time, and replace the rest of the harness, and a new stator. My comment... "Well hope you enjoy it!" I can only assume that there was damage earlier on that was not evident from a visual check of the plug (where the main joins the front)

Not sure if there's a lesson there, but its something to keep an eye on.

OK Harness got done today. The shop has decided they will also replace the R/R as a lot of the connections to it were messed up. But, none in stock (in the country, apparently). They have tested the one in the bike and are happy that all the voltages are ok, but have backordered one and intend to replace it asap. At Honda's cost (yay).

So my drama is not quite over yet either!

angst

BaileyrockMost Dealers in the Country have no problem ordering the parts, why would it be a problem for these clowns? Tell them that, just because they are inept why should you suffer?

The mandatory parts for the recall are the front and rear harnesses which should be replaced on every bike no matter what and it is when they are replacing those two harnesses that they inspect for Main harness damage. if they find Main harness damage then they order one and you do have to wait for that to come in which should take no longer than 3 days unless back ordered! :dry:

I would not put it past some of the Dealers to Not be installing the rear harness and sticking it on their parts shelve to sell to someone else. :dry:

The recall notice I got says "The dealer will install a newly designed front fairing wiring sub-harness free of charge." Nothing about the rear harness.

But I agree that they should order it ahead of time without question.

I can not find the reference now, but one same they would replace both front and rear (30amp) harness for sure and the Main harness too it there was ANY sign of a problem. :blush:

Hey This is my first post here but I have been hanging around for a while, I had the Wiring recall work done about 3 weeks ago and hadn't done more than 40-50 miles since, then a week and a half ago i was riding to school and the bike started smoking heavily from the right side. I got the bike to my honda dealer and they called a few days later to saying that the harness on the other side (right side) that wasn't part of the recall had burned up. They talked with honda, sent pictures and apparently they are going to pay for it but I should have more details today, on what might have happened. Has anyone else experienced this since having the recall done?

freestylin721Hey This is my first post here but I have been hanging around for a while, I had the Wiring recall work done about 3 weeks ago and hadn't done more than 40-50 miles since, then a week and a half ago i was riding to school and the bike started smoking heavily from the right side. I got the bike to my honda dealer and they called a few days later to saying that the harness on the other side (right side) that wasn't part of the recall had burned up. They talked with honda, sent pictures and apparently they are going to pay for it but I should have more details today, on what might have happened. Has anyone else experienced this since having the recall done?

Damn, that's rough. Sorry to hear it. Must have been the stator connector that blew. They get pretty warm in use and I remember seeing a pic of a burned one somewhere.

I caught mine just in time and made my own fixes since I want to see exactly what they do before I bring it in. I changed the 30A fuse block and added a seperate sense wire for the R/R. The fuse still gets fairly warm in use, but nowhere close to what would cause damage, and the new sense wire brought the system voltage down from 15.3 to where it should be (14.6). I'm keeping a close eye on it, and so far no issues after ~500mi.

elevationI do have to mention that the wait time I had was unacceptable. The dealer I had to deal with was just as bad. For that reason I will never buy a Honda again. It's BMW K1200S or bust!

LOL! With a BMW you'll not only bitch about the wait time, but how far you'll have to drive to get it serviced. Seems BMW is only located at the largest population centers now. BTDT, won't do it again.

freestylin721Hey This is my first post here but I have been hanging around for a while, I had the Wiring recall work done about 3 weeks ago and hadn't done more than 40-50 miles since, then a week and a half ago i was riding to school and the bike started smoking heavily from the right side. I got the bike to my honda dealer and they called a few days later to saying that the harness on the other side (right side) that wasn't part of the recall had burned up. They talked with honda, sent pictures and apparently they are going to pay for it but I should have more details today, on what might have happened. Has anyone else experienced this since having the recall done?

We need more details on this!!! My bike has been running GREAT since I got the recall work done. Hopefully this won't happen to me.

I was very very nervous about the recall, but I eventually got my head around finding a dealer to complete the work CORRECTLY.

Planet Honda in Chadds Ford Pennsylvania (near the delaware state line) offered to do the recall work while I waited. I was told that the mechanic had done a few bikes (no problem) and I could be riding again in under two hours.

The work was performed just like it was promised and things look great. I checked as many connections as I could and the blue high beam indicator lamp is brighter as so are the headlights.

