I have a completely stock / OEM 2000 VFR that I just picked up. It's in generally nice shape, and needs a little maintenance work done it (fork oil and stem bearings). Otherwise, it's pretty much ready to go.
I'm wondering if there are any absolutely "necessary" mods to consider? I'm not talking about the "you gotta change the muffler cuz it sounds so much sweeter" type of thing. I'm looking for the "Honda really should have done it this way from the factory" sort of thing.
I know a lot you like the heated grips for touring, but that's not something I'm likely to find a necessity - at least not yet. As such, I would expect a throttle lock wouldn't be something I would use either.
I'd swap your Regulator to a MOSFET variety. You should have the better, second generation R/R, but I still think the MOSFET is better. Then keep your current R/R as a spare under the seat, just in case. Another positive mod is to install the "VFRness" to bypass some of the stock wiring harness, keeping charging happy for years to come.
Other than that, I don't consider any mods a requirement. I do love my Staintune exhaust, though, and it's how the bike should have sounded from the factory.
To go along with tanner's RR suggestion, I'd go with suspension modifications, not necessary but what an improvement it made for both my VFRs! Oh yeah, aftermarket exhaust does bring out the sound!
To go along with tanner's RR suggestion, I'd go with suspension modifications, not necessary but what an improvement it made for both my VFRs! Oh yeah, aftermarket exhaust does bring out the sound!
I agree that suspension mods are not "necessary", but may well be useful. I won't really know until I've ridden this a bit and sorted out what I do and don't like.
If you'll be an all-weather rider, I've found A Givi D200S Touring windscreen to be much more comfortable in rain or cold weather. It also raised my gas mileage. New price ~$115; used ~$75.
Well, you should probably paint the bike RED, so that your bike will match all the rest of the VFR's for the year 2000. LOL
I'm just jealous, cause I really wanted to buy a yellow one, but was unable to locate a single yellow one that was less than 3000 miles away. :(
Other than the things mentioned thus far, "Start, idle, blip throttle, grin from ear to ear after listening to the melodious thrum emanating forth from the exhaust, ride, speed up and slow down, running through the gears, still listening to that melodious exhaust note and feel the power of the engine. We ALL know how big your grin WILL become, and how much you WILL love the bike.
Thanks. I'll probably wait at least a little bit on both... Just put the cash out for the bike and still need riding gear.
I would not wait too long, personally. The charging system is the one thing that is problematic, and those two items greatly assist. Also, clean your R/R connectors and use dielectric grease to keep them clean if you're planning on waiting.
Other than the things mentioned thus far, "Start, idle, blip throttle, grin from ear to ear after listening to the melodious thrum emanating forth from the exhaust, ride, speed up and slow down, running through the gears, still listening to that melodious exhaust note and feel the power of the engine. We ALL know how big your grin WILL become, and how much you WILL love the bike.
Have fun and ride safe.........
Those words are worth embossing and carring in my wallet. Well said!
The R/R thing is sounding scary. As mentioned I believe you already have the update, but you can find your serial/model number and ensure you have the update. I owned an 00 for over 2 years & 20k kms without any issues whatsoever so rest easy.
As also mentioned, get a good aerodynamic helmet, a well vented jacket and boots.
I bought a helmet (Scorpion EXO 400) that will suffice for now. Picked it up cheap (used) and in very good condition. I'll use it as a base for comparing other helmets to when I'm ready to step up a bit.
I've got my eye on a couple of Joe Rocket coats - just need to try them on and decide which one I like better.
Haven't yet looked at boots, but will soon. For gloves, I have made zero decision as of yet on what way I'll go with that.
Update the electrical!!!!! My 2000 was running great under 25000 miles on it and the RR craped out on the way home from a trip. Pushed her, manually, home the last mile. So spend the $ and do the update.
The R/R thing is sounding scary. As mentioned I believe you already have the update, but you can find your serial/model number and ensure you have the update. I owned an 00 for over 2 years & 20k kms without any issues whatsoever so rest easy.
As also mentioned, get a good aerodynamic helmet, a well vented jacket and boots.
Oh, and nice bike :)
How can I check to see if my bike is updated or not? Is there a site where I can plug in my VIN or something?
The MOSFET RR is a definite "must do". But I would also through in a tapered head bearing conversion is really good to do.
I will be doing the bearing change - that's one of two maintenance items that needs to be done (the other is fork oil). I -may- upgrade the springs while I'm in there.
Get rid of the horrible stock seat. Although I suppose that is a matter of opinion.
I'm looking at seat options - I need to find something that has a backrest (Corbin) or need to find some other sort of "universal" backrest. A trunk was mentioned as an option. I don't know that I'm sold on that idea, but maybe some folks that have pics of one installed (especially on a yellow bike) and additional pics showing the look when it ISN'T installed will change my mind.
I enjoy my Corbin. Its very nice. Expensive with the backrest (which I wish I had) but you can pick them up used easily, which isn't a bad option as I hear they require a substantial break-in period if bought new.
The link in post #21 refers to 98-99 models. The 2000 and 2001 models have different circuitry regarding the R/R and its feedback circuit. I personally think some of the R/R paranoia is just that. There seems to be a lot of missed diagnosis and I think poor battery maintenance might be a factor. I have two Y2Ks both approaching 30K miles and have never had any R/R problems. I am curious as to how/where the bikes that develop these issues are garaged, like mine, or if they have to live outside, exposed to the elements. Having said this, both of my R/Rs will fail next week! My recommendation is get the good riding gear before you start buying parts you may never need.
Yup - gear first and don't skimp on good ankle protection. But I'd have to disagree with previous post; my babied Viffer's stock RR gave up the ghost twice in 55k (km) of ownership (slow learner after first OEM RR failure!). I'd go the MOSFET RR and VFRness soonest ... and keep all those charge system connectors nice and clean.
Yup - gear first and don't skimp on good ankle protection. But I'd have to disagree with previous post; my babied Viffer's stock RR gave up the ghost twice in 55k (km) of ownership (slow learner after first OEM RR failure!). I'd go the MOSFET RR and VFRness soonest ... and keep all those charge system connectors nice and clean.
TexOz, Was your babied viffer a 98? I ask because there is a difference between the 98-99s and the 00-01s. And I am not saying the 2000s never fail because they do. Just saying mine haven't.
Yup - gear first and don't skimp on good ankle protection. But I'd have to disagree with previous post; my babied Viffer's stock RR gave up the ghost twice in 55k (km) of ownership (slow learner after first OEM RR failure!). I'd go the MOSFET RR and VFRness soonest ... and keep all those charge system connectors nice and clean.
TexOz,Was your babied viffer a 98? I ask because there is a difference between the 98-99s and the 00-01s. And I am not saying the 2000s never fail because they do. Just saying mine haven't.
My 2000 has 40k miles. Bought it from the original owner who did "the minimum" in maintenance (tires, oil changes, new chain and sprocket) and never had to make a repair. Always garaged and the battery was kept on a tender.
End of thread · 33 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 26 Oct 2014