I bought a 07 non-ABS, so far I really like it!! I've since bought a fender eliminator kit, 10k HID lights, K&N, a Sarg seat (on the way) and some reflective rim tape (and no, i don't care if you don't like it, LOL). I've also taken off the rear pegs and bars to stream line the looks and open up the area around the rear wheel, and it's a very fast swap if I need them. BTW 850mi's the first month which would be a lot for me on my old bike, but I actually like this one.
Ok here's my concerns, let me know if you think I should take it in or what?
in the lower rpm's I'm getting some instability, I'll hold the throttle in the same position and the engine will rev up and down to the point where I can feel the bike accelerating and slowing down. please note that the only thing I added is a K&N air filter.
the black plastic cover over the battery has 2 push pins and the one on top of the battery keeps popping out when I take the seat on and off.
is the seat a pain in the butt to get on and latch or is it just me? are the Sarg seats easier?
I'm also having some trouble with the pre-load wrench not grabbing the notches. (btw, is that the only tool in the tool bag or am I missing stuff?)
Did you buy the bike new or used?
And for your concerns:
Define lower rpm's please. Sub 3k? 3-4k? Most 6th Gens don't like being below 3k and it will lug noticeably in that range.
I have a Sargent seat and don't have the issue you are suffering from with the battery cover. I would suggest checking to make sure the push pins are all the way in and securely holding the panel in place. Then I lay the Sargent on top and slightly back and then give it a firm push forward to lock it in place. I never found the stocker to be a problem getting on/off using either. I would try the same method above as well in this situation to see if it helps.
Your tool bag should have quite a few tools. There should be several specialty tools (crescent moon shaped tool for chain adjustment, spark plug socket adapter, etc) as well as the usual pliers, screw drivers, etc in your tool bag. If you didn't receive them I would check with where you bought if from as to why they are missing. You will definitely need the specialty tools if you plan on doing your own maintenance as they make your life a whole lot easier. I can't answer your pre-load wrench question as I have the ABS model and just have to turn a knob.
[image: View Post]StuntManDan, on Jul 2 2009, 07:29 AM, said:
Hi, I'm Dan
I bought a 07 non-ABS, so far I really like it!! I've since bought a fender eliminator kit, 10k HID lights, K&N, a Sarg seat (on the way) and some reflective rim tape (and no, i don't care if you don't like it, LOL). I've also taken off the rear pegs and bars to stream line the looks and open up the area around the rear wheel, and it's a very fast swap if I need them. BTW 850mi's the first month which would be a lot for me on my old bike, but I actually like this one.
Ok here's my concerns, let me know if you think I should take it in or what?
in the lower rpm's I'm getting some instability, I'll hold the throttle in the same position and the engine will rev up and down to the point where I can feel the bike accelerating and slowing down. please note that the only thing I added is a K&N air filter.
the black plastic cover over the battery has 2 push pins and the one on top of the battery keeps popping out when I take the seat on and off.
is the seat a pain in the butt to get on and latch or is it just me? are the Sarg seats easier?
I'm also having some trouble with the pre-load wrench not grabbing the notches. (btw, is that the only tool in the tool bag or am I missing stuff?)
Thanks in advance.
Just finished picking up the exact same thing to replace a 5th gen.
The feeling of instability sounds like your around the engagement for the Vtec, you don't want to hold at around the 6400 rpm mark, if your getting some surging no where near this rpm, you may wish to contact your dealer.
I'd ask for a new pin for the battery.
My bike only came with the wrench for adjusting the chain tension, I had to use the preload wrench from my old bike, I suspect your in the same boat, as the chain tension wrench looks like it could be used for the preload but just doesn't fit. At one time Honda provided a good kit, now they just cheap out.
[image: View Post]StuntManDan, on Jul 2 2009, 09:29 AM, said:
Hi, I'm Dan
I bought a 07 non-ABS, so far I really like it!! I've since bought a fender eliminator kit, 10k HID lights, K&N, a Sarg seat (on the way) and some reflective rim tape (and no, i don't care if you don't like it, LOL). I've also taken off the rear pegs and bars to stream line the looks and open up the area around the rear wheel, and it's a very fast swap if I need them. BTW 850mi's the first month which would be a lot for me on my old bike, but I actually like this one.
