Different Ways To Lighten The Vfr800.

I was wondering what if anyone has done to try to significantly reduce the weight of their 5th gen vfr800. I've seen on different posts that the subframe weighs approx 8kgs and looks simple in design so was thinking if one was made out of aluminium or similar that a few kgs could be saved. Lithium battery would save maybe 2kgs, exhaust about 2-4kgs depending on type. Basically I was interested in trying to get the dry weight of the bike down by 10-15kgs or there abouts without going overboard with exotic and expensive materials. I'm delinking the brakes in the next couple of months as I've now collected the vtr lower legs, cbr954 calipers, suitable master cylinders etc, so I think there will be a small saving in weight from removing all the plumbing, valves and brackets.

Welcome your thoughts.

- The brake delink saves around 6 1/2 pounds. Just look at all the cast iron that drops off the front, plus plumbing, proportional valve, and a single line rear brake hose.

- My battery weighs 1.6 pound vs 8 pounds on the stocker,

- The carbon pipe is 4 pounds if your lucky.

- A passenger peg and bracket delete would be easy about 3 pounds

- Yeah, I have heard the steel subframe weighs 11 pounds.

- You could trade the weighed rider pegs for a pound.

- Drill holes....

So, lesse - 6.5 (brakes) + 6.4(battery) + 9(exhaust) + 3 (pass peg/brackets) + 1( pegs) + 6 (subframe in AL) = 31.9 pounds (14.4 kg) deleted - that's the easy stuff. (its an approximation gang..) (Well the subframe is tricky)

Wheels - an F4i wheel is lighter by a pound or 2, some guru on here will know and its a "bolt" on. -- But the rear? Holy.....

There's other stuff that I am not thinking of for the moment, but anymore you start spending some serious money

Mohawks bike is probly the best example -

(I would love to know the weigh of his, minus the stebel horn and rear pegs/brackets)

Thanks mello dude. I might start weighing the stuff I take off from now as I'm probably half way there already without realising it. I received your fender adapter brackets just after I responded to your earlier post. Cheers they look great.

And all that work and expense = diet and exercise for 3 months to loose 25 lbs from the rider. :wink:

Vfrcapn. I only weigh 85kgs and am 5,10 so losing weight isn't an option. Just thought I would put it out there incase anyone has done stuff apart from the obvious in regards to making the bike lighter than it should be. Being brought up on a diet of high powered sportsbikes and sports tourers I find I'm always missing the 20-30hp the vfr lacks as well as the torque so reducing the weight as much as feasibly possible could be an option. I had 4 vfr's so it's not like I'm not used to them but you miss the grunt of say suzuki bandit 1250's and zzr1100's let alone the pure sports stuff.

Carrozzeria wheels... no other mod compares.

[image: post-8426-0-78205800-1369164743.jpg]

Ive got a ducati 1098s forged alloy rear wheel that weighs about 3.5 kgs, and a cast 848 front that is also a fair bit lighter than the original Vfr wheel.

Also a single front mount rad, less pipe work, less coolant needed, and slightly smaller, and a smaller lighter fan.

Smaller, lighter battery as well, not lithium, just a motobatt, but smaller and lighter.

Although stripping all the fairings off probably saved the most weight.

vfrcapn

And all that work and expense = diet and exercise for 3 months to loose 25 lbs from the rider. :wink:

+1

Weight loss off the bike is expensive. Just ask Mohawk.

Results are excellent, just not cheap nor easy.

Remove the centerstand and add an aftermarket pipe. After that is gets spendy real fast.

Daniel Paul. Love the wheels. I have seriously thought about spending the money on a set of those wheels as you would have a very unique vfr800 with them. Googled them and they are bloody nice as well as reducing the weight in the right area of the bike to help handling, braking and acceleration.

Keef, since you are in Sydney i might have to meet up and check out your ducati wheel setup. Would be cheaper than the other wheels. I'm just recovering from a back operation at the moment but if I could check out your vfr one day soon then that would be much appreciated.

Daniel Paul

Carrozzeria wheels... no other mod compares.

[image: post-8426-0-78205800-1369164743.jpg]

Beautiful all around.

Catalytic converter, abs, passenger foot pegs, centre stand, that would be all I can think about for the easy and cheap stuff. The rest, as far as I know, would get more expensive or complicated (as you said, subframe, wheels, etc.).

A friend on mine removed about 30lbs, but he said that at the end, although it was more fun to ride, it was still a VFR. Just saying, it will never be a CBR.

Good luck and keep us updated on the progress.

C

The OP says he has a 5th gen so no ABS. Good luck and let us know how you like the result.

The stock headlights have to be quite heavy. I saw a builder overseas substitute out the bodywork for race bodywork from an RC 51. This wont be easy but it looks way cool and with a small projector beam has to be quite a bit lighter than stock.

Google " Honda VFR 800 Bioblade" and you will find the bike and see what I am talking about.

Daniel Paul

Carrozzeria wheels... no other mod compares.

[image: post-8426-0-78205800-1369164743.jpg]

I think my BST carbon wheels top that :)

Wheels, brakes & a few choice Ti bolts etc saved 4Kg off the front unsprung weight & 6.5Kg off the rear.

10A/hr LiFe battery saved 3Kg.

Deleting the pair system, flapper valves/de-snorkel loses 1Kg

Delinking the brakes saves 1.5Kg

The subframe is not heavy @ circa 3.5Kg & you might save 1.5-2Kg with an alloy replacement, but only good for racing. If you carry a passenger, don't bother.

Header pipes/de-cat is good for 3-4Kg, & silencer is worth another 3-4Kg.

I've lost 30Kg off mine :)

Mohawk

Daniel Paul

Carrozzeria wheels... no other mod compares.[image: post-8426-0-78205800-1369164743.jpg]

I think my BST carbon wheels top that :)

Wheels, brakes & a few choice Ti bolts etc saved 4Kg off the front unsprung weight & 6.5Kg off the rear.

10A/hr LiFe battery saved 3Kg.

