Finally got to "really" ride my '99! - Fifth Generation VFR's

Well I finally got the tires on the VFR, but it has been just awful weather and all I have done is commute on it. Well finally saturday bike night I go to take it out and put it through the paces.

Now you guys know it already, but this bike is a w e s o m e. I already knew that around town riding was better than what I was used to, but on the highway and it the curves this machine is unbelievable.

I took curves and turns at twice the speed that I was used to without even thinking about it. It wasn't until I was coming out of it that I realized how fast I was going. On the highway I had to be extra careful because when I thought I was doing 70 I was actually closer to 100! I have never - EVER - traveled that fast and felt so nonchalant about it. The bike wasn't even trying! Hell, half of the time I forgot that I now have a 6th gear.

Back to the supension; this thing rides like it is on rails. It is taking some getting used to, I seem to take some turns too tight because the bike just wants to fall into the curve where as I used to have to really push the handlebars to do it.

Now to the only "bad" thing. I noticed a sound coming from the front of the bike. It doesn't happen all the time, only when the the engine is working - accelleration or engine braking. It sounds like pressurized air popping rapidly in time with the engine. My worrisome nature immediately jumped to a blown head gasket. But I did not see any steam coming from the exhaust. I searched the forums and I read that it is very rare because of the type of gasket. So naturally I started thinking of exhaust leak.

How do I go about determining if it is in fact an exhaust leak?

Good summary of our bikes appeal. There's lots to like.

The noise you hear may be the flapper valve. See the attached link =>

http://www.vfrdiscus...ning-great-but/

Mark

Thanks for the link, but the sound they are describing is not at all what I am hearing. Also mine is not apparent at idle. Only when the engine has to work is when I hear it.

Oh .... I forgot to mention. It also seems to be only when the bike is really warm. I just tried to hear it outside but it is not doing it now. Does the bike make a different sound when the thermostat is open?

Sound like your having fun, yea the viffer is rock solid into the triple digits. --- Kinda head stratching on your pop noise, mine doesnt do that or if it does I cant hear it over the slip-on. On yours can you get off the bike and blip the throttle with you ear to the front and listen for it? ---Thermostat is open at ~ 175 degrees.

btw- if the bike was left outside a lot from the PO, you should check the air cleaner. Mice like to build nests in there.

Yeah, check intake system for junk...

What grade fuel are you using... think it could be an engine ping? That noise under load could be a timing thing yeah?

Yeah, check intake system for junk...

What grade fuel are you using... think it could be an engine ping? That noise under load could be a timing thing yeah?

5th Gen is fine on Regular gas.
Don't know what you mean about "timing thing", but of course the cams are gear driven.

Rear headers are 2 piece, and if the previous owner had ever removed them they could have started to leak a bit. Or the main gaskets to the head, as well. Should be readily apparent running if you are standing beside it. For sure remove the side fairings to get a good look. NPR Car Talk might suggest taking a short length of hose and using it as a makeshift stethoscope. Stick one end in your ear and the other around the header gaskets, one at a time, and see if you can hear the leak. Just re-read that it sounds like the front, but better check them all. Stick a wrench or socket on the exhaust nuts to be sure they are all tight. If they're already tight, don't over tighten them and risk a snapped stud!

By the way, nice choice on the '99! :beer:

That baby will do 130MPH+ no problem..... :ph34r:

I just got back from a "diagnostic" ride. I rode out to some quiet areas to gather more details. While putting on my gear in the driveway, I did not hear the sound. I blipped the throttle, held it at 5000 rpm... still no sound. While riding out out to the open areas, I kept my eye on the temp. I did not notice it until 180 degrees. After getting to my destination, I did some slow speed manuvers but did not notice it. If I got over 20mph, I could hear it again. The faster I went, the more noticeable it was.

All of that being said, I do not know if this is an exhaust leak or not. It makes sense to start off with the simplest thing first. After I finish my honey-do list this evening, I'll lift up the tank and check out the air filter. Thanks for the tip mello dude.

Just as info, I was running 89 octane.