New guy with a few questions...

Just picked up a 2006 ABS model in black with about 22k miles on her. All service is up to date, and done by the local dealer. Took her out for about a 50 mile ride tonight into some of the local mountains and had a blast. This bike fits right in the middle of my "stable," between a BMW RT and an SV650.
Anyway, some observations/questions from the ride:

1. The bike has a rear seat cowl. I find it to be pretty loose. Pinned in under the seat at the front, but kind of flops around at the rear. Is this typical?

2. Bike seems to get hot. it was in the 60's as I hustled up the mountain tonight, but when I got to the top, the bike was up over 220 F, and the fan stayed on for quite some time after shutting her down. I rode all he way to about 10,500' and was revving the bike pretty good. Typical?

3. I'm pretty sure the bike has original sprockets and chain still on. What are you guys getting for mileage out of the OEM stuff?

The VTEC sure is different. I experienced it during my test rides, but during an extended ride, it was a little different to deal with. I think I'll get used to it, just different. The growl of that motor sure is intoxicating. I've owned 2 ST1100s and an ST1300, and neither sounded as nice as this motor.

I've got a set of Michelin PR3s on order to replace the worn out dunlops on the bike. I noticed a bit of front end shutter riding at speeds in excess of 85 mph on the highway. I'm hoping part of it is due to cupping on the front tire. I'm still getting the suspension dialed in. For starters, I followed Sport Riders suggested setting for the 2006 VFR. Front one bar showing. Rear, 16 out, and damping, 1.25 turns out. I already reduced the preload to two bars showing, and I'm skeptical of the rear preload as well (will probably add a few clicks). Any suggestions on suspension settings are appreciated.

Glad to join the forum and appreciate the inputs.

- skitch

 

First off, Welcome to the WORLD and glad to have you as a new member. Don't forget to post up some pics of your new ride, or there are those who may send you a smilie that looks something like the following........ LOL

http://vfrworld.com/photos/data/827/useless.gif

 

same on temps, around 215 in town, get out going around 50-60 it'll drop to 200.

said your fan stays on? Mines an 03 but when i turn the key off the fan turns off.

 

Thanks for the quick replies.

The temp thing has me a little worried, but I'll put some miles on it and see if there are any trends. I was just surprised that when I turned the bike off, but left the electrical up, the fan was whirring like crazy. I've had bikes with fans before, and have made it a habit to leave the bike "on" electrical only until the fan stopped spinning (the fan does stop with the ignition fully "off"). On other bikes, this is normally less than a minute. Just seemed like a lot more time spinning to cool off the VFR.

I'm looking forward to getting the new tires on the bike. I'll report back on the PR3s when I get some miles on them.

Thanks for the info on the seat cowl. The two fron tabs seem to be working fine, but the rear tab is long gone and letting it flap in the breeze. Anyone have any suggestions to fix this?

I went thru the bike pretty thoroughly last night and noticed 5 missing fasteners, a few missing bolt caps/plugs, and a torn bumper under the front of the seat. Priced these parts out on Bike Bandit and was surprised how expensive they are. If you guys know of a cheep source for the silly little plastic fasteners Honda uses, I'm all ears.

The OEM brake/clutch levers are a bit tweeked. Like to get some replacements. Suggestions wanted.

Thanks again for the assistance.

- skitch

 

Skitch, I have the same bike with 2,400 miles. When I ride mine at 70-80mph in 6th gear in 90 degree weather on the highway, the temp stays between 178-180F. Take that kind of ride and see how you match up.

As far as the clips. I have not tried these, but someone here recommended them. He said they were a little tight but worked well. For the price it is worth a try

http://www.boltmotorcyclehardware.com/products/sport-bike/sport-bike-rivets/m6-rivets.html

 

:welcome: to the madness Skitch :wave:
Look like everyone else already said it all so all my advise to you is ride safe and enjoy your new ride. ATGATT

BTW

 

Thanks for all the helpful advice. The VFR has been on my "short list" for a long time....glad to finally own one. Plan to put a few more miles on it tomorrow and pay closer attention to the engine temp. Truth be told, after doing some research here on this site, I've found tons of reference to the hot blooded nature of these beasts, so I'm hoping I see temps in line with what others have reported.
Thanks again.
- skitch

 

Welcome & enjoy the ride!

FYI... If you don't post a picture of it, it doesn't exist...

 

:welcome:

Stock OEM chains are good for 20-25,000 miles max.

On any new-to-you bike it's best to change all fluids, most especially the coolant, along with a proper flush of the system.

Best way to cool a hot engine is riding medium speed in a high gear at minimum rpms. Once the coolant isn't circulating (engine stopped) the fan doesn't do alot to cool the engine, just the radiator.

 

Thanks again for all the great info.
I put another 200 miles on the new girl yesterday and really enjoyed it. I think I was over sensitive to the engine heat thing. It was in the upper 80's/lower 90's around here yesterday, and I flogged her pretty good and never broke 225F. She does warm up quickly, but I think things are under control.
Handling seems great, but can't wait to slip on the new set of PR3s and see how she does then.
Question about the tool kit. Only thing I got in mine is the wrench used to adjust the chain...is this normal?
Seat seems a bit firm. Seriously considering a Sargent, but may look at a mod done by Spencer...anyone have a Spencerized VFR saddle?
This bike shares the stable with an RT and an SV650. When I bought it, I was not sure which would end up getting the boot, but I'm pretty sure the SV650 will be finding another home. The RT will probably stay on as my long haul, all wx, commuter/long distance tourer. But I can definitely see me taking some nice long day trips on the VFR, and even bringing her to the track. Great bike...glad I finally joined the club.

 

Welcome skitch
I too traded my ST1300 for a new 2013 plated VFR800
Still cant get the smile of my face
Yeh it runs abit warm but found the issue
Wrong oil grade use a good semi syn or full syn oil
My 2013 owners & w/shop manual states 10/30
Been using it and it has dropped the temp and the VTEC IS HEAPS SMOOTHER!!

 

I promised a few pics. Hope this works...

 

As has been said and you determined Skitch, don't worry about the temp. She does heat up fast but even in the summer temps in the desert over 100 degrees, mine rarely goes above 225. The danger zone is at 255 degrees when the temp guage starts blinking... Yes, mine has been to 255 degrees and survived. You have some room to play with...

 

The factory manual on your bike is likely a free download. Gassing your bike in a low humidity high altitude environment may be a partial cause for what is perceived as overheating. Like Sman says, change all your fluids.

That cowl may be an aftermarket item or as was stated the tabs are broken off. Many of the online sellers of parts and farkles have microfiche pix of the various components.

Not much happy news about those stock seats. Just an opinion based on dealing with the cookie cutter seats on several bikes is to see your custom guy. Check out vids on the how the custom guys work to make seats that not only look good but are long lasting and comfortable for those long hauls.

My guy a little far away and I don't think he does mail order..(??) Try "Rich's Seats" on the www, for a vid showing how its done.

 

Ebay Man--------Looking GOOOOOOOOOOOD