HOWEVER - I pulled over to take a few pictures on my last ride and the hazard lights no longer function! I use this feature whenever entering and exiting toll booths (ever since a truck almost ran me over) as well as when I sit along the side of the road... taking pictures.

Did the hazard diode have to be removed and switched over? And left out? Does the NEW harness have the diode installed? Does this indicate that MORE problems are around the corner because of careless work.

I will let you all know when I go back to the dealer next week.

got my bike back from Pasadena Honda (Houston) yesterday. the recall work took 2 weeks, but the thermostat R&R I requested took FOUR MORE WEEKS!! :biggrin:

Recall under way! The train has left the building...er...VFR has left the building...and is now sitting on the lift at FBC here in San Diego.

I dropped it off on Tuesday evening for them to take care of it yesterday (Wednesday) and was told that it would only take a day to get the front sub-harness replaced under the recall. It turns out, upon inspection of all the goods, the main fuse-block, red connector is melted and they're waiting for Honda to say go-ahead. The only trouble with that is the main wiring harness, they're being told, is NOT available for direct purchase. That means that you or I could not go in and order the main wiring harness, but the dealer has to contact Honda directly, and provide reason for it, then and only then will Honda release a harness to them. Has anyone else heard of this?

Either way, it looks like I'm out of commission for at least a week...no problem tho..I'll be north of LA for work next week and my weekend is already booked solid...

By the way, kudos to Jay, the Service Advisor I've beendealign with. He explained the problem to me with the main harness and the burned up red-connector and even brought me back to look at it on the shop floor...

:idea3:

BTW, I had to return my bike two weeks ago after the recall work... I had the bike back for all of 3 days, and then as I was riding home from work, my speedo started jumping wildly from my actual speed (about 70) all the way down to zero. By the time I was about a mile from my house, it just stayed at zero.

Got my bike back Thursday after harassing the dealer all week about when the work would be done... as I suspected, they told me the speedo connector came loose.

So, 2 weeks for the wiring harness, 4 more weeks for thermostat, then over a week for the follow-up work. Almost 2 months of this summer without my bike sad.gif

So I just got my bike back from getting the recall work done and I noticed that my monitor wire fix was still intact.

Sooo...

Now that the recall work is done do I still need the monitor wire fix? Was this part of the harness fixed as part of the recall?

And whether I need it or not, will it hurt anything to just leave the fix in place?

Thanks!

Sean

angstBTW, I had to return my bike two weeks ago after the recall work... I had the bike back for all of 3 days, and then as I was riding home from work, my speedo started jumping wildly from my actual speed (about 70) all the way down to zero. By the time I was about a mile from my house, it just stayed at zero.

Got my bike back Thursday after harassing the dealer all week about when the work would be done... as I suspected, they told me the speedo connector came loose.

So, 2 weeks for the wiring harness, 4 more weeks for thermostat, then over a week for the follow-up work. Almost 2 months of this summer without my bike sad.gif

Sorry to say, but MOST Dealers SUC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :fing02:

SeanOBoyleSo I just got my bike back from getting the recall work done and I noticed that my monitor wire fix was still intact.

Sooo...

Now that the recall work is done do I still need the monitor wire fix? Was this part of the harness fixed as part of the recall?

And whether I need it or not, will it hurt anything to just leave the fix in place?

Thanks!

Sean

The recall monitor wire now connects to the + wires just down stream of the rectifier plug. This is an improvement over the old routing through the ignition and fuse block. I would think it should connect closer to the battery like your fix.

6 months after I had my recall done on my '02 the new recall 30 amp fuse by the battery started to heat up and voltage at the battery dropped from 14v to 13.5v

I did the monitor wire fix and replaced the 30 amp fuse holder with an in line ATO fuse holder w/ 12 ga. wire from the auto parts store. Now no heat and the voltage is 14.3v

So I would keep the monitor wire fix.

OK; need some advice here.

Booked my VFR for the harness recall and dropped it off at the dealer. I had researched earlier and knew they kept harnesses in stock and had done several recall already.

Ran into a potential roadblock here: the service guy tells me that the dealership may not do the work on my bike after I explain my interim "fixes" that were done prior to the wiring recall. Says they have to return the old harness to Honda and that they don't want to be left holding the bag if mother Honda decides not to pay for recall work on the "molested" harness.

How can they even do this?

To me, a safety recall is just that. An involuntary recall of products to remedy a potentially unsafe condition. My VIN# is affected, so how can they choose not to do the work?

I may be getting ahead of myself here; he did say that the tech would look at it (my bike's appointment is tomorrow) and make a decision if I am to be covered or not based on how molested the harness is.

I tired to explain what was done to the harness and that it should have no bearing on the outcome one way or another.

I am anxiously awaiting tomorrow and hope they see the voice of reason and do the work.

But if not, I thought I would ask you guys what you thought and see what advice you have to offer. Not sure how Canadian law varies from USA on this sort of stuff (I'm north of the border), but I thought they had to prove harm from modifications in order to nix warranty? And this isn't even warranty it is a RECALL!

You're exactly right. If it were warranty, then itd be a different story. But, a recall says that they are to replace the harness, period. They're fixing a known issue that could or likely will exist, at some point in the bike's life. In doing this, they are obligated to replace the suspect parts with their updated version and thats it. If you were to tamper with the wiring AFTER that, then they could refuse covering any costs if the known problem came up.

People have a hard time understanding this, even with warrantys. If the owner tampers with the manufacturer's original design and theres a failure, then you cant hold the manufacturer responsible. But in a recall, they are to service the bike irregardless, and install their updated part. Period.

Sounds like more of a dealer issue than a Honda issue to me.....

I was fully prepared to deal with a bunch of dealer malarky after my blue connector caught on fire on the way to the Canada Meet this summer. I was stranded in the mountains outside Yakima, had to get a tow into town (thank God for AAA) after a 4 hour wait, cooled my heels at a Holiday Inn Express for the evening, and finally fixed the issue the next morning with hardware from ACE Hardware Store and continued on to the meet.

I was told the same thing by my dealer when I enquired about making the trip knowing that I could end up stranded and having to fix the issue myself prior to the recall work being done. They said that Honda Techline would debit their warranty claim if the harness was found to be tampered with. I, personally, find it pretty hard to believe that Honda has hired a lackey to sit in some back room and tear apart every harness that comes in to see if it has been altered. I'm sure that the expense of this recall has been great enough. I was, however, very careful to solder the wires back in place and make it look as though I hadn't repaired a thing. I had the recall work done about two weeks ago and with a little additional wiring work to the new harness everything is fine.

If they had caught on I would have read them the riot-act and immediately contacted someone at the NTSB. It is, after-all, a NTSB SAFETY Recall. If I were you I would remind your dealer of that and ask them how they will respond to your attorney and any appropriate consumer protection agencies should something drastic happen to you and the motorcycle upon failure of Honda's junk wiring and them not pursuing the recall on your behalf.

I would be polite and professional but incredibly unrelenting in the pursuit of what is due you. Accept no other answer except "we'll take care of it for you".

Rant off,

-T

tim is right.

we had a transport canada related recall. they have to fix it.

qdawg, i had a dealer here say they wouldn't do my recall work since my alarm system tapped into the wiring harness. crazy!

went to another - GW Cycle and they had no problem and even connected the wiring for the alarm again, and, replaced a couple of those crappy plastic fairing clips that i'd broken.

if you're stuck try another dealer - you're close enough to use GW Cycle. see what they say.

the alternative is i'll get Tim to come up from oregon and start wielding a 2x4 in their dealership. :unsure:

cassandtimIt is, after-all, a NTSB SAFETY Recall.

Good news, they gave me no further grief on this subject of doing the recall.

I was prepared to unleash fury of biblical proportions if I encountered any more resistance, but thankfully someone there saw the voice of reason and they fixed my bike with no further fuss. Just need to get back to the city to pick it up.

All is well. Thanks for the responses, guys. You pretty much echoed what my thoughts on the subject were.

I'm looking to collect some names and possibly some details from those people who received a new RR or stator from Honda that failed due to their poorly designed sub & main wiring harness which has now been recalled.

Of course, Honda has been forced to throw our way some relatively inexpensive wires and connectors to correct their poor design. In the meantime, we've been in a vicious loop of repeatedly frying our battery's, RR & stator and often replacing them with factory Honda parts. I know there are people who have been granted this.

This info would benefit the whole VFR community!

Anyone?

OK, remember when I said all was well on this recall issue?

I lied, apparently.

I had done a short ride when I posted the above, but Friday after a longer ride (over 1 hour on the highway) I had some problems.

