Must Have Mods

What would you guys say are the best and must have mods for a 5th gen?

* I feel are my must haves.

F4I Front wheel, wheels powder coated -75

*Two Bros silp on, w/ headers, *repacked, ceramic coated and TI wrapped rear downpipes removed heat-shield -12.5

Hell SS lines

*DMr fork kit, raised 8mm

Pazzo levers

*Zero gravity DB screen

*2002 mirrors

Painted grey dash panels Back

CBR1000 Coil On Plugs -1.25

*Pair valve removed -1.5

*Air-box mod w/ Pipercross

Samco hoses

Barnett clutch springs, rebuilt slave

Valve clearances adjusted

Pro Factory Star Shifter

CBR1000 Alloy Kickstand and kill-switch -1.0

*Removed center stand -4.0

*CBR600 pegs .25

Haris CF huger & moded

*520 sprockets -1 front, and chain -2.5

*Shori battery -7.5

*Penske rear shock, raised -2.5

*PC3, with custom map

Galfer rear roter -2.0

Cush drive bushings replaced

TI bits -2.0

*Chopped rear fender

*LED brake lights

First and foremost is a voltmeter. Then Sargent seat and EBC HH brake pads. After that it's just personal preference. I've got the Harris hugger, Ohlins rear shock, Yoshimura SS2R slip-on, Galfer SS brake lines, powdercoated wheels, GPS mount and wiring, 45 tooth rear sprocket, bicycle computer to use because the speedometer is waaaay off due to the previous mod, HawkeOiler chain oiler, bright LED rear brake lights, Mercedes horn, Blue Sea fuse box, VFRness, PAIR block off plates, K&N air filter, Chinese knock-off shorty brake and clutch levers, Power Commander 3 USB, Helibars, Vibranators, black rear wheel lug nuts, rear wheel hole cover, 2001 VFR non-condom mirrors.

And I think that's about it. For now anyway. :beer:

Corbin seat

Heli bars

Lowering blocks for the pegs

Throttlemeister

Heated grips

Luggage

VFRness and voltmeter

First and foremost- reliability:

VFRness and Voltmeter

Updated voltage regulator and a quality battery

if your seeing a trend here...the electrics are the achiles heel of the VFRs including the 5th gen

From there...

Upgrade the suspension- you don't need to spend alot. Get a DMR fork kit and CBR929 shock

Install good tires- Michelin Pilot Power family/ Pirelli Angel GTs are good choices

EBC HH brake pads and stainless steel brake lines

Comfort...

Taller screen

Heli bars

Throttle lock of some kind (there are $20 Throttle locks out there now that work as good as my $200 Throttlemeister)

Sargent Seat (not a fan of Corbin myself)

Performance...

Quality slip on exhaust- check the classifieds on here and flea-bay

Some folks like to change their gearing for more low end and some go for more mileage

PAIR valve removal (DIY)

Power Commander 3 (the 5 is not a plug in play according to most)

Its really not worth trying to get more performance out of the engine

Personal faves...

LED CREE headlight kit

TechSpec tank pads

Factory shift kit

GI Pro Digital gear indicator

8 spoke rear wheel off a 3rd gen

Givi tank lock tank bag

Rear hugger (don't buy a Red Fox they are crap...mine cracked after a year and 5,000 miles)

That should about cover the basics of the "must have" 5th gen VFR mods... have fun shopping!

^^^ Well said!

The only "must have" for me is PAIR mod, volt meter & DMr shock/fork upgrades. I'm fairly happy with the stock seat, foot pegs & handlebars. As long as everything else is in good repair, ride the hell outta it!

DFerrell

Corbin seat

Heli bars

Lowering blocks for the pegs

Throttlemeister

Heated grips

Luggage

VFRness and voltmeter

DFerrell

Corbin seat

Heli bars

Lowering blocks for the pegs

Throttlemeister

Heated grips

Luggage

VFRness and voltmeter

+1 ... minus lowering .....

