Hi ya from Newbe ( just bought 03 )

Hi everyone.  I just bought a 03 and ran across this site googling.  Tons of good info here, great site. .  It's my first street bike but back in day I rode a ton of motocross but never owned a street thing. ( knew my maturity level was not well suited for a street bike). I am now older and perhaps wiser and looking forward to it.   I searched for a long time trying to decide what exactly I wanted and then I discovered VFRs and think its a perfect mix of technology and comfort.  I will probably look into lowering it because I am vertically challenged.

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Welcome!  Nice looking bike!

I came from motorcross as well, most important lesson, DON'T PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN IN A TURN!!!!   :laugh:

Enjoy!

WELCOME and good buy.

Welcome to VFRD from across the pond :tour:


St.Petersburg?  
Been there, the original that is..... :tongue:

[image: View Post]mneal, on 01 October 2012 - 02:53 AM, said:

Hi everyone.  I just bought a 03 and ran across this site googling.  Tons of good info here, great site. .  It's my first street bike but back in day I rode a ton of motocross but never owned a street thing. ( knew my maturity level was not well suited for a street bike). I am now older and perhaps wiser and looking forward to it.   I searched for a long time trying to decide what exactly I wanted and then I discovered VFRs and think its a perfect mix of technology and comfort.  I will probably look into lowering it because I am vertically challenged.
Welcome aboard! If you're looking to lower your bike be sure to stay away from the "adjustable dog bone" lowering kits (see this blog for a reason: http://www.vfrdiscus...eeway-shutdown/). Changing or inverting the linkage "triangles" may get you what you need and is a safer bet IMO.

Cheers!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome from another '03 owner!

Rode it home today.  Loved it, but I did find myself getting arm pump from being nervous and latching on to it. Ha.  It is now time  to do some serious helmet shopping, the old MX isnt ideal. ( I knew that, but had to buy a new one but had not gotten a chance to try them on yet and find one I love. ).  

Great to know about the dog bone kits, , I was just starting lowering kit research tonight.  

[image: View Post]Duc2V4, on 01 October 2012 - 03:22 PM, said:

[image: View Post]mneal, on 01 October 2012 - 02:53 AM, said:

Hi everyone.  I just bought a 03 and ran across this site googling.  Tons of good info here, great site. .  It's my first street bike but back in day I rode a ton of motocross but never owned a street thing. ( knew my maturity level was not well suited for a street bike). I am now older and perhaps wiser and looking forward to it.   I searched for a long time trying to decide what exactly I wanted and then I discovered VFRs and think its a perfect mix of technology and comfort.  I will probably look into lowering it because I am vertically challenged.
Welcome aboard! If you're looking to lower your bike be sure to stay away from the "adjustable dog bone" lowering kits (see this blog for a reason: http://www.vfrdiscus...eeway-shutdown/). Changing or inverting the linkage "triangles" may get you what you need and is a safer bet IMO.

Cheers!

howdy.

you will like both that bike and this site.  I promise.

[image: View Post]mneal, on 01 October 2012 - 10:02 PM, said:

Rode it home today.  Loved it, but I did find myself getting arm pump from being nervous and latching on to it. Ha.  It is now time  to do some serious helmet shopping, the old MX isnt ideal. ( I knew that, but had to buy a new one but had not gotten a chance to try them on yet and find one I love. ).  

Great to know about the dog bone kits, , I was just starting lowering kit research tonight.  

[image: View Post]Duc2V4, on 01 October 2012 - 03:22 PM, said:

[image: View Post]mneal, on 01 October 2012 - 02:53 AM, said:

Hi everyone.  I just bought a 03 and ran across this site googling.  Tons of good info here, great site. .  It's my first street bike but back in day I rode a ton of motocross but never owned a street thing. ( knew my maturity level was not well suited for a street bike). I am now older and perhaps wiser and looking forward to it.   I searched for a long time trying to decide what exactly I wanted and then I discovered VFRs and think its a perfect mix of technology and comfort.  I will probably look into lowering it because I am vertically challenged.
Welcome aboard! If you're looking to lower your bike be sure to stay away from the "adjustable dog bone" lowering kits (see this blog for a reason: http://www.vfrdiscus...eeway-shutdown/). Changing or inverting the linkage "triangles" may get you what you need and is a safer bet IMO.