Deleting the pair system, flapper valves/de-snorkel loses 1Kg

Delinking the brakes saves 1.5Kg

The subframe is not heavy @ circa 3.5Kg & you might save 1.5-2Kg with an alloy replacement, but only good for racing. If you carry a passenger, don't bother.

Header pipes/de-cat is good for 3-4Kg, & silencer is worth another 3-4Kg.

I've lost 30Kg off mine :)

Thanks Mohawk , that's the info I was after. I know it will always be a VFR and I accept that hence I've had 1 1997 vfr750 and 3 5th gen vfr800's so something draws me back to them each time I drift away to more powerful or sportier bikes but they need to go on a diet which ever model you have so just thought I would ask what people have done. I'm not going to waste stupid money on exotic stuff but just remove the shit that isn't really needed. The only thing I may consider if funds are free when I go back to work would be some cool wheels (most expensive upgrade of course) but time will tell. I've got the parts for the brake delink/upgrade, runs a highrise staintune pipe, pair/snorkel is gone already, If I can find a set of non cat header pipes then that would be a win. Centre stand is handy but I have a paddock stand so that can go. 10-15kgs will just make it easier and less tiring to chuck around in the corners. Cheers people

Mohawk

Daniel Paul

I've lost 30Kg off mine :)

30 kg = 66 pounds --- most impressive!

btw - this thread is awesome!

Mikesmini080877

Daniel Paul. Love the wheels. I have seriously thought about spending the money on a set of those wheels as you would have a very unique vfr800 with them. Googled them and they are bloody nice as well as reducing the weight in the right area of the bike to help handling, braking and acceleration.

Keef, since you are in Sydney i might have to meet up and check out your ducati wheel setup. Would be cheaper than the other wheels. I'm just recovering from a back operation at the moment but if I could check out your vfr one day soon then that would be much appreciated.

Have a look through my vfr8 streetfighter thread, it goes through what i've done. It's no where near as pretty as mohawks, mines a lot rougher at the moment. Reading his thread showed me what could be done to a vfr, and helped me get stuck in.

The pair of wheels cost me $600 delivered from motorcycle masters in WA a few years ago, about $400 in ducati bits off ebay, and then some spacers and time from Ben at extreme creations in brookvale. everything on the web made the single nut rear wheel conversion seem hard, ended up fairly easy. Ben made me some carbon centred front rotors that i used to run on my GSXR 7/11 with carozzeria wheels. Feather light wheels with feather light brakes, best mod i ever did to that bike.

PM me when you'd like to have a look and we'll figure something out.

And buy a set of delkevic SS headers, cheap and easy to remove the cat converter.

Mohawk

Daniel Paul

Carrozzeria wheels... no other mod compares.

I've lost 30Kg off mine :)

I'm curious, what is the current weight? I've done some mods to my '99 and am at just over 500lb. (227kg). About 47/53 f/r.

This guy got under 400lb, someone may have the link to his build thread.

[image: gallery_668_420_205372.jpg]

Wheels...

[image: 2005_01_29_bikepics-281837-full_zps87a8c]

keef

Mikesmini080877

Daniel Paul. Love the wheels. I have seriously thought about spending the money on a set of those wheels as you would have a very unique vfr800 with them. Googled them and they are bloody nice as well as reducing the weight in the right area of the bike to help handling, braking and acceleration.

Keef, since you are in Sydney i might have to meet up and check out your ducati wheel setup. Would be cheaper than the other wheels. I'm just recovering from a back operation at the moment but if I could check out your vfr one day soon then that would be much appreciated.

Have a look through my vfr8 streetfighter thread, it goes through what i've done. It's no where near as pretty as mohawks, mines a lot rougher at the moment. Reading his thread showed me what could be done to a vfr, and helped me get stuck in.

The pair of wheels cost me $600 delivered from motorcycle masters in WA a few years ago, about $400 in ducati bits off ebay, and then some spacers and time from Ben at extreme creations in brookvale. everything on the web made the single nut rear wheel conversion seem hard, ended up fairly easy. Ben made me some carbon centred front rotors that i used to run on my GSXR 7/11 with carozzeria wheels. Feather light wheels with feather light brakes, best mod i ever did to that bike.

PM me when you'd like to have a look and we'll figure something out.

And buy a set of delkevic SS headers, cheap and easy to remove the cat converter.

Thanks keef, will check out your thread. Ben shaw is the man when it comes to top quality stuff that's for sure. I've seen the delkevic ss headers on ebay so will get a set. The ducati wheels would be a top addition and look great so I'll do the other stuff first and then I think that could be the go at the End. Cheers for the help.

Mikesmini080877

Daniel Paul. Love the wheels. I have seriously thought about spending the money on a set of those wheels as you would have a very unique vfr800 with them. Googled them and they are bloody nice as well as reducing the weight in the right area of the bike to help handling, braking and acceleration.

I had a set on my old VTR... loved them. It made the bike almost feel like a 650 (weight-wise) by comparison.

[image: P1020391.jpg]

Current weight for my bike with a full tank of fuel is 215Kg.

Lost 30Kg, but bolted on another 2Kg.

If I rode solo all the time, then I'd lose the centre stand, passenger pegs & lose 2-3kg in the process :)

Don't forget to ditch the evap canister, if you guys have those on the 5th gen. Also a 520 chain conversion kit coupled with a one tooth smaller front sprocket makes a huge difference. I have a motad header up for grabs if anyone wants it.

I am doing the brake delink right now with R1 forks/wheel/brakes, cbr triples and wow what a pain in the ass. The wheels weigh exactly the same and so do the forks, but there is definitely at least 6.5 pounds and a couple hundred feet of brake lines, extra master cylinders and proportioning valves etc to remove. Next I really need to do something about my subframe.

I did a 525 chain conversion & 1 tooth smaller front sprocket. 520 is fine for solo use, but takes a beating on alloy rear sprockets with 2 up or long haul use.

I'm sure you'll post up the R1 front end job, you will be amazed at the extra braking you were missing ;)

vfrcapn

This guy got under 400lb, someone may have the link to his build thread.

[image: gallery_668_420_205372.jpg]

Am I mistaken, or are we teasing someone to finish their project.

