The 1998 VFR I bought used came with a ZG windscreen installed. I'm trying install the stock screen back to see if it suits me better.
The installation is easy enough for the most part except for re-installation of the upper cowl covers. These are the two scone shaped grey things inside the windscreen. I cannot get the screw holes on the windshield and the upper fairing aligned.
They are mis-aligned by a few mm and it takes some pressure and bending of the screen to make them align correctly. Even with the bending I can't screw the scones back in all the way as the pressure from the holes being misaligned twists the screw.
Anyone else come across this problem? I'm obviously doing something wrong but can't figure out what. I went through the installation process twice but have the same problem. The windscreen front tabs seem to be in the right slots and the screws behind the mirror attachment plates fit correctly.
I know what you mean. My 5th gen fairing stay was mangled when I bought the bike and if those holes are off a half a mm it is tricky. Iy is a bad design where 17 parts have to align all at on spot. You will get used to it. You may have to use a littl bit more force than you think you should to get it all set up correctly. I also have a bad captured nut on the inside so it is always a hard time.
no probs here, had mine on and off umpteen times...
A magnetic screwdriver tip work wonders.. Never really had big problem with it, just throw in a few choice curse words to show it your the boss. :cool:
Tip - just get everything to start threading, leave loose. When everything is attached, then go back and torque it up.
Proper tools to the rescue. Motorcycle Consumer News has had a couple of articles about JIS head screws. Seems these Japanese screws have a slightly different profile that causes American Phillips head screwdrivers to mangle the screw heads. I believe it was the March and April issues had the info. Highly recommended.
I've had problems with these upper cowl covers also. The smallest tweak to the upper cowl support throws everything out of alignment. A real pain in the pants.
A magnetic screwdriver tip work wonders.. Never really had big problem with it, just throw in a few choice curse words to show it your the boss. :cool:
Tip - just get everything to start threading, leave loose. When everything is attached, then go back and torque it up.
+1 everything needs to line up just right or you will have problems. I've replaced a 5th gen nose cowl stay that appeared to be fairly straight because it wasn't straight enough, and would take too much time to straighten.
A magnetic screwdriver tip work wonders.. Never really had big problem with it, just throw in a few choice curse words to show it your the boss. :cool:
Tip - just get everything to start threading, leave loose. When everything is attached, then go back and torque it up.
+1 everything needs to line up just right or you will have problems. I've replaced a 5th gen nose cowl stay that appeared to be fairly straight because it wasn't straight enough, and would take too much time to straighten.
I have encountered this same issue and come to the same conclusion. In fact, I'll be installing the upper cowl stay in my old gal this week. But those screws really need the JIS screwdrivers.
Going to take the whole thing apart and try again.
Thanks for the replies folks.
I'll also bet the faring stays that it mounts to are bent, just a little. Thus your :pissed:
Maybe you can straighten them enough. Sounds as if it's not too far off. :wink:
Good tip about the JIS screwdrivers from MCN. Best mag ever in it's way. :beer:
Never heard of the JIS screwdrivers before, but I bet my car mechanic has.
Being a Japanese guy specializing in Japanese cars and all. :laugh:
As much as I love my VFR, I have a feeling my next addition to the stable will possess LOTS less plastic. The fairings in general are a PITA. As previously mentioned, install all the screws loosely, tightening once all the screws are in place.
As much as I love my VFR, I have a feeling my next addition to the stable will possess LOTS less plastic. The fairings in general are a PITA. As previously mentioned, install all the screws loosely, tightening once all the screws are in place.
Nah, it's not that bad. Some eccentricities, sure. Try taking the plastics off a Pacific Coast or ST1300. The Pacific Coast is the worst! There is a specific order to it, because there are actually no exposed fasteners. So if you don't know what panel pops off first in order to start finding bolts and screws, you'll never get anything done...
And yeah, the "scones" on the 5th gen can be a PITA!
Pitas and scones, oh my. (installing scones) = (having to eat the plastic ones).
What little plastic my other bike has is pretty easily removed. Well, the front fairing anyway.
But, it's a little thing and by about 125 mph the wind gets too intense.
It lacks wind protection for extra high speeds. The VFR is fine right up to top speed short of 150. :goofy: