Another one rides the VFR

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by Enzo, Jul 27, 2021.

  1. Enzo

    Enzo New Member

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    Bonjour,

    I'm a 31-year-old French motorcyclist about to buy a '98 VFR FI.
    I've owned several Yamaha 600 XJ Diversion N and 1200 FJ - I now have one of each. I love them both, the first one for its ease in town and its cute circular frontlight, the second one for its sport-touring abilities. Plus, both of them are especially cheap. The thing is, I'd like to sell them both and find a kind of do-it-all bike.
    I've looked at the VFR for quite a long time and I'm going to give it a try. I want to try an injection engine (got enough of setting the carburetors) and I like the idea of a gear-driven distribution, which leads me to the 5th gen VFR.
    So I'll keep reading your tips and tricks, if anyone has any advice I'll take it, and if I can help with anything, just let me know !

    Be safe on the road.

    Enzo
     
  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Hi Enzo - and Welcome to the MadHouse:Welcome:

    When you get time you may want to update your forum profile with an approximate location (Department or town is ample) so if you ever need help with a VFR you may find someone living nearby is willing to swing by and offer help or advice especially if you have a well stocked beer fridge :drink:.

    If you do buy a VFR please add a photo or two - it is easy - click the "upload a file" link and follow the prompt to select/upload images from your computer.

    Have fun with the search and let us know how you get on.




    SkiMad
     
  3. Enzo

    Enzo New Member

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    Hi SkiMad,

    Thank you for your answer.
    I updated my profile as suggested and will post some pictures of the bike I buy.
    I can only get my hands on '98 and '99 bikes - I would've preferred a '00 or '01 machine for the updated ECU and automatic cold start, would anyone have anything to say about this ?

    Have a nice ride
     
  4. KarlR

    KarlR New Member

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    Hello Enzo,
    I bought a 99 three years ago. I prefer the lever to the automatic cold start, it is simple. I like the bike very much. Honda only produced certain colors in the model year, so if that matters, it may help you pick a year.
    Good luck in your search.
     
  5. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Welcome! Doesn't matter about the cold start, I prefer the lever too but I'd be Ok with the wax motor too.
     
  6. Enzo

    Enzo New Member

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    Hi @KarlR , hi @raYzerman

    Thank you for your messages. From what I read from both of you, it seems like the choke lever won't be an issue.

    I'll see a '99 on saturday with a high-monted MIG carbon exhaust, 42 000 km (25 000 miles), 3500 € (USD $4130/ CAD $5200) :
    https://www.leboncoin.fr/motos/2006260157.htm
    And another '99 next tuesday, which seems to be full stock with a top case, 30 000 km (18 500 miles), 3900 € (USD $4600 / CAD $5800) :
    https://www.leboncoin.fr/motos/2001145746.htm

    Both seem to be in pretty good condition, if you guys want to take a look and give me your opinions and advices ;) but only if you have enough time to do so, otherwise it's not a problem.

    Any particular things to look at when buying a second-hand 5th gen VFR ? Apart from the stator and the regulator which seem to be its Achille's tendon.

    @raYzerman, what do you cann a 'wax motor' ?

    Thank you very much, have a nice day and a safe ride.
    Greetings from over the Atlantic ;)

    Enzo
     
  7. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I'd say pick either, both look good to me.......

    The wax motor is the auto cold start as you call it.........
     
  8. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    i'd recommend taking a multimeter so you can test the charging voltage when it's running. anything less than 13.5 volts is a problem.
     
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  9. Sp00ks

    Sp00ks New Member

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    I'm no expert but both look good to me. Clean examples. Just expect to upgrade the rectifier. I purchased my 98 with 18k for around $4500 in the US to give you some context. It was bone stock and was kept in a temp controlled garage. It looked and rode like it just rolled off the showroom floor. I upgraded the rectifier first thing and haven't done much else. Great bikes.
     
  10. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    These bikes can do huge mileages so either bike should be fine assuming it has been given regular servicing, and of course provided an uprated Regulator/Rectifier has been fitted.

    As for looks - I prefer the older bike with the raised exhaust, as the stock exhaust hides the rear wheel on the newer bike.


    Good luck with the search.