YoshiHNS

vfrcapn

This guy got under 400lb, someone may have the link to his build thread.

[image: gallery_668_420_205372.jpg]

Am I mistaken, or are we teasing someone to finish their project.

You are mistaken.

vfroem finished his project.

Mohawk

I did a 525 chain conversion & 1 tooth smaller front sprocket. 520 is fine for solo use, but takes a beating on alloy rear sprockets with 2 up or long haul use.

Not sure if you are saying you can only get 520 sprockets in aluminum, but I got a steel 520 rear sprocket for mine.

Best I have measured my 4th gen lost 71lbs

apexandy

Mohawk

I did a 525 chain conversion & 1 tooth smaller front sprocket. 520 is fine for solo use, but takes a beating on alloy rear sprockets with 2 up or long haul use.

Not sure if you are saying you can only get 520 sprockets in aluminum, but I got a steel 520 rear sprocket for mine.

Best I have measured my 4th gen lost 71lbs

That's pretty impressive. Im hoping to lost somewhere around that amount although I think the 848/1098 tail stuff is heavier than I imagined.

SEBSPEED

You are mistaken.

vfroem finished his project.

Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/user/vfroem

Website, in Dutch: http://zeshonderd.nl/public_html/

Did we loose his build thread? I never saw the finished bike.

Full system, pair valve removal, rear pegs and center-stand removal easily reattached as needed, light battery, 520 conversion = 40lbs, 1/4 tank of gas when able, w/ suspension upgrades and custom mapped power commander = handling and HP. Would delink and subframe if significant savings, rims if not the price of a used 5th gen would be nice.

[image: post-23210-0-17603300-1386998887.jpg]

newer pic

[image: post-23210-0-01284600-1386999485.jpg]

If you wish to enjoy a light weight sport touring VFR you're going to

have go it alone because sport touring riders don't complain loud

enough about weight gains for Honda to reverse the weight gain trend

you see in today's market... its a crying shame too because a lighter

motorcycle will generally perform better due to a superior power to

weight ratio and because, all else being equal, a lighter motorcycle

will generally handle better than a heavier one. In high-performance

motorcycles, lighter weight is associated with advanced technology,

good design, and more expensive and exotic materials, while a

motorcycle whose weight is greater than expected can be perceived as

lacking these good qualities.

I've removed 33 pounds on Mr.RC45 since 98 with about 25K in tasty

items such magnesium wheels, titanium exhaust, CMC rotors, magnesium

triple clamps, Carbon Fiber fairings, Shorai battery, etc etc etc....

1 BLS magnesium Triple Clamps with 35mm offset... $1,200

[image: 1922147049_a35b7d3a42_o.jpg]

2 Ohlins FG310 Superbike Forks... $1,500

[image: 1922123823_3a08c7852c_o.jpg]

3 BLS tank bag platform... $50

[image: gallery_3131_51_15864.jpg]

4 Ferodo Ceramic Matrix Composite Front Disc... $2,300

[image: 3193188896_af6966746c.jpg]

5 Brembo billet radial Front Calipers... $1,500

[image: 3193188896_9d34585b46_o.jpg]

6 BLS Magnesium radial caliper mounts... $1,000

[image: 833790051_b85a11c78b_o.jpg]

7 Marchesini Magnesium 3.5x17 Front Rim that was owned by Wayne Rainey

when he sponsored Jimmy Felice YZ250R... $500

[image: 3193188896_9d34585b46_o.jpg]

8 BLS 7075 T6 aluminum Front Axle... $350

[image: FortalAxleComparo.JPG]

9 BLS 7075 T6 Bar Risers... $450

[image: RC45BarsCables.JPG]

10 Brembo radial Front Brake master cylinder $275

[image: 1464360262_52e0a40359_o.jpg]

11 Brembo billet radial clutch master cylinder $375

[image: gallery_3131_51_7998.jpg]

12 Lockhart Phillips Quick Throttle Delrin throttle barrel $150

[image: 1463836757_202fd8a6a3_o.jpg]

[image: 1464360262_25f4110ef2.jpg]

13 Taper Steering Head Bearings... Koyo 39207JR-2 15.75 ea

14 Lockhart Turn Signals... $50

[image: 2543593243_83cdc9c5d6_b.jpg]

15 QB Carbon Front fender...$150

16 BLS K&N Air Cleaner... $60

[image: RC45KNfliter.JPG]

17 BLS modifed LED Tail lights... $150

[image: RC45LEDStopLight.JPG]

18 BLS Carbon Fiber Mirror covers... $100

19 Zero Gravity Dubble Bubble Wind Screen... $150

[image: HarleyShop03.jpg]

20 BLS Aluminum tank bracket... $100

[image: RC45AluminumTankBracket.JPG]

21 BLS T47 Temper Foam Seat and black canvas cover... $85

[image: 3221610268_46d505cd88_o.jpg]

22 BLS Ball bearing Rear Sets with Mil Spec rod ends... $550

[image: gallery_3131_51_90260.jpg]

23 Ohlins Rear Shock... $680

[image: gallery_3131_51_19326.jpg]

24 BLS 7075 T6 aluminum Ride height adjusted with nut... $150

[image: gallery_3131_51_98328.jpg]

25 BLS 4130 chromoly NL5 Rear Axle Mod with nut... $500

[image: gallery_3131_51_18755.jpg]

26 BLS 7075 T6 aluminum kick stand...$500

[image: RC45SideStandComparo..JPG]

27 BLS modified steel 525 ZX7R sprocket... $250

[image: gallery_3131_51_14811.jpg]

28 BLS Carbon Fiber Exhaust Can... $350

[image: 1438376909_43955a4877_o.jpg]

29 BLS 7075 T6 aluminum end cap with 90 dba stamp... $250

[image: 526545754_fd3267150c_o.jpg]

30 3 spoke Marchesini magnesium 6x17 Rear Rim from Freddie Spencer's

RC30...$600

[image: 315048023_c2710a3b99_o.jpg]

31 QB Carbon Fiber Tail Cowl with BLS access panel... $450

[image: 1922123781_677258a3fa_o.jpg]

