Fear of leaning my bike VFR 5gen

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by Rubo, Aug 8, 2012.

  1. Rubo

    Rubo New Member

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    I used to ride my SV650 pretty aggressively without ever having a fear of front giving in and now with VFR I have this fear that I can't seem to get over.It could be the bulk or simply I never tested the limits.
    Whenever I lean more then usual "safe" I get the fear coming.
    My question to you is how far can one push the VFR particulary 5th gen without front caving in. My tires are pilot sports with 5k on them.
    [​IMG]
    I have not leaned that far as in this picture on VFR.
     
  2. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Have you practiced getting your butt off center and shifting some weight while cornering ??

    Maybe some suspension adjustment or a new front/rear tire would give you more confidence .
     
  3. Meatloaf

    Meatloaf New Member

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    Squirrel is right. You're over a pretty good ways. Look into leaning off the bike some. Changes the center of gravity and such.

    [​IMG]

    Tire condition has a lot to do with it as well as individual tires. Bottom line is it will be a feel thing for you. As you lean more, approaching the edge you are going to find that you can feel your front end mildly washing out. It will feel like a bumpy, jittery, up and down movent in the forks, about 1/4 inch each way. Beyond that, you're asking for trouble, IMHO.
     
  4. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    OEM suspension is garbage. If you haven't made any changes to match it to you and your style, it's likely why you don't feel the bike is planted and safe in corners.

    I say trust your gut
     
  5. Rubo

    Rubo New Member

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    I think you are on to something here. My stock SV suspection was garbage hence I replaced the rear shock with one from R1 and front installed firmer progressive springs.Difference was night and day.
    My VFR is stock and I just don't feel comfortable pushing it even though I want to.
    In particular rear feels dead like nothing back there and front kind of clunky and woody. I may end up investing in quality suspension components.
    Thanks guys for feedback
     
  6. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    I would suggest just dropping $130 on 1.0KG front springs (assuming your weight around 200lbs) and $50 on a used CBR929 shock off ebay. You'll have to fabricate a longer clevis to mount the shock as the 929 is a little shorter. For $200 you can see if the bike is headed in the right direction before dropping lots of cash.

    Beyond that, ask around your local racing circuit or sport bike forum to find who the local suspension rebuilder and tuner is. There is also a member here by the name of Jamie Daughtery(something-or-other) who gets positive reviews on his work and pricing.

    I put Ricor Intiminators in my DR damping rod fork and am quite pleased with them. I am thinking about adding them to my VFR at some point too.
     
  7. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    Try changing the front fork fluid. I had the same feeling on my 4th gen, no feel to the front end. After changing the fluid with 10w, it made a big difference, and the front feels more planted.
     
  8. KC-10 FE

    KC-10 FE New Member

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    R1 shock? Is this a direct bolt in & what year?

    As previously mentioned, try tuning up your current components. I am biased since I used to teach this stuff, but I highly recommend taking a course or learning body positioning. You will be very surprised at what a VFR can do in the hands of a capable rider. I have zero trouble keeping up with anyone on the street.

    KC-10 FE out...
    :plane: :usa2:
     
  9. pacemaker

    pacemaker New Member

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    The SV's have a reputation for being able to l-e-a-n. I agree with what a lot of the others have said. The reality is that you can tip the VFR as far as you & your tyres are going to let you.
    Even the best riders can loose the plot. its all a mind set & you have to regain the confidence to be able to do it.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    +1 -------- I thought the stock 5th gen steered like a truck. And the stock springs were ridiculous. Consider some suspension upgrades. And then raise the forks up (front end goes lower) and raise the rear at the shock (rear goes up) .....Jamie Daughtery can help here.....(I dont remember my numbers)-- This change will quicken the steering and with the suspension upgrades with make the bike feel like a new ride and help give confidence in the twists.
     
  11. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    For me it was mostly the tires and partly the suspension. With the stock Dunlops, I didn't like the feel, now I have the Michelin PR2's and it made a world of difference for me. I can lean over with a lot more confidence! I did have the rear done up by Jamie and had him send me the pieces for the front, springs, shims, valves, etc. I have yet to install them, but the rear shock is on and it feels a lot better, can't wait to get the front done next. Been too busy and I use the bike pretty much daily, so hard to stop and get things changed out at the moment. For both front and rear, it cost less than $600.00 (YMMV). I would recommend sending in your forks if you can go without the bike for a while, that is unless you have the time to do it yourself.
     
  12. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    IS that photo shop, those bycycles are almost side way..........lol
    Those crazy Asiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiian :crazy:
     
  13. vfrcapn

    vfrcapn Member

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    Soon after I bought my VFR a very experienced rider replied to a similar question, "just keep leaning it, you're not going to lean it too far, you'll reach your limits before you reach the bike's limits". I haven't yet taken the bike over it's limits in 11 years through 80K miles and many track days. Suspension upgrades are good but the VFR is a very forgiving ride. Have confidence in the bike and your tires.
     
  14. Rubo

    Rubo New Member

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    Guys thank you and I appreciate all the feedback.
    What gave me great confidence on SV was that I replaced the suspension.Stock was horrible and that perhaps boosted my psychological hurdle and I really leaned that bike real far without any fear.
    I just don't want to ride the VFR like a boring transportation.I want to ride it like a sport bike.You guys inspired me to upgrade the suspension.Thank you
    I will update once I have finished and perhaps live camera views
     
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