Ok here's my concerns, let me know if you think I should take it in or what?
in the lower rpm's I'm getting some instability, I'll hold the throttle in the same position and the engine will rev up and down to the point where I can feel the bike accelerating and slowing down. please note that the only thing I added is a K&N air filter.
the black plastic cover over the battery has 2 push pins and the one on top of the battery keeps popping out when I take the seat on and off.
is the seat a pain in the butt to get on and latch or is it just me? are the Sarg seats easier?
I'm also having some trouble with the pre-load wrench not grabbing the notches. (btw, is that the only tool in the tool bag or am I missing stuff?)
Thanks in advance.
Welcome to the group....
1. This seems to be somewhat normal due to the factory air/fuel ratio. I don't go under 3K rpms when riding (remember this bike does rev to almost 12k rpms) and I dont get it as much. My normal driving range is from 3k to 6k and more when the need for speed arises.
2. As for the pins, not sure.... I would take the battery cover off and see whats going on under it and/or see if the seat is contacting it.
3. Latching the seat comes easier I think with practice....it did for me. I just really looked at the underside of the seat and where it attaches to the bike and learned what was going on as I was attaching it.
4. Yeah, the wrench sucks. There should have been a handle extension with it. I really need to figure out what size it is and buy a real spanner wrench so I can adjust my shock.
Hope this helps and you'll get plenty of opinions/info at this site
[image: View Post]StuntManDan, on Jul 2 2009, 06:29 AM, said:
Hi, I'm Dan
Hi Dan! I've also got a red '07.
Quote
in the lower rpm's I'm getting some instability, I'll hold the throttle in the same position and the engine will rev up and down
I've got some low RPM surging with mine (probably around the 3500 rpm mark, but I've never checked that closely). I've read about surging elsewhere, it seems to be an issue with fuel-injected bikes. My old BMW RT had the same problem.
Quote
is the seat a pain in the butt to get on and latch or is it just me? are the Sarg seats easier?
I actually find the Sargent seat harder. I keep the seat cowl on mine, and with the Sargent being slight more padded the seat cowl catches a bit on the passenger grab rails when putting the seat on.
Quote
I'm also having some trouble with the pre-load wrench not grabbing the notches. (btw, is that the only tool in the tool bag or am I missing stuff?)
You're not missing anything. The only tool the '07 comes with is the spanner wrench and handle extension.
[image: View Post]vanion2, on Jul 2 2009, 06:41 AM, said:
Your tool bag should have quite a few tools.
Not in '07.
[image: View Post]StuntManDan, on Jul 2 2009, 08:29 AM, said:
Hi, I'm Dan
in the lower rpm's I'm getting some instability, I'll hold the throttle in the same position and the engine will rev up and down to the point where I can feel the bike accelerating and slowing down. please note that the only thing I added is a K&N air filter.
the black plastic cover over the battery has 2 push pins and the one on top of the battery keeps popping out when I take the seat on and off.
is the seat a pain in the butt to get on and latch or is it just me? are the Sarg seats easier?
I'm also having some trouble with the pre-load wrench not grabbing the notches. (btw, is that the only tool in the tool bag or am I missing stuff?)
Thanks in advance.
I just bought an 07 red just like yours at the beginning of May. I now have 4300 miles on mine thanks to a 3700 mile trip. Have you had the 600 miles service done. They are supposed to check settings when they do that. To change your oil you must take off the left side fairing.
How steady is your throttle hand. The bike can be jumpy in spots if you are not extremely steady. The jump to 4 valves is at 6800 on your bike. Don't keep right in that area. Either flog it or take it easy. Red line is more like 12500. K&Ns do change the air flow. I know my Triumph had a tune just for the K&N filter with no other mods.
My battery push pins were not set in well the first time I looked at them. I pushed them in and they are more secure now.
The seat is just you. You will get used to it.
The preload tool is actually for adjusting your chain. All that came in my tool kit was the chain adjustment tool and the extension handle. Somewhere between 02 and 07 Honda decided they could save a lot of money by not putting a bunch of cheap half ass tools in the kit.
I made the change as per pointed out below. Thanks for the catch.