32 Titanium exhaust hand crafted out of Akrapovic parts by Rob

Lindeman (RC45 owner)...$2,500

[image: 3000531780_56d0858308_o.jpg]

33 BLS Billet aluminum rear caliper mount... $500

[image: gallery_3131_51_43434.jpg]

34 Brembo billet 4 pot Gp rear caliper... $500

[image: gallery_3131_51_18755.jpg]

35 Speigler billet rear master cylinder... $350

[image: gallery_3131_51_90260.jpg]

36 HRC swingarm upgrade with BLS home made machine parts... $5000

[image: gallery_3131_51_1405.jpg]

37 Speedcell 1 lb 6 oz battery replaced 7 lb stock battery $250

[image: gallery_3131_51_71356.jpg]

38 QB Carbon all carbon fiber fairings $1,200

[image: RC45_QBcarbonHRCpart.JPG]

39 Sicom Ceramic Matrix Composite disc only weights 7oz... $500

[image: CMCRC45Disc1_zpscb04d098.jpg]

[image: CMCRC45Disc2_zps9bca6e90.jpg]

That is officially the best rc45 I've ever seen. I think I wet my pants looking at the pics. If you can afford it then I say why not. Nothing exceeds like excess and I want it but would have to sell the house, wife and child to get it I think. Awesome bike.

He doesn't just work on it all the time either, he rides the crap out of it, street and track, and occasionally even tests it's ability to lay down.

Don't believe him on the swingarm cost though. He poached that thing off Ebay without the seller being aware of what it was. Thought it was just an ordinary VFR swingarm, not the real HRC team race piece that it was.

Excellent find Larry. I'd have hit the "Buy It Now" button just as fast as you did, if I had an RC45. LOL.

Larry, I love your work ;) Now if only I had a workshop like yours & pockets as deep ;) Keep up the good work on Mr RC45.

And how much does Larry weight ? And does he have all his fingers and toes ? This guy cheats .

:goofy: :goofy: :goofy: :goofy:

Wheels are probably the biggest expense, but they will make the most difference in how the bike feels.

Wow Larry! What a fabulous assortment of bits and pieces. Easily the coolest mc I've ever (not) seen. Now if we could just convince you to bring it to T-Mac I could remove the "(not)" from the previous statement. Perhaps I could see it if you brought it to Hog Tie this year. You are a master craftsman.

Switchblade

And how much does Larry weight ? And does he have all his fingers and toes ? This guy cheats .

:goofy: :goofy: :goofy: :goofy:

175 but I'd shave my legs if I thought it would lighten Mr.RC45's burden...

wait a sec.........

600 bones for Freddie Spencer's magnesium rear wheel, but only 500 US Dollars for an ally kickstand?

please.

If I parked that bike overnight anyplace, it would only be with an armed guard and a Rottweiler standing next to it. :ph34r: That is absolutely beautiful work.

timmythecop

wait a sec.........

600 bones for Freddie Spencer's magnesium rear wheel, but only 500 US Dollars for an ally kickstand?

please.

I think Larry is including his time/effort to carve the sidestand out of a solid block.

Cogswell

If I parked that bike overnight anyplace, it would only be with an armed guard and a Rottweiler standing next to it. :ph34r: That is absolutely beautiful work.

Thou Shat Not leave Me Bike unattended...

[image: post-3131-0-38431700-1387223007.jpg]

timmythecop

wait a sec.........

600 bones for Freddie Spencer's magnesium rear wheel, but only 500 US Dollars for an ally kickstand?

please.

Lucky for me I've only had one taker for my $500 hand machined ally kickstand... he is a retired USAF

machinist who understood the time and effort...

[image: post-3131-0-25778000-1387223986.jpg]

One piece kickstand? If so, I could see $500, but then I don't see why you wouldn't weld the foot on and save some annoying setups.

BusyLittleShop

Switchblade

And how much does Larry weight ? And does he have all his fingers and toes ? This guy cheats .

:goofy: :goofy: :goofy: :goofy:

175 but I'd shave my legs if I thought it would lighten Mr.RC45's burden...

Laughed my a$$ off !!!!

Mohawk

I did a 525 chain conversion & 1 tooth smaller front sprocket. 520 is fine for solo use, but takes a beating on alloy rear sprockets with 2 up or long haul use.

I'm sure you'll post up the R1 front end job, you will be amazed at the extra braking you were missing ;)

yeah the R1 front end swap is awesome. plus there is about 10 pounds of extra brake delink shit you get to pull off of the bike!!!

[image: 1466178_575154362554677_212134347_n_zps3]

[image: 1471368_575154439221336_483216253_n_zpsb]

[image: 1520695_575821309154649_882221256_n_zpsa]

^^^^ Nice job! :cool:

i still need to dial in the suspension settings, get the clipons positioned better and decide what to do about the coloring.

Good job, fixing what honda should have done in the first place. I'm looking forward to my brake delink and upgrade.

Awesome !!!!!

I'd like to correct the impression that VFR800FI linked brakes are inferior. MCN publishes top ten statistics for several measurements. For 60 > 0 mph stopping distances, VFR800FIs are in the top 10 at ~ 108.x ft. Most mc magazines consider numbers around 120 ft. to be great. There have been several instances when I thought I'd be eating the bumper of the emergency-braking vehicle in front of me when I subsequently found that I had several feet to spare.

While these numbers are achieved by experts and I'm positive I'd never achieve them, relatively speaking, I have much confidence in the brakes of my '01 s.

BusyLittleShop

Cogswell

If I parked that bike overnight anyplace, it would only be with an armed guard and a Rottweiler standing next to it. :ph34r: That is absolutely beautiful work.

Thou Shat Not leave Me Bike unattended...[image: attachicon.gif]RobVeeferMrRC45.jpg

Or random Canadians in Silly Hats might caress it. :goofy:

MaxSwell

I'd like to correct the impression that VFR800FI linked brakes are inferior. MCN publishes top ten statistics for several measurements. For 60 > 0 mph stopping distances, VFR800FIs are in the top 10 at ~ 108.x ft. Most mc magazines consider numbers around 120 ft. to be great. There have been several instances when I thought I'd be eating the bumper of the emergency-braking vehicle in front of me when I subsequently found that I had several feet to spare.

