VFRDiscussion ARCHIVE / READ-ONLYREAD-ONLY

WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY TO YOUR VFR 6TH GEN ?

225 posts Started 2 Feb 2018 Last recovered post 29 Jan 2020 Wayback Machine snapshot 23 Oct 2020

#1

Fitted a 8th gen wheel to my 6th gen . I also painted to match the front wheel witch I did not change.   

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#2

looks good.  Have more pictures of the whole bike?  Also, how did you do it?

#3
6 hours ago, Rice

looks good.  Have more pictures of the whole bike?  Also, how did you do it?

It all started when the 8th gen came out once I saw the rim I was super Interested in it.  I told my self I wanted that rim so I waited and waited until I found a trashed 8th gen .  From my research I found out the the axle is basically the same size the only thing different is the length of the axle.  It's a little bit longer on the 8th gen because then put a bigger nut on it. That was the only thing different .  So for the 5 bolt vs the 4 bolt . The rotor from the 8th gen is the second part you need since it's 5 holes . If you have 6th gen abs model vfr you need to modify the rotor from the 8th gen .  The abs ring on the 8th gen is a different size then the 6 gen . So I had to take off the 8th gen and weld the 6th gen on to the 8th gen rotor .  Once that was done it was a perfect match .  Fyi if you have non abs then you can skip the welding of the abs ring. So I put the bike back together and went for a drive and to my surprise it drives amazing .  No issues at all .  I have to say this was a easy swap .  Well worth the $600 I spent on parts .

    So the parts I purchased was the 8th gen rim 8th gen rotor and axle nut.   While I was doing all this I went ahead and changed all the bearing in the rear end .. I also decided while the parts were off to paint the rear swing arm black . Personally preference. 

I will post some picture when I can. But if you have any other question feel free to ask .  I recommend this swap  makes a huge difference in look . Plus i think the new rim is a couple pounds lighter 

#4

I better not see any other generation VFR post here as the thread title says it all!

#5

What colour 6th gens are we talking about?

#6

Rainbow  :cheerleader:

#7

Nice

In terms of all these clickbait titles popping up like the mushrooms being popped by some... Perhaps there should be one sole generic "What did you do to your VFR today?" thread and that's it, but personally I believe there should be none.

The title is meant to allude to the subject broached in the thread. Helps with later searches for particular information. Otherwise it's like a library which stores books randomly.

Any opinion from the board of moderators and administrators?

#8
VFRUNNER, 03/02/2018 at 12:34 AM

Fitted a 8th gen wheel to my 6th gen . I also painted to match the front wheel witch I did not change.   

[image: 20170901_185900.jpg]

No undertail exhaust on your 6th Gen ?

#9
1 hour ago, Kwee69

No undertail exhaust on your 6th Gen ?

Nope. I removed it . I'm in the process of installing dual muffler  where the catalytic converter is located .  I purchased the delkevic full exhaust . Where the exhaust ends I plan to put a Y splitter and have a short pipe come from both sides of the bike .     Once i have completed I will post pictures .  I've purchase dual toce muffler.  

I posted picture to give u a idea what it will look like on both sides .  

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[image: Yamaha-Detailed-R6-Toce-2-01.jpg]

#10

The picture  i posted is with the Vance and Hines exhaust I removed . 

[image: Vance-Hines-CS-One-double-silencieux-echappement-Suzuki-1300-GsxR-Hayabusa-0.jpg]

#11
Duc2V4, 04/02/2018 at 1:19 AM

I better not see any other generation VFR post here as the thread title says it all!

[image: 20170918_154641.thumb.jpg.21c383f3b01dff612c63a21f7e9d627a.jpg]oops.   :computer-noworky:  bloody computer.  :tongue: :491:

#12
4 hours ago, fink

[image: 20170918_154641.thumb.jpg.21c383f3b01dff612c63a21f7e9d627a.jpg]oops.   :computer-noworky:  bloody computer.  :tongue: :491:

Wow, your 6 Gen looks odd from that angle.

#13

thanks for this very useful information, ride safe!!!!!

#14

I recently added a 2014 honda 8th gen  rear hugger on my 6th gen .   I was really surprised how easy the install went .  Was worth every doller .    This is a oem hugger.    All I did was drilled and taped two holes on the top of the swing arm  with my handy dewalt  attachment . It was very easy .  The item bolt size that you need to tap is M6

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#15

Sweet! I recently bought a 6mm drill and tap set too.

#16

Looking to see the finished product!  Looks good!  Love the 8th gen wheel on 6th gens - just aces.  I had a red fox hugger that split - the OEM route looks perfect - many thanks for sharing! 


Dave

#17

Got tired of looking at the scratches from the PO's drop.  Did a little touchup. You can see that it doesn't match but only when standing next to it. One reason I didn't want this color is that you can't really touch it up. I just dabbed a little paint in the scratches, waiting a couple of days, wet sand, and polish.[image: IMG_4921.thumb.JPG.f76ce380f5397353c6d3d62c6d7d5748.JPG][image: IMG_4935.thumb.JPG.4317fc64901761d3611d3bf490d1f41f.JPG]

#18
2 hours ago, Sweeper

Got tired of looking at the scratches from the PO's drop.  Did a little touchup. You can see that it doesn't match but only when standing next to it. One reason I didn't want this color is that you can't really touch it up. I just dabbed a little paint in the scratches, waiting a couple of days, wet sand, and polish.[image: IMG_4921.thumb.JPG.f76ce380f5397353c6d3d62c6d7d5748.JPG][image: IMG_4935.thumb.JPG.4317fc64901761d3611d3bf490d1f41f.JPG]

Looks amazing .  Can't even tell . . Nice job . You can always vinyl wrap the whole bike if u don't like the colour 

#19

Sweeper, looks very good.  I know with this stuff if you're a perfectionist it can drive you nuts.  But just think of those spots as character marks. :-) 

Love the colour btw.


Dave

#20
Sweeper, 24/02/2018 at 4:51 PM

Got tired of looking at the scratches from the PO's drop.  Did a little touchup. You can see that it doesn't match but only when standing next to it. One reason I didn't want this color is that you can't really touch it up. I just dabbed a little paint in the scratches, waiting a couple of days, wet sand, and polish.[image: IMG_4921.thumb.JPG.f76ce380f5397353c6d3d62c6d7d5748.JPG][image: IMG_4935.thumb.JPG.4317fc64901761d3611d3bf490d1f41f.JPG]

Looks amazing .  Can't even tell . . Nice job . You can always vinyl wrap the whole bike if u don't like the colour 

#21

Cbr1000rr tail swap update. Also there .  

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#22

Would anyone have the Honda part number for the 8th gen hugger?  I've checked fiches but can't seem to find it.  Many thanks

Dave

#23
43 minutes ago, dgordon

Would anyone have the Honda part number for the 8th gen hugger?  I've checked fiches but can't seem to find it.  Many thanks

Dave

the part number is  08F70-MJM-D10.  

Its  a honda motorcycle accessories part.  

#25

Awesome and many thanks Runner! 

Dave

#26

Working on the headlights. This has been longggg overdue. I've been spending a lot of time with the R6, haha. VFR is now getting some love again.

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#27

Nic3 job  looks great   . Send picture when it's done .  Here's a picture of what soon will be the look of your bike   

[image: 20170906_175718.jpg]

#28

Replaced the front cam tensioner and opened up the 0.5mm hole in the new gasket to 2.5mm hoping this keeps things quiet.

#29

Have to share, Runners note on the source for the oem hugger was aces.  The best price and shipped extremely quick for the default price.  Just from looking at the hugger, it will last the life of the bike.  My aftermarket did not, so recommending for others.  Thanks to Runner for being the pioneer and source for this. 

Dave

#30
dgordon, 2018-03-22 at 10:55 PM

Have to share, Runners note on the source for the oem hugger was aces.  The best price and shipped extremely quick for the default price.  Just from looking at the hugger, it will last the life of the bike.  My aftermarket did not, so recommending for others.  Thanks to Runner for being the pioneer and source for this. 

Dave

Thanks  Dave  glad to help you out  and others 

#31

Here is a sneak peek of my bike with the tail swap of a 2014 cbr1000rr tail on my 6th gen . I'm just about done . 

[image: 20180326_130856.jpg]

#32
dgordon, 2018-03-22 at 10:55 PM

Have to share, Runners note on the source for the oem hugger was aces.  The best price and shipped extremely quick for the default price.  Just from looking at the hugger, it will last the life of the bike.  My aftermarket did not, so recommending for others.  Thanks to Runner for being the pioneer and source for this. 

Dave

Clutch cover is complete .  Just waiting on pro bolt to come through the shipping to Canada from UK seems to be taking long . Can't put the cover on until I get the new bolts .  .  But here is the the complete cover off the bike with light on .  

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#33

Is that SEBs clutch cover with a light or is that something you added?  It looks nice.... :beer:

#34
2 hours ago, alwaysaware

Is that SEBs clutch cover with a light or is that something you added?  It looks nice.... :beer:

It is certainly, sebs fabulous  workmanship.   The light I added. My personal touch 

#35

You need to start a joint Venture with SEB because that is bad ass.

#36

Just replaced my rear shock with an Ohlins STX46 HO 043 on 50k mls 2005 abs model.

Bugger of a job trying to get the remote adjuster out. But its in now got a few bits still to go on due to failing light and the odd spring shower!!

I have set of F4I Fork internals on their way from ebay, cant make my mind up whether to respring and put emulators in before fitting. I do road/commute so looking for a ride erring on plushness.

#37

Nice. I'm sure it going to make a great difference . Where did u get the shock ?  Good price? 

6 hours ago, manoil

Just replaced my rear shock with an Ohlins STX46 HO 043 on 50k mls 2005 abs model.

Bugger of a job trying to get the remote adjuster out. But its in now got a few bits still to go on due to failing light and the odd spring shower!!

