Yes, I realize I'm in the sixth gen forum. I realize most of you love your bikes. But hear me out. Where I'm at: I just sold my last Buell, and while I loved those bikes dearly, I've spent too much time wrenching and not enough riding. I'm looking for a more reliable change.
I was never enamored with the handling of my fifth gen, but granted, it was stock. I was in love with the gear noise and exhaust note. Lots to like. Having the wife on-board was nice, but the overall weight of the bike was a detractor. I also wasn't a huge fan of the LBS, but it did have it's perks (piece of mind). I know it sounds like I want to have my cake and eat it, too. For some perspective, I've owned an SV650, the 99 VFR, two different Buell XB's, and a Buell 1125R. I'm not interested in outright speed, but passing power and torque are important to me. The other alternative I have is second gen FZ1...
I looked at an 04 VFR the other day. It was nice overall, but I didn't get a good vibe from the seller. The ABS light was on, the tool kit, cowl, and grab handles were missing. There was a bent brake lever and a scratched up case with no plastic's damage. So something was amiss. But most importantly, the engine had some interesting valvetrain noises that I'm not used to. I know Honda switched to the chain drive on the cams with the VTEC models, and I vaguely recall reading that there may have been a tensioner issue. This particular bike had some sounds from the top end that seemed to jive with my experience on chain drives. Is this a known issue? If so, what do you look for? Has there been a recall or TSB? Do I run or walk away? As mentioned earlier...I'm a competent mechanic, but the thought of tearing into another engine so soon this season turns my stomach. I want to ride!
Also, what else should I be looking for? Any known issues? Did the 6th gens have thermostat issues like the older models? Any choice mods you'd recommend looking for...either good or bad?
Others more competent than me will chime in soon, but I've read that the CCT's can be an issue. However it sounds like your ability to wrench would find it an easy fix. But the obvious begs attention...wait till a mechanically sound, lightly used, perfect bike comes available. You won't have to wait that long.
I'd pass. If the seller didn't have a perfect explanation for each issue with the bike, I'd move on. Unless you want to do a valve check. Y'know. For fun and that.
You still have the 5th gen? Just looking to trade it for a 6th gen or what?
Rode a 5th gen with a FPR and geared down a bit. Felt like a completely different animal compared to my stock 5th gen.
[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on 26 April 2011 - 11:48 AM, said:
I'd pass. If the seller didn't have a perfect explanation for each issue with the bike, I'd move on. Unless you want to do a valve check. Y'know. For fun and that.
You still have the 5th gen? Just looking to trade it for a 6th gen or what?
Rode a 5th gen with a FPR and geared down a bit. Felt like a completely different animal compared to my stock 5th gen.
I walked away. There were also some 'title' issues that I felt were shady. Nonetheless, it was worth the 2 hour ride each way to get in shopping mode.
I don't have the fifth gen any longer, so I'm just looking to buy. My fifth gen was stock with the exception of a Micron slip on and -1 on the front sprocket. It ran very well.
Yup, pass for sure. There are plenty of clean used bikes out there, and even a few new ones. I do my own wrenching too, but I would rather ride the bike rather than work on it! I just bought a gorgeous 2007 with 3600 miles on it for about 1/3 off of the original price. Check out the bike search engines, you should find plenty to choose from.
-VFRGeek
Pass on that one...but note that the ABS light is supposed to be on when the bike is started and parked - it turns off a few seconds after you start moving. As for the weight/handling concerns on the 5th gen - the 6th gen is not massively different in character in that regard. It is still pretty heavy and the stock suspension is relatively soft. Kick in a few bucks for new valves and springs (or swap the shock) and she'll be a lot better.
Still, if the VFR bug doesn't bite you, it doesn't bite you. I knew immediately when I sat on my first VFR (5th gen) that the bike felt "just right" to me. Since there I've had three more - two 5Gs, two 6Gs. :cool:
[image: View Post]PorradaVFR, on 26 April 2011 - 12:31 PM, said:
Still, if the VFR bug doesn't bite you, it doesn't bite you. I knew immediately when I sat on my first VFR (5th gen) that the bike felt "just right" to me. Since there I've had three more - two 5Gs, two 6Gs. :cool:
Valid point. I wish dealers were more conducive to test rides. It'd be nice to base my decision on seat time.
