I picked up a used 2003 Honda VFR Sat in NJ and rode it home to NYC. I am a VFR rider and currently own a 2K VFR and a 03 R1. My 2K VFR has a little over 40k miles and I do not want to spend much time or money on the bike. I decided to upgrade to a newer VFR model even though the 6 gen has the VTEC engine. The bike is in good shape with 11k miles and a flame paint job (bad paint job on tank and cowl - original color is bleeding through. The side panels are new and fine). The Bike also has a good set of Michelin Pilot tires and a sargent seat. The bike is missing the piece that covers the battery so it is not exposed so the first thing I need is to find out what is that part called so I can order it. So far I do not like the bike and I am trying to be patient - I love VFRs but the VTEC engine is pissing me off. This is a Jeckyl and Hyde bike and I like Hyde better and want him to stay. First the standstill takeoff is pathetic - I need some torque at the low end and plan on doing a lot of two up riding. I cannot imagine how the bike would go up a steep incline from a standstill riding two up. The brakes do not feel much different than my 5th Gen VFR, but the suspension is defiantely much stiffer. I could really use some help with mods on the bike or else I am gonna trade it for a Busa. Any help would be appreciated. I want a better and more powerful take off and a not so abrupt VTEC kick in. I am figuring I will need to do sprocket and chain change and a power commander and a slipon. Here is the 03 VFR
http://images.psndealer.com/dealersite%2Fimages%2Fthecycleexchange%2Fvp1824440_1_large.jpg
A change in sprockets can help in the perceived torque department and get you off the line. But I got the feeling you're comparing this to the R1 power and handling in witch case your SOL unless you go get TORO's super charger kit.
As far as the V-tech either learn to ride it where you like it or trade it for what you really want. Not much can be done to 6th gens to get more power from them unless you have a lot of money to burn.
[image: View Post]Graves, on 04 October 2010 - 02:47 PM, said:
A change in sprockets can help in the perceived torque department and get you off the line. But I got the feeling you're comparing this to the R1 power and handling in witch case your SOL unless you go get TORO's super charger kit.
As far as the V-tech either learn to ride it where you like it or trade it for what you really want. Not much can be done to 6th gens to get more power from them unless you have a lot of money to burn.
Hey thanks for the response. I am comparing the 6th gen to my 5th gen in terms of standstill takeoffs, torque and passing power. The R1 will have both the 5th and 6th gen VFRs for lunch on a straight, but that is what is was designed to do so there is no comparison. You are right the VTEC gets ridden differentlty. I have been riding it differently and have to shift more and I have been paying more attention to RPMs - the problem is I am lazy lol. What I want is more low end torque since I plan on doing a lot of two up riding (I like women with big butts so I need torque lol). I am concerned about a standstill takeoff up a steep incline riding two up (remember I got a big butt in the rear seat that I gotta pull along lmao). I think the sprocket change will help with low end torque and should not bring the bike top speed below 145mph - at least I hope. I am not a pro racer, but I do get it up to 140 - 150mph and my 5th gen VFR has shown 150mph on the speedometer. I am considering an AFAM 15 tooth front sprocket and possible conversion to 520. I will try that before doing the Stainless oil filter from Scotts, BMC high flow air filter and PCIII with a custom Dyno curve. I also plan to do the VFRness even though the recall work was done (there is one recall for the leaky PVC valve). I have a new battery and Recitfier Regulator and also have a battery meter I am installing on the bike. I like a VFR and I want it for fun, touring and two up riding. If the 2003 6th Gen VTEC VFR does not work out for me than I will sell it and probably get a Hayabusa - since I still have my 2k VFR I am good.
hey man NICE PAINT
i would suggest these easy, fully reversible mods (check threads)
remove PAIR valves
Disconnect/ open flapper valve permanently
It really helped me with low speed and low RPM throttle response (as in a california roll)
Good luck!
For the battery cover, you want:
COVER, L. SIDE
80110-MCW-D00
Retails about $15, Service Honda wants $12.50 or so....shipping will screw the deal.
Sorry to hear that you don't like the VTEC engagement. As far as take off...how much do you weigh? Changing gearing will help here, at the loss of top end speed and cruising RPM possibly. I find I have just enough take off power to keep me on the edge of in trouble, but never so little that I felt nervous pulling out into traffic as needed.
I felt the same way when I got my 03....a Turbo City FPR, Remus exhaust and I pulled the air cone out of the air-box. The flat spots are gone, the bike sounds amazing (IMHO) and the vtec is seamless. The TC FPR is cheap and the air box is free. The exhaust is a little pricey, but I think you could get great results with the first two for just a few dollars and a couple of hours work :fing02:
emon, do you know how well the bike is running right now? It doesn't seem like there should be all that much difference between your 2000 and this VTEC as far as low-end power. Maybe it needs a bit of a tune-up? If you are maxing out the GVWR, I would definitely try a sprocket swap.
I have not ridden a 2003 but I know its VTEC engagement is supposedly more abrupt than the 2006+ models. Smoothing it can be a bit of a black art, but some have had success with the fuel/airflow mods like listed above. For sure the PCIII/V can help, and you may find a smidge more power as well. Good luck.
[image: View Post]carlitos92, on 04 October 2010 - 09:17 PM, said:
emon, do you know how well the bike is running right now? It doesn't seem like there should be all that much difference between your 2000 and this VTEC as far as low-end power. Maybe it needs a bit of a tune-up? If you are maxing out the GVWR, I would definitely try a sprocket swap.
I have not ridden a 2003 but I know its VTEC engagement is supposedly more abrupt than the 2006+ models. Smoothing it can be a bit of a black art, but some have had success with the fuel/airflow mods like listed above. For sure the PCIII/V can help, and you may find a smidge more power as well. Good luck.
Absolutely, I checked with Honda and my 03 VFR still has the Brake PVC recall. I am going to schedule the work and have the shop check the bike. I do like the Turbo City FPR and airbox modification. I am starting to think Honda made a California bike and now it has to be unplugged and unclogged. Really appreciate all the riders here and the help and suggestions.