Cheers!
You might look at Lust Racing...http://www.lustracing.co.uk/

[image: View Post]Duc2V4, on 01 October 2012 - 11:17 PM, said:

[image: View Post]mneal, on 01 October 2012 - 10:02 PM, said:

Rode it home today.  Loved it, but I did find myself getting arm pump from being nervous and latching on to it. Ha.  It is now time  to do some serious helmet shopping, the old MX isnt ideal. ( I knew that, but had to buy a new one but had not gotten a chance to try them on yet and find one I love. ).  

Great to know about the dog bone kits, , I was just starting lowering kit research tonight.  

[image: View Post]Duc2V4, on 01 October 2012 - 03:22 PM, said:

[image: View Post]mneal, on 01 October 2012 - 02:53 AM, said:

Hi everyone.  I just bought a 03 and ran across this site googling.  Tons of good info here, great site. .  It's my first street bike but back in day I rode a ton of motocross but never owned a street thing. ( knew my maturity level was not well suited for a street bike). I am now older and perhaps wiser and looking forward to it.   I searched for a long time trying to decide what exactly I wanted and then I discovered VFRs and think its a perfect mix of technology and comfort.  I will probably look into lowering it because I am vertically challenged.
Welcome aboard! If you're looking to lower your bike be sure to stay away from the "adjustable dog bone" lowering kits (see this blog for a reason: http://www.vfrdiscus...eeway-shutdown/). Changing or inverting the linkage "triangles" may get you what you need and is a safer bet IMO.

Cheers!
You might look at Lust Racing...http://www.lustracing.co.uk/

Yep I'd second this.  I've recently bought an 03 and fitted the Lust Racing lowering links onto it.  As much as it's only supposed to lower the height by 30mm the difference feels so much more and has transformed the bike for me. For the price it's the best way to go IMHO :rolleyes:

Welcome, enjoy riding in that warm FL weather all year round!

What do you guys typically do with helmets while out riding?  I know the are the hooks under the seat but the seat removal and re-install seems cumbersome but perhaps I will get better at it with some practice.    I think I will order the lust lowering kit.   Keep the great advice coming, this site is awesome,  
Mike

I usually just carry my helmet with me, the under seat hooks are a lousy design. I have seen a lock that clamps on the rear foot peg bracket, but I haven't got a link..Welcome from another Floridian. I'm not far from you if you need a hand working on the bike, or just wanna ride.

Just curious...what is your pants inseam length?  Mine is only 30" and so I know about what it's like to be short and riding a VFR.  However I think the trade off for lowering (reduced cornering clearace at pegs and perhaps center stand, inability to use centerstand and having to shorten or get new sidestand) did not justify the benefits.  At stops I just stand flat footed on my left leg.  It has worked for me...

[image: View Post]mneal, on 03 October 2012 - 05:53 AM, said:

What do you guys typically do with helmets while out riding?  I know the are the hooks under the seat but the seat removal and re-install seems cumbersome but perhaps I will get better at it with some practice. I think I will order the lust lowering kit.   Keep the great advice coming, this site is awesome,  
Mike
I have the OEM luggage on my '02, so if that's on and empty, I stash the lid in there.
If it's a quick stop, and i"m not going far from the bike, sliding the helmet up against the bars on top of the tank is quite stable.
I rarely use the under-seat hooks as they're a pain.
Typically take it with me.

Welcome aboard!

Luggage, under seat hook, or take it with me...

Welcome to VFRD! You made a great choice. I think I may have been watching your bike on CL or Ebay as I have family an hour south of you that rides and i'm trying to persuade them to buy a VFR (mainly so I can ride it when I visit them each spring). Sneaky - I know....

