Gotta start somewhere: 1st post since I bought VFR

Hi Everybody.

I tried to go to Introductions Forum and kept getting "page doesn't exist".

I bought an absolute cream puff, bone stock 2002 VFR with 15,000 miles on it in June. Here it is:



Don't imagine the pic is all that interesting to y'all, seeing as how it looks like...a red VFR!

Previous owner hadn't even taken the tank stickers off yet. Said he'd had it up to 170 kmh which I exceeded on the test ride in 4th gear, but anyway, she felt strong and solid and I thank him for keeping it nice for me and selling it for less than a quarter the cost of a new one.

I've put a little over 3,000 km on it, changed the oil and installed a new front tire. I think it's a keeper.

I spent the last 7 years racking up miles on a Ducati S2R1000. I had a lot of fun on the bike but got sick of the 6,000 mile valve intervals and the odd unexpected kick in the nuts Ducati repair bill.:eek-new: Here's a pic of what departed to make room for a VFR:



My other bike, that I still have is this '02 Bonneville:


I bought the VFR because I wanted an affordable no bullshit do it all bike with ABS that I won't have a hissy fit if I happen to accidentally get caught in a rainstorm. My Bonne and Monster were a little too similar in that they are both naked bikes that I obsessed over keeping clean. I plan to commute, sport ride, tour and occasionally track day my VFR.

The mods I will do as quickly as I can afford them are Ohlins shock, fork re-valve, 2 Bros all black CF slipon with juice box*. I'll put in a VFRness this winter. I'm sure other things will come up - I enjoy modding bikes.

Thanks for indulging me by reading all this. While I have you on the line, a few days ago I discovered I had no rear brake - nada. Thought it might be air in the line but while I was bleeding it I heard this hissing sound and noticed a geyser coming out of my secondary master cylinder.:uncomfortableness: I've sourced that it needs a secondary master cylinder rebuild kit and I'm going to get it done professionally. I'm a mediocre wrench and don't want to screw around with something that could kill me. You vets out there, is this a common problem? I bought a Honda (in part) not to have problems. I know that's a ridiculous thing to say, but I think you know what I mean.

 

Welcome and great first post. I love your choice of motorcycles! And, believe it or not, I doubt there's anyone here who ever gets tired of looking at pictures of bikes; especially the VFR and even when it's completely stock. I can tell you, I never get tired of it but I can't exactly tell you why. I'm very much a novice mechanic myself so I can't really help you with your question other than to say I have read quite a bit over the past two/three years on this and another VFR forum and don't remember reading about anyone else having issues with the master cylinders. I'm afraid you're just lucky in that regard. Electrical issues on the other hand ...

 

Welcome, Veefer. As you'll find out there are many of Canucks lurking here Sorry to hear about your rear brake
trouble. I haven't read any similar stories in this forum. Glad to know it didn't happen while riding. As Metallyguitarhead said, electrical issues abound. I think there's a recall on the wiring harness on the 6th Gen. Here's the link I just googled. Sorry it's not on this forum...
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/35937-safety-recall/

And nice rides you have (and had).

 

I haven't heard of the secondary master cylinder giving up the ghost. You might want to go through the bike and clean/Oxgard the charging system connectors, especially after 12 years of what seems to be minimal service.

 

As mentioned, the electrical system seems to be about the only known common problem with the VFR but is fixable. As far as your secondary MC, I have only heard of one instance where a rider had an issue with his. The bike was stored for a period of time and when he came back home (end of tour of duty) he began to refresh his bikes. Turns out the brake fluid coagulated in the lines and basically froze up the secondary MC. If I recall correctly, he actually had to go out and buy a new/used one and/or a PCV valve as well. Once you get it replaced (rebuilt or new/used), unless you let the fluid go too long without a refresh, I don't think you'll have any more trouble with it.

 

Nice first post but left me feeling a little empty withoot being able to bust your balls with a

 

Velcome aboard! Don't take any chit from pipple busting your nut-sack. Good first post with pictures. Carbureted "Bonnies" were and are the only way to fly btw.

 

There are pills for that.

Welcome to the forum. As previously said, the MC issue you have does not appear in the slightest to be a known problem. My 06, just turned 182,000 km on yesterday's ride and I have not had any issues that way.

BTW. We all know ( well us Canucks do anyways) that Canada is a bit on the large size. Where about are you? We could be close enough to enjoy a few rides together.

 

I think what a poster mentioned about coagulated brake fluid that has sat too long is likely the culprit in my secondary m/c issue. I'll let you know what remedies it and how much it winds up costing me.

I deviated from my usual practice of only buying used bikes from owners who appear meticulous and have lots of documentation of how the bike has been serviced and maintained. This time I went for low mileage and low price and accepted a questionable history. We'll see how this pans out.

To the member in Chilliwack - I live in Maple Ridge. Your bike looks great! Feel free to pm me. It would be fun to get together for a ride sometime.

Thanks for all the welcomes. Seems like a cool forum you have here.:cool-new:

 

Welcome Mate.......have you flushed fluids and bled the brakes? When I bought my 02 it had 1800 miles.. brakes worked fine but when I flushed said stinky shit at 4000 miles...wow big difference

 

Thanks for the compliment. PM sent your way.

 

Total non-sequitur - http://www.examiner.com/article/ron...an-declared-dead-found-37-years-later-here-us

butt, propros. side note: Never liked Monsters as every single one I ever rode had bad "head-shake." Cheers

 

182,000km is 113,000 miles don't cheat that is confusing

 

That's the first thing i did when i picked up my viffer, changed all fluids. Brake fluid came out like 3k mile motor oil.

 

Mine too and it smelled awful

 

Havent had that issue with the 796 ii test rode but sure did with a 09 R6 though.

 

Is it? didn't do the math or press the button on my odo. You think that is confusing? My oath!