Have a close friend who used to live in Parma. He worked in Cleveland. Biked to his place a few times. His job now takes him out of town 80% of the time, and he's since moved to Brunswick.
The seat took getting used to. Once you figure it out, it'll be no sweat.
I lubed the push pins on the battery cover with some teflon spray to help with in/out. My seat never got caught on it; you may want to be sure the plastic is setting right.
Hi Dan, I'm Don, I bought my used 2002 non-ABS Fiery Italian red VFR just shy of 2 weeks ago!
When I took off my not-so-easy to detach Sargent seat, I was appalled to find zero toolkit! Apparently the previous owner (I bought the bike from a BMW dealership for a kick-ass price considering all the awesome aftermarket stuff installed) either kept the Fisher-Price-like toolkit for his baby child to play with or just forgot them. I myself am not exactly mechanically inclined, and having aluminum tools under the seat of my side-of-the-road motorcycle just add a few pounds to the bike's weight and wouldn't do me diddly doo on the side of the road.
It'll take a little while for the full value and joy of new-generation viffer ownership to reveal itself. Everytime I get on mine I realize just a little more how world-class these bikes are. :fing02:
And this is a pretty great group to fall in with. Just don't rate your female colleagues' physical appearances here - you'll get an earful! :blush: :laugh:
The seat will mount no problem once you get it figured out(as mentioned;set on bike just a little to rear, and just kind of shake it lightly and will fall into place).
Battery top button does that some time even if pushed in correctly(flaw needs to be tighter).
RPM's...1st; Be sure idle is adjusted to at least 1,200...... 2nd; When in operation keep RPM's no lower than 4,500( I usually run between 5k and 7k just taking it easy), except in 1st gear(Have to start somewhere).
If the spanner has two little nobs it's for the chain adjustment, A shock spanner will have a tighter shaped crest with one nob on the end(can buy at dealer, your doesn't come with one).
When you get your Sargent seat put it in place, but don't try to lock, then go to the rear with a light and look between the seat and where it's going to lock and see if the locking loop lines up with the sloted hole it fits in. If not go to my gallery, I have pic's of the fix if needed.
Injoy Your bike!
For everyone else that I have repeated, It's more so "SMD" can see that everone has had the same issue's.... Not trying to say anything different..... Monk
If the surging is at 4000-5000 rpms unplug your O2 sensors and see if that cures it. You will get an FI light when you run with these unplugged, just ignore this.
If that fixes the problem get some 330ohm resistors from radio shack and stick them in the connectors on the wireharness side and tape them up, or buy some O2 eliminators. Both of these are the same thing, and trick the ECM into thinking the O2 sensors are connected and operating properly.
If it doesn't fix the problem, you can just plug them back in and your FI light will go away.
The 4-5KRPM surging is caused by the FI leaning out the F/A mixture to achieve better fuel economy and less emissions, but makes the bike a PITA when in lower gears at this RPM range. By eliminating the O2 sensors, the FI stays in mapped mode all the time instead of trying to lean out the F/A dynamically.
[image: View Post]radar, on Jul 2 2009, 09:45 AM, said:
My bike only came with the wrench for adjusting the chain tension, I had to use the preload wrench from my old bike, I suspect your in the same boat, as the chain tension wrench looks like it could be used for the preload but just doesn't fit. At one time Honda provided a good kit, now they just cheap out.
Hahaha...this explains why it didn't work worth a poop cranking down the spring preload! Thankfully I had another tool to use.
If the Surging is that bad, you could need to resync your starter valves. What RPM's does it happen at? I don't see why an 07 would need it's starter valves synced, but it is a possibility (in addition to the aforementioned too lean Air/Fuel Ratio--Power Commander will fix this, too low of RPM's, or unsteady throttle hand--Fuel injection is more twitchy than carbeurated).
As for adjusting the preload. My 2003 came with a decent, but too short tool, and an extension that the end slided into. It was a pain in the butt to get down there, but it always worked properly. It sounds like the 2007's don't have this extension?
To elaborate more the "surging" is in the 3k-4k range, i think the FI trying to lean out suggestion is the problem. I'm coming off a cruiser and an old CB750k (low end torque monsters) so I think I have to get used to shifting more and keeping it over 4k, just like I have to get use to seeing 222 deg. before the fan kicks on (still a little unnerving) BTW I like that temp gauge .gif cold-hot-normal lol it's so true.
Is the single spanner wrench in the 07 for the chain or the shock? both?
I bought it new for $8k, the same day I bought my wife a 08 SV650S $6.5k, it's not as high tech but the tool kit is a 5 drawer tool box when compared to the VFR.
As for the seat, ugg, the pin isn't broken or warn it's just easily pulled out when the seat hits it at that perfect angle that it always seems to hit. I think I'm going do the helmet lock mod I seen somewhere so I don't have to take the seat off every time I park away from home. I've got a list of mods I want to do, but I don't want to miss any ride time this year, so it all has to wait till winter, and I'm not going to start listing them because a better mod might come around between now and then and I don't want to feel committed =P, too bad from what I read these bikes really don't pickup HP gains all that easy.
The 500mi service I did myself the manual explains it very well and it was mostly checking stuff, and an oil change (note: the filter location could be better) LOL. my chain hasn't stretched out of spec. yet, it must be that Honda "set it and forget it" quality (the SV really stretched @ <400mi)
Did I mention how much I like this Bike!? I feel like I'll be good for 10yr's before i think of getting a new bike. I just realized I haven't taken any pictures of it yet and it's been a month, I better hurry before I scratch it.
[image: View Post]StuntManDan, on Jul 2 2009, 02:00 PM, said:
To elaborate more the "surging" is in the 3k-4k range, i think the FI trying to lean out suggestion is the problem. I'm coming off a cruiser and an old CB750k (low end torque monsters) so I think I have to get used to shifting more and keeping it over 4k, just like I have to get use to seeing 222 deg. before the fan kicks on (still a little unnerving) BTW I like that temp gauge .gif cold-hot-normal lol it's so true.
Is the single spanner wrench in the 07 for the chain or the shock? both?
I bought it new for $8k, the same day I bought my wife a 08 SV650S $6.5k, it's not as high tech but the tool kit is a 5 drawer tool box when compared to the VFR.
As for the seat, ugg, the pin isn't broken or warn it's just easily pulled out when the seat hits it at that perfect angle that it always seems to hit. I think I'm going do the helmet lock mod I seen somewhere so I don't have to take the seat off every time I park away from home. I've got a list of mods I want to do, but I don't want to miss any ride time this year, so it all has to wait till winter, and I'm not going to start listing them because a better mod might come around between now and then and I don't want to feel committed =P, too bad from what I read these bikes really don't pickup HP gains all that easy.
The 500mi service I did myself the manual explains it very well and it was mostly checking stuff, and an oil change (note: the filter location could be better) LOL. my chain hasn't stretched out of spec. yet, it must be that Honda "set it and forget it" quality (the SV really stretched @ <400mi)
Did I mention how much I like this Bike!? I feel like I'll be good for 10yr's before i think of getting a new bike. I just realized I haven't taken any pictures of it yet and it's been a month, I better hurry before I scratch it.
"If the spanner has two little nobs it's for the chain adjustment, A shock spanner will have a tighter shaped crest with one nob on the end(can buy at dealer, yours doesn't come with one)."
One thing that needs to be checked is the steering head adjustment( more so when new)...... It's not a torque thing as much as a feel thing...... If you know what this means good. Otherwise take it to dealer or friend that does.....
[image: View Post]Monk, on Jul 2 2009, 02:15 PM, said:
"If the spanner has two little nobs it's for the chain adjustment, A shock spanner will have a tighter shaped crest with one nob on the end(can buy at dealer, yours doesn't come with one)."
One thing that needs to be checked is the steering head adjustment( more so when new)...... It's not a torque thing as much as a feel thing...... If you know what this means good. Otherwise take it to dealer or friend that does.....
Ok, it has 2 knobs on it so it for the chain, I was just a little biffed because I was able to go 2 notches on my spring with it, I was thinking the second nub was to kelp lock in the first one or something, silly me for thinking that something like a spring spanner would be included HA!. the front end feels tight with no shake, the wify's SV on the other hand will need adjusting at 500mi's it seems a little loose at least i think it might be, but it could be fine I have to remember it's 100+ lbs lighter than the Viffer.
does anyone play with the front suspension? I've got the bumpiest roads in Cleveland, I stiffened the rear a little (2 notches, see above lol) and it made a big difference, i didn't know if adjusting the front would have the same big difference, or less/none. yet another thing i have to get used to is all of the fine tuning I never had before.
