Newb VFR fanatic here just wondering how/if the sudden "warp speed" of the VTEC has changed anyone's riding style/ technique? And if they had any advice for us VFR newbies? Such as running on the twisties mostly. Wondering this after accelerating through a sweeping turn and, ENGAGE! WARP NINE! ZOOOOOM! Maybe start out in VTEC or just try and stay under VTEC in the curve? Still wondering if the huge, crooked smirk on my face showed through my chrome visor.
Having my rpm's running around 4 to 7k I don't even notice it when it changes as far as disrupting the bike, but if you're riding it on the edge of it's usefull grip, than anything can upset the stability of a bike, not just the Vtec. So if you're pushing the limits, I would work on finding a place to pass though vtec when the bike is not at it's pike allowable traction deficit.
Depends on how smooth your particular bike's transition really is. If it's noticeable, then ride either below (careful not to lug the engine and you won't get much response from the engine) or just keep it above the 6,800rpm mark. But like Monk said, careful not to be on the edge this much because it makes you vulnerable to anything unpredictable (car riding over your line, sand/gravel, squirrel, tighter curve than you thought, etc.). You'll still get plenty of smiles without being on the edge. Keep it for track days, it's safer and cheaper than tickets...
I might add that I was accelerating pretty aggressively. It was a very long sweeping curve with no intersections and no traffic that is nothing to speak of at 40mph. But add 40mph to that 40mph it and suddenly it's one of the funnest curves on the trip.
I never ride on the edge in town. And I'm mostly very laid back and calm. But one of the good things about Oklahoma is a good open view and little to no traffic on those many country roads. Made the same trip hundreds of times and know the road like the back of my hand. Yes, I agree it's an added risk to "play". But let's face it, it's just plain fun! And my bike is VERY noticeable when it hits VTEC. Like someone else grabbing the throttle and giving it a quick twist without me doing a thing. (One of the reasons I plan on a PCIII ASAP) Heard it'll help smooth out the transition. And might help me gear up more often on those curves since I've been told it would help with the low RPM snatchiness? Running the bike at high RPM's a lot in the curves just makes me feel like I'm abusing her. (AM I?) That mid range is were I like to be but the sudden ZOOOM is nerve racking at times. I'm never really in a position were it would cause me to break loose and low side but it's definitely a factor I have to keep in mind while having fun.
Ok, I had misunderstood you then--glad to hear you are careful though. Sorry. My understanding is that running these bikes above the VTEC engagement point --within reason--does not hurt the engine because they're pretty much bullet-proof. Again, within reason. I would imagine that if you tried you may be able to blow one up after a lot of abuse. But you can go to the red line on a regular basis I think. I would definitely recommend the PCIII, mine did smooth out the ride and made the bike much more driveable/enjoyable.
Enjoy!!
c
If it bothers you at high rpm's start wearing earplugs....... and I'm "not" joking.........
I don't know how many miles you have on your bike but mine was more noticable under the 1st 10/15k but now it is smooth and I'm stock, no pc or stuff like that. If I had someone I could take my bike too, that knew how to install a PC and map it correctly I'd buy one(and all the other stuff that needs to be added/subtracted to go with it)............ but I don't and the only reason would be to help the low rpm hesitations.
My 04 was my first street bike, coming from years of offroad racing and at first the vtech was a surprise but now I am used to it. 95% of the time I am below the Vtech engagement mostly for fuel efficiency reasons. Now, I can usually work my gearing out so that the Vtech hits just as i am exiting a corner pulling it up straight. I've never felt sloppy or nervous about the vtech engagement I can feel it coming and time it so that I get the most enjoyment out of it.
If it bothers you at high rpm's start wearing earplugs....... and I'm "not" joking.........
I don't know how many miles you have on your bike but mine was more noticable under the 1st 10/15k but now it is smooth and I'm stock, no pc or stuff like that. If I had someone I could take my bike too, that knew how to install a PC and map it correctly I'd buy one(and all the other stuff that needs to be added/subtracted to go with it)............ but I don't and the only reason would be to help the low rpm hesitations.
You're more than welcome to come over to my place Monk, I'll give you a hand. :goofy: Might be a bit of a ride though... C
The only way the V-Tec has changed my riding style is, when I pull out to pass someone I set myself up so just as I'm passing the driver's window Mr Sulu punches the warp button and the V-Tec hits right when everyone can hear it.
No credit here. Google "VTEC Just Kicked In YO" and you'll get a plethora of hilarious photos. That's just one of the more common ones that gets posted from time to time.
LMAO! That photo is funny as hell! And perfectly fitting for the thread!
Reading all of your comments aout the PC's I'm chompin' at the bit to get one! Just need that.......stuff....it's like........greenish.....kinda.....papery........MONEY! That's it, money. I think I'll appreciate the low rpm fix more than smoothing out the transition. Simply because when I really have to consider the transition, I'm already out having fun. But at low rpm's I'm most likely stuck in traffic. And the more pleasant I can make that experience the better. Plus, I might look like I know how to ride my motorcycle instead of wondering if people see/hear me bucking past them like I'm still learning on the clutch.