I have set of F4I Fork internals on their way from ebay, cant make my mind up whether to respring and put emulators in before fitting. I do road/commute so looking for a ride erring on 

#38

Got it through ebay UK from an italian company Genial Motor in Rimini, Check out their site.

#39

Got some OEM short velocity stacks ($30au for 2) and replaced the long ones... for s&gs

And took the piece of foam out that is at the front of airbox....I thought I'd already done that.

Seems to have smoothed out slow speed low % throttle and also deeper intake noise

#40

Ohlins shock was £300

#41
VFRUNNER, 3/27/2018 at 8:24 AM

Clutch cover is complete .  Just waiting on pro bolt to come through the shipping to Canada from UK seems to be taking long . Can't put the cover on until I get the new bolts .  .  But here is the the complete cover off the bike with light on .  

[image: 20180327_082129.jpg]

[image: 20180327_082155.jpg]

What set up did you use for the lights?  I just received one of Seb's custom clutch covers and the lighting looks REALLY cool.

#42
15 hours ago, Courtier

What set up did you use for the lights?  I just received one of Seb's custom clutch covers and the lighting looks REALLY cool.

Hey, I used a waterproof led strip . And cut it to the size I needed it, witch was 8 inches.    The led has double sided tape on the back I then stuck it to the cover . I purchased some heat and chemical resistant epoxy and cover the whole light to protect it even further.   The reason I mounted the way I did was because it gave they best lighting . I tried different positions but the one I have pictured worked best. .   I was going to go with single led but when I laid it out it was to messy. 

Hope this helps . 

[image: 20180327_082959.jpg]

#43

The light is also nice bc It allows you to see the oil level at night . 

#44

Very cool looking bike! 

#45

Just the usual on mine.  Removed snorkel.  PAIR valve delete.  Flapper delete.  Removed rear fender, raised license plate higher.  Blacked out the OEM windscreen.  Added tank knee pads and belt guard.  Sargent seat.  Rear luggage rack.  Plasti-dipped the wheels (anthracite).  Staintunes.  Cortech tank bag.  Might add a Power Commander, but it's running so well I might leave it as is.  Nothing over the top, just enough to make it my own.

#46

Took my forks off and apart. Putting new seals,  bushings and oil. Bush mechanic style of keeping the bike upright while front wheel is off.

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#47
Trygve, 4/24/2018 at 2:23 AM

Took my forks off and apart. Putting new seals,  bushings and oil. Bush mechanic style of keeping the bike upright while front wheel is off.

[image: 20180424_122840.jpg]

Now's the time to throw in some internals from Daugherty Motorsports!

#48

I whipped out a set of exhaust guards for my soft bags. Something easily put on and taken off. Still need to paint them.... or make another set where the welds aren't so embarrassing!

Started with flat stock and some small tubing. Using map gas, hammer, vice, cutting wheel and a sharpie, I was surprised on how well they came out for the first try. First bent the tabs that go on the Givi mounting bolt towards the front. Then bent the tubing to follow the lines of the exhaust. Bent the upper/rear tab to "lock" into the Givi mount, keeping the entire piece from rocking inward. the one forward nut is all that is needed to remove/replace to take the guard on and off.

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#49

Tried out the new homemade exhaust guards for the soft bags. They work well. Looks like I didn't take any pics after painting them black, but they look pretty sanitary in black. Here they are with the bags on. You can kinda see them, the left one anyway.

[image: IMG_20180429_153006.jpg]

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#50
VFRUNNER, 21 April 2018 at 2:14 AM

Hey, I used a waterproof led strip . And cut it to the size I needed it, witch was 8 inches.    The led has double sided tape on the back I then stuck it to the cover . I purchased some heat and chemical resistant epoxy and cover the whole light to protect it even further.   The reason I mounted the way I did was because it gave they best lighting . I tried different positions but the one I have pictured worked best. .   I was going to go with single led but when I laid it out it was to messy. 

Hope this helps . 

[image: 20180327_082959.jpg]

Hi Vfrunner.

Thats a fantastic Seb clutch cover. But, man, I would be very concerned about your internal lighting, if that stuff gives way inside your engine, who knows what damage it will cause.

#51
5 minutes ago, Grum

Hi Vfrunner.

Thats a fantastic Seb clutch cover. But, man, I would be very concerned about your internal lighting, if that stuff gives way inside your engine, who knows what damage it will cause.

Thanks . I'm not to worried since I did my research regarding best epoxy to use.

I'm using a commercial product but can be purchased online. They specialize in adhesives.   Here is their website link. https://www.atomadhesives.com 

I stand by their products 

100%.   

#52
23 hours ago, VFRUNNER

Thanks . I'm not to worried since I did my research regarding best epoxy to use.

I'm using a commercial product but can be purchased online. They specialize in adhesives.   Here is their website link. https://www.atomadhesives.com 

I stand by their products 

100%.   

It's your call, and have no doubt the epoxy is a very good product, but the engine internals is an extremely hostile environment, just the thermal expansion and contraction over time might cause havoc with epoxy, modern day oil chemistry could also have a negative long term effect. Just feel you are taking a big risk. 

Good luck with it, the lighting effect certainly looks good............But...

Cheers.

#53

Nothing new since May 3? 

Well I have a new to me 6th Gen, so here goes. 

Spent hours looking at aftermarket exhaust options. 

Two Brothers.  Nah. Can’t do a single working can. 

Delkevic. Maybe. Not the best looking imo. But affordable and options. 

Remus?  Staintune?  Blue Flame?  Devil?  IXil?  Cmon where’d all the retro manufacturers go?!

Leo Vince. Yes.  Now where to get a discontinued item...anyone have one for sale?

Theres also GPR from Italy. Pricey. Any feedback?

Laser. Some used on eBay UK. But I am not a fan of the look. 

Now how about some retro Supertrapp’s? Ever been done?

or two Tyga Moto Maggot’s?

#54

They come up for sale not very often here. You could go 98-02 style and drop weight/high up mass. Delkevic seems to make some nice exhausts for their price. They also make exhausts for “non normal” bikes which I like. 

#55
9 hours ago, Urbanengineer

They come up for sale not very often here. You could go 98-02 style and drop weight/high up mass. Delkevic seems to make some nice exhausts for their price. They also make exhausts for “non normal” bikes which I like. 

I thought about it for a minute, but I dig the high up duals. I’m not in a rush so I’ll keep checking the ads and eBay for a Leo. But won’t rule out the Delkevic and GPR’s just yet. 

#56

First oil and filter change done. Very little service history for the last 6 or 7 years so put some Motul 300V in with a k&n filter. The filter was only £2 more than standard but it was worth it just for the socket end for easy fitting and removal. 

First time is had the fairing off and those push pins were a nightmare! Also the bolts at the bottom front were wreaked. I’ve had to cut them out and cable tie it back together until I can sort something more permanent. 

Rear brake switch keep sticking on so I’ve greased it up and slackened off the spring, probably going to order a replacement though.

#57

Be very careful with the K&N filter.

Lots of horror stories with them.

Look up the many K&N oil filter fails in this and other forums.

I would get rid of it as soon as posible if it was me.

#58
4 hours ago, anth85

First oil and filter change done. Very little service history for the last 6 or 7 years so put some Motul 300V in with a k&n filter. The filter was only £2 more than standard but it was worth it just for the socket end for easy fitting and removal. 

1 hour ago, VFROZ

Be very careful with the K&N filter.

Lots of horror stories with them.

Look up the many K&N oil filter fails in this and other forums.

I would get rid of it as soon as posible if it was me.

Anth85. Big Warning here. NEVER EVER tightened those K&N Filters with the socket it is ONLY to be use to remove the filter.

VFROZ is correct, there are some terrible stories of these filters failing at the wields for the hex nut. I would also do as VFROZ stated and remove the bloody thing!

Also a wooden golf tee is great for popping those clips underneath the fairing. With very little service history, would suggest replacing all fluids. Brakes, Clutch, Cooling - the lot.

#59

K&N actually issued a recall on them but not sure if they changed the design to prevent the failure(s) they were experiencing or just recalled a bad batch. The latter would mean it was one HUGE batch, as this has been an issue for several years...

#60

Today?
Put it up on CL 😶

#61
7 hours ago, VFROZ

Be very careful with the K&N filter.

Lots of horror stories with them.

Look up the many K&N oil filter fails in this and other forums.

I would get rid of it as soon as posible if it was me.

Ah balls. More oil to buy again then ☹️

#62

It’s a bike with no history. You didn’t change all the oil out anyways, so consider it a positive change out of factory oil still left in there 😛. 

I was first to a scene this past weekend of a Ninja 650 crash. Turned out oil had been dripping from the nut at the oil filter and slowly coated the rear tire and such, causing the bike to wipe out in a simple turn. The rider was alright, but bike was good and destroyed. 

Friends dont let friends use filters with spin off nuts, as it weakens the filter structure and likely causes a leak. Mid Ohio Race Track has BANNED USE of oil filters with nuts, so I will never use one again. 

Next time dont waste money on $80 oil. 

[image: D2B29C80-4922-4D15-AD07-B6EC3C514638.jpeg]

#63
7 hours ago, anth85

Ah balls. More oil to buy again then ☹️

If you have zero or limited miles on the oil from the K&N oil change why not just drain into a clean pan and reuse the oil. Swapping to a reliable filter. 

#64

Loaded it up into a trailer 😁. We are gonna go fast soon and Put super sports in their super place.

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#65

Nice. I’m sure the SS riders will be thrilled getting passed by a motorcycle with pannier racks!

#66

They are discreet. Like me with the stain tunes 🙂. 

#67

Nice. Have fun - I’ll be testing out my GPS and tank bag for the first time on the VFR. 

My accomplishment today was mounting a Telferizer and assembling my RAM Mount for my Garmin Nuvi. 

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#68
Urbanengineer, 7/7/2018 at 6:29 PM

Loaded it up into a trailer 😁. We are gonna go fast soon and Put super sports in their super place.