Stopped the bike and heard a funny noise. Thought it might be fuel vapors coming from tank cap, so I opened the gas tank to see. Nope. Lifted off the seat and hear a loud whistling whining sound. Touch the battery and holy cow was is hot! Used my gloved to lift it out. Steam / acid vapors were blowing from a vent on battery case, making the noise. Left it on concrete to cool down. An hour later it was still pretty hot to touch.

Phoned the Edmonton dealership where the work was done (I had specifically told them about relocating my voltage regulator sensing wire; I had a suspicion this was the problem.) They told me to phone Honda Canada. I did and Honda rep said no the problem was between me and dealership. So I open the fairing to see and sure as hell, they left the wire disconnected, hence the fried battery.

Repaired the wire and hooked up again and bike made it back on 3 hour trip back to Olds, but I am unsure how much to trust this battery now.

I had asked dealership general manager what they intend to do about the screw up. He basically makes it out to be MY fault as I had modified the wiring. I explained about VFRD and the fact that several of us were unwilling to wait for the recall to happen (if it ever did happen) because we did not want to have our bikes burn to the ground. I explained that my fixes (THanks VFRD experts!) were probably better than Honda's and that there was nothing I did wrong to the bike; they were still obligated to fix it as I had an affected VIN # and that the only reason I took it to them in first place was in case I ever wanted to sell the bike later. Anyhow, he stuck to his guns that honda service guys had to do the fix by the book and that hooking up the one wire was beyond their scope. I said I TOLD YOU GUYS that the wire was moved and that it might need to be moved back so it would not be overlooked. Not their scope he says; if I wanted it done, I shoulda paid for it out of my own pocket. No problem i said, but you should have told me; when I dropped it off I said if there was any problems due to my modifications to give me a call so we could work it out. The only call I got was to tell me the work was on track and recall was being done as Honda intended. I said who pays for my battery if it is toast? He said best he could do was to give me one at his cost. I said thanks, better than nothing I suppose.

To add insult to injury, the buggers re-connected my heated grips. I did not ask them to, the wire was near the battery for when I used it again, but a wire had been damaged due to chafing and I had not re-wired the grips yet so it was tucked out of the way and not hooked up so as to not risk a short.

But they could not hook up the wire I asked; it was outside their scope..... Go figure.

What do you guys think of that??

Sadly, the two dealerships nearest to me are even more incompetent than the one mentioned in the story above, so I don't know if I will return again or if I should search for yet another Honda dealer to deal with.

I suppose it coulda been worse. Bike seems to run OK considering, but my faith in this battery is pretty weak, and I think I will replace it prior to any long trips next season.

What would you do?

2002 Honda Vfr800 Recalls

Recall ID #26601 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Recall Date: AUG 15, 2007

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Model Affected: HONDA VFR800

Units Affected: 6952 Recall Details

Recall Date:

AUG 15, 2007

Model Affected:

2002 HONDA HONDA VFR800

Summary

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FRONT FAIRING SUB-HARNESS (SECTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS) TRANSFERS THE ELECTRICAL GROUNDING LOAD OF THE HEADLIGHTS, FRONT TURN SIGNALS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND VARIOUS RELAYS TO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS VIA AN 18-PIN CONNECTOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE GROUND WIRE TERMINALS INSIDE THE CONNECTOR CAN OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN MELTING OF THE CONNECTOR AND A LOSS OF POWER TO VARIOUS CIRCUITS.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, A LOSS OF CRITICAL LIGHTING OR ENGINE POWER COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RE-DESIGNED SUB-HARNESS. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED TO OWNERS ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2007. OWNERS WERE RE-NOTIFIED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2007, TO TAKE THEIR MOTORCYCLES TO DEALERS TO HAVE THE PARTS INSTALLED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.

Units Affected:

6952

Notes

HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Recall ID #42536 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Recall Date: JAN 24, 2005

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Model Affected: HONDA VFR800

Units Affected: 36046 Recall Details

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcyc...r800/index.html

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcyc...r800/index.html

2006 Honda Vfr800 Recalls

Recall ID #73426 - EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Recall Date: JUL 26, 2006

Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Model Affected: HONDA VFR800

Units Affected: 1190000 Recall Details

here I thought that replacing the subharness myself would have avoided the complete loss of all 4 headlights and front turn signals. Made for an interesting ride out of Laguna Seca on friday night.