[image: View Post]StuntManDan, on Jul 2 2009, 02:38 PM, said:
does anyone play with the front suspension? I've got the bumpiest roads in Cleveland, I stiffened the rear a little (2 notches, see above lol) and it made a big difference, i didn't know if adjusting the front would have the same big difference, or less/none. yet another thing i have to get used to is all of the fine tuning I never had before.
The VFR will only let you set the front SAG unless you get some aftermarket valves in there. But yes, you should adjust the preload up front to set your sag correctly.
[image: View Post]StuntManDan, on Jul 2 2009, 11:38 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on Jul 2 2009, 02:15 PM, said:
"If the spanner has two little nobs it's for the chain adjustment, A shock spanner will have a tighter shaped crest with one nob on the end(can buy at dealer, yours doesn't come with one)."
One thing that needs to be checked is the steering head adjustment( more so when new)...... It's not a torque thing as much as a feel thing...... If you know what this means good. Otherwise take it to dealer or friend that does.....
Ok, it has 2 knobs on it so it for the chain, I was just a little biffed because I was able to go 2 notches on my spring with it, I was thinking the second nub was to kelp lock in the first one or something, silly me for thinking that something like a spring spanner would be included HA!. the front end feels tight with no shake, the wify's SV on the other hand will need adjusting at 500mi's it seems a little loose at least i think it might be, but it could be fine I have to remember it's 100+ lbs lighter than the Viffer.
does anyone play with the front suspension? I've got the bumpiest roads in Cleveland, I stiffened the rear a little (2 notches, see above lol) and it made a big difference, i didn't know if adjusting the front would have the same big difference, or less/none. yet another thing i have to get used to is all of the fine tuning I never had before.
StuntManDan,
Are StuntManMike's brother? If so, I hate to think about what you may do to this poor VFR... And you may not need to bother about adjusting the front suspension or the rear... :blink: :blink: :blink: :biggrin:
ppm
My 04 surges at 3-4K. Seems to be a normal efi feature, though it is annoying. I believe it can be fixed with o2 eliminators and a power programmer. It's on my to do list for the future.... Do a search for adjusting the throttle cable slack, this helped mine allot. The seat is a bit of a PITA, Sargeant version makes it worse. Worth the agravation though. Mine has a ton of tools on board. I have a hard time getting them to fit back under the seat. Must be Honda is cheaping out on later models as others have mentioned. All minor quibbles though, on an otherwise great bike.....
[image: View Post]troyce, on Jul 2 2009, 10:57 PM, said:
My 04 surges at 3-4K. Seems to be a normal efi feature, though it is annoying. I believe it can be fixed with o2 eliminators and a power programmer. It's on my to do list for the future.... Do a search for adjusting the throttle cable slack, this helped mine allot. The seat is a bit of a PITA, Sargeant version makes it worse. Worth the agravation though. Mine has a ton of tools on board. I have a hard time getting them to fit back under the seat. Must be Honda is cheaping out on later models as others have mentioned. All minor quibbles though, on an otherwise great bike.....
You don't need the PC to get rid of the O2 sensors and the surging. About 45 cents at Radio Shack and some electrical tape will take care of it.
My bike was "surging" and "jerky" in the power delivery.
Kind of rattly too. I thought the chain needed adjustment. The chain and sprocket set only had 10,000 miles on it.
I adjusted it. Then I noticed the rear sprocket teeth were more like little bumps than teeth. :goofy:
Off to the shop. I want steel sprockets this time guys! Aluminum, wtf? :warranty:
It even has a 0.7 feeler guage in a tiny pocket on the outside of the bag!!
Not sure why some would have a lesser selection... The manual states on Page 88 "An optional, larger tool kit may be available. Check with your Honda dealer's parts department." Perhaps it is optional in America, standard here in Canuckistan?
It even has a 0.7 feeler guage in a tiny pocket on the outside of the bag!!