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[image: B55A2E7E-2E0A-41F8-B99E-40A6699D155D.jpeg]

So where are the pictures from your track day?  Besides the high coolant temps you mentioned elsewhere how did it go?

#69

Today used my new TubO’Towels to clean my wheels after a 500mi trip last week. 

90 towels for about $10, took 10 to clean the wheels. So I’ll get nine uses from the tub at about $1 and change each wheel cleaning. 

They worked well. Would recommend. 

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#70

It went pretty well except for them freaking out about me having a center stand. The track org made me try to take it off which I was fine with... only to realize I had to remove the whole rear exhaust header section. They let me by with it wired up tight. 

Continental sport touring tires performed very well. 

Great coaching. Brian knew his stuff. You can see me ride it here: 

[video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLxrfbb7JOcMkPvVBc5ylQDMk1-PUvGNdx]

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#71
2 minutes ago, VARIABLE9

Today used my new TubO’Towels to clean my wheels after a 500mi trip last week. 

90 towels for about $10, took 10 to clean the wheels. So I’ll get nine uses from the tub at about $1 and change each wheel cleaning. 

They worked well. Would recommend. 

Looks great! I need to clean my bike more but it’s currently a beater. 

#72
17 minutes ago, Urbanengineer

Looks great! I need to clean my bike more but it’s currently a beater. 

Nice video and pictures. Kudos to you for putting a VFR on track and flogging it. Looks like the weather was great. 

I just bought a GoPro Mount that attaches to my RAM Mount double socket at the steering stem. Going to try to shoot some video next day trip. 

Re: cleaning. It’s therapeutic for me. I generally am only fair weather so the wheels are all that need the extra effort. The plastics I use Plexus and microfiber and it’s dead easy to clean the whole VFR in about 5 minutes. 

#73

The cleaner stuff from amazon arrived so I will clean tonight if time permits. 

#74

I only got to clean a little bit. The VFR was very overdue to say the least and ate up a few towels haha. 

#75

My favorite cleaning products:

Plexus

Armor All brand microfiber towels

TubO’Towels

Simple Green

Griots Garage car was solution& shaggy sponge 

Kobalt leaf blower

#76

changed the oil filter over from the k&n went for oem honda and reused the oil since it's barely been used. Also changed all the brake pads to EBC Double H. Next on my list is a new chain and sprockets but that'll be next months wages.

#77
23 minutes ago, anth85

changed the oil filter over from the k&n went for oem honda and reused the oil since it's barely been used. Also changed all the brake pads to EBC Double H. Next on my list is a new chain and sprockets but that'll be next months wages.

Great job anth85, you may have just saved your own life by getting rid of that piece of crap filter. EBC HH's are great.

Cheers.

#78

Rode it to Washington DC this weekend. 

Definitely need to fix the coolant issue.. but man the VFR is in its element on trips into the wild. Especially in the mountains. 

Was a lot of fun to ride. Will upload video soon. Will say fuel economy goes to total shit over 80 mph so I’ll aim to keep slower next trip. Lots of rain. 

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#79
5 minutes ago, Grum

Great job anth85, you may have just saved your own life by getting rid of that piece of crap filter. EBC HH's are great.

Cheers.

I’ve seen crashes because of them too many times.  

#80

I scoured eBay looking for a LeoVince system. No luck. 😐

Cool ride Urbanengineer.  You’re brave given the rain forecast and the typical July heat. 

#81

I like riding lol. My old Versys was slow but it was dead reliable. The VFR is fast ish (for a longer distance bike) but not very reliable so far. 

#82
12 minutes ago, Urbanengineer

I like riding lol. My old Versys was slow but it was dead reliable. The VFR is fast ish (for a longer distance bike) but not very reliable so far. 

Well that’s part of the fun of it, no?  Repairs, fiddling, and cleaning. 

#83

Yeah I’m over it on this bike. Just need it to work. The low Rpm stuff is embarrassing. 

#84

Well fwiw I have plenty of experience wrenching and riding dozens of mc’s over multiple decades, and I find the VFR’s low rpm fueling way too finicky and requires a good amount of finesse. I’m confused as to why Honda thought that this VTec engine set up was the way to go, and then since they did why didn’t they make it more user friendly.  A gearing change is in my future so I can keep the revs higher more regularly.  I don’t see gaining much if anything from fiddling with PAIR Valves or removing intake snorkels  (been there, done that on other motorcycles). 

Just keep at it. You’ll iron out the problems ride by ride. 

#85

Ain’t that the truth. My Versys was my first problem free bike, but it just didn’t have any character. The VFR has lots of character but really blows to work on. I’m going to buy a snorkel valve electronic thing next as mine doesn’t seem to work. 

#86
1 hour ago, Urbanengineer

Ain’t that the truth. My Versys was my first problem free bike, but it just didn’t have any character. The VFR has lots of character but really blows to work on. I’m going to buy a snorkel valve electronic thing next as mine doesn’t seem to work. 

Well if it makes you feel any better I just blew some sort of fuse and I have no lights and no fuel pump. But it isn’t the main fuse. Guess I’ll figure it out tomorrow. Pitch black and rain showers no go zone for trying to troubleshoot dumb stuff like this when you have no garage. 

#87
46 minutes ago, VARIABLE9

Well if it makes you feel any better I just blew some sort of fuse and I have no lights and no fuel pump. But it isn’t the main fuse. Guess I’ll figure it out tomorrow. Pitch black and rain showers no go zone for trying to troubleshoot dumb stuff like this when you have no garage. 

Hi Variable.

If you're sure you have no Fuse issues and your Main Fuse B is OK and no burnt wires/connectors, looks like an Ignition Switch issue. Kill Switch will stop the Fuel Pump and engine cranking but shouldn't effect your headlights so that rules out the Kill Switch.

Keep dry. Good luck.

#88

Sounds like an issue with the main fuse. Do you get a heads up display when you turn the keys on? If not it’s something main fuse ish related. 

#89
1 hour ago, Grum

Hi Variable.

If you're sure you have no Fuse issues and your Main Fuse B is OK and no burnt wires/connectors, looks like an Ignition Switch issue. Kill Switch will stop the Fuel Pump and engine cranking but shouldn't effect your headlights so that rules out the Kill Switch.

Keep dry. Good luck.

I was only able to check the fuse under the seat, and it looked fine. I haven’t gotten into the fuses up front. I had to look up where they are located!  Too dark and rainy so saving further investigation for morning. Thanks for the reply!

30 minutes ago, Urbanengineer

Sounds like an issue with the main fuse. Do you get a heads up display when you turn the keys on? If not it’s something main fuse ish related. 

No lights whatsoever. No fuel pump. No clicky if key is On and hit starter button.  I negligently contacted a positive and negative from the lighting circuit while looking for a positive switched feed to hook up my 3CS Sealed relay/power distribution. It was too dark and I just wasn’t paying enough attention. Stupid really.  Thanks for the reply!

#90

If you go LED on the front DRL signal it would make a good spot for your ACC line in. 

#91
Grum, 7/23/2018 at 11:18 PM

Hi Variable.

If you're sure you have no Fuse issues and your Main Fuse B is OK and no burnt wires/connectors, looks like an Ignition Switch issue. Kill Switch will stop the Fuel Pump and engine cranking but shouldn't effect your headlights so that rules out the Kill Switch.

Keep dry. Good luck.

I misstated the problem. It was dark and rainy so I was rushing and didn’t realize the turn signals still worked and the fuel pump actually was working - long story short the fuse blew in ‘run’ key setting and I didn’t turn it back to ‘off’, so every time I was turning key it was from ‘run’ to ‘acc’ and therefore no fuel pump prime* nor clicky. Like I said about how I created the problem, stupid.  *followup, I checked this and the fuel pump does prime even ‘acc’ to ‘run’, I was positive at the time it wasn’t priming - I wonder if it sits for extended periods in acc that when turned bac to run it won’t prime?  Not really important, I hope to never do that again!

Basically blew the 10a ‘METER / TAIL / ILLUM / STOP’ fuse.  Easy fix right. As Charlie Murphy said “WRONG!”  What a pita to access these fuse boxes. They should be under the seat somewhere Honda. 

Urbanengineer, 7/24/2018 at 8:25 AM

If you go LED on the front DRL signal it would make a good spot for your ACC line in. 

Oh, I’m fully committed to using the license plate light for switched power for relays now. 

#vfr800 fuse location  #vfr800 fuse box

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#92

Why all the way back there? And I was wondering if it was just my bike or what... but it seemed very annoying to need an Allen wrench to access a fuse box. There was plenty of space to put those boxes in the rear seat storage area. Annoying as hell it takes that much to trouble shoot. 

And can we take a minute to acknowledge Honda’s silly design of piecing the tail light to the illumination panel... screw Track Guys Amirite?

#93

The 6th gen is an electricians nightmare

#94
Urbanengineer It went pretty well except for them freaking out about me having a center stand. The track org made me try to take it off which I was fine with... only to realize I had to remove the whole rear exhaust header section. They let me by with it wired up tight. 

Continental sport touring tires performed very well. 

Great coaching. Brian knew his stuff. You can see me ride it here: 

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Looks like a fun track Urban

#95
3 hours ago, Urbanengineer

Why all the way back there? And I was wondering if it was just my bike or what... but it seemed very annoying to need an Allen wrench to access a fuse box. There was plenty of space to put those boxes in the rear seat storage area. Annoying as hell it takes that much to trouble shoot. 

And can we take a minute to acknowledge Honda’s silly design of piecing the tail light to the illumination panel... screw Track Guys Amirite?

I’m using the license plate light for switched power for a relay harness, and since the relay harness will live under the seat (in all that space Honda could’ve used for easy fuse access) I wanted to find switched power from the rear lighting area. If the weather ever breaks I plan on installing it this week. Too humid, wet, and / or sunny lately. 

What did did you do for your lights?  Just disconnect them?  Easier than pulling the bulbs. And you need the gauges so can’t pull the fuse. 