I looked through the thread, but either couldn't find or am too tired to find it, but is the recal on ABS models also? Where do I go to check if the recall work has been done and can I still have it done? Sorry if this has been asked, it's Thursday night and I'm well into a 50+hr week with more to go and my brian duzznt seem 2 b werking right....

danmurphymn

I looked through the thread, but either couldn't find or am too tired to find it, but is the recal on ABS models also? Where do I go to check if the recall work has been done and can I still have it done? Sorry if this has been asked, it's Thursday night and I'm well into a 50+hr week with more to go and my brian duzznt seem 2 b werking right....

Yes, it applies to ABS models as well.

Hello everyone, this is my first post here...anyway I just picked up a '04 VFR and was wondering what to look for and is there a website to see if my new ride has had the recall done??

04viffer

Hello everyone, this is my first post here...anyway I just picked up a '04 VFR and was wondering what to look for and is there a website to see if my new ride has had the recall done??

If the recall has been done, there should be a punch mark on the VIN label on the steering head. Look for the identification section of this bulletin for detail. You can also register your VIN at the Honda Owner Link and you should be able to tell from there if the recall has been done.

Conedodger

04viffer

Hello everyone, this is my first post here...anyway I just picked up a '04 VFR and was wondering what to look for and is there a website to see if my new ride has had the recall done??

If the recall has been done, there should be a punch mark on the VIN label on the steering head. Look for the identification section of this bulletin for detail. You can also register your VIN at the Honda Owner Link and you should be able to tell from there if the recall has been done.

Thanks a bunch, I logged on and did the registering thing and it states there were no recalls issued for my bike, probably never been updated. I'll swing it by the dealer anyway, do you know if this would affect the Vtec solenoid in any way?

04viffer

[Thanks a bunch, I logged on and did the registering thing and it states there were no recalls issued for my bike, probably never been updated. I'll swing it by the dealer anyway, do you know if this would affect the Vtec solenoid in any way?

The dealer should be able to look up the recalls by the VIN and tell you if they have been done. There was another recall dealing with the brakes on my '04 and the dealer was able to show me in the database that it had been performed by the original dealer before the bike was sold.

I would think the only affect the recall would have on the Vtec solenoid is whether it works or not. (If a connector didn't get reconnected or seated properly during the harness replacement.)

Sorry, I meant if certain plugs are bad, I was assuming it might affect the VTEC setup...

Was there a recall for the European versions too? I can not find any information about that... I`m a new owner, bought a used '03, very nice red VFR 800 vtec, but I don't know if there was a recall and if I have to look after the replacement... thank you in advance!

Honda forever!

As Conedodger already mentioned:

The dealer should be able to look up the recalls by the VIN and tell you if they have been done. There was another recall dealing with the brakes on my '04 and the dealer was able to show me in the database that it had been performed by the original dealer before the bike was sold

I did the same with my 2002 VFR in the Netherlands. Only something on the braking part had to be checked.

About the wiring I haven't heard anybody mentioning it on the Dutch VFR Owners Club forum.

Definitely a case of "Better Late Than Never...."I'd just like to thank everyone on the site who posted information about the Canadian component of the 6th Gen wiring harness recall. As an owner of an '04, i realized that this was a recall notice that I never got verified as affecting my bike (my fault completely). On June 21, 2011, I dropped into my new favorite local Honda dealer, Honda Extreme, in Edmonton and asked them to run my VIN. I brought along a copy of the recall notice and link from a member of VFRD. I got immediate service. In two minutes, my VIN was accepted for an inspection booking anytime I wanted to drop the bike off. The inspection would be done and, if needed, arts ordered and the recall service performed. I brought my bike back on June 22nd mid afternoon. At 1630h today, June 24th, I got verification that the inspection was complete, parts were ordered, and recall service completed. The bike is ready for pickup. Charge: $0.00 Thank you VFRD members! And if anyone is listening, thank you Honda Extreme for great service, again!

Wow, I thought there was a time limit on that recall?

Glad you got it done, even more so, this late in the game. :fing02:

Veefer800Canuck

Wow, I thought there was a time limit on that recall?

Glad you got it done, even more so, this late in the game. :fing02:

Hope theres still no time limit as I'm trying to get it done on my 02 as we speak. :huh:

My nearest Honda dealer is 160 miles from me, and my '03 has never had the recall service done because the dealer is too far away. With only 463 miles on my VFR800, I am trying to save it for the Smithonian. :) Someday, I will get a trailer and truck it up to the dealer.