Good buy - and welcome aboard.
Ernie

I rode it tonight between rain drips and I love it.
2thdr:    I am way short and I seem is like 27-28. ( I am 5-4).   I grew up riding motoX and used to tall seats but thus weighs more.  :-)

I have another general question, I noticed a slight rattle when hot idling in neutral at red lights with clutch engaged ( trans spinning).   Clutch basket ?  Normal?  No vibration or noise when riding or under load.   Bike has 12k on it always serviced ( I think) with royal purple synthetic at proper intervals.    Tuned up like 3k ago. ( I think, have to check records  PO gave me)

Mine also has a very slight rattle clutch out in Neutral, that's normal. The clutch is just free wheeling.

Welcome to street riding and VFRs. Since this is your first street bike all I can say is take it slow - a VFR 800 is not really a beginner's bike, but it does have excellent slow speed manners. Please play it safe and ride within YOUR limits. Enjoy!!

So after a little over a week I have put about 550 miles on it and love it!  I believe I still might lower it a bit but still trying to decide if I want to rotate the triangle of do another kit.  My arm strength is improving, partly because I am working on proper posture and using these muscles. ( and my stress is going down and I am more relaxed I am sure to) .  I rode about 100 miles yesterday amd my harnds/ wrists were sore but even a week ago i could have never done taht.  I am going to western NC with a group of crimes next week and way looking forward to that.    I might try to synch the throttle bodies, it is slightly grumpy at very very low speeds and slight throttle opening.  Such as parking lot speeds, seems to chug more then it should.

[image: View Post]mneal, on 03 October 2012 - 05:53 AM, said:

What do you guys typically do with helmets while out riding?  I know the are the hooks under the seat but the seat removal and re-install seems cumbersome but perhaps I will get better at it with some practice. I think I will order the lust lowering kit.   Keep the great advice coming, this site is awesome,  
Mike

Why does a dirt rider need a lowering kit?  They should be acustomed to seat height, which the vfr is too short to begin with, with minimal ground clearance.

[image: View Post]mneal, on 14 October 2012 - 07:51 AM, said:

So after a little over a week I have put about 550 miles on it and love it!  I believe I still might lower it a bit but still trying to decide if I want to rotate the triangle of do another kit.  My arm strength is improving, partly because I am working on proper posture and using these muscles. ( and my stress is going down and I am more relaxed I am sure to) .  I rode about 100 miles yesterday amd my harnds/ wrists were sore but even a week ago i could have never done taht.  I am going to western NC with a group of crimes next week and way looking forward to that. I might try to synch the throttle bodies, it is slightly grumpy at very very low speeds and slight throttle opening.  Such as parking lot speeds, seems to chug more then it should.
Give this a read. I had the same complaints about mine when I first got it. I did these mods and it smoothed out the low rpm throttle response. It also got rid of the annoying flat spot around 4500 rpm.
It's free, and doesn't take much time at all to do.

Link----> http://johnny.chadda...el-mod-for-vfr/

Unfortunately the pan on the VFR is what it is and you can't really shave anything down in the center. Have you tried a boot with a chunky heel? When I had an ST1300 I had to wear my engineer boots to reach terra firma. May make the difference.

Feather the clutch at parking lot speeds...

Mostly cause I am 5-4. :-).  I actually have riden things I can't touch well on my entire life but this bike costs more if I get it in mud or something and screw up.  

[image: View Post]spud786, on 14 October 2012 - 08:14 AM, said:

[image: View Post]mneal, on 03 October 2012 - 05:53 AM, said:

What do you guys typically do with helmets while out riding?  I know the are the hooks under the seat but the seat removal and re-install seems cumbersome but perhaps I will get better at it with some practice.    I think I will order the lust lowering kit.   Keep the great advice coming, this site is awesome,  
Mike

Why does a dirt rider need a lowering kit?  They should be acustomed to seat height, which the vfr is too short to begin with, with minimal ground clearance.