#96
VARIABLE9 Today used my new TubO’Towels to clean my wheels after a 500mi trip last week. 

90 towels for about $10, took 10 to clean the wheels. So I’ll get nine uses from the tub at about $1 and change each wheel cleaning. 

They worked well. Would recommend. 

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I'm also into keeping stuff clean but those towels don't break down and aren't recyclable, I know motorsports are far removed from environmental issues but the baby butt wipe towels, furniture cleaning towels, all these towels are creating massive headaches for waste disposal plants. Old rags and some elbow grease and pay it forward into your kids' future a little!!

Every little bit counts

#97

I hear ya. Believe me I’m the king of turning old sheets, towels, and T-shirt’s into shop rags. I try to minimize wastefulness and keep things environmentally friendly as possible within my means. I recycle and try not to use straws in my iced coffee and I cut up the six pack plastic thingy so turtles don’t get choked out. The TO’T is like a once a month solution, just for the grime buildup between washes (I use SimpleGreen for the wheels). I usually would wipe down wheels last after cleaning the rest of the painted and upper surfaces (Plexus and microfiber towel), but sometimes a stronger cleaner is needed. 

#98
3 hours ago, VARIABLE9

I’m using the license plate light for switched power for a relay harness, and since the relay harness will live under the seat (in all that space Honda could’ve used for easy fuse access) I wanted to find switched power from the rear lighting area. If the weather ever breaks I plan on installing it this week. Too humid, wet, and / or sunny lately. 

What did did you do for your lights?  Just disconnect them?  Easier than pulling the bulbs. And you need the gauges so can’t pull the fuse. 

I have HID so I just pull the harness fuse. Nothing like bypassing Honda “Feature” 😜!

I will likely wire a switch to the headlights this winter. I plan to run switches for the front LED angel eyes and LED demon eyes also.  I don’t like the HID coming on before the starter turns, so it’s either wire a switch, or use a Kawi Headlight style relay (delayed till after start).

#99

Good point on the wipes. I’d rather just do my own thing rather than buy those. My own cleaner with my own rags. 

My wheels sort of cleaned up, but wheels are filthy again After riding through a couple hours worth of rain storms.  

#100

Try some Ardex 6209/6214 for your wheels, swing arm, frame under fairing, et cetera. It’ll strip wax, so I wouldn’t use on body panels. 

6209 SPOT REMOVER Fast Drying Solvent This is a very fast drying solvent cleaner for grease spots on the paint or on fabric. It is a body prep for removing tar, glue, undercoating, etc.

6214 SUPER FAST SOLVENT Quarts only This is the same product as Spot Remover and is for the mechanic. 

#101

I would like to have the flapper work but I’m not touching it for now lol. 

#102

Nice custom seat @Marvelicious!

#103
Grum, 8/25/2018 at 9:08 PM

Hi Urban.

Good to hear your bike is going well. If I were you I would let the dust settle for a while, with all the issues you've had it would be worth making absolutely sure your bike is running as best as it should in its basic form, once that's confirmed then move on to the Power Commander. Just a thought.

Aghhhh Dumb me - you did mention a few months! :wacko:

Hope you can now get to enjoy your bike. All the best.

Cheers. :beer:

Doh... alright I also only got 155 miles out of a tank today mostly highway.  

And I almost hit 250*F again... I need to check the valve adjustment again or something. Who knows. Put almost 200 miles on today in average 82*F and 90% humidity. 

Ive never had these issues with any other bike, ever... I really struggle with the VFR. 

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#104
Urbanengineer, 27 August 2018 at 1:41 PM

Doh... alright I also only got 155 miles out of a tank today mostly highway.  

And I almost hit 250*F again... I need to check the valve adjustment again or something. Who knows. Put almost 200 miles on today in average 82*F and 90% humidity. 

Ive never had these issues with any other bike, ever... I really struggle with the VFR. 

Oh dear what a bummer. Were all these overheating and poor economy issues there BEFORE you did all the valve adjustments??? Is there any chance the valve timing could be slightly out? Can understand you're at your wits end, it's shame because a well running VFR is a joy. 

Good luck.

#105

Well at least your cooling system is clean. 

#106

Yeah so it must be something else lol. Slowly narrowing down the possibilities. My service guy at Honda is gonna come over later this week when I have it all apart and we shall see I guess. He would rather leave the adjusting to me, but he will verify stuff. 

#107

@Grum I bought it and stored it for winter and got the front harness recall done. Took it back from Honda once they replaced it all, and then my friend convinced me I would be silly to not to do the valve adjustment on a bike with 40k miles I just acquired...

I only test rode it, bought it, and then rode it 300 miles home from Michigan and never really twisted the throttle. It was about 60*F ambient temps then though. Just cruised on the highway to get it home. I didn’t want to store it in the garage as my R6 was taking up all the room from winter repaint. 

#108
5 hours ago, Urbanengineer

@Grum I bought it and stored it for winter and got the front harness recall done. Took it back from Honda once they replaced it all, and then my friend convinced me I would be silly to not to do the valve adjustment on a bike with 40k miles I just acquired...

I only test rode it, bought it, and then rode it 300 miles home from Michigan and never really twisted the throttle. It was about 60*F ambient temps then though. Just cruised on the highway to get it home. I didn’t want to store it in the garage as my R6 was taking up all the room from winter repaint. 

There is your problem, you have an R6 in its nest. 

#109

Aired up the tires, looked the bike over and went for a nice ride down the coast.   

#110

Preparing to pull the fuel injectors for flow cleaning. Looking to spend about $40 plus shipping. Anyone have a recommendation on a fuel injector cleaner guy?

#111
1 hour ago, Urbanengineer

Preparing to pull the fuel injectors for flow cleaning. Looking to spend about $40 plus shipping. Anyone have a recommendation on a fuel injector cleaner guy?

The tech guru on the SV1000 Portal uses this place:  http://injectorrepair.com/

#112

I bought something extra special for my VFR off of Croooober yesterday. Extremely excited. Hope it arrives as expected from JP....

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#114

Hit a big milestone 😁

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#115

Did the flapper/PAIR/snorkel...great success! 😁

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#116

Flapper still isn’t working. Checked out the stator for fun. It’s ugly but it stil tests well. I swear I got 80V at 7K RPM though so it’s likely it could be partially faulty... but it shouldn’t be the cause of my idle/low throttle opening issue.  

Also learned the CCT has that little end cap that can fall off in the engine. Thankfully the magnetic pick up tool saved the day. Valves checked and all are mid spec now... still runs like dogshit at low RPM below 4000. 

Heat shielded the right exhaust heat cover. It had nothing before, hope this lowers temps now. 

Friends have recommended I clean off the O2 sensors because they may be reading leaner than they are supposed to. Who knows anymore. I’m at a loss. 

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#117

I got a new Quadlock mount for the phone, and a RAM mount for the top triple stem hole.   That pairs up with the Sena SMH10-10 that I just got for the helmet, along with the special baseplate that will allow me to use my custom molded in-ear Westone-2's with the Sena.  :)  Looking forward to my October trip to the NC / VA / WV mountains when I can listen to music and take calls while on the bike, free of wires!!

#118
3 hours ago, Urbanengineer

Flapper still isn’t working. Checked out the stator for fun. It’s ugly but it stil tests well. I swear I got 80V at 7K RPM though so it’s likely it could be partially faulty... but it shouldn’t be the cause of my idle/low throttle opening issue.  

Also learned the CCT has that little end cap that can fall off in the engine. Thankfully the magnetic pick up tool saved the day. Valves checked and all are mid spec now... still runs like dogshit at low RPM below 4000. 

Heat shielded the right exhaust heat cover. It had nothing before, hope this lowers temps now. 

Friends have recommended I clean off the O2 sensors because they may be reading leaner than they are supposed to. Who knows anymore. I’m at a loss. 

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I was tinkering with mine and decided to see if the flapper was working and I have the same issue. It does not operate in any scenario that I have put on it. Out of gear all rev ranges, in gear on centre stand all rev ranges both at cold and at temp. Tested with multi meter and definitely no current from ECU. Bike runs fine. I have O2 resistor plugs and a power commander installed, pair valve mod. I might connect light just to see if it works whilst riding. I also have a Girpo gear indicator fitted that taps into a wire coming out of the ECU but suspect that may have nothing to do with this issue.

#119
18 hours ago, Marooncobra

I was tinkering with mine and decided to see if the flapper was working and I have the same issue. It does not operate in any scenario that I have put on it. Out of gear all rev ranges, in gear on centre stand all rev ranges both at cold and at temp. Tested with multi meter and definitely no current from ECU. Bike runs fine. I have O2 resistor plugs and a power commander installed, pair valve mod. I might connect light just to see if it works whilst riding. I also have a Girpo gear indicator fitted that taps into a wire coming out of the ECU but suspect that may have nothing to do with this issue.

Yeah TBH I have no idea. 

But now I’m searching for vacuum leaks as I know my bike is in spec otherwise. Can’t  imagine where it leaks 😞. I replaced everything with ACE vacuum line. 

#120

Added an Alibaba double bubble. Stock was annoying at speed, directing wind blast at my collerbone (and therefore full helmet). This was a cheap experiment that works and fits 🙂

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#121

Took it to the dealer. They can figure out MY bikes Problems lol. They have a flat rate diagnostic cost that I’m comfortable with paying.  

#122
1 hour ago, Urbanengineer

Took it to the dealer. They can figure out MY bikes Problems lol. They have a flat rate diagnostic cost that I’m comfortable with paying.  

Sometimes you just gotta use the dealer. Not always ideal. But sometimes necessary. Keep us posted. 

#123

I did this. 

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#124
9 hours ago, VARIABLE9

I did this. 

Boy... the speeds you ride... please get some riding pants lol.  