While these numbers are achieved by experts and I'm positive I'd never achieve them, relatively speaking, I have much confidence in the brakes of my '01 s.

You'll need 'em for the Deer Slalom and Brake competition.

Veefer800Canuck

MaxSwell

While these numbers are achieved by experts and I'm positive I'd never achieve them, relatively speaking, I have much confidence in the brakes of my '01 s.

You'll need 'em for the Deer Slalom and Brake competition.

That competition is very high-level. But first one must be able to see them. I'd love to know if I even was able to start braking. But the evidence points to "No Hope". Alas, all knowledge of what happened was lost in the concussion.

Keep your eyes open!

YoshiHNS

One piece kickstand? If so, I could see $500, but then I don't see why you wouldn't weld the foot on and save some annoying setups.

Two piece... the foot is bolted on...

Mikesmini080877

Good job, fixing what honda should have done in the first place. I'm looking forward to my brake delink and upgrade.

its nothing to look forward to, its a real pain in the ass lol. i had to unbolt the subframe to get the proportioning valves out. and the little frame that they are secured to is nearly impossible to get to.

I'm feeling confident. I'm a mechanic who has built numerous cafe racers in the last 5 yrs as well as quite a few old cars. Pulling things to pieces and working in the confined spaces of modern engine bays for years has me pretty accustomed to this sort of stuff. Diagnosing and repairing modern cars has got to be more of a pain in the arse then this job. Time will tell. ...or famous last words.

CandyRedRC46

Mikesmini080877

Good job, fixing what honda should have done in the first place. I'm looking forward to my brake delink and upgrade.

its nothing to look forward to, its a real pain in the ass lol. i had to unbolt the subframe to get the proportioning valves out. and the little frame that they are secured to is nearly impossible to get to.

I had none of those issues. Before I knew it there was a pile of crap on the floor that I never will use again. Get the CBR1000RR COP's at the same time and do it all in an afternoon. If you also get the CBR1000RR harness you can match up the colors on the wires, solder, plug them in and done. Add the coils to the pile on the floor that you will never use.Install the Pair plates too, add to pile, all same day. Done.

C

MaxSwell

I'd like to correct the impression that VFR800FI linked brakes are inferior. MCN publishes top ten statistics for several measurements. For 60 > 0 mph stopping distances, VFR800FIs are in the top 10 at ~ 108.x ft. Most mc magazines consider numbers around 120 ft. to be great. There have been several instances when I thought I'd be eating the bumper of the emergency-braking vehicle in front of me when I subsequently found that I had several feet to spare.

While these numbers are achieved by experts and I'm positive I'd never achieve them, relatively speaking, I have much confidence in the brakes of my '01 s.

Whilst I've seen that news before & believe it to be correct, I could never reconcile it on my bike. I did a race School on CBR600RR's before I ditched the CBS on mine, as the bike felt so weak on the brakes after the CBR & never seemed to match my previous CBR600F4's performance. I did notice a huge difference if you used the rear brake pedal with some power, but on the front alone it was not great. It now feels much more powerful with my new setup.

That said this is the latest copy of the MCN tests I could find http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical/2012JanPerfIndx.pdf it shows the VFR800Fi as joint 6th ! In the all time braking stakes up to early 2012 ! Go figure.

And living proof that Radial brakes are just fashion items ! :)

Mohawk

C

MaxSwell

I'd like to correct the impression that VFR800FI linked brakes are inferior. MCN publishes top ten statistics for several measurements. For 60 > 0 mph stopping distances, VFR800FIs are in the top 10 at ~ 108.x ft. Most mc magazines consider numbers around 120 ft. to be great. There have been several instances when I thought I'd be eating the bumper of the emergency-braking vehicle in front of me when I subsequently found that I had several feet to spare.

While these numbers are achieved by experts and I'm positive I'd never achieve them, relatively speaking, I have much confidence in the brakes of my '01 s.

That said this is the latest copy of the MCN tests I could find http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical/2012JanPerfIndx.pdf it shows the VFR800Fi as joint 6th ! In the all time braking stakes up to early 2012 ! Go figure.

And living proof that Radial brakes are just fashion items ! :)

I get a good chuckle when I look at that report... 'cause you know the bike that came in 4th? My fat ass 700 pound Valkyrie. Nothing special about the tech on the brakes on that one. The front are classic two pot pin sliders and same for the rear brake. Completely separate system.

my thing with wanting to delink them is due to how I ride and I want control over where the brake fluid gets pumped. im sure these figures are correct but I don't find them powerful. The brakes require a firm pull to get decent stopping power and before anyone asks if my brakes are in good order, they are. once my cbr954 calipers go on I bet the required pull on the lever will be less for the same stopping power and I can solely use the rear brake during cornering if desired.

its either delink or I think ill go for a bike change as I really dislike them that much.

Maybe you've mentioned this but what master cylinder are you going to use with the 954 calipers?

I have a cbr600rr 2004 front brake master Cylinder. Its 5/8 bore size should work fine and it matches the clutch master Cylinder in being an integrated type, no piss cup. I saw in another post that someone else used the same caliper/master setup and is really happy with the performance. I've got new wave discs to go on. Genuine honda pads to go with the 954 calipers. Rear master is a 14mm bore type from a cbr600f4i. Rear wave disc going on just to match the front. Once all is mounted I'll measure for some braided lines from HEL who are just in Queensland Australia.

Love your street fighter vfr by the way.

vfrAustin

CandyRedRC46

Mikesmini080877

Good job, fixing what honda should have done in the first place. I'm looking forward to my brake delink and upgrade.

its nothing to look forward to, its a real pain in the ass lol. i had to unbolt the subframe to get the proportioning valves out. and the little frame that they are secured to is nearly impossible to get to.

