Hey all, I am new to the forum, but I bought a 97 VFR a couple months ago, and I think I'm in love, haha. Mine came with some mods, like heli bars and a nicer seat, but I think I am going to need to lower it a bit since I can't back it if there is any hint of an incline (or if there is a piece of gravel, or a stiff breeze....) Has anyone else lowered theirs? And if so, did it effect the handling much?
Welcome aboard! Lots of members in your area. When the weather gets nicer you should hook up and have a group ride.
make sure to check out the VA riders thread http://vfrworld.com/forums/usa-south/14017-virginia-riders-27.html
Welcome. Nice another satisfied 4th gen owner. Yes you can lower it a bit by switching the triangler side plate pieces around on the lower shock mount. But,, yes it will effect handling, not only that but the center stand becomes useless, and the side stand now will make the bike sit more up right making it prone to right side tip overs. I try and convince folks to get use to the balancing act and know where not to tread. BTW you're looking good on that ride
Welcome V. I would love the chance to tour your state but that is not likely. We are 4 time zones apart I think. You will find lots of good advise here and as said, there is a large following from your neck of the woods.
Thanks for the welcomes everyone! I have been doing the balancing thing and it works ok, but its a bit embarrassing when you have to get off the bike to back it, heh. But if lowering it is going to affect it for the worse, I guess I'll just live with it and figure out how to never back up!
The gen 4 is the BEST VFR ever, without the needless complexity of fool injection with it's maze of wiring and many sensors to go out of spec and make your bike run crap. Keep your carbs clean by draining gas during storage, and you'll have few carb problems to be concerned about. You can slightly lower the bike by raising the forks up to about 10mm from their stock position without affecting the handling noticably. Getting off the bike to push back is the proper way, and you have more control, not paddling precariously with your boots. Also, you should know that the nicer seat you mention, best for really long rides and unnecessary on short ones, whether Corbin or Sargent, is significantly TALLER than stock seat providing more challenge to a shorter rider. Maybe try a stock seat??
Yes, the 4G is the best VFR, hands down. I will trade you my mint stock seat for your Corbin/Sargent plus cash if you're interested. It will make the bike feel lower since the stock seat is narrower.