AZViffer

My nearest Honda dealer is 160 miles from me, and my '03 has never had the recall service done because the dealer is too far away. With only 463 miles on my VFR800, I am trying to save it for the Smithonian. :) Someday, I will get a trailer and truck it up to the dealer.

I'm not quite understanding "160 miles" and "463 miles"... Are you for real?

Without making disparaging remarks, if the bike was mine and I wanted the recall done, and 163 miles was "a good long ride" to me, I would plan for the ride (call ahead to dealer and arrange service to be done in one day, hopefully in a half day), and make it happen! Take a picnic lunch!

AZViffer

My nearest Honda dealer is 160 miles from me, and my '03 has never had the recall service done because the dealer is too far away. With only 463 miles on my VFR800, I am trying to save it for the Smithonian. :) Someday, I will get a trailer and truck it up to the dealer.

Don't need the recall done if you ain't gonna ride it! :tongue:

My 03 has 48062 and never skips a beat without the recall but if it does I guess I'll break down and the let the local dealer have at it but so far so good! (except for the icy patch and cold tire thing)

OK so I recently grafted my 03 chassis onto an 07 VTECker 6th gen... now I found one of my yellow stator wires all crispy and bubbly yesterday, from overheating... I had already elminated the OEM connctor and used a screw-down connector block... well actually a buddy did the work in my absence and I think maybe one of the wires wasn't screwed in well... at least I'm hoping that's all that's wrong cause my 03er already fried 2 stators in its 95,000 km lifespan.

Anyway... this old new inbred summer-mix frankenbike has the 07 main and rear harness and the old 03 front subharness with the shitey yellow ground connector removed and replaced with a profesional soldering job... although during the chassis-grafting procedure we found some browning of the Green ground wires around the soldering job and decided to excise and heal it all up... reinforced to an alternative grounding point on the chassis with an extra nice'n'thick gauge wire.

So I'm thinking maybe it's time to get a new front subharness... but I'm not sure which one I need as the CDI is from a US 2007 VFR, but the optics and relays and such on the front cowling bracket, as well as indicator lamps are from the old 03 model... so maybe the connectors for the lamps won't be the same... I know they changed the housings from 02-05 to 06-10...

Whatchall reckon??

Ground control to Major Tom... :unsure:

I recently purchased a 2005 VFR800A. Since it's cold and wet right now in Oregon, I think I've spent more time reading the fantastic back catalog of VFRD discussions than I have riding my new (to me) bike. Here is my question: How might one confirm by direct inspection of the bike's wiring whether or not the the wiring harness was replaced under recall?

I have seen four ways of confirming this posted in previous discussion:

1. Check the VINs listed in the original bulletin

2. Visit a dealer and have them look it up

3. Check the Honda recall database: http://www.honda.com/recalls

4. Look for a technician's stamp or punch next to the VIN on the steering head

My VIN is in the range called out by the bulletin. The online Honda recall database indicates "There are no current safety recalls for this [VIN]". I don't see any marks or notes next to the VIN stamp on the steering. A dealership is a bit of a haul from here, and quite frankly, I'm not sure how much I trust the system now that the key events themselves are fading into history a bit.

So, can I resolve the question definitively by direct inspection of the motorcycle's wiring? Or was the completed recall work visually indistinguishable from the original faulty work?

I'm not sure if this will help but the shoddy common ground bus connector on the front subharness on the 2002-2005 is yellow and on the 2006-2010 it's orange... bit of a PITA to get to as it's on the front left arm of the bracket that holds the front fairing/headlight assy. You would have to disassemble somewhat.

Auspanglish

I'm not sure if this will help but the shoddy common ground bus connector on the front subharness on the 2002-2005 is yellow and on the 2006-2010 it's orange... bit of a PITA to get to as it's on the front left arm of the bracket that holds the front fairing/headlight assy. You would have to disassemble somewhat.

Thank you, Sir.

Don't thank me yet as the Replacement harness for the 02-05, may have a Yellow One.

So 13 years after this recall was made, can one still bring in an affected bike to have the recall work done?  I have yet to check if mine falls in the range but I do have a 2002 non ABS model.

EDIT:  Entered my VIN and there is no active recall for my bike.