I had none of those issues. Before I knew it there was a pile of crap on the floor that I never will use again. Get the CBR1000RR COP's at the same time and do it all in an afternoon. If you also get the CBR1000RR harness you can match up the colors on the wires, solder, plug them in and done. Add the coils to the pile on the floor that you will never use.Install the Pair plates too, add to pile, all same day. Done.

mine is a 6th gen which has a different system. the 5th gens may be less intricate and/or packed in there, but i am not really sure.

just recovering from a big back operation so once I feel ok to get stuck into it I will post pics as I go along. it will basically be the same as what mello dude did with his. infact the fender adapters came from the nice bloke himself.

Back surgery bummer ...

yeah back surgery due to a dickhead car driver who nearly took my life back in april 2008. Im on a main Rd and the car driver pulls out of a side street at speed through a line of traffic into me pushing me into a parked car as well as being hit by the offending car. I was doing 55kph only in a 60 kph zone (police verified). I broke 7 vertebrae in my back (T6-T12), my c6 in my neck, 3 ribs, left shoulder injury, cuts and a 15mm tear in my left carotid artery. My wife was a week over due with our first child to make matters worse. I was critical and sent to I.C.U where I stayed in an induced coma for a few days until the carotid artery was repaired by surgery. I came out of I.C.U and into a ward the night before my poor wife gave birth to my son called Cooper. Since that day ive had 3 more major back operations all involving being opened right down the centre of my back (30cm cut) to fuse half my spine together with screws and rods and grafts. Last yr they removed all screws and rods due to complications with them. 12 days ago they opened me up again to put 6 screws and rods back in to hold the T8-T10 together again and remove bone that has been trapping nerves. The back looks a bit butchered nowadays and its early days since the operation (7th dec 2013) but im confident that this one will help minimise the constant pain. I was bitter for a long time but not anymore as im still here for my wife and son. I can walk but cant really run. I still love riding as ive been doing it from a young age and I remember in hospital having conversations with the staff about who rode and what. Such is life I suppose and you have to deal with whats thrown your way.

My bike lost about 90kg the other day... However, it isn't much good losing that amount of weight off the bike when the components removed were the rider and his gear... Mid-corner... :goofy:

Mikesmini080877

yeah back surgery due to a dickhead car driver who nearly took my life back in april 2008. Im on a main Rd and the car driver pulls out of a side street at speed through a line of traffic into me pushing me into a parked car as well as being hit by the offending car. I was doing 55kph only in a 60 kph zone (police verified). I broke 7 vertebrae in my back (T6-T12), my c6 in my neck, 3 ribs, left shoulder injury, cuts and a 15mm tear in my left carotid artery. My wife was a week over due with our first child to make matters worse. I was critical and sent to I.C.U where I stayed in an induced coma for a few days until the carotid artery was repaired by surgery. I came out of I.C.U and into a ward the night before my poor wife gave birth to my son called Cooper. Since that day ive had 3 more major back operations all involving being opened right down the centre of my back (30cm cut) to fuse half my spine together with screws and rods and grafts. Last yr they removed all screws and rods due to complications with them. 12 days ago they opened me up again to put 6 screws and rods back in to hold the T8-T10 together again and remove bone that has been trapping nerves. The back looks a bit butchered nowadays and its early days since the operation (7th dec 2013) but im confident that this one will help minimise the constant pain. I was bitter for a long time but not anymore as im still here for my wife and son. I can walk but cant really run. I still love riding as ive been doing it from a young age and I remember in hospital having conversations with the staff about who rode and what. Such is life I suppose and you have to deal with whats thrown your way.

There's a word for that "Courage" . Congrats for the new baby boy ..

Switchblade

Mikesmini080877

yeah back surgery due to a dickhead car driver who nearly took my life back in april 2008. Im on a main Rd and the car driver pulls out of a side street at speed through a line of traffic into me pushing me into a parked car as well as being hit by the offending car. I was doing 55kph only in a 60 kph zone (police verified). I broke 7 vertebrae in my back (T6-T12), my c6 in my neck, 3 ribs, left shoulder injury, cuts and a 15mm tear in my left carotid artery. My wife was a week over due with our first child to make matters worse. I was critical and sent to I.C.U where I stayed in an induced coma for a few days until the carotid artery was repaired by surgery. I came out of I.C.U and into a ward the night before my poor wife gave birth to my son called Cooper. Since that day ive had 3 more major back operations all involving being opened right down the centre of my back (30cm cut) to fuse half my spine together with screws and rods and grafts. Last yr they removed all screws and rods due to complications with them. 12 days ago they opened me up again to put 6 screws and rods back in to hold the T8-T10 together again and remove bone that has been trapping nerves. The back looks a bit butchered nowadays and its early days since the operation (7th dec 2013) but im confident that this one will help minimise the constant pain. I was bitter for a long time but not anymore as im still here for my wife and son. I can walk but cant really run. I still love riding as ive been doing it from a young age and I remember in hospital having conversations with the staff about who rode and what. Such is life I suppose and you have to deal with whats thrown your way.

There's a word for that "Courage" . Congrats for the new baby boy ..

Cheers but you either sink or swim in these shitty situations and with a family I wasn't ready to give up, besides there is too much riding to be had and my now 5 yr old likes to sit on the bike and toot the horn which for some strange reason he finds hilarious.

IM STARTING TO FEEL BETTER FROM MY BACK SURGERY AND BORED AS HELL SO I THINK NEXT WEEK I WILL START THE BRAKE UPGRADE/DELINK ON MY BIKE. THESE ARE THE PARTS COLLECTED TO DO THE JOB WITH ONLY THE BRAKE LINES TO ORDER ONCE EVERYTHING IS FITTED UP SO I CAN MEASURE THE LENGTH LINES I NEED.

VTR1000 FORK BOTTOMS THAT WILL NEED A CLEAN UP AND PAINT, CBR954 CALIPERS, GENUINE BRAKE PADS, NEW WAVE DISCS FOR THE FRONT AND BACK, CBR600RR 5/8 BORE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, 14MM BORE CBR600F4i REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. NEW FORK BUSHES AND SEALS, VFRD MEMBER MELLO DUDE'S FENDER ADAPTERS.

