New to the Forum. New to the VFR!

Hi everyone! I am happy to say that I picked up a barely used '07 VFR800 this morning and, although new to the bike, I'm not new to motorcycling and thought it would be a great idea to come check out the forums and learn what I can. (I've already learned that I better go put some loc-tite on that side stand bolt!)

I actually had my eye on a used Triumph Sprint ST but had to go out of town for work and it was sold by the time I got back. I was bummed but everything happens for a reason. I didn't think I'd be able to afford a VFR but by some magic, one appeared, the planets were aligned, financing came through, and I'm now a very happy owner of a red, white & blue Interceptor.

I still remember the first time I saw the Interceptor. I was 16 years old (1984...yeah, I'm getting old) and some guy in the neighborhood had one. I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. I thought I'd own one one day but had no idea it would be five motorcycles and 27 years later! And, as fate would have it, it's red, white and blue. To make things even better, it only has 415 miles on it! So, I'm breaking it in and giggling like a school girl. I've already polished it (it was already clean) and have started dreaming of the road trips we'll take together.

I look forward to getting to know you guys and gals and hope to be able to contribute to the forum as well as learn from it. Have a great weekend!

 

Your first memories of the interceptors are very similar to mine. When I was in high school, I had the brochure for the 1986 line up posted up in my locker. I told all of my friends that I would own them some day and I now do. The '07 is an awesome bike. 415 miles is about as close to new as you can get. Just complete the break-in and get the oil changed at 600 miles. Congratulations and welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks for the welcome. I love the bike you have in your profile photo. I was trying to explain to my girlfriend why I was so excited about this motorcycle and how I felt as a kid when I first saw one and she just smiled and said, "Okay, Evil Kneivel, I'm happy for you" in a I-don't-get-it-but-I-love-you tone of voice. She became a lot more excited when I bought her a new helmet, boots and gloves and started talking about weekend rides up to Santa Barbara and through our local mountains. For now, I'll get through that break-in and start a list of things to buy (hard bags, new seat, GPS...).

 

Welcome. But no one believes you bought this beauty. All claims of ownership must be substantiated by photographs of said beauty. Otherwise it is speculation at best. You could be an impostor from Harley Davidson just fantasizing. You were 16 in the mid 80's and you think you are old. A few here would argue that point for sure. I was in my mid 30's in the mid 80's.....

 

Ah...point taken. I'll try to upload some photos now. Not sure if I know how but I'll figure it out. I rode about 120 miles yesterday in an effort to get through this torturous break-in period! I think I'll be adding risers and new headlight bulbs to the ever growing shopping list.

Let's see, mid-30s in mid-80s...that makes you around...oh my God! Ha! Just kidding. It's all a state of mind, right? When I found this bike, for a moment, I was 16 again.
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Nice.
Welcome aboard.
Lots of Viffers in Cali. Keep your eyes peeled.

 

Hey.......Mine looks just like yours! Except my Honda Wings on the tank are red. There is no burgundy accents. Well, no blue either. And my wheels are silver instead of black. My wind screen is darker too. And like yours I have low mileage on mine. Only 81,000 miles. We could be long lost brothers. Oh my Gosh....I am chocking up..............

 

Long lost brothers we certainly are. The similarities are shocking!

I have a long way to go to catch up to you in terms of mileage but I did manage to pass the 600 mile mark yesterday. Funny, it's an '07 and in four years it managed to rack up just over 400 miles. In the past two days I've put half that on the bike. I was told that the bike had been given a new battery, an oil change, and a quick once over prior to sale to make sure no vital parts were missing. As you can imagine, it looks absolutely brand new. Even with the oil change at 400 miles, I'm going to do one myself today. Wish me luck! I've read all about those pesky retaining pins and am hopeful that I'll get the job done without breaking any.

 

You'll be fine doing the oil change. I've said repeatedly on this forum that I'm not much of a mechanic. If lubing a chain on a scale of 1 to 10 is a 1, then changing the oil is about a 2. Maybe 2.5.

Hey - I'll be traveling to San Diego in October. If you need me to test ride your bike to make sure everything is good, let me know!

 

Thanks for the encouragement (and offer to test the bike). I got the oil change taken care of without a hitch. I took my time and managed not to break or lose anything. I had bought only three quarts of oil so I used the opportunity to ride to the store for one more to add just a bit and to warm up the chain. The chain is now lubed and she's shifting like butter. I'm loving this bike more and more!

I'm off for Vegas! Sadly, no hard bags (yet) so me and the girlfriend are taking the car. At least it's a Mustang GT convertible. Should make a little cruise down the strip fun. We're staying at New York, New York and plan to win it big!

 

Welcome, hope you guys have many happy miles together. I still sometimes look at mine parked in the bedroom (yes bedroom, don't have a garage and there's no way she's sleeping outside!) and can't believe that I own it.

 

Welcome to the nuts house, I am a bit north of you. Look me up if you want to ride or just hang out for a beer or maybe two BTW she is to clean.....you need to get her out and put some miles on her.

Cheers
SAM

 

Pliskin
If you are in San Diego look me up, Jason and I will make sure you are taking care of

 

Unfortunately, I'll be there on business, with very little free time over the 3 days. I'll have to get my details together - maybe we can slip over to the Hard Rock for a meet and greet and cold beverage. I'd be honored to meet 2 such fine individuals!

Back to topic!

 

......uke:

 

That's very romantic Bryan. I was warned that VFR owners can get rather obsessed with their rides. Last night I found myself putting on some Barry White, pouring an extra glass of wine and dimming the lights as I walked into the garage ...

 

Thanks for the welcome. I'll definitely take you up on the ride. Oceanside is only about 40 miles up the coast from me.

I don't know what's worse, the dry 112 degree heat of Vegas or the muggy 84 degree heat of San Diego!

Edit - this was in reply to Scubalong