    SkiMad
     
  11. Enzo

    Enzo New Member

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    Thank you all for your answers, I'll keep you updated and I'll post a picture of the bike I buy.
    Thanks again for the advice, it's good to know we can still rely on people gthese days.

    Ride safe !

    Enzo
     
  12. Enzo

    Enzo New Member

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    Hi guys,

    Thanks again for all of your advices and opinions. I didn't find the matching shoe for my foot as one bike wasn't in great condition and the owner of the 2nd bike simply decided not to sell anymore the day before my visit...
    I'll have a look at this one next week :
    https://www.leboncoin.fr/motos/2016783508.htm
    It has a bit more mileage (32 000 miles) but a unique paintjob and the owner told me he has the maintenance book correctly filled. By the way 3000 € = USD $3550 = CAD $4450.

    I see it's a '00 model, so a wax one.
    I've read you get more mileage from wax engines (00-01) than previous 5th gens (98-99) since the injection has been revised. Could anyone confirm or deny this ?
    By the way, what kind of gas do you feed your bikes with ? What mileage do you get ? And once on the reserve, how long can you go before burning the very last drop ?
    Before needing side hardcases (a top case would be an insult), I'll go for a fuel tank bag (I think GiviXS306) with a tanklock, if anyone has an opinion to share about that, I'll be happy to read.
    A lot of questions for someone passionate about his future bike ;)

    Thanks all, ride safe

    Enzo
     
  13. Enzo

    Enzo New Member

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    Hi @Sp00ks ,
    Thanks for the advice. What rectifier did you purchase ? Did you also replace the stator ?
     
  14. Sp00ks

    Sp00ks New Member

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    https://roadstercycle.com/

    I used the super Mosfit kit. I don't know if they will ship to you or not.

    Genuine FH020AA Mosfet Regulator/Rectifier
     
  15. Enzo

    Enzo New Member

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    Hi guys,
    Finally purchased my VFR, a '00 model.
    Everything looks good, it has 55000 km / 34000 miles on the clock and feels well maintained (the record is quite exaustive).
    Here's a picture (not sure how to poste one yet).
    What can I say, I haven't ridden much, just 200 km in an awful storm with no raincover... Wasn't so great. My inner right thigh got some engine heat when i sat close to the fual tanke, is it only me ? Not a big problem though, opening it just a little or sitting a tad further from the tank and it was gone. Could be useful in winter ! Also rode like 20 km of local twisties to try and get a first overview.
    The bike handles and feels great, the engine sound is lovely. Definetly less powerful than my previous modded Yamaha FJ 1200 (135 bhp) but that's not as issue since the bike is way lighter and more handly - definetly more powerful than my previous Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion and that's definitely not an issue either.
    Looking forward to getting used to the bike and the tires, a pair of unused Bridgestone T30. There's a track day on September 12th, not sure if I can get there with these tires or if I should sell them cheap and go for something else, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa 2 seem great, from what I've read here and there. Any opinion about that is welcome.
    Just a word about the lights : I've owned several bikes and I don't think I ever saw so well during night time. The double optics do a great job!
    I planned a few upgrades consisting of an Inforad M1, a shift gear indicator and a phone holder for navigation and crash detection. Not much change, I'd like it to stay as close as its original shape as possible. By the way, I'm getting an airbag, probably a Helite e-turtle. Again, any opinion will be good to read.
    I'll keep in touch with you guys, thanks again for your advices. I'll probably have some questions for you.
    Cheers,
    Enzo
     

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  16. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Congratulations that looks a very fine choice.

    If you are hoping to test it out, I am based over in Chatel, so let me know if you want to meet up some time. At the end of September a group of friends are riding down from Norway to meet up with members of the ulysses-club.fr and the local Samva motorbike club and we will be leading three days of tours in the French/Swiss and Italian Alps. I am sure we could smuggle in another rider if you wanted to join us.

    SkiMad
     
  17. Enzo

    Enzo New Member

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    Hi @skimad4x4,

    Thank you very much for your message. Quite incongruously, I purchased my bike near Genève last thursday - we could almost have met up there!
    I am greatly touched by your invitation, we should talk about it as it would be a pleasure to ride with you. Could I ask you to PM me the details of the agenda of your ride in the Alps ?

    Enzo
     
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