#125

LED headight bulbs fitted 😎

managed to leave one of the indicators disconnected so that needs fixing tonight 😂

#126
17 minutes ago, anth85

LED headight bulbs fitted 😎

managed to leave one of the indicators disconnected so that needs fixing tonight 😂

RIP your distance vision. 

#127
31 minutes ago, Urbanengineer

RIP your distance vision. 

I thought they were better all round? They certainly have been a massive improvement on my car and the amount of light they put out over the old halogens when i tried them last night was much higher, admittedly one halogen was bust.

#128
Urbanengineer, 9/17/2018 at 8:17 AM

Boy... the speeds you ride... please get some riding pants lol.  

Lol.  Those are ‘tactical pants’, I should be fine. 😐

I have a nice two piece A* suit, that seems to have shrunk. I’ll have to try and remedy that situation. 

#129
29 minutes ago, anth85

I thought they were better all round? They certainly have been a massive improvement on my car and the amount of light they put out over the old halogens when i tried them last night was much higher, admittedly one halogen was bust.

I spend a lot of time retrofitting different light types into headlights. 

LED drop in bulbs still have too much foreground, and not enough distance hot spot or width to be used for night use. 

Issue with LED is the same with HID in reflector housings. To be best used these need specific housings to do well. 

Feel free to post some wall shots, but usually LED drop ins actually reduce your night vision 😞. 

#130

I tend to agree with you on drop-in LED bulbs, but for my money, most projectors (even OEM) have the opposite problem. That nice sharp line looks cool, but I'd rather have a more gradual cut-off. I've been thinking about a quad beam setup: a set of drop in LED H4's to fill in paired with a set of LED projectors for the depth, all with a slightly below stock current load.

Another less than useful trend I've noticed in vehicular lighting is the love everyone has for the "cold" hue. They seem brighter because the glare is more irritating to our eyes, but if you actually look at what they illuminate on the road, the only thing that is more visible is reflectors, road signs and the lines on the pavement. The further into the spectrum you go, the more it gets like a black-light: you can really see something white, but that black lab that just ran out in the road is entirely invisible. Just my own opinion with no data to back it up, but I'm fairly confident scientific testing would support me.

Edit: Oh, and I haven't done crap with my VFR today... this was a guitar project day instead. Gotta juggle the hobbies!

#131
12 hours ago, Marvelicious

I tend to agree with you on drop-in LED bulbs, but for my money, most projectors (even OEM) have the opposite problem. That nice sharp line looks cool, but I'd rather have a more gradual cut-off. I've been thinking about a quad beam setup: a set of drop in LED H4's to fill in paired with a set of LED projectors for the depth, all with a slightly below stock current load.

Another less than useful trend I've noticed in vehicular lighting is the love everyone has for the "cold" hue. They seem brighter because the glare is more irritating to our eyes, but if you actually look at what they illuminate on the road, the only thing that is more visible is reflectors, road signs and the lines on the pavement. The further into the spectrum you go, the more it gets like a black-light: you can really see something white, but that black lab that just ran out in the road is entirely invisible. Just my own opinion with no data to back it up, but I'm fairly confident scientific testing would support me.

Edit: Oh, and I haven't done crap with my VFR today... this was a guitar project day instead. Gotta juggle the hobbies!

Glad you are educated on the topic. I agree I only run 4300k which is as close to Halogen color as you can get... which is best vision. I do the rings and demon eyes and stuff for looks though I love that stuff.

i also have a similar belief that the sharp cutoff is too harsh for biikes. I swap my clear lenses out for fresnel coated/lined lenses so it’s more foggy but still amazing output. It’s super nice. 

#132

Bought the VFR a buddy for winter 😁. Hopefully winter work gets the VFR fixed up and then I can resell this bad boy for a nice profit. 

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#133

You have definitely had a struggle with your VFR. I haven't been able to provide any real insight on any of your troubles, but I have been following them. 

I've had a couple of issues with mine, but nothing beyond routine 12-year-old bike stuff and fixing Honda's underbuilt electrical system. I rebuilt the charging system earlier this year in response to a crispy stator connector. Nice heavy wires from the stator, wired straight to the connector on the series R/R, and heavy power and ground from there to battery and frame, all contacts doped with Ox-gard and all connectors sealed with dielectric grease. It's comforting to have it be the reliable machine it should have been from the factory. 

#135

I've put a lot of thought into the troubles that the 6th gen has with the charging system. The 5th was already on the edge, but then they did several things that made it into a perfect storm.

1)They added even more capacity to the stator. There is a reason GoldWings have a car alternator.

2) The VTEC motor has less oil flowing to the stator to keep it cool.

3)They moved the R/R up under the fairing in a much warmer location, which is extra warm on a VFR. Outliers like your bike notwithstanding, I don't see any particular mechanical problem with the temps our motors run. Honda runs most of their car engines at hotter temps because the ideal temp for emissions is a bit hotter than the ideal temp for power. If we didn't have an overtaxed r/r sharing a space with that big warm engine block, it wouldn't be an issue. 

When everything is in good condition, it manages to work... but there isn't much margin for error and a failure of any one piece (stator, r/r or wiring) tends to damage the other pieces. It would have helped if Honda had moved to a mosfet r/r, and to a series as soon as they were available. Better regulation means the stator itself stays cooler as well.

I also think that the VTR fan actually helps the charging system: rather than pulling outside air in through the left side radiator and bringing heat into that space, it pulls cooler air in from underneath. It's arguable whether it really cools the motor better (yes at one speed, no at another) but I'm fairly sure it cools the r/r better.

I also played around a bit with a lower temp fan switch, but I wasn't satisfied with the option I tried. I forget the temp I used (though it seemed to activate slightly lower than advertised), but it just fought the wax thermostat. I bought another one rated between that and the stock, but I haven't bothered to try it yet. It's more scientific curiosity than fixing a problem at this point.

#136

I forgot about the other fan, and disabling the stock one at speed. I’ll tell Honda to try straight water as an option for coolant as maybe the engine ice is corrupted too!

#137

My two cents, for what it is worth: I don't really think straight water is a good choice... theoretically, water transfers more heat than coolant, but the whole system is designed to run above water friendly temps. Even with a good radiator cap holding pressure, you're just going to be fighting with steam pockets. I don't run anything particularly magical in mine, just the same Zerex Asian Formula that I run in all my rigs from that side of the pond. It's premixed, relatively cheap, has the right inhibitors and it is available just about everywhere.

I've read the Engine Ice marketing hype, but never tried it for myself. The reality is, if you can't get the stock system to cool in a relatively mild climate with a conventional coolant, there is something else in play here. These bikes run hot, but not that hot.

The VTR fan is just a drop-in that swaps onto your stock fan motor. Theoretically, it should cool slightly worse while not moving (because the stock version pulls cooler air from outside the left radiator) and slightly better at low speeds because the natural airflow should be from the center out through the radiators. That said, I've seen people assert that the shape of the fairings create a natural airflow that is actually in through both radiators and down underneath the bike. Since I don't have a wind tunnel handy, my gut says that the first one is accurate. Maybe I should tailgate someone in an extra smoky diesel and find out... Either way, I've ridden mine occasionally over the 100 degree mark and once I'm above around 35mph or so, the fan never runs. In fact, I had a stuck-open thermostat for a while and the reason I noticed is because at speed my temps wouldn't climb above 185 in what I consider reasonable weather.

I really do hope you work out what the problem is. It's frustrating to see you fighting so much with the same bike that has brought many of us so much joy.

#138
12 hours ago, Urbanengineer

Bought the VFR a buddy for winter 😁. Hopefully winter work gets the VFR fixed up and then I can resell this bad boy for a nice profit. 

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Cute. Even has racing stickers. 

Just kidding!  Dig it. I’ve always wanted one. 

#139
2 hours ago, VARIABLE9

Cute. Even has racing stickers. 

Just kidding!  Dig it. I’ve always wanted one. 

Haha. Yeah a solid deal came up and I couldn’t pass it up. It wheelies it fourth gear. Quite the joy For an enthusiast... but you can barely have legal fun. 

Thats why I like the VFR it feels fast at lower speeds 😎. If only whatever I screwed up got fixed. 

#140

What is going on with your VFR @Urbanengineer?  The mechanic has had it for a week.  (I know, probably not enough time.)

I would agree on the VFR versus full bore sport bike. I could’ve gotten an average / used R1 around here for *less* than I paid for my VFR, but being able to hit 170mph on the interstate and not being able to see its handling potential on average backroads seemed both exciting and limiting. I’ve already gone stupid fast on bikes and in cars both on and off track, so being able to be comfortable (👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻), go decent fast (or to your point feel like I am 😀), and handle ok (for now 🤔) seemed to make a lot more sense. 

Good luck with the Yamaha. I’ve had a number of them over the decades and enjoyed every one. Wish I hadn’t sold most of them. 

#141
1 hour ago, VARIABLE9

What is going on with your VFR @Urbanengineer?  The mechanic has had it for a week.  (I know, probably not enough time.)

I would agree on the VFR versus full bore sport bike. I could’ve gotten an average / used R1 around here for *less* than I paid for my VFR, but being able to hit 170mph on the interstate and not being able to see its handling potential on average backroads seemed both exciting and limiting. I’ve already gone stupid fast on bikes and in cars both on and off track, so being able to be comfortable (👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻), go decent fast (or to your point feel like I am 😀), and handle ok (for now 🤔) seemed to make a lot more sense. 

Good luck with the Yamaha. I’ve had a number of them over the decades and enjoyed every one. Wish I hadn’t sold most of them. 

They make a solid bike. I sold that R6 in the spring and really wanted to try more haha. I have a track day scheduled for Saturday this week now, but I’ll need to swap out the K&N filter (oil) because these orgs don’t allow them anymore. 

And yeah... it’s about feeling fast and the VFR does that well. It handles great for its weight. 

It really is incredible how quickly you can go from the speed limit to Triple the limit though, and small culverts (raises) in the road are now a danger! Like when we crest the hills in the back roads in fourth gear i’m Lifting at 5k RPM 😱. It’s joyous as hell, but I can’t keep it or I’m losing my license lmao. 

