New Vfr Owner, Few Concerns...

Hi guys, i've come to pick the brains of the group. Few little niggles that I have concern with.

I have just bought my first vfr, Its a Y reg 5th Gen with 33k on the clock. Has a very concise service history with lots of detail with it.

First concern is the clutch/gearbox. The concern with the clutch is wierd, it doesn't slip so much that I can tell, but if you try to slip the clutch intentionally for a quick start, hill start etc, it makes an awful grinding sound. There is also a noticable change in noise from the engine between the clutch engaged and disengaged. It sounds and feels alot like my 20 year old discovery with its less than new gearbox. Could this be a simple clutch change? are there any known wear issues with the gearbox. I've only been riding a couple of years, but never known a clutch make that noise/feeling.

Secondly, there is a slight vibration while riding, with an associated dull grinding noise. Sounds and feels like what i'd imagine the front wheel bearing being on its way out. But no evidence of it with wheel lifted and spun. Possibly related to concern #1?

Thanks in advance, the above concerns are not necessarily vfr specific. but i've only experienced them with this bike. not 100% on them.

Hi there - welcome to VFRD. The clutch thing is commonplace, and if you browse the site you'll find solutions for it, the most common being either replacing the clutch plates, or taking them out and sanding them. The springs in the clutch basket may also need replacing. The cause is uneven wear or warpage, and it's exacerbated by too many revs when taking off, causing the clutch to slip/grab/slip and complain about it. It's not specific to the VFR - my last bike (VTR1000) did it too.
I'm not sure about the "dull grinding noise" - could be related, but is more likely to be the drivetrain, so check the chain and sprockets. Possibility too (if it sounds like it's in the front) of the front left desk, if the sliding doofer (technical term) in the actuator for the "Dual Combined Braking System" (that activates the left front disk when the rear brake is applied) is dirty. This can cause the front left brake to drag slightly if the piston doesn't retract fully due to brake dust or road spooge buildup.

AFAIK VFR's aren't noted for having clutch issues, but having said that it would all depend on how one used/abused the clutch.

For reference my 99 VFR has clocked up 95,000km, and the clutch is silent under all conditions. Just last month I replaced the clutch fibre discs and springs, because it was getting grabby, and based on the condition of the old discs this was the right thing to do.

I would suggest that you pull the clutch out for a look, it's not very difficult and can be done without dropping the oil if you do it on the side stand. You can examine the discs, the basket and the clutch lifter bearing. The noises you describe sound like maybe the lifter bearing, or maybe the judder springs are incorrectly installed/absent.

You will need a clutch cover gasket, and I'd suggest that you replace the springs and fibre discs while you are in there, and maybe order the clutch lifter bearing as it won't cost much.

+ 1 to what Terry said.

Mine did the same at 70000kms, replacing springs and fiber disks fixed it.

If it's a 00/01 it won't have anti shudder springs.

Only the 98/99 had them. Later ones have the same clutch as the 6th gen.

Welcome to the forum! :beer:

+1 on all the above.

Just a suggestion....could you change your sig to "Birmingham, UK" as this is mainly a US site and everyone will assume yr from Birmingham Alabama! Which is another reason most wont understand "Y reg".

Prior to your purchase, how often/recently was the bike ridden? It may be that simply riding it with some minor maintenance (oil change) may sort it. Just a thought.

Hope you enjoy the bike, it's a cracker!

when you check wheel bearings, wobble the wheel vertically - grab the top, push it, grab the bottom with your other hand and pull, then vise-versa. repeat quickly until you get a feel for it. same for the front, but parallel to the fork as you can get, maybe remove the fender. when you change your front tire for the first time, would be good to replace the bearings. at 68k miles, my rear bearings have just a little play.

with plenty of throttle and quick clutch release, my clutch will "chatter" but I wouldn't describe it as a grinding sound...

what condition is your chain in? they will make noise if they're stretched enough.

check ALL bolts for tightness.

it will be as reliable as a 500 pound rock.

ps. i assumed UK because you seem well versed in making words :P

MrPDude, 4/19/2016 at 2:40 PM

Hi guys, i've come to pick the brains of the group. Few little niggles that I have concern with.

 have just bought my first vfr, Its a Y reg 5th Gen with 33k on the clock. Has a very concise service history with lots of detail with it.

First concern is the clutch/gearbox. The concern with the clutch is wierd, it doesn't slip so much that I can tell, but if you try to slip the clutch intentionally for a quick start, hill start etc, it makes an awful grinding sound. There is also a noticable change in noise from the engine between the clutch engaged and disengaged. It sounds and feels alot like my 20 year old discovery with its less than new gearbox. Could this be a simple clutch change? are there any known wear issues with the gearbox. I've only been riding a couple of years, but never known a clutch make that noise/feeling.

Secondly, there is a slight vibration while riding, with an associated dull grinding noise. Sounds and feels like what i'd imagine the front wheel bearing being on its way out. But no evidence of it with wheel lifted and spun. Possibly related to concern #1?

Thanks in advance, the above concerns are not necessarily vfr specific. but i've only experienced them with this bike. not 100% on them.

Pretty much what everyone else has said. Get it to a garage for a check-over. Can't hurt. An MOT will pick up any bearing issues.

As for the clutch issue: Mine does it too. I'm also considering taking the advised path above.

Given that you have a Y reg, you'll probably have avoided the earlier reg/rec and have a better version, and that's the only real problem with the VFR. That, and the clocks might go at some point.

Now; get a loud can on it! Delkevic do a nice range and as a Delkevic owner (350mm Carbon) i can fully confirm it sounds lovely.

When checking the clutch, also pull out the pushrod (passes through the engine) and clean it.

Ciao,