And a Power Commander 5 with gear indicator .

Who makes the lowering blocks for the footpegs? I can't remember :(

deltaboxii

EBC HH brake pads and stainless steel brake lines

Comfort...

Taller screen

Throttle lock of some kind (there are $20 Throttle locks out there now that work as good as my $200 Throttlemeister)

Any brand recommendations for those 3 things please? Brake lines, screen & cheap throttle lock? :491:

Brake lines- HEL, Galfer, Goodridge and Spiegler are all good quality brake lines.

Screens- Givi, MRA, Zero Gravity- all good screens in various designs/heights

Cheap throttle lock-

Inexpensive options

Go Cruise

Crampbuster

Expensive- Throttlemeister (includes bar ends, optional designs and sizes)

You can't beat the Go Cruise for $20. You can even move it from bike to bike. So incredibly simple its amazing no one thought of it sooner. They also have the Go Cruise 2 which is adjustable. Which is a plus if you want to move it from a bike with a 7/8" bar to a 1" bar.

BusyLittleShop makes the lowering blocks.

I can't help you on the brake lines, but for the screen, Zero Gravity, Givi, or MRA are your options, I believe. For the throttle lock, the cheap option is the Vista Cruise. The original looks better, but requires modification to not hit the tank at full lock, while the NEP is cheaper, and requires no modification. I just installed a NEP, and while it's not much for looks, it works and is a LOT cheaper than Throttlemeister.

I love my Givi screen, nice clean air behind it.

dont forget the Honda OEM St1100 tank pad to protect her beautiful finish! :biggrin:

In case you need a picture, here's a ST1300 tank pad with Tech Spec C3 tank grips on my 99.

[image: IMAG0188_zpseg99iuza.jpg]

SCguy

In case you need a picture, here's a ST1300 tank pad with Tech Spec C3 tank grips on my 99.

[image: IMAG0188_zpseg99iuza.jpg]

That looks really good! You don't happen to have a part number on that do you?

The cheapest I've found it is at David Silver Spares.

https://www.davidsilverspares.com/NT650V3-DEAUVILLE-2003/part_90833/

What is your type of riding you mostly do? Sport Tour? Cross Country? Commute? Occasional trackday?

I sport-tour, and commute:

Minimum mods are:

Spare RR, if possible VFRness upgrade (especially if you are on a second or third RR)

Volt Meter (datel or other doesn't matter if you are lower than 12.5V in traffic at least you will know).

12V accessory plug or the like for heated gear

Front Springs for your weight and riding style (I have 0.95's up front (Ohlins))

New rear spring for your stock shock--don't want to get unbalanced.

Bags: Either a top box, soft bags or some type of side bags...good for a briefcase/computer bag. I strap a gym bag on the seat.

Battery Tender outlet to hook up battery when not riding (keep battery happy - is like your wife--happy battery, happy life).

Brake Flasher - for commuting...the Back Off brand is easy to install. I have a diffent custom setup.

Extras for comfort:

Sergeant seat (or a Sergeant cover on the stock seat),

Bar Risers (Heli-bars) - if you commute the extra reach of the stock bars will eventually make your wrists ache in traffic.

Ram Mount X-grip center mount

Performance mods:

Ohlins or Penske Rear Shock with proper spring

Front Fork valving - Non Stock: Ohlins, Racetech or DMR Valves - better yet go drop in a set of Traxxion Dyamics AK-20's with comp and rebound adjustment

ss brake lines. (front is minimum).

two-brothers headers and exhaust can

EFI (Bazzaz, or Power Commander) controller

Hour and a half of dyno time at a reputable tuner.

I also have F4I front forks on mine with 6th gen triples. I did the valving myself.

I use the stock air filter - works great.

Fifth gens have two three weaknesses:

- electrical (VFRness and r/r to fix, voltage meter to monitor)

- suspension (Jamie Daugherty fork internals and rebuilt Honda 929 shock) and set-up for your weight and riding style

- headlights (Cree LED headlights HighPerformanceBulbs dot com) - to better avoid deer encounters

The rest is gravy.