Honda has this deal near me where if you go by the $75 flat rate... you are placed last on the list. Fine by me no rush. 

[image: 17BE455F-402D-4F97-AC0B-B405D7C2DED2.jpeg]

[image: 8AC33FE9-25A1-4B5C-A7B8-5E87F377E3C4.jpeg]

#142

@Urbanengineer yep there’s an old racing friend that has a Crossplane. Regularly wheelies even small crests at speed. But my SV would outpace on backroads in the twisties. 

Hey I mentioned I had an SV for sale somewhere. You could’ve picked it up for a trackday bike. 💰

Send pics from trackday, have some fun!

#143
6 hours ago, VARIABLE9

@Urbanengineer yep there’s an old racing friend that has a Crossplane. Regularly wheelies even small crests at speed. But my SV would outpace on backroads in the twisties. 

Hey I mentioned I had an SV for sale somewhere. You could’ve picked it up for a trackday bike. 💰

Send pics from trackday, have some fun!

I think when when I do get a dedicated track bike it will be a small one like the 650 Ninja. 

#144

I rode 100mi round trip for some errands today. Mostly slab. Still felt good though. Gave me a chance to put my new MZS levers through their paces and they seemed to work like levers.

#145

I also just threw a set of MZS levers on the bike.  The tolerances are as good or better than the stock levers, and the craftsmanship on them is fantastic.  Can't beat the price!

#146

I reinstalled the battery from the workbench charger, and took it for a nice fall ride. If not somewhat windy. 

#147

Installed a 45T sprocket and SpeedoDrd today. It feels much better with the 45T and lets me keep it in Vtec instead of transitioning in and out on my favorite roads.

#148

Aired up the vfr’s tires, looked the bike over and took the NT700V for a ride.   Vfr needs tires, the contimotions still have tread but the front has become super sensitive to pavement seems and irregularities.    Time for a change, looking to try a set of Bridgestone t30 evo tires on the Vfr.   I have a set on the NT and they are great.    

#149

Yesterday I did a one day 945 mile round trip NJ to OH and back in my auto, and the whole time I was thinking I should’ve stretched it out to a thousand and done it on the VFR as an IronButt. 

So today I’m out on the VFR just for fun. It’s crisp out, but nice to be riding. 

#150

Wow thats some mileage! I ordered two CCT's for mine today. Honda says that is my running issue - CCT failure.

#151

They also checked my valve clearances and it looks like I did them right. Oh bother...

#152
Urbanengineer, 18 November 2018 at 11:28 AM

Wow thats some mileage! I ordered two CCT's for mine today. Honda says that is my running issue - CCT failure.

Hi Urban.

Thats an interesting comment you've made. I would have thought by the time a CCT could give you "running issues" the cam chain would be rattling like crazy!  Well..........just hope whatever is the cause that one day your VFR is finally running on song in all aspects, you'll then know you're in motorcycle heaven!!!!

Cheers.

#153

That is interesting. Maybe I’m missing the cause and effect, how would the CCT’s result in overheating @Urbanengineer ?

#154

Engine running out of time, and therefore running lean apparently. About a week out on delivery we will see!

#155

It would make sense if the cams were put in wrong and out of time, but a chain would have to be seriously stretched to cause that, and would sound like a jack hammer. 

#156

Yep, but verified by the Honda Tech it was done right. Call me stupid but if he says jump I’ll say how high. It’s out of my hands now I’m tired of working on this bike. Most I’ll do when I get it back is repaint. 

#157

My VFR cleaned up pretty nicely this week. Haven't ridden much since September but an open carport allows dust & varmints to mess it up. Took this photo before putting it under cover to hibernate through the coming winter.

[image: Df-M08425_blend.jpg]

#158

Just bought a Silver powder coated 8 spoke wheel from England via eBay.

#159
Lorne, 12/1/2018 at 4:07 PM

My VFR cleaned up pretty nicely this week. Haven't ridden much since September but an open carport allows dust & varmints to mess it up. Took this photo before putting it under cover to hibernate through the coming winter.

[image: Df-M08425_blend.jpg]

She is a beauty!

Whenever I hear about folks parking their bike for winter, I want to cry. 

::insert digital sympathy card here::

May your season be bright and may spring come early.

B.

#160
11 hours ago, BGross

Whenever I hear about folks parking their bike for winter, I want to cry. 

Thanks for the sympathy, but so I can't complain as I've been fortunate to ride in NorCal annually since 1994. 

#161

Going to pick it up tomorrow. Boy I am excited. 

#162
14 minutes ago, Urbanengineer

Going to pick it up tomorrow. Boy I am excited. 

Wow that's been a long while... Sure hope they have exorcised all demons from it.

Good luck, keep us posted on how she goes.

Cheers  :beer:

#163

Well, no. I’ll be back on this topic when it’s fixed. Fml. 

#164

Ran a few errands before the rain hit and finally changed the oil and filter.   New tires are next.

#165
Lorne, 12/1/2018 at 6:07 PM

My VFR cleaned up pretty nicely this week. Haven't ridden much since September but an open carport allows dust & varmints to mess it up. Took this photo before putting it under cover to hibernate through the coming winter.

[image: Df-M08425_blend.jpg]

Oh my. That's gorgeous!

Is there a photo album somewhere?

JOE

V4 Dreams (.com)

#166
5 hours ago, BluRoad

Oh my. That's gorgeous!

Is there a photo album somewhere?

JOE

V4 Dreams (.com)

Thanks, Joe. You can find plenty of my photos here: my VFR and trip pics

#167

Just dropped her off for an MOT. First time I've had a bike tested, I know there is something weird with the left indicator, you flick the switch, it flashes once, then does nothing for 5 seconds before starting to flash normally. But when waiting outside another customer said the rear tyre was square. It looks fine to me but as it's my first bike I am now not sure and I'm now expecting a bill 😖

#168
2 hours ago, anth85

Just dropped her off for an MOT. First time I've had a bike tested, I know there is something weird with the left indicator, you flick the switch, it flashes once, then does nothing for 5 seconds before starting to flash normally. But when waiting outside another customer said the rear tyre was square. It looks fine to me but as it's my first bike I am now not sure and I'm now expecting a bill 😖

Hi Anth85. What's your indicator flash like when you operate the Hazard switch? Are both left and right indicator lights working normally? If all lights operate normally in Hazard, then think there might be something strange going on with the Turn Indicator Switch.

#169
9 minutes ago, Grum

Hi Anth85. What's your indicator flash like when you operate the Hazard switch? Are both left and right indicator lights working normally? If all lights operate normally in Hazard, then think there might be something strange going on with the Turn Indicator Switch.

to be 100% honest, I didn't think the 03 had hazards...

all bulbs work normally, there is just this weird delay after the first flash on the left indicator. 

#170
7 minutes ago, anth85

to be 100% honest, I didn't think the 03 had hazards...

all bulbs work normally, there is just this weird delay after the first flash on the left indicator. 

Ah yes, I was looking at my 04 U version wiring diagram, sorry bout that.

As the flasher has no bearing on Left or Right, then I wonder if the left bulbs front and rear are the correct wattage also might be something flakey in your Turn Switch.

Cheers.

#171

just had the call, rear tyre is advisory there is enough on it to pass but probably should be changed soon, the front tyre is dead. Im quite shocked at to be honest I thought it looked like there were loads of life left it in. Nevermind if I was changing the rear (which I would from an advisory) then I'd do them as a pair anyway. The indicator is probably the switchgear, they are going to look at it this afternoon. Their tyre supplier is shut today so they'll get a price for the same Bridgestone battlax bt023 that are already on tomorrow.

#172

Getting Michelin Road 5s fitted rather than the Bridgestone, been reading that they are very good. The indicator was a corroded connection inside the switchgear, that has been resolved. Just waiting on the call to say I can go and pick her up.

#173

Sending out the Injectors for cleaning. Hoping for some bad results pre-cleaning.

#174

Did you ever fix the overheating?  I remember you had it in the dealer for quite some time, then got it back, but don’t recall a definitive fixed or not. 

#175
Marvelicious, 8/25/2018 at 5:59 PM

Not so much "did today" as "this is where my progress is today."

The shadows and texture of the areas I sanded down make it look a little odd, but the foam work is pretty smooth and nicely contoured to touch. With the Sargent (and even more so with the stock seat) I always felt like I was humping the tank. I'm a big, tall dude and the stock riding position was just too cramped. I installed Buell pegs and conventional bars, which helped, but those changes just made the problems with the seat more apparent.

Anyhow, I spent a lot of time hopping on and off as I built this up and shaped it. It's almost 2 inches taller at the front than the stock seat, about a half inch taller overall, and scooped out to allow me to sit a touch farther back. My overall center of gravity is probably pretty close to where a small guy would be, I've just got room to spread out now. Now if I can do as good a job on the cover...

The foam I used is some very firm 1/2" closed cell stuff, which I glued up with 3M headliner adhesive - same glue I used on my grip pads on the tank.

For profile comparison...

Sargent Seat:

[image: Q6UYg48.jpg]

Customized stock seat

[image: 4u7zEYL.jpg]

Finally got the cover finished for this bad boy... (with the help of a friend with a bit more skill with a sewing machine than I)

[image: StcBd62.jpg]

I used heavy marine vinyl over the whole thing and the mesh is something I got from Seattle Fabrics that they call "Spacer Mesh". It's specifically designed to promote a bit of airflow between body and fabric... normally used for the back panel in backpacks and the like. It's a little bit grippy compared to vinyl, so I don't think it would work well for a super aggressive rider who likes to slide his weight around the seat a lot, but that really isn't me. I haven't given it a test ride yet, but just sitting in the garage, it feels like it will keep me as planted as I want to be, yet still let me shift my position when I want to. It was a bit of a trick to get the two fabrics to lay down together - they don't have the same amount of stretch. 