BTW, thanks for all your input. I do appreciate it.
When you're in stop and go traffic (1st / 2nd gear) go up "a" gear more than what you're in, it'll tame the jerky's.
One thing(not directed to you) I was thinking about the last few days about the low rpm jerks, is if I'm am coming into a slow tight 90º turn and do what We're suppose to from entry to exit it doesn't have any problems. And that's staying out of 1st and slowing'er down before the turn and smoothly increase the gas all the way around the turn. If I have to slow down again while in the turn it can get jerky. Not that we should have to put that much effert into it but it does work for me.
My bike just hit 12k last week so maybe it will smooth out in few k. But I think the PCIII is definitely in the Viffer's near future. Until then, I'll have to try and take advice from Mr. Noobtastic and try to time it out to hit VTEC on the exit. Might take a while to get the feel of it down seeing as how most of my riding is to and from work. Only been on one ride just for fun so far. Can't wait for the next.
I didn't realize how much my style was being dictated by the VTEC bump until I installed a Power Commander. I used to avoid running at 6-7K RPM because of the transition. I would either be screaming above it, or lugging below. Years of riding the bike had conditioned me to where it was no big deal. But with the PCIII installed (with Cozy's map), the bike is a whole new beast. ANY RPM is fair game, and there is hardly any bump at all. I can lug from near stalling RPMs with no snatch, and I can hang right at the VTEC transition RPM all day long with no ill effects.
I didn't realize how much my style was being dictated by the VTEC bump until I installed a Power Commander. I used to avoid running at 6-7K RPM because of the transition. I would either be screaming above it, or lugging below. Years of riding the bike had conditioned me to where it was no big deal. But with the PCIII installed (with Cozy's map), the bike is a whole new beast. ANY RPM is fair game, and there is hardly any bump at all. I can lug from near stalling RPMs with no snatch, and I can hang right at the VTEC transition RPM all day long with no ill effects.
Mike
Other than the map and PCIII , is everything else stock?
If it bothers you at high rpm's start wearing earplugs....... and I'm "not" joking.........
I don't know how many miles you have on your bike but mine was more noticable under the 1st 10/15k but now it is smooth and I'm stock, no pc or stuff like that. If I had someone I could take my bike too, that knew how to install a PC and map it correctly I'd buy one(and all the other stuff that needs to be added/subtracted to go with it)............ but I don't and the only reason would be to help the low rpm hesitations.
You're more than welcome to come over to my place Monk, I'll give you a hand. :goofy: Might be a bit of a ride though... C
In most of my riding the v-tec engagement just serves as a shift point and with my power commander settings it is pretty smooth anyway. That said, it still provides a rush of satisfaction when it comes on and my bike transforms from 'tourer' to 'sportbike'.
Monk, if you are ever in Ohio stop by and we can go over the PC stuff on my bike. Hooking one up is a non-issue and once you see how easy it is to change/alter maps you'll kick yourself for not trying it sooner.
If your VFR is fully warmed up (water temp > 160 F) your VTEC transition will be smoother regardless of how smooth the transition is normally so if you are corner carving keep that in mind.
If your transition is more abrupt under normal operating temps then look into a PCIII/V (which you all ready said you were interested in doing).
Otherwise keep an eye on your rpm as your 03 transition point is at 6400 rpm. My 02 transition is pretty smooth without a PCIII so I just let her rumble through the turns. Basically just find what you are comfortable with and go from there.
Just ride an old mid-70's two stroke for awhile. Once you experience the leap in power in when it comes on the pipe, you'll forget all about VTEC engagement.
I didn't realize how much my style was being dictated by the VTEC bump until I installed a Power Commander. I used to avoid running at 6-7K RPM because of the transition. I would either be screaming above it, or lugging below. Years of riding the bike had conditioned me to where it was no big deal. But with the PCIII installed (with Cozy's map), the bike is a whole new beast. ANY RPM is fair game, and there is hardly any bump at all. I can lug from near stalling RPMs with no snatch, and I can hang right at the VTEC transition RPM all day long with no ill effects.
Mike
+1
I'd gotten so used to the engagement that I was riding around it without noticing. Now with the PC-V I just completely forget that it's there.
The PCV all but removed any VTEC kick. I don't even notice it except for the sound change.
That being said, I am itching to send a signal to the solenoid valve to keep VTEC ON all the time. I am curious to see how it will run down low in the RPM will all 4 valves. The problem is the fueling will be seriously messed up I imagine. Maybe the Dynojet Autotune would help? I am not even sure there will be enough oil pressure to engage the valves... it might flop around and destroy everything.
Ok, forget it.
End of thread · 24 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 21 Jun 2015
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