What no carbon wheels, disappointed ;)

Well I have quite a few mods already but some here were not on my list until now, here is what is currently on the bike + a picture

[image: 10592713_10152628675663665_8637525048469]

Wow. Looks to me like you've already got it all.

YOU could make recommendations to US.

She's a beauty.

silverbullet132

Well I have quite a few mods already but some here were not on my list until now, here is what is currently on the bike + a picture

suspension built for 200lb rider by daugherty motorsports (929 shock rebuilt/revalved, front springs + gold racetech valves) custom superbike bars (renthal medium) sargent seat givi top and side case racks zero gravity touring windshield oxford heated grips oberon bar ends power distributor box square projector retrofit (morimoto xb35 bulbs) led brake light bulbs led signal light bulbs (all 4) usb power outlet on front fork blue led gauges power commander 3 FH020AA mosfet r/r pilot road 4 tires 8 spoke rear rim yoshimura r77 carbon slip on pazzo replica levers Next up are: CBR1000 Coil On Plugs Spiegler SS lines Samco hoses Factory pro shift star kit

[image: 10592713_10152628675663665_8637525048469]

Yea, that is a good list already! What is you goal with the bike, better touring, sport ect?

Mohawk

What no carbon wheels, disappointed ;)

No 1 on my list when i win the Lottery!

I have some 50+ mods to my redslut.

The absolute best though is sitting right behind me!

[image: post-8974-0-36551400-1430292261.jpg]

Dutchy

I have some 50+ mods to my redslut.

The absolute best though is sitting right behind me!

[image: attachicon.gif]IMG_9186.jpg

Hard luggage? :cool:

RazorWing

Dutchy

Hard luggage? :cool:

That's in the front seat.

Wow, i guess my stock 2001 is nearly impossible to ride.

motormike

Wow, i guess my stock 2001 is nearly impossible to ride.

Nothing wrong with making an almost perfect bike a bit more...perfect. Actually, I do wish that I did not have the almost uncontrollable urge to modify everything that I own. my wife and bank account would be much happier with me.

Only people who have never ridden a 5th gen with modified suspension would say they don't need it.

It is the biggest improvement to the bike by far.

I have Racetech springs and revalve + dropped 10mm on the front.

JD 929 rear shock raised 15mm.

Staintune pipe, custom seat, K&N filter, CBR1000 coil on plugs, 6th gen radiator, pair valve removal, R&R mod, Hepco & Beker sport rack with hard top box and more.

It is a much better bike.

I haven't thought of modifying the suspension because the bike is capable of more even in the stock condition than I'll ever be able to get from her,saying that I redone the suspension on the ST1100,front and rear and she's like a different bike completely,handles brilliant with no wallowing,

maybe at some stage I'll consider upgrading the Viffers suspenson.

Saoirse32

I haven't thought of modifying the suspension because the bike is capable of more even in the stock condition than I'll ever be able to get from her,saying that I redone the suspension on the ST1100,front and rear and she's like a different bike completely,handles brilliant with no wallowing,

maybe at some stage I'll consider upgrading the Viffers suspenson.

Saoirse, you gotta do the viffer, my rear ends lovely, if you know what i mean. My "uprated" front mmmm not so happy but better.

Superaerodynamic condom mirrors from a 4th gen! :rolleyes:

PM me if you want to trade! :biggrin:

Beck

95 VFR

This may be a dumb question, and no, I haven't searched it yet, but what is the purpose of the cbr1000 coils?

RazorWing

This may be a dumb question, and no, I haven't searched it yet, but what is the purpose of the cbr1000 coils?