#176

A whole lot of nothing done  lately. Sub freezing temps means I just get to peek under the cover every few days and dream of being somewhere else for a while.  I did compound out some scratches a few weeks ago, snow ice freezing rain every few days since. 

#177
VARIABLE9, 1/30/2019 at 11:21 AM

Did you ever fix the overheating?  I remember you had it in the dealer for quite some time, then got it back, but don’t recall a definitive fixed or not. 

Nope, Trying to figure it out with my Honda buddy in our free time. The engine has great compression (within 3% of each other) and passes with flying colors on the leak down test.

#178
7 hours ago, Urbanengineer

Nope, Trying to figure it out with my Honda buddy in our free time. The engine has great compression (within 3% of each other) and passes with flying colors on the leak down test.

That’s a bummer.  I’m really hoping you get it sorted out. 

#179

I did manage to air out the VFR today, since it was 60 and sunny. Very good feeling to get out there.

#180

I got to ride the R1 and R6, took a day off working on the VFR. Hope to make some more progress tonight. 

#181
19 minutes ago, Urbanengineer

I got to ride the R1 and R6, took a day off working on the VFR. Hope to make some more progress tonight. 

You’ve done so much to rectify this issue, I feel like the only thing left is to check for passage obstruction internal to the engine. However I’m not certain as to how to accomplish this. 

#182
1 hour ago, VARIABLE9

You’ve done so much to rectify this issue, I feel like the only thing left is to check for passage obstruction internal to the engine. However I’m not certain as to how to accomplish this. 

I put a camera in the cyl, all is well. I’ve considered taking off the header but I feel like it’s just gonna burn my eardrums the first time I pull them out. 

#183
1 hour ago, Urbanengineer

I put a camera in the cyl, all is well. I’ve considered taking off the header but I feel like it’s just gonna burn my eardrums the first time I pull them out. 

I guess I’m thinking water passages, not the cylinder so much. 

Was the engine ever rebuilt?  Heads off?  Maybe there’s a bolt blocking coolant flow in there. 

Or possibly just do an engine swap on it.  Find a low mile spare and swap it out.

#184

Lowered the idle today after reassembling and everything checked out.

I’ll see how it does tomorrow when I take it on a mini little local trip to Pitt. I do need to find a fuse for the headlight, forgot I left that undone 🙄. So no night riding at the moment. 

But yeah, Honda mechanic magic made it work for now. Hopeful for the long run with this one. 

#185

A very pleasant few days of late tempted me to reinsure my VTec this afternoon. Met with some friends to view a video of their ride last summer. Stopped for a portrait at Beacon Hill Park, looking across Juan de Fuca Straight to Port Angeles, Wash., and the mountains of Olympic National Park. The 90 minute ferry ride there from my home in Victoria is very familiar as it makes the first step of almost every summer trip.

[image: Df-N12419srgb.JPG]

#186

Everything checked out today. It was a pretty great ride. That VTEC transition can be pretty rough sometimes! This week will be finishing up the wiring and then putting it all back together. Thanks for you help everybody. 

#187
2 hours ago, Urbanengineer

Everything checked out today. It was a pretty great ride. That VTEC transition can be pretty rough sometimes! This week will be finishing up the wiring and then putting it all back together. Thanks for you help everybody. 

Now you just need 99F and humid conditions during a track day to verify it!

Hey in all seriousness, glad you seem on the right track to have it fixed!  

#188
13 hours ago, VARIABLE9

Now you just need 99F and humid conditions during a track day to verify it!

Hey in all seriousness, glad you seem on the right track to have it fixed!  

Thanks, Yeah sure looking forward to that.

#189
15 hours ago, Urbanengineer

Everything checked out today. It was a pretty great ride. That VTEC transition can be pretty rough sometimes! This week will be finishing up the wiring and then putting it all back together. Thanks for you help everybody. 

Good Luck Urban. Sure hope by now that all the demons are fully exorcised from your VFR, joyous riding ahead of you.

Cheers. :beer:

#190
Lorne, 3/16/2019 at 8:12 PM

A very pleasant few days of late tempted me to reinsure my VTec this afternoon. Met with some friends to view a video of their ride last summer. Stopped for a portrait at Beacon Hill Park, looking across Juan de Fuca Straight to Port Angeles, Wash., and the mountains of Olympic National Park. The 90 minute ferry ride there from my home in Victoria is very familiar as it makes the first step of almost every summer trip.

[image: Df-N12419srgb.JPG]

I was planning that trip going the other way last summer... Up Washington coast, across the ferry, up Vancouver Island, then take the ferry up to Prince Rupert... after that, I had a couple of options - whether to ride all the way over to Jasper and Banff or to turn south earlier.

Planned it all out, took the vacation time... everything was on fire, so I stayed home. I'm planning to go a little earlier in the summer this year.

#191

Since the last attempt of bleeding my brakes and syncing starter valves ended with me and my buddy drinking heavily and hoping for the best so this time around I went to my local Honda Powersports dealer.   Long story short I don’t think my vfr ran this well when it was new!   All of the low end light switch throttle snatch is gone and the bike naturally idles much smoother.     The braking is much improved with a nice firm lever and pedal and the clutch is so much smoother to engage.    

The surprise was was not the service bill but the owner of the shop who rolled out a new 2019 goldwing when I jokingly asked about borrowing one to get home.   No joke he went over the features quickly and I was off on a “go have fun” ride.   

Large and in charge, the thing was rediculously comfortable and pretty damn fast, the torque was immense and the new front end simply works.   Well balanced and easy to ride, within a few miles I was comfortable with the size and enjoyed playing music and with that big six.   I tried to be a bit respectful to the new bike with 65 miles on it but I sampled enough to make me a believer.  The strong brakes and reverse make managing the big bike easy and the bike felt like the flagship model it is.   Very nice, so glad I got to scratch that itch.   I took it home so my wife could take a look and she approved of the bikes comfort and it was a great test ride and all but I don’t tour nearly enough to justify anything so expensive.   Fantastic machine that one day I could see owning when I’m retired and have time to take off to look for America.    

As excited as I was about riding the wing I’m more excited that my bike is back to its sweet v4 self.     

I took a pic of the WING sitting in my garage.....

[image: 1726FABA-D5CC-453E-AB6F-967B3E8B45CB.thumb.jpeg.cab79274a006cb2f52562384a35ddb5c.jpeg][image: F382428D-8AB2-46BD-8241-05D0F4E3F875.thumb.jpeg.c0b91a3bfe7c13e8e47bb23edb306a5e.jpeg]

#192

Taking mine on a trip, 5 hours each way and riding in between. Pretty stoked 🙂. 

#193

It was windy and rained a lot in the first three hours, but the last 2 were fun. Excited for the next 2 days. 

#194

Managed to get a 200 mile day in on Sunday. It was hot. But the VFR did well both in the turns and with the temps. And my posterior did well on the seat to boot. 😀

#195

Hi, im a new owner of a 2006 vfr and i like your setup for the exhaust. What size midpipe did you use and what v&h muffler? Thanks

#197
Marvelicious  

Finally got the cover finished for this bad boy... (with the help of a friend with a bit more skill with a sewing machine than I)

[image: StcBd62.jpg&key=182cac89f18d44659c12f993c871222ff2ce6f8d36bf8c0dfa5c041efd7f27f7]

I used heavy marine vinyl over the whole thing and the mesh is something I got from Seattle Fabrics that they call "Spacer Mesh". It's specifically designed to promote a bit of airflow between body and fabric... normally used for the back panel in backpacks and the like. It's a little bit grippy compared to vinyl, so I don't think it would work well for a super aggressive rider who likes to slide his weight around the seat a lot, but that really isn't me. I haven't given it a test ride yet, but just sitting in the garage, it feels like it will keep me as planted as I want to be, yet still let me shift my position when I want to. It was a bit of a trick to get the two fabrics to lay down together - they don't have the same amount of stretch. 

Hey Marv, those tank pads, did you have to cut to size and who makes them?

They look like TechSpec

[image: 50a5f35bc577698621ef728c66bdb3e2.jpg]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

#198

100% custom. I didn't like any of the pre-cut options: I wanted something that followed the body lines, and I really prefer to make my own stuff whenever I can. I worked a little in a body shop back in the day and I picked up a lot of little tricks for this kind of stuff.

The foam is actually Hydro Turf (mostly marketed to jet-skiers). I sketched out a template on posterboard, cut two mirror image pieces and smoothed up the edges with sandpaper. To attach them, I used 3M headliner adhesive - designed to make foam stick to metal. If works excellent if you follow the directions... clean everything beforehand with alcohol, do it on a hot day, or use a little forced air heater to preheat the metal like I did... I bought a bunch of cheap magnets from Harbor Freight, pre-placed the pads how I wanted them with the magnets and then went around the perimeter with masking tape and masked off all around. Sprayed the tank and the back of the pads with the 3M, and then used the masking tape perimeter to line them up just how I had them. The down side to the headliner adhesive is that it's a contact cement, so you get one shot at getting it right or you're basically just going to have to clean it all up and start from scratch. I used the magnets to hold them tight and give the adhesive time to cure. After that, cleanup was mostly just a matter of peeling the masking tape. I'm really happy with how they look and how they work. 

[image: large.DSC_0162.JPG.a3f92341d1cc23425792890bfa2fb6df.JPG]

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#199

Took a great ride in the California sunshine.    Beautiful day.

#200
Marvelicious 100% custom. I didn't like any of the pre-cut options: I wanted something that followed the body lines, and I really prefer to make my own stuff whenever I can. I worked a little in a body shop back in the day and I picked up a lot of little tricks for this kind of stuff.
 