DUE TO THE BACK PAIN ILL JUST TAKE MY TIME AS I CANT RIDE FOR ANOTHER 4-6 WEEKS ANYWAY SO I NEED SOMETHING TO KEEP ME OCCUPIED.

I'LL POST PROGRESS PICS

CHEERS

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Bored do you need some outside work shipped in? I'm sure me and some others will send you some forks to upgrade . :goofy:

Glad your up and moving around .

Thanks switchblade, glad to be up and moving and the pain killers are pretty good as well. half a back full of titanium now.

no extra forks needed thanks as when im not riding im building a few old Honda café racer style bikes as well. ill post some pics.

this is what I do in my spare time when im not riding or working at a proper job. all Hondas built from wrecks, ride for a couple of months and sell on to new happy buyers who like this kind of scene here in Sydney Australia. cb200's, 1972 cb350/4, 1973 cb250k4 that I cant find a pic of at the moment and ive found some pics of my old 1997 vfr750 lapis blue in colour. hope you like them

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Love cafes, some very impressive looking builds there! :fing02:

Those are beauties. You obviously have talent. I am very impressed and a little envious.

Great work ...

Kinda drooling over the 750 cafe... very nice!

The blue bike with the Norton style honda writing I built is a 1972 cb350/4 mello dude.

I used a new 400/4 tank and side covers as i liked the shape better. I wouldn't mind building a 750/4 one day but they are soo expensive to buy in Australia.

[image: CB900+mit+Mad+Max+Verschalung+BJ+1982.jp]

Now your talkin ..

Mad Max ???

There is something about comstar wheels that are a big turn off.

Mikesmini080877

this is what I do in my spare time when im not riding or working at a proper job. all Hondas built from wrecks, ride for a couple of months and sell on to new happy buyers who like this kind of scene here in Sydney Australia. cb200's, 1972 cb350/4, 1973 cb250k4 that I cant find a pic of at the moment and ive found some pics of my old 1997 vfr750 lapis blue in colour. hope you like them

The Sydney hipster tax.

keef

Mikesmini080877

this is what I do in my spare time when im not riding or working at a proper job. all Hondas built from wrecks, ride for a couple of months and sell on to new happy buyers who like this kind of scene here in Sydney Australia. cb200's, 1972 cb350/4, 1973 cb250k4 that I cant find a pic of at the moment and ive found some pics of my old 1997 vfr750 lapis blue in colour. hope you like them

The Sydney hipster tax.

Keef, I'm hearing you. I've been building these as a hobby for 6 years before the current scene has taken off and every man and his dog are building bloody sr400/500's now. I like building the old genuine articles and not trying to make a newer bike look old like a lot of them do though. The prices people are paying for these old little bikes is stupid to be honest with you but whilst the hipsters are willing to part with there money then I'm happy to take it off them. I don't churn the bikes out though like the shops, I just wait for the right bike and if I feel like it then grab it and build something.

Mike, do you make much profit from the cafe racers? Or is it mainly a hobby that pays its own way?

In Sydney, there is a growing "pre made" cafe racer scene ( like bikes made by Deus Ex Machina) at the moment, as well as the build your own guys.

A lot of the bikes are now learner legal, so learner riders who aren't teenagers anymore and have a bit of cash can buy their piece of individuality.

There is a Deus Yamaha sr400 for sale on bike sales.com.au at the moment for a bit under $10,000, apparently the new price was $20,000.

Dannytb: its a hobby i enjoy that earns me some extra cash. I don't sell them for the prices the big custom cafe racer shops in Sydney sell them for. Deus ex machina charge some crazy prices but I suppose if people are willing to pay it then good on them. I can generally make $3-4 grand profit per bike but like I said I will only build the genuine old bikes which are getting harder to find every day and also without a dealers license i can only sell legally 4 bikes per year.

Keef; the people who buy the bikes from deus take such a huge hit when they sell since they pay over the odds for them to begin with. Harley from rb racing builds and sells decent sr's for much more sensible prices.

Harley built my big bore 1196cc, 1988 model gsxr 7/11 motor, and tuned it with the 91 model 750 carbs, brilliant mechanic, great guy. He also fitted the gsxr front end and ninja seat to my Vfr for me.

Didn't know he did sr's, but not that surprising.

Keef: rb racing actually build decent sr's even though they're not my kind of bike. Harley sticks twin disc front ends on them from Yamaha fzr250's and some other good stuff. If I was a hipster wanting to buy an sr then I would buy one off RB racing and not deus ex machina. Harley and geoff sell them for between $7-8000.

Thanks for the info Mike and Keef. Sounds like it could be an interesting hobby. If only I could convince the Mrs that it was a worthwhile thing for me to spend time on...

So on to the next mod. What is the easiest and lightest rear subframe that we can bolt on to the 6th gen with minimal modifications???

Probably look into one of the CBR 600 subframes. Might as well just make your own if you're going for maximum lost weight.

or wait for the new 2014 vfr800 subframes to become available

i would kill for a 2004-2006 R1 rear end on my bike. i think it would really match well and i think the subframe weighs 4.4 pounds vs the 6th gen's 28 pounds.....

There is no direct bolt on route, so might as well go for what you want.

Yeah I already have an R1 fork/wheel/brakes, so I might as well keep it up lol

CandyRedRC46

Yeah I already have an R1 fork/wheel/brakes, so I might as well keep it up lol

Do you have an RR from an R1?

Haha yeah my bike is about 25% R1 right now. It's name is the VFR1 :P

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think he's serious about the R1 R\R ....

Yes I have the regulator/rectifier model number FH020AA, which is OEM on the new Yamaha motorcycles like the New R1.
I have had it on the bike for a while now, it holds voltage rock solid and stays cool, never hot.
Plus since it was on a R1 it adds like 20 whp.
http://www.roadstercycle.com/

Unfortunately I don't believe it makes the bike any lighter.....

CandyRedRC46

Yes I have the regulator/rectifier model number FH020AA, which is OEM on the new Yamaha motorcycles like the New R1. 

I have had it on the bike for a while now, it holds voltage rock solid and stays cool, never hot. 

