Newbie with VFR Questions

I just purchased a 2007 25th Anniversary Interceptor and I love it (I rode the original red/white/blue Interceptor in the 1980's). However, like most riders, I would prefer a bit more performance from the VFR. I'm sure these questions have been asked a 100 times before, but I'm new here so please be understanding.

1. The stock Metzler ME04's are nice, but I'll soon want to upgrade to a better performing tire. I don't want race tires. Any suggestions on a wise choice for Brand/Model/Size?

2. Any recommendations on front/rear suspension setup? I am 5'11", 165 lbs (175ish with gear on), and I'm a fairly aggressive rider... yet far from a pro. Any recommendations on adjusting the factory suspension?

3. I would like to do a few simple bolt-ons to improve power... however I don't want to break open the engine or spend truckloads of money.

A. I've already installed a K&N air filter. Does removing the factory airbox's rubber intake snorkle help/hurt? Are there any other simple airbox mods?

B. I actually like the look of the factory exhaust silencers. I noticed that the end of the silencers unbolt... can you remove the factory silencer guts, repack it in a different way, modify the innards, or such for improved sound and/or power?

C. Does anybody make an aftermarket header kit that retains the factory mufflers? If so, does it make any power or is it a waste of time/money?

D. I've seen the adds for the Power Commander and FI2000. The concept seems valid but the power gain seems paltry... like 1-4 hp. Plus, they say that you really should do the tuning using a rear wheel chassis dyno which is a pain and expensive. Thus, are they worth it?

E. Any other power recommendations?

 

1) Continental Road Attack are the tires of choice for most of the VFRWORLD members that don't run supersport tires. Mine are freaking awesome & completely transformed the bikes handling compared to the ultra shitty Dunlop D204K. A nice side benefit to the RA's is they look freaking cool. I have people ask about them everywhere I go.

2) I cranked a turn or so on my rear shock & have never looked back. I'm sure I could get it better but it seems like the bike reacts to what I'm thinking at times so something must be set up correctly.

3) I wouldn't waste any money on anything for the bike other than a PC & slip-ons.
A. K&N's do nothing. I have one since it was given to me for free. If you can actually tell a difference, more power to you.
B. Gutting the stock pipes will result in a sound that is quite similar to two Ducati's rolling side by side. You loose some power due to the backpressure loss. Slips-on's are a far simpler task & some sound amazing.
C. http://vfrworld.com/forums/exhaust-reviews/12750-motad-cat-less-headers-vfr800-vtec-australia.html
D. Supposedly, a PC removes the low throttle hesitation. My bike is pretty cranky at walking speeds. Anything above 11-12 MPH, it works just fine. I've been toying with the idea of getting one for a long time. About the only downside I've heard is the price & reduced MPG.
E. Don't bother. You can try all kind of stuff & never see meaningful results. If you can add 10HP to a bike without opening the motor, pat yourself on the back. With the 3 common additions to a VFR, K&N & slip-on's & PC, you're really only going to get about 5-7 HP. Not very much for well over a $1000 (6th Gen price). VFR's are not about HP but the overall package.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Welcome John ! Kc makes some great suggestion there ! I would only add that the stock exhaust is best done by cutting off the ends and gutting the inside to a point. Tori will be on here probably to give you step by step how to and he may have some pics as he just did this for the second time and it sounds great. Also it DID seem to give a bit more power as the front end will come off the ground a bit easier than before for him. If you install a PC from what I've seen, expect your fuel mileage to go down .....

 

I've seen good results with a Power Commander, but only with a custom map. Don't just slam it in.

 

Thanks!

Thanks for the info.

I would love to get the full scoop from Tori about modifying the factory exhaust. Everybody that I speak with says that uncorking the VFR's V-4 makes it sound downright wicked without being too obnoxious.

Any word on if removing the factory air snorkle on the airbox helps/hurts performance?

I just got a set of lightly used Michelin Pilot Sports (stock size up front remains the same at 120/70ZR17 while the rear is slightly larger at 190/50ZR17). Are these better/worse then the factory Metzler ME04's? A tire guy that I know said that the PS2s are more triangular than the Metzler's which makes them turn in quicker but as a result they ride rougher. He said that other tires such as the Dunlop Qualifiers are more rounded which turn in slower but are more consistent throughout the turn. Any advice?

 

John,
I removed the snorkel and the flapper on the airbox and to tell you the truth I couldn't tell any difference. Maybe a small amount of intake noise but that’s about it. Since it didn't hurt anything I left it that way.

Action

 

Don't put a 190 on the back. It will negatively affect the handling. A larger tire makes it that much more difficult to turn. To illustrate my point, think of one of the ridiculous blinged out choppers with the 280 rear tire. It takes them a city block to turn a corner.

Spend the bucks & get the correct size.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Who makes the Interceptor rear fender eliminator kit? Is it an upgrade worth doing? I don't want my bike to have a shred of "bling" or "pimp factor" on it, but the factory rear fender does hang down quite a bit so the aftermarket eliminator kit could be an option.

 

Action,

I saw that you replaced the thermostat on your VFR (presumably with a cooler running temp version). From the photos it looks like the upgrade is a lot of hassle for minimal gain. True or False?

Also, who's rear fender eliminator kit did you use and are you happy with the look, fit, and overall result?

 

I spent about 2 hours this morning adjusting my suspension. To my complete delight, my bike handles better than ever. I was scaring the crap out of this lady raking her yard since I was scraping pegs at 30MPH in a residential zone.

I am 6' & my weight varies between 195-210. The settings I used:

front: 1 full turn out from stop
rear pre-load: notch 5 out of 7
rear damping: 3/4 turn from stop

So much for leaving well enough alone, right?

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Staintunes sound and look better and you'd loose a few lb's as well.

I tried it then put it back as it fluffed my low and mid range and while sounding great only added a bit up top, have also heard from others its removal may allow water in to the airbox during sustained heavy rain.

Pilot Road 2's are my current fav, the Sports are good but wouldn't mix tire widths so no to the 190.

 

Derstuka is right on the money. My tstat was stuck open and I put a stock unit back in.

My fender elim kit consisted of a $5 piece of aluminum L bracket from Home Depot. I cut it to fit my plate and used bolt holes that were open from removing the stock fender. Works great and I like the look.

Action

 

I will have to keep that in mind for when I go ahead and do that.