6th gens have two common issues:
- CCTs. That's an easy and cheap or possibly free fix
- Connectors melting in the wiring harness. This can be avoided by cleaning and greasing contacts once per year.
Thermostat are not as common, although I did hear stories about them going bad. I've had 2 6th gens and haven't had an issue with them.
Usually, the best mods are to suspension. Respring and revalve, and rear shock to match your weight and riding style.
The bike has plenty of power and handles well enough in competent hands.
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 12:42 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:
From what you're asking, I don't see where a 6gen is going to preform any different than your 5th, maybe a gearing change on your 5th will help.
Don't have a 5th gen...
Woops ! I saw this "I was never enamored with the handling of my fifth gen" and missed the fact that you don't have one now. But if you're thinking that the 6th is different for what you want I still don't see the diff'. I've owned a 5th and now a 6thgen, I love both, but that's my opinion.
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:53 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 12:42 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:
From what you're asking, I don't see where a 6gen is going to preform any different than your 5th, maybe a gearing change on your 5th will help.
Don't have a 5th gen...
Woops ! I saw this "I was never enamored with the handling of my fifth gen" and missed the fact that you don't have one now. But if you're thinking that the 6th is different for what you want I still don't see the diff'. I've owned a 5th and now a 6thgen, I love both, but that's my opinion.
Yeah...'had' being the operative word. Like I said, I really liked my VFR. It was great all around, but the suspension was the weakest link for me. I'm just unsure what a carefully spent $1k will yield.
The ABS light will stay on till you reach six m.p.h and then it turns off. There are quite a few good used 2002 - 2009 VFR's out there, heck if you don't want ABS you might be able to find a new one at a great price.
For whatever reason you want a suspension upgrade on a VFR(your weight, high speed riding, or both)it going to be money well spent, of course we need the money to do that. If you have it go for it.
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 01:01 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:53 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 12:42 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:
From what you're asking, I don't see where a 6gen is going to preform any different than your 5th, maybe a gearing change on your 5th will help.
Don't have a 5th gen...
Woops ! I saw this "I was never enamored with the handling of my fifth gen" and missed the fact that you don't have one now. But if you're thinking that the 6th is different for what you want I still don't see the diff'. I've owned a 5th and now a 6thgen, I love both, but that's my opinion.
Yeah...'had' being the operative word. Like I said, I really liked my VFR. It was great all around, but the suspension was the weakest link for me. I'm just unsure what a carefully spent $1k will yield.
1k on suspension will transform a vfr. i just did gold valves/springs to the fork and had RT rework the rear shock with a new spring. from the second i drop it off the center stand it is a new bike.
I would definitely find one you can ride. The VTEC transition is a love/hate thing and some just can't live with it.
As mentioned earlier, noisy CCT's, melted connectors(mostly on the '02-'05's), and loose kickstand bolts are the most common issues and are all easily fixed.
'02-'05 had a wiring recall to help fix the melting issues. '06-'09 models have an updated harness and a different/improved VTEC engagement plus they have the coveted clear lenses.
Suspension and heated grips are my two favorite mods.
Having owned both generations my ideal bike would be the 5G engine in the 6G everything else - the ergos are quite similar, but to my view *puts flame jacket on* the 6G looks better. I don't mind the VTEC at all, but I wouldn't miss it either. I never had ABS before but after having tested it (controlled test) I was amazed. It's great to know it's there just in case, although it took every ounce of concentration to hear the front howl and NOT let off. :491: Habits die hard.
It sounds to me like you're not in love with the VFR. As with me with my brief love affair with a Ducati Hypermotard - there are GREAT bikes that you may not click with. If you're having to convince yourself to get it, it's not for you.
[image: View Post]PorradaVFR, on 26 April 2011 - 03:30 PM, said:
It sounds to me like you're not in love with the VFR. As with me with my brief love affair with a Ducati Hypermotard - there are GREAT bikes that you may not click with. If you're having to convince yourself to get it, it's not for you.
