new here, first post.
Im considering a 6th gen vfr as my primary road/ light touring bike.
I own an 01 concours with 130k(bought it new the miles are mine) on it and a 08 klr w 30k (also bought new and ridden only by me) set up for adventure touring.
At any rate the conk is getting old and Ive never used its 2 up capabilities as I ride solo 100% of the time so im looking for a lighter more nimble replacement.
my primary concerns are maintenance issues,
what tends to break on these bikes and are they fixable by a mechanically adept owner? I do all my own service including valves on both bikes I own.
wheel bearings? valve adjusts? electrical gremlins? known factory gotcha's that need attention to forestall a problem?
having never dealt with a v4 honda is there anything I should be aware of.
I like the looks and power to weight ratio of the bike and can adapt for any ergo issues, corbin and heli seem to be the standard ergo mods. having a racing background I like my feet under me anyway instead of sitting in a la-z-boy.
the used prices on 6th gens Im seeing make it hard to turn down some of the better kitted deals.
I just need to know if I buy one that its going to be a reliable mount as I travel very widely for both enjoyment and business on my bikes and dont want to be left roadside when theres a meeting I need to make 2 states away.
The 2006+ 6th gen's seem to have all the issues worked out. The biggest one being a harness that would fry; I'm not sure the exact details of the harness as I have an '06, but Honda should have replaced them under warranty.
The cam tensioner sometimes makes noise, but that's not until later in the bike's life. It's not broken per se, but it makes an annoying knocking sound.
The last one is the valves that need checking, especially the VTEC ones at 40-50k. A lot of guys check them themselves, there's a few writeups I believe and it's not too difficult if you know what you're doing.
Other than that, the bike is pretty solid! There's a few guys that have 100+k on their bikes and they're still going strong. Honda definitely made this bike to last, with a few oddities.
If you're mechanically adept as you say you are, this bike should be a breeze for you to own!
Basicly the only gremlin is the electric system, which I've personally not had any problems with, but when reading a forum as techy as this and with as many ppl as this the odds in numbers are likely to appear higher than they would otherwise. Also there are electric fixes by Honda and by our own ppl here that don't cost much to modify.
I had a '99 VFR and put over a 100k on it without problems, and now have an '08 with 40k and no problems so far with this one either.
There is a Valve inspection that's called for every 16(18?)k........... I had my '99 checked 3 times and didn't need ajustment, gave up on checking it. Also my '08 hasn't had any valve adjustment to date, and runs fine.
Hondas recall Service Bulletin dated Nov. 2007 lists the VIN Series for VFR800/A #4 of the 2002,03,04,05,06 models years. I have a copy of the service bulletin and can give you the VIN numbers applying to any of the years (02-06), I think I found the bulletin on this site.
If you want to check if the warranty work has been completed on any prospect bike, check the right side upper steering stem where the VIN is stamped into the aluminum, according to the Service Bulletin, a single "punch" mark is supposed to be stamped by a Honda Tech who did any such wiring re and re under warranty. The spec was to have the punch mark just below and ahead of the letter "J", the first digit in the VIN.
[image: View Post]max1138, on 23 March 2012 - 10:17 PM, said:
thanks guys theres a nicely kitted 04 (bags,seat, pipes, windscreen) locally for 4300 around 18k miles than im going to go check out monday.
Im of the opinion, of purchasing an unmonkeyed vfr with all retrofits from the factory, that means an 06. Im over 92,000 miles totally stock, no wiring issues other the prepping all the connections with wd40 and ensuring good mechanical/electrical continuity in those known vernerable connections.
My vfr has been super reliable, its like the Honda CR500 of motocross bikes. I did have a stator fail at 56,000 miles, the first time it ever let me down. Its never had a valve check, although I do run a race fuel leaded diet. If I was offered a Brand new VFR in exchange for free, Id say no. My bike is as good as brand new, any free trade would more than likely be a risky detriment. Plus Id have the hassle of setting a new bike up again.
I have been for years looking to replace the VFR, its not that I dont want to, I do. I just havent found anything thats solidily ahead of the VFR in all catagories, at this time I can gain in one area, but lose in another, thats not worth 10 to 15,000 grand.
Like you I owned a C10. I also have a 07 VFR and a C14. I am sure you have heard many times :"it runs like a Honda" or something similar. It is true. I did like my C10 and I do love my C14, but my VFR is truly outstanding.
These two bikes serve different purposes. You will not get the protection that you get from your C10 during cold days or when it is raining. Nor would it feel so stable when there is a lot of wind. The riding position is very different, you sit upright on the C10 but not on the VFR, which I like more than the C10. It will be almost impossible to find saddle bags for the VFR that are as good and large as the saddle bags of the C10. Finally, the VFR chain would need care and attention.
The VFR is a beautifully balanced bike, runs great always and it excels at turning. VTEC technology is an issue that some like, some dislike. Count me on the like side.
If I were you I would keep the C10 and also get a VFR.
thanks for the input CElias, but my conk is down for the count, hydrolocked and bent a rod. so its done for short of a replacement motor, I think about it but its time to move on, a viffer or a 1250fa seem to be my leading candidates for the moment. the vfr for the sporting side or the fa for the allrounder. my klr is about 30 horsepower and a 6th gear short of being a really travel worthy mount but its fun for a backroad blaster.
I do want a vfr tho,
I own a 2003 VFR wth 43,000 miles. Bought it new and it has never let me down. Thought about putting it up for sale this spring but could not bring myself to part with it. Great all around street bike.
Spring sprang here and yesterday I got on both my KLR and the VFR .... can not get the smile off my face !!! I am a fan of having the rite tool for the job at hand ... thus a two bike stable is a good route for me... a backroad and a hiway/biway scoot don't scrimp ... spend the bucks You Cannot Take it With You !!
[image: View Post]CElias, on 24 March 2012 - 09:35 AM, said:
My 2 cents.
Like you I owned a C10. I also have a 07 VFR and a C14. I am sure you have heard many times :"it runs like a Honda" or something similar. It is true. I did like my C10 and I do love my C14, but my VFR is truly outstanding.
These two bikes serve different purposes. You will not get the protection that you get from your C10 during cold days or when it is raining. Nor would it feel so stable when there is a lot of wind. The riding position is very different, you sit upright on the C10 but not on the VFR, which I like more than the C10. It will be almost impossible to find saddle bags for the VFR that are as good and large as the saddle bags of the C10. Finally, the VFR chain would need care and attention.
The VFR is a beautifully balanced bike, runs great always and it excels at turning. VTEC technology is an issue that some like, some dislike. Count me on the like side.
If I were you I would keep the C10 and also get a VFR.
Cheers,
CElias
I disagree on the wind front. I think the VFR is the best bike I have ridden/owned over many years for balance. When I first got the bike, I deliberately got into the slipstream of some trucks to see what would phase it. It's very solid, much better than my Beemers.
End of thread · 12 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 16 Jun 2012