Declutter, 1.4lb weight loss, something to do for the mod addicted

FJ12Ryder

First and foremost is a voltmeter. Then Sargent seat and EBC HH brake pads. After that it's just personal preference. I've got the Harris hugger, Ohlins rear shock, Yoshimura SS2R slip-on, Galfer SS brake lines, powdercoated wheels, GPS mount and wiring, 45 tooth rear sprocket, bicycle computer to use because the speedometer is waaaay off due to the previous mod, HawkeOiler chain oiler, bright LED rear brake lights, Mercedes horn, Blue Sea fuse box, VFRness, PAIR block off plates, K&N air filter, Chinese knock-off shorty brake and clutch levers, Power Commander 3 USB, Helibars, Vibranators, black rear wheel lug nuts, rear wheel hole cover, 2001 VFR non-condom mirrors.

And I think that's about it. For now anyway. :beer:

Just curious if you considered getting a Speedo-Healer?

gig

RazorWing

This may be a dumb question, and no, I haven't searched it yet, but what is the purpose of the cbr1000 coils?

Declutter, 1.4lb weight loss, something to do for the mod addicted

Ha-ha, ok, thanks! I may be getting a 98 this weekend or so and will be doing plugs on it before TMac, so I didn't know if that would be something worth wile to do while I was in that area. I'll just stick with what its got for now then.

MysteryRider246

FJ12Ryder

First and foremost is a voltmeter. Then Sargent seat and EBC HH brake pads. After that it's just personal preference. I've got the Harris hugger, Ohlins rear shock, Yoshimura SS2R slip-on, Galfer SS brake lines, powdercoated wheels, GPS mount and wiring, 45 tooth rear sprocket, bicycle computer to use because the speedometer is waaaay off due to the previous mod, HawkeOiler chain oiler, bright LED rear brake lights, Mercedes horn, Blue Sea fuse box, VFRness, PAIR block off plates, K&N air filter, Chinese knock-off shorty brake and clutch levers, Power Commander 3 USB, Helibars, Vibranators, black rear wheel lug nuts, rear wheel hole cover, 2001 VFR non-condom mirrors.

And I think that's about it. For now anyway. :beer:

Just curious if you considered getting a Speedo-Healer?

Nope, never even considered it. Why spend that much money for something that doesn't do anything any better than a $20 cycle computer. Plus the bicycle computer odometer and speedometer are both correct. You can't do that with a Speedohealer because the bike comes from the factory with the odometer correct and speedometer off by about 5%-7%. So with the Speedohealer you can have a correct speedometer or a correct odometer, not both.

VFROZ

Only people who have never ridden a 5th gen with modified suspension would say they don't need it.

It is the biggest improvement to the bike by far.

I have Racetech springs and revalve + dropped 10mm on the front.

JD 929 rear shock raised 15mm.

Staintune pipe, custom seat, K&N filter, CBR1000 coil on plugs, 6th gen radiator, pair valve removal, R&R mod, Hepco & Beker sport rack with hard top box and more.

It is a much better bike.

How does the 6th gen rad swap benefit?

My mods are LSL handlebar conversion kit, Givi rack and JC Whitney trunk,

1 tooth smaller front sprocket, and last but most important, mods to the odometer reading, aka lots of miles. :beer:

silverbullet132

VFROZ

Only people who have never ridden a 5th gen with modified suspension would say they don't need it.

It is the biggest improvement to the bike by far.

I have Racetech springs and revalve + dropped 10mm on the front.

JD 929 rear shock raised 15mm.

Staintune pipe, custom seat, K&N filter, CBR1000 coil on plugs, 6th gen radiator, pair valve removal, R&R mod, Hepco & Beker sport rack with hard top box and more.

It is a much better bike.

How does the 6th gen rad swap benefit?

It has 2 additional rows for a bit more capacity than a 5th gen rad.

VFR4Lee

My mods are LSL handlebar conversion kit, Givi rack and JC Whitney trunk,

1 tooth smaller front sprocket, and last but most important, mods to the odometer reading, aka lots of miles. :beer:

How happy are you with the LSL conversion kit? Does it replace all front brake lines?

number9

VFR4Lee

My mods are LSL handlebar conversion kit, Givi rack and JC Whitney trunk,

1 tooth smaller front sprocket, and last but most important, mods to the odometer reading, aka lots of miles. :beer:

How happy are you with the LSL conversion kit? It is.. not cheap!