You're likely right. I've often bought bikes because the deal was right. The VFR was one of them. I've liked all of my bikes, but they didn't all do IT for me. I'll mull it over and see if I can find a 6th gen I can ride. Good advice guys.
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 10:42 AM, said:
I just sold my last Buell, and while I loved those bikes dearly, I've spent too much time wrenching and not enough riding.
I've never owned a Buell, so I don't know a whole lot about them. But from my admittedly limited knowledge, don't they have belt drives and self-adjusting valves? What's to wrench? Just curious.
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 01:01 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:53 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 12:42 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:
From what you're asking, I don't see where a 6gen is going to preform any different than your 5th, maybe a gearing change on your 5th will help.
Don't have a 5th gen...
Woops ! I saw this "I was never enamored with the handling of my fifth gen" and missed the fact that you don't have one now. But if you're thinking that the 6th is different for what you want I still don't see the diff'. I've owned a 5th and now a 6thgen, I love both, but that's my opinion.
Yeah...'had' being the operative word. Like I said, I really liked my VFR. It was great all around, but the suspension was the weakest link for me. I'm just unsure what a carefully spent $1k will yield.
Ok - gotta chime in. - I agree that the suspension on the 5th gen is a weak spot and the link brakes for some people (me) left something to be desired. (Here's the but)
---- If you get a 5th and rework the suspension and delink brakes, it's totally a different ride than the stocker with the poka stick suspension. Its a huge transformation and I get to keep the gear driven cams and the bike is a bit lighter than a 6th.
[image: View Post]beavers, on 26 April 2011 - 05:14 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 10:42 AM, said:
I just sold my last Buell, and while I loved those bikes dearly, I've spent too much time wrenching and not enough riding.
I've never owned a Buell, so I don't know a whole lot about them. But from my admittedly limited knowledge, don't they have belt drives and self-adjusting valves? What's to wrench? Just curious.
There isn't a whole lot of maintenance, to be honest. But since you asked.
My 03 XB9S: headlight/tail fuse terminals opened up due to vibrations. Try troubleshooting that one. Broken shift linkage (while riding). And the piece de resistance...the starter gasket would never seal to my liking. In fact, I ultimately totaled the bike at Summit Point on Jefferson circuit when it blew out and oiled up the rear. Cracked the frame that day.
My 05 XB12S: valve seals shit the bed at 17k miles, so it was consuming 1 quart of oil every 500 miles. I rebuilt the top end and re-ringed it this winter. Upon reassembly, the Buell manual got a critical step incorrect...which I stupidly followed. 100 miles later, I dumped much of my oil on the road, my boots, my tires, etc. Lucky day I didn't go down. Drop engine AGAIN, spend $100 on another kit...rebuild MY way. I've also been stranded 200 miles from home on a group ride when my stator harness connector failed and took my battery with it. There have been times that the bike just didn't start...still couldn't diagnose that..relays? fuses? ecm?
To be fair, they were some of the best motorcycles I've ever ridden. Just not mine.
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 26 April 2011 - 05:28 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 01:01 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:53 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 26 April 2011 - 12:42 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Monk, on 26 April 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:
From what you're asking, I don't see where a 6gen is going to preform any different than your 5th, maybe a gearing change on your 5th will help.
Don't have a 5th gen...
Woops ! I saw this "I was never enamored with the handling of my fifth gen" and missed the fact that you don't have one now. But if you're thinking that the 6th is different for what you want I still don't see the diff'. I've owned a 5th and now a 6thgen, I love both, but that's my opinion.
Yeah...'had' being the operative word. Like I said, I really liked my VFR. It was great all around, but the suspension was the weakest link for me. I'm just unsure what a carefully spent $1k will yield.
Ok - gotta chime in. - I agree that the suspension on the 5th gen is a weak spot and the link brakes for some people (me) left something to be desired. (Here's the but)
---- If you get a 5th and rework the suspension and delink brakes, it's totally a different ride than the stocker with the poka stick suspension. Its a huge transformation and I get to keep the gear driven cams and the bike is a bit lighter than a 6th.