Not sure why some would have a lesser selection... The manual states on Page 88 "An optional, larger tool kit may be available. Check with your Honda dealer's parts department." Perhaps it is optional in America, standard here in Canuckistan?
Enjoy your ride - I love mine like I'm 19 again.
RJH
Maybe your dealer thought the toolkit was incomplete and replaced it with the new "larger" one? If so, kudos to the dealer.
negative, my 2005 came with zero tools. i think the dealers pull them out of the crate and don't include them with the bike when you pick it up.
then, you come back and buy a tool kit for your bike ;)
as for the surging. my bike still has a slight stutter around 5,000 rpms in 3rd gear, and a bit of one at lower rpms in 1/2 gear. the solution, keep twisting the throttle. the VFR really does like to be be given the gas - it doesn't like to go slow or lug.
[image: View Post]rjhenry, on Jul 4 2009, 05:04 PM, said:
[image: View Post]SpiralGray, on Jul 2 2009, 09:09 AM, said:
[image: View Post]vanion2, on Jul 2 2009, 06:41 AM, said:
Your tool bag should have quite a few tools.
Not in '07.
There must be a dealer conspiracy in Honda of America. My '07 RWB which I bought new here in Canada in 2008 came fully stocked, as pictured below.
It even has a 0.7 feeler guage in a tiny pocket on the outside of the bag!!
Not sure why some would have a lesser selection... The manual states on Page 88 "An optional, larger tool kit may be available. Check with your Honda dealer's parts department." Perhaps it is optional in America, standard here in Canuckistan?
Wow. With the exception of that Captain Hook hand lookin- thingamagig, my high school teen special 1983 Honda Custom CM250 came with all of those tools under the seat.
[image: View Post]VFR4Lee, on Jul 2 2009, 10:43 PM, said:
My bike was "surging" and "jerky" in the power delivery.
Kind of rattly too. I thought the chain needed adjustment. The chain and sprocket set only had 10,000 miles on it.
I adjusted it. Then I noticed the rear sprocket teeth were more like little bumps than teeth. :goofy:
Off to the shop. I want steel sprockets this time guys! Aluminum, wtf? :warranty:
StuntManDan,
Are StuntManMike's brother? If so, I hate to think about what you may do to this poor VFR... And you may not need to bother about adjusting the front suspension or the rear... :blink: :blink: :blink: :biggrin:
ppm
[/quote]
No, It was somthing my friends started calling me after we watched "Deathproof" the second movie in grindhouse. I used to do stupid things without calculating the risks. Now I calculate before I do stupid things, usually the rule is:
IF: worst that could happen is broken arm or less than 3 ribs = why not live a little
IF: worst that could happen is broken leg or back = let someone else go first
worst that could happen is considered a freak accident that's a 1 in a 1000 chance, at least in my book.
Anyway it rolls off the tongue and it's easily remembered for better or worse. I'm still figuring out this VFR so hopefully I'll be contributing information soon rather than asking. BTW HID install and the comp werks fender elimiator installs are a PITA with normal size hands and tools. I'm hoping to have the Sarg seat by the end of the week. My butt's only good for about 70mi's before I need a break, maybe I should go faster and stretch it to 100mi's
[image: View Post]StuntManDan, on Jul 6 2009, 10:25 AM, said:
No, It was somthing my friends started calling me after we watched "Deathproof" the second movie in grindhouse. I used to do stupid things without calculating the risks. Now I calculate before I do stupid things, usually the rule is:
IF: worst that could happen is broken arm or less than 3 ribs = why not live a little
IF: worst that could happen is broken leg or back = let someone else go first
worst that could happen is considered a freak accident that's a 1 in a 1000 chance, at least in my book.
Anyway it rolls off the tongue and it's easily remembered for better or worse. I'm still figuring out this VFR so hopefully I'll be contributing information soon rather than asking. BTW HID install and the comp werks fender elimiator installs are a PITA with normal size hands and tools. I'm hoping to have the Sarg seat by the end of the week. My butt's only good for about 70mi's before I need a break, maybe I should go faster and stretch it to 100mi's
:goofy: Good luck! :beer:
ppm
End of thread · 30 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 10 Apr 2010