Love it! Have discussed it in other threads.

I sit up more upright, which is more comfortable.

I can ride more miles and feel better at the end.

And an unexpected bonus, my feet reach the ground better (short legs). Had it for a bit over 2 years now, and never changing it back.

At the time the kit was ~$300, well worth it. :cool:

VFR4Lee

number9

VFR4Lee

My mods are LSL handlebar conversion kit, Givi rack and JC Whitney trunk,

1 tooth smaller front sprocket, and last but most important, mods to the odometer reading, aka lots of miles. :beer:

How happy are you with the LSL conversion kit? It is.. not cheap!

Love it! Have discussed it in other threads.

I sit up more upright, which is more comfortable.

I can ride more miles and feel better at the end.

And an unexpected bonus, my feet reach the ground better (short legs). Had it for a bit over 2 years now, and never changing it back.

At the time the kit was ~$300, well worth it. :cool:

I just ninja-edited my post! Does it include all new front brake lines? That makes it better value..

I'll search for your posts now

No, uses all the old lines. That's why it is relatively cheap, if you look at kits for other bikes. :cool:

You can also roll your own, people have done that. That should be cheaper, just more work. :sleep:

VFR4Lee

No, uses all the old lines. That's why it is relatively cheap, if you look at kits for other bikes. :cool:

You can also roll your own, people have done that. That should be cheaper, just more work. :sleep:

Ah ok. In their videos they say "Most kits include a new clutch and brake line". I think the hardest thing with DIY would be finding a way to attach the new bars to the triple clamp!

also a safety brake flasher and HID headlight

4 hours ago, HondaEd

also a safety brake flasher and HID headlight

[video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/WkZiErAJRM4?feature=oembed]

Might do this, but is it legal in UK 

4 hours ago, Rs2k

Might do this, but is it legal in UK 

No.

Things i've found to have seriously improved the enjoyment / comfort of the bike:

• Genmar bar risers - Easy to fit, no mods required. £100. Takes 5 mins.
• Stomp tank grips (use the universal large, they fit) - Now you can grip the tank with your knees and take a lot of weight off your wrists and arms - Takes less than 20 mins to install - £40
• LED light in the front parking/side light - Makes a good daytime running light - 1 min install - £1.60 - Link (this type fits properly)
• A new screen - For me, a lower screen was preferable as most will move airflow up from the default shoulder/neck area, and that caused me issues. - £50+ - 5 min install
• Adjustable levers - Stock lever adjustment is utter shit - £80+ - 5 min install
• A fruity exhaust - We all like a bit of noise, and this one not only looks good, is affordable, is easy to fit, but has also vastly reduced the number of half-asleep pedestrians walking out in front of me, and made filtering feel much safer and more vehicles move for me. - £200 - 10 min install
• Oxford heated grips - Easy to install - 30 mins if you want it neat and tidy - £80
• Cut out under-seat tabs - I can now store things under there: A lock, or tools and some minor spares, bungee cords and so on. 10 mins
• R&G crash bungs / R&G bar ends, these (couldn't find the link) for the front, these for the rear. Because panels are RARE and EXPENSIVE. About £200 all in - 1hr+
• Better headlight bulbs. These fit with no mods, are much better than stock. Whiter light, better range and width. - £15 - 10 mins
• Airhorn. Because meep meep is useless. Especially on the motorway where it can't be heard at all. HRRRRRRNK works much better. £35 - 1hr
• EBC FA261HH pads all round
• Tyres to preference. I like Pilot Road 4s, because i ride all year, and in all weather.

Planned items:

• Custom seat with comfort butt padding and a grove for said butt to rest in. Grippy covering, too.
• Some kind of footpeg lowering
• LED brake light bulbs

• Oh, and if you wear glasses as i do, these actually work. Fogging is no more.