Plus since it was on a R1 it adds like 20 whp.

http://www.roadstercycle.com/

Unfortunately I don't believe it makes the bike any lighter.....

But surely it makes the bike 20kg lighter... It's off an R1! ;)

Mikesmini080877

I have a cbr600rr 2004 front brake master Cylinder. Its 5/8 bore size should work fine and it matches the clutch master Cylinder in being an integrated type, no piss cup. I saw in another post that someone else used the same caliper/master setup and is really happy with the performance. I've got new wave discs to go on. Genuine honda pads to go with the 954 calipers.

Just in case anyone still reads these older threads, the 5/8" master cylinder is not optimum for those calipers (like from 954) which have 30/32 pistons, same as later radial ones. I usually pair a 14mm master cylinder with the 32/34 calipers of the SP-1 (AND RRW/X 'Blade) and that works REALLY well. The larger 5/8" size master cylinder will just make for slightly harder but less effective brakes. For any of those calipers and you need an integrated reservoir master cylinder, I would recommend 14mm, no larger. The next size down is 1/2" which with the 32/34 calipers is too small (tried that). Far too much lever travel. Not tried it with 30/32 calipers, but I suspect too small for those also.

To be complete, the 929 used a unique 30/34 caliper. I guess they were trying to match it to the 330mm discs, but wasn't necessary and they changed to 30/32 for the 954. Trouble is, all these calipers look the same. You HAVE to measure the pistons to be sure.

The 14mm master cylinder is also available with remote reservoir from many Hondas and then just to confuse the issue there are now the radial master cylinders that have much greater mechanical leverage and so use larger pistons. And to confuse matters further, the SP-1/ SP-2 and 'Blades of that age used a kind of cross between the 2. Non radial but with a different layout to provide the greater mechanical advantage as with the later radials. Thing is, to calculate the optimum master cylinder, you need to know the piston size AND also the leverage ratio of the actual lever. Brembo make master cylinders with an adjustable ratio, by moving the pivot point of the lever, which it handy if you don't know what you want.

Anyway, there's very few radial master cylinders with integral reservoir so if you want that sort of master cylinder, 14mm with any of the SP-1 type or radial calipers will work well to excellent, depending on the exact caliper. Or if you want to keep the original 1/2" master cylinder of the VFR, try some early 'Blade/RC45/Firestorm(SuperHawk) 27mm calipers. I think they'll be ok with a 1/2" master cylinder, but I must stress, I HAVE NOT TRIED THAT. But I do believe it's worth trying if you don't have radial mounts on the forks.

later...

I just calculated that last combo and it would not be a problem, being in fact very close to 14mm with 30/32 calipers. So not as good as 14mm with the 32/34 calipers, but better than VTR, RVT, 'Blades or RC45 as supplied by Honda.

Hope this might help others trying to match brakes.

I changed the brakes on both my VTR1000F (Firestorm/Superhawk) and my 5th Gen VFR, running CBR954 (30/32mm callipers and 17.46mm master) brakes on the VTR, and CBR600F4i brakes on the de-linked VFR (32/34mm callipers, 15.87mm master). I often ride the bikes back-to-back, and in my opinion the 954 set-up is much nicer to use having more feel and less bite, but plenty of power. I find the F4i brakes to be a bit on the fierce side, as they have a much higher mechanical leverage between hand and calliper (smaller master and bigger calliper pistons). I expect the 600 brakes would be better with a larger diameter master cylinder.

I'm guessing that the "17.46mm master" is the original one from the 954 (same as SP-2). These are the crossovers I mentioned. They are not radial but have a similar (if not same) leverage ratio. They are quite different from the normal VFR type ones with integrated reservoir as those use smaller pistons with lower lever ratio. But lever ratio is also somewhat dependent on where you place your hand.

Personally I've never had brakes with too much bite but I like to use one or two finger braking. It's hard to please everyone and Honda does a good job, trying to make the brakes work as well as possible while minimising the chance of locking the wheel. But they have ABS for that now.

Speaking of which, in nearly 50 years riding bikes. I've never ONCE had an occasion when ABS would have helped. But in the last year, my first on an ABS bike I've twice nearly run into the back of something in front of me when the ABS system decided a minor pothole meant it should turn OFF the front brakes for enough time to be scary and nearly cause an accident. With manual brakes I would have allowed for the pothole and pulled up exactly where I wanted to be. I know some riders believe you'll die trying to ride a bike without ABS, but that's not my experience. Given the choice, I wouldn't have it. But soon it'll be a choice we're not allowed to make.

Mohawk

If I rode solo all the time, then I'd lose the centre stand, ... :)

I've been puzzling about this. Why does taking pillion mean you need a centre stand?

As you know, I've tried to persuade you to remove that stand before and I still cannot understand why you don't. For someone who is probably as obsessive as me about weight saving and throwing money at Ti parts (they're just so light and shiny :) why are you still carrying around that hunk of iron?

When you need to lube the chain, put it on a paddock stand. It's the VFR1200 that has a problem with this as you can't use a paddock stand, at least not any common one. My solution when converting mine into the eVo4 was to loosely fit the main stand (just a simple pivot shaft) and then remove it when work's done.

Maybe I'm the only 'main stand hater' :smile:

Well you'll be happy to know its gone.

What I meant about a passenger was that they are not very familiar & always bumping in to bikes.

Only time I've had a bike roll off the side stand was when a pillion (or pilock) decided to lean on the bike not understanding that it will roll away from you once the stand weight is reduced. They are much firmer when parked on the centre stand.

@BiKenG... thanks for sharing all the great brake combination info!

:fing02: :beer:

Mohawk

Well you'll be happy to know its gone.

...

They are much firmer when parked on the centre stand.

I'm delighted it's gone. But that loss of weight might mean I won't be able to keep up with you in the twisties, with me on my lardy eVo4. :smile:

But, firmer on the main stand, please, not that old chestnut. Park the bike on any soft ground and the main stand will be useless. As for allowing someone to lean on your bike, well, you only have yourself to blame. :wink:

A good BM before every ride is good for a couple pounds, sometimes more.