I followed your suspension build back when I owned mine. Didn't you use R1 forks? That was my plan, anyway.
In all honestly, I did like my VFR a lot. I still firmly believe it was the best sounding engine I've ever owned. Period. And, I'd really like to own a 5g and make a project out of it. I know it isn't a valid argument since many guys on here do it, but I'm weary of adding a ton of miles to an already 10-12 year old bike. I know things like plastics and other various body parts are getting scarce. I do think the 6g looks better, especially with the undertail exhaust, but my main draw is that it's newer and prices are becoming very reasonable on used bikes. I'd love to own a 5g as a second/third bike. If I could have afforded to do it last time, I'd still have it. Oh well.
I spent the first 25K miles I owned my VFR mostly disappointed. It had no end of electrical gremlins and would regularly blow out the rectifier and melt the stator. AFter first the wiring recall then a VFRness and a lot of seat time it's become the best bike I've ever owned. First heli bars then a sargent saddle then fork springs and I've been happy ever since. Last weekend I realized that at 80K I really needed to do something about the rear shock so I'm back on this forum looking around. Since I watched the Gils Villenue Works Performance vintage team race last weekend and I've had their shocks on most of my bikes I'll probably go that direction but I'll do some research. Ohlins and Penske are always nice to dream about.
The cam chain tensions are a weak point but their easy to change other than that it's all about sorting out the electrical then tuning the suspension to your liking. The bike can pretty much do whatever you need a bike to do.
I just picked up some Staintunes off flee'bay and the guy that was selling them is selling his 04-05 (don't recall exact year) that has around 3000 miles on it. I believe he said something like 4500 for it, but again I don't really recall exactly. Wasn't paying to much attention since I'm not in the market for a bike. I did suggest that he come here and list it before taking the ebay money train!
If you are interested, shoot me a PM with your email and I'll get it to him so the two of you can talk.
I've had my VFR almost a year now and was pretty close to trading it for a cruiser. I originally bought it to be my tourer type because my CBR was a pain in the ass on slow rides or commuting around town. Since I had the CBR I really never took the VFR out for spirited twisty rides. Well I ended up selling my CBR and the VFR is all I have now so a couple weeks back I went on a medium pace twisty ride and I fell in love with the VFR enough to say ok I'm keeping this baby and dropping some money into the suspension because its perfect for my needs. Its agile enough, its quick enough and handles enough for my skill level (which is barely any skills at all). The VTEC doesn't bother me that much and I've now done a 400 mile ride and it was comfortable as hell on the stock seat with helibars. Needless to say I'm now going to keep it as its proven to be a do it all street bike for me
Do you guys have a link to what is involved with changing out the CCT's? Does the engine need to drop? How much do the replacements cost? Are they durable?
[image: View Post]mk3dub, on 27 April 2011 - 10:07 AM, said:
Do you guys have a link to what is involved with changing out the CCT's? Does the engine need to drop? How much do the replacements cost? Are they durable?
Do a search for "cam chain tensioner" or "CCT" or "Engine Rattle" and you'll get a few other threads on the subject.
More times than not it's the front tensioner that needs to be replaced. Pull the fuel tank, air box, move a small hose and you've got easy access. The rear is even easier.
Another option that some are going with are the APE manual tensioners. Honda tensioner should cost about $60-$70.
Reading this forum you would think every VFR in existence needs new CCT's. They are a common failure item--FOR A VFR--which is to say, not that often.
I would think thermostats go bad more often than CCT's, as I've had two go bad.
Changing a thermostat involves removing the throttle bodies. Not difficult, but time-consuming.
[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on 27 April 2011 - 04:01 PM, said:
Reading this forum you would think every VFR in existence needs new CCT's. They are a common failure item--FOR A VFR--which is to say, not that often.
I would think thermostats go bad more often than CCT's, as I've had two go bad.
Changing a thermostat involves removing the throttle bodies. Not difficult, but time-consuming.
I'm only asking out of curiosity. I certainly hope they don't ALL go bad.
The thermostat died on my 5g. It was a pain, but certainly not hard. I lumped it into a valve adjustment.
End of thread · 30 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 22 Jun 2012