I imagine there'll be more if i keep it beyond next year. But i'd like to sell it before it hits 40,000 miles, and i've recently broken past 30k and fully expect to hit 35k by this time next year.

helli....where did you mount the horn and pump? They're not small and there's not much room under the front fairings.

50 minutes ago, Skids

helli....where did you mount the horn and pump? They're not small and there's not much room under the front fairings.

I put the compressor just under the front of the tank, ahead of the airbox and on top of it. Snorkle was already out, and there's just enough room for it to sit there.

The horn is directly left, under the left side fairing. If i remember right, it's bolted with or near a solenoid or similar there-abouts.

Thanks.

I use my horn a fair bit on my daily 100-mile commute, mainly to warn drivers I'm there but I get the feeling that sometimes they haven't heard it so a louder one may be the way forward.

The PO of my bike mounted a Stebel Nautilus Compact under the left upper fairing using a short metal bracket.  I suppose it would be even louder if it were mounted the other way around, but it still works very well, so I have not moved it.

[image: P1000918x.JPG]

[image: P1000922x.JPG]

[image: P1000930x.JPG]

Ciao,

Thanks guys.

helli....any chance of pics of yours too? I tried to mount a Stebel on my Fi and couldn't find a suitable place to mount it where it didn't strike the front mudguard under heavy braking.

silverbullet132, 27-4-2015 at 4:03 AM

What would you guys say are the best and must have mods for a 5th gen?

A couple of eyelet bolts to hook the bike to a  VFR swing

6 hours ago, Skids

Thanks guys.

helli....any chance of pics of yours too? I tried to mount a Stebel on my Fi and couldn't find a suitable place to mount it where it didn't strike the front mudguard under heavy braking.

Yeah, but it'll have to be next time it's on a bench at the workshop. Probably this Tuesday when i replace the low beam relay.

I'll also show you the placement of the compressor.

Wow, what a thread topic,  can't help wonder by now what Silverbullet has done. I didn't read all the posts,  was there ever a mention of the toro charger?     

Mine :)

My bike came with heated grips (which I'd never had before), and I'm now on my third pair in 12 or so years. Thought they were for pussies until I first turned them on!

First thing I fitted myself was an Evo Star Factory Pro shifter kit, as the other 7 Hondas I'd owned all had crap gearchanges, whereas this one's still good.

A surprising mod was the fitting of a Pentium cooler fan to the R/R; the bike is still on its original 15 year old R/R, after my previous two bikes (91 VFR750 and VTR1000 eating theirs. I'm sure it's down to heat.
The MotoBatt battery has been in the bike so long now (10 years??), I can't remember when I fitted it, but it's still as good (according to the voltmeter/ammeter testing) as when fitted.
The garage door opener button on the right switch block has been brilliant! I took it out recently because I'm about to sell the bike, and I miss it heaps!

The Blue Sea fuse block thing under the seat was a good way of tidying up the electrics, but I  think I could manage fine without it.
When I bought the bike, I insisted it have a Ventura packrack fitted. While it's had some use, I've found the cheap magnetic tankbag more indispensible, as it took my wet-weather gear, a few essentials and my lunch to work and back every day. Unfortunately, on a 3-day trip to the Far North of Noo Zilund, it also sucked up lots of metallic grit from the unsealed roads, so my paintwork on the tank is borkt.

Most expensive (but not regretted) mod was getting the suspension overhauled (some of it twice), which cost me over $2k.
Cheapest (and most invisible) mod was a lump of lead I melted into the left footpeg - vibes disappeared.
Best commuting mod: lower temp fan switch and manual override. Second best: twin Fiamm horns for waking up dozy drivers!
I broke the taillight, so installed a Thurn LED taillight and front indicators; love the look!

Most crap fitting: a hugger I bought from some guy on VFRD. Still on, works OK, but it's not great. I think the rubber flap it replaced was better. :(