The foam is actually Hydro Turf (mostly marketed to jet-skiers). I sketched out a template on posterboard, cut two mirror image pieces and smoothed up the edges with sandpaper. To attach them, I used 3M headliner adhesive - designed to make foam stick to metal. If works excellent if you follow the directions... clean everything beforehand with alcohol, do it on a hot day, or use a little forced air heater to preheat the metal like I did... I bought a bunch of cheap magnets from Harbor Freight, pre-placed the pads how I wanted them with the magnets and then went around the perimeter with masking tape and masked off all around. Sprayed the tank and the back of the pads with the 3M, and then used the masking tape perimeter to line them up just how I had them. The down side to the headliner adhesive is that it's a contact cement, so you get one shot at getting it right or you're basically just going to have to clean it all up and start from scratch. I used the magnets to hold them tight and give the adhesive time to cure. After that, cleanup was mostly just a matter of peeling the masking tape. I'm really happy with how they look and how they work. 
 
[image: large.DSC_0162.JPG.a3f92341d1cc23425792890bfa2fb6df.JPG]
 
[image: large.DSC_0173.JPG.5a401fa3f3f00739735ce3c32a823d09.JPG]

Man great job, wish you lived in LA I’d love some help making some.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
#201
LEGEND Took a great ride in the California sunshine.    Beautiful day.

Yah nice crisp ride into work today 52 here in the valley


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
#202

@duccmann

I'll look around. I probably still have the template somewhere... I could scan it into a pdf for you to use as a pattern. I think you can get the Hydro Turf with 3M double stick backing... 

If I weren't a DIY kinda guy, I might call around to some smaller body shops and see if someone is interested. It really isn't any different than how they attach emblems.

#203

Rode it again. It's performing quite well now. It's an enjoyable bike to ride. It is crazy smooth.

Still rides super hot for what I'd expect. My R1, R6, and Kawi 650 all stay about 170-180°F cruising. VFR sits just south of 200*F.

We've been through this before, but new coolant, new coolant hoses, pressure tested, radiators back flowed and clean, new thermostat... and still seems to be "running hot."

July is coming, if it's bad enough it'll show its true face.

#204

Reinstalled the hard bag brackets, cleaned & lubed chain, replaced front brake pad pins - old were corroded.

This gives me an excuse to show yet another trip photo. Here's one from Spring 2014, on California's Pacific Coast Highway near Ragged Point. From Cambria to Monterey, PCH is a fantastic ride on a bright sunny morning.

[image: large.1789666436_79Df-I05584hdr.JPG.c9276d00581721eb40e267c6e0921669.JPG]

#205

More pre-trip prep:

* changed oil (Motul 10/40) & filter (oe Honda)

* replaced air filter (oe Honda)

The old filter wasn't as scruffy as I feared but it still made sense to replace it.

[image: filter.jpg]

Edited June 23, 2019 by Lorne
spelling error
#206

I'll be gone for some time nad because of that I placed her in a garage, made her clean and cleaned the chain too. Nothing much, but enough I would say.[image: bc06fe96c20fba0360e3ad705f5b9627.jpg]

#207

My 2006 vfr mostly sits for the last 5 years (other than every 2 week gas runs), too much fun on my plated ktm Dirtbike.

Even thought the VFR has 115,000 miles, its still in mint running shape, but not worth selling, cost too much to replace. Im not sure what would be an acceptable street bike replacement, even if I did want to trade it. KAW kz 900 is appealing

#208

I turned over the 7500 mile mark today. Riding this summer super limited due to life and the East Coast HotMidity, so a break in temps this weekend meant I finally got a chance to get out for the first time in a few weeks. Man I really like this VFR. 

#209

Always hated the black wheels on my bike so today i bit the bullet and decided to do something about it. I took the rear wheel off, sanded it down, sprayed some filler, primer and silver paint with clear coat on it and it came out great! I'll install some white rim tape before putting it back on my bike. I think they will look great on a red bike.

[image: 1.jpg]

[image: 2.jpg]

[image: 3.jpg]

[image: 4.jpg]

[image: 20191012_134239.jpg]

#210
simo5555, 10/20/2019 at 11:42 AM

Always hated the black wheels on my bike so today i bit the bullet and decided to do something about it. I took the rear wheel off, sanded it down, sprayed some filler, primer and silver paint with clear coat on it and it came out great! I'll install some white rim tape before putting it back on my bike. I think they will look great on a red bike.

[image: 1.jpg]

[image: 2.jpg]

[image: 3.jpg]

[image: 4.jpg]

[image: 20191012_134239.jpg]

I'm looking forward to seeing the final product. :lurk:

#211
Marvelicious @duccmann
I'll look around. I probably still have the template somewhere... I could scan it into a pdf for you to use as a pattern. I think you can get the Hydro Turf with 3M double stick backing... 
 
If I weren't a DIY kinda guy, I might call around to some smaller body shops and see if someone is interested. It really isn't any different than how they attach emblems.


I’m just now seeing this, been working way to much and haven’t been here for quite some time.
Thanks for the offer [image: emoji1306.png]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
#212

Well here she is before I tear her down (a little).  Need to flush out the radiator fluid, Oil and Filter, just did the plugs.  She is running 25800 miles.

[image: IMG_0266.JPG]

#213

I did and oil and coolant change today. Mileage is getting up there, 90,263 on the ODO Also helped a friend do the same for his bike with 119,557 miles. We also changed the spark plugs and fixed the seat latch release. Couldn’t get the seat off to lift the tank until we took off the rear cowl, which isn’t very easy when the seat is still on! It was a stuck cable, we were able to free up the cable and used some Teflon to lube it. Works great now.

#214

Oil and filter done-also the radiator fluid.  She ran up to 220 while sitting in the garage.  The fan kicked on and it dropped to 200 real quick and the fan shut off.  PERFECT!  Running a Water Wetter product with Distilled water and maybe 10% Antifreeze 50/50 mix.  Need to find an OE tool kit.  Need to adjust the chain.  Also anyone using a tire balance rig at home?  I need to balance my wheels as the tires are still good.

#215
1 hour ago, xpcgamer

  Also anyone using a tire balance rig at home? 

Yes-

http://www.marcparnes.com/

Very high quality - a precision piece. Well worth the $. 

#216
21 hours ago, Cogswell

Yes-

http://www.marcparnes.com/

Very high quality - a precision piece. Well worth the $. 

Just placed my order.  Will swing by Harbor Freight tomorrow and grab some weights.

#217
1 hour ago, xpcgamer

Just placed my order.  Will swing by Harbor Freight tomorrow and grab some weights.

IIRC Marc included some weights with the balancer.  Mite want to check with him before buying more.  They're likely steel vs lead - lead weights have become difficult to find.  I prefer them as for a given weight they have a smaller footprint.  I always reuse my weights when fitting a new tire - I get the 3M 2 sided tape - maybe $5 +/-, peel the old adhesive off and cut a piece to fit.  Haven't lost one yet.   

#218
duccmann, 10/23/2019 at 3:57 PM


I’m just now seeing this, been working way to much and haven’t been here for quite some time.
Thanks for the offer [image: emoji1306.png]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm out of town at the moment, but I'll try to remember it when I get home. I'll just scan it and post it here. Someone may get some use out of it at some point. 

#219
simo5555, 10/20/2019 at 7:42 PM

"Always hated the black wheels on my bike so today i bit the bullet and decided to do something about it. I took the rear wheel off, sanded it down, sprayed some filler, primer and silver paint with clear coat on it and it came out great! I'll install some white rim tape before putting it back on my bike. I think they will look great on a red bike."

So, finally got some time during weekend to work on my bike. Did some mechanical work, installed the painted wheel - looks good even without the tyre and also swapped out the ugly exhaust for a good OEM one. Always liked the stock look of the bike. Installed the seat cowl (that needs paint thou) and rear grab handles too. 

[image: 20191106_143445.jpg]

#220

About to put on a set of Metzelers. I run the tires down to near cord and it's vibrating above 90mph, so it's time.

#221

So yeah. Painted the seat cover, installed a new tire and did the shindengen upgrade. Also installed the gear indicator. Fork seals and oil change is next. Then the front wheel bearings and paint and im ready to ride!
[image: 82881990_851550675275225_1417619724879003648_n.thumb.jpg.0c6e539c38ed7d8f000aa52b655b2cdb.jpg]

#222

Really great to see people working on their rides. I needed some motivation.

#223
simo5555, 10/20/2019 at 11:42 AM

Always hated the black wheels on my bike so today i bit the bullet and decided to do something about it. I took the rear wheel off, sanded it down, sprayed some filler, primer and silver paint with clear coat on it and it came out great! I'll install some white rim tape before putting it back on my bike. I think they will look great on a red bike.

[image: 1.jpg]

[image: 2.jpg]

[image: 3.jpg]

[image: 4.jpg]

[image: 20191012_134239.jpg]

I didn't see this until today.  Several years ago, I went down the paint black wheels silver route with my 2002.  I hope your paint holds up better than mine, but I can tell you did a better job of prep.  Mine are black chrome (read gunmetal) powdercoat and they look as good as the day I got them back in 2014.  I know that I posted a photo back when I did them.

#224
18 hours ago, Africord

I didn't see this until today.  Several years ago, I went down the paint black wheels silver route with my 2002.  I hope your paint holds up better than mine, but I can tell you did a better job of prep.  Mine are black chrome (read gunmetal) powdercoat and they look as good as the day I got them back in 2014.  I know that I posted a photo back when I did them.

Yup, i was too originally going to powdercoat mine too but the workshop didnt have the time back then. So i painted the wheels on my own and tried to make as good of a job as i could. The plan is to see how well it holds up and If it starts to chip, then i definitely will powdercoat mine too.  Do you have any pictures with the gunmetal wheels on your bike? Really like to see how they look

#225
23 hours ago, simo5555

Yup, i was too originally going to powdercoat mine too but the workshop didnt have the time back then. So i painted the wheels on my own and tried to make as good of a job as i could. The plan is to see how well it holds up and If it starts to chip, then i definitely will powdercoat mine too.  Do you have any pictures with the gunmetal wheels on your bike? Really like to see how they look

This one was handy.  

End of thread · 225 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 23 Oct 2020