Inexpensive upgrades that make a difference

Hi, Cuelho1, did you drop the forks down too? If so, by how much. I'm 5'7" & 120lbs & I tip toe on the original seat...

 

No, I don't like messing with the original steering geometry.
When I bought the bike the forks were lowered by 10mm and seemed fine. I have since raised them back to standard height.
The seat is still a bit high for me, but not as much as before.
The original front spring setup had way too much sag that I couldn't dial out with the preload. It now sits higher at the front with about 30mm sag, but it has been negated by the lower seat.
Next week I'll install the Gold valves from Racetech and I'll update on how it feels.

 

What year of RC51 did you get for the oil cooler? I always like cooler running engines and here in DFW it gets HOT

 

You can get a magnetic tank bra or tank protector from mag-knight.com for a little cheaper. That's what I have on mine and I love it.

 

what are the advantage of heli bars... ive looked at the website and cant really tell a difference except the helis look like they are pointed more outwards instead of angled down... but only slightly

 

The Heli bars are taller and are designed that they are closer to the pilot so that you sit a bit more upright. The angle of the bars make them somewhat more comfortable also.
John

 

Exactly...

The stock VFR bars entail a fairly prone "sport type" riding position, which can be a bit too much, for older wrists on longer trips, especially if you use your VFR mainly for touring. On first sight Helibars look very similar to the stock clip-ons - but the helibars are just over 1 inch taller and also move the bars towards the rider by an inch and a half.

Once fitted you will quickly realise that small change actually adds up to a much more comfortable, almost upright, riding position which is great for longer trips. Helibars are designed that way as it is about the limit of what you can do to achieve a more upright position, without having to mess too much with the brake/clutch lines, or restricting full steering movement.

The only real downside is - at least in my book they don't really count as a cheap extra, unless you are lucky enough to find some being sold second hand, or happen to own a dot.com business:biggrin:.


SkiMad

 

I really like the luggage rack on the bike - what brand is that?

Thanks

 

I had the rear shock on my 98 VFR overhauled by Promecha in Springvale VIC. He said the stock spring is fine for my weight (85kg nude) and revalved / regassed it. It was done as part of a full overhaul of both ends but the invoice has it itemised as "revalve, service reoil regas" at AUD$275 incl GST.

 

Nice looking bike, I really like what you did with the seat. I bet if you had the shock redone or replaced you'd be as pleased as you are with the new front springs.

 

I used an 00-01 non-black painted model like this one.


http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=261111960312&index=5&nav=SEARCH&nid=65629569215

How-to

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/31677-rc51-oil-cooler-5th-gen-how-pics.html

 

It is a Hepco Becker, they have a nice range of top boxes that clip on without any bottom plates.

 

If it were me and I was buying a used shock for $200 I'd still get it overhauled before installing it, so I'd budget an extra $300 on top, which works out the same as a new Hagon. You just never know what the condition is like until it's fitted and you start riding it. If it's been overhauled and there are receipts to show for it, then great; but personally I wouldn't go that route.

If you've set your budget around $300 I'd recommend getting your standard shock overhauled first and then see how it is for the next 10000km. Try Terry Hay's Shock Treatment in Wallacia. Peter at Promecha recommends suspension servicing every 20000km anyway. From reading the specs the Hagon M61077 looks more or less equivalent to the stock Showa with the benefit of rebuildability - something Shock Treatment or